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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) pressed Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins during a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, raising serious concerns about the Department’s reduction in force, position on collective bargaining rights for employees, and ability to bring the new Electronic Health Record (EHR) system online to VA sites across the country. “Mr. Secretary, when you endorse President Trump's executive order stripping VA employees of their labor rights, I believe you devalue their work. Coupled with a threat of significant staff downsizing, I hear from constituents working at the VA in my district that they have increased fear and stress and there are deep morale issues at the workplace where they believe in the mission of serving our nation's heroes,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. Additionally, Budzinski questioned how the Department plans to successfully implement and expand the new EHR,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrats U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) in releasing the following statement on President Trump’s trip to the Middle East: “The President’s first extended foreign trip abroad should have been about advancing U.S. interests in the Middle East. Instead, it has been an instructive lesson in how foreign governments can use their influence to benefit the president personally and those around him— all while creating substantial risks to our national security. “The President has failed to engage in substantial dialogue on the most urgent strategic challenges facing the region. His Administration has failed to sustain the ceasefire he inherited in Gaza and has systemically undercut

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — The St. Louis County Police Department identified Keshon Parker, 21, of Florissant, Mo., as the victim in a homicide that occurred May 14, 2025, in the 1100 block of Rio Street. Police responded at 1:20 p.m. on May 14 to a report of a shooting in the area. Officers found Parker with life-threatening gunshot wounds and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he later died. No suspects are currently in custody. Detectives from the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are actively investigating the case. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477), with the possibility of a reward. Additional details will be released as they become available.

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ALTON – An Alton City Council vote on the proposed Lovejoy housing development is on hold once more after council members voted on Wednesday night, May 14, 2025, to lay the item over again. This week, City Council members were set to vote on a previously laid over resolution to consider a planned development at 324 Ridge Street, 650 E. Broadway, and 652 E. Broadway, known as the “Lovejoy” project. The city’s Plan Commission has recommended a negative vote from the City Council; former council members previously laid the item over in an effort to let the newly elected City Council members vote on the project. Multiple representatives from entities involved with the Lovejoy project spoke at Wednesday’s meeting. David Sweeney, an attorney with Lewis Rice, asked the council to lay the item over until a “community meeting” could be held to answer questions from residents and community members. Angie Eslinger, an architect with Lawrence

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ALTON - Adelia Sandifer has been selected as 2025 Student of the Year by the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey. At the Scholarship Awards Dinner on Monday, May 12, 2025, Alton High School Assistant Principal, Mike Brey introduced Ade lia, who accepted the $6,000 scholarship, and received a plaque commemorating her award. Adelia's parents are Tim and Susie Sandifer. Adelia spoke to the club, reviewing her achievements while at Alton High School, including one of her favorite projects. During her sophomore year, she noticed that students at the high school were throwing away the fruits that they were required to take with their daily lunches. She organized a program in which the Alton High School cafeteria donates students’ unwanted fruits to local food banks, such as Crisis Food Center. The program has been running for about two years now, and she loves seeing its impact in the lunchroom and the food banks. Another program she has provided at the school is the resource closet. During

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) today led a group of fourteen Senate Democrats in condemning and urging reversal of the Social Security Administration’s recent decision to list certain immigrants as “dead” in the master files. The Senators began by condemning the decision, writing: “We write to strongly object to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) apparent decision to list living noncitizens as ‘dead’ in the agency’s master files. These arbitrary actions—intended to weaponize Social Security in the Administration’s attack on immigrants—are disgraceful and will erode the integrity of and trust in Social Security.” The Senators then highlighted the departure from previous uses of SSA master files, writing: “SSA collects death records from families, financial institutions, and governmen

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EAST ALTON – Fans of planes and pancakes are invited to a fly-in Pancake Breakfast this weekend hosted by a local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). The breakfast event is set for this Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 7:30-11:30 a.m. on the Piston Aviation patio at the St. Louis Regional Airport, located at 8 Terminal Drive in East Alton. Visitors can enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, and juice at reasonable prices: only $10 per adult, $5 for kids ages 4-12, and free for children ages 3 and under. Proceeds will benefit the local EAA chapter and youth aviation education programs. Jan and Randy McKee with EAA Chapter 864 shared more about the event on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . Aviation enthusiasts will get a chance to gather and watch the skies as several pilots are expected to fly in for breakfast – while knowing the proceeds support a great cause. Events like the annual Pancake Breakfast help the EAA fund

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today participated in a Committee hearing entitled “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Department of Transportation.” During the hearing, Durbin questioned U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy about delays in obligating federal funding to Illinois transportation and infrastructure projects, as well as improving transparency over airlines’ frequent flyer programs. Durbin began by speaking about the Chicago Hub Improvement Project (CHIP), which will modernize Chicago Union Station (CUS) by renovating and expanding station platforms, improving passenger capacity, bringing platforms in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and improving ventilation systems for nearly 120,000 Amtrak and Metra weekly passengers. In letters to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Durbin has repeatedly

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WOOD RIVER — Authorities responded to a shooting incident Thursday night at 242 E. Ferguson Ave. in Wood River, resulting in one fatality and the detention of a suspect. At approximately 10:14 p.m. on May 15, 2025, the Wood River Police Department and Fire Department were dispatched following a call for immediate assistance. Upon arrival, officers found an adult male in front of the building who reported that another adult male had been shot behind the building. Emergency personnel located the victim and began life-saving measures. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including East Alton, Bethalto, Hartford, Roxana, South Roxana, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, assisted in securing the scene. Preliminary investigations identified the man found in front of the building as the individual who discharged the firearm. He was taken into investigative custody without incident. The gunshot victim was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Alton and later airlifted

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STAUNTON - Macoupin County Safe Families will host their annual golf tournament. On June 27, 2025, community members can come out to Timber Lakes Golf Course in Staunton for a golf tournament fundraiser that aims to help survivors of domestic violence. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. is the shotgun start. There will be a $1,000 shootout winner. “It’s geared around a really fun time going out and golfing and then getting financial support for our program,” explained Juliet Milton, Domestic Violence Advocate Coordinator. “It’s something that people could get together and take the afternoon and morning off to go do something fun while supporting a good organization.” The four-man scramble costs $400 per team of four, and all skill levels are welcome. Skins and mulligans will be available for purchase on the day of the event. There will also be raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing, a booze cooler and more fun throughout the day. MCSF is

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May 16 has been a date marked by significant events throughout history, spanning continents and centuries, each contributing uniquely to the tapestry of our global story. From monumental battles that changed empires to groundbreaking cultural milestones, this day offers a fascinating glimpse into the forces that have shaped our world. One of the most impactful events on May 16 occurred in 1521: the fall of Tenochtitlán, the capital city of the Aztec Empire, to Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés. This moment marked a turning point in the history of the Americas, signaling the beginning of Spanish dominance in the region and the eventual establishment of New Spain. The conquest not only reshaped the political landscape but also had profound cultural, social, and demographic consequences that reverberate to this day. In the early 16th century, the Aztec Empire was one of the most powerful and sophisticated indigenous civilizations in the Americas. Its capital,

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Did you know that approximately one-third of the food we consume every day relies directly on pollination by bees? Despite their small size, bees play a colossal role in maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security worldwide. Yet, these industrious insects are facing unprecedented threats that jeopardize not only their survival but also the health of ecosystems and economies globally. The Crucial Role of Bees in Ecosystems Bees are among the most efficient pollinators on the planet. Pollination—the transfer of pollen from the male parts of a flower to the female parts—enables plants to produce fruits and seeds. While many animals contribute to pollination, bees stand out for their effectiveness and specialization. Pollination and Biodiversity Over 80% of wild plants depend on animal pollinators, with bees being the primary agents. This process supports biodiversity by enabling flowering plants to reproduce and maintain genetic diversity within populations. For

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WOOD RIVER — The Wood River Police Department and Wood River Fire Department responded Thursday night, May 15, 2025, to a reported shooting in the alley behind the 200 block of East Ferguson Avenue. Officers arriving at the scene found a victim who had been shot. Firefighters and Alton Memorial EMS provided lifesaving measures before transporting the victim to a hospital in Alton. The victim was later airlifted by medical helicopter to a hospital in St. Louis. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said investigators are speaking with a person of interest. Multiple area police departments assisted Wood River authorities in securing the scene. Ferguson Avenue was closed in the 200 block while police conducted their investigation. The condition of the shooting victim has not been released. More information to come.

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PONTOON BEACH – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced upcoming lane and ramp closures at the Interstate 270/Illinois 111 interchange in Madison County, as part of an ongoing reconstruction project. All work is weather-permitting. Closure schedule and details: Weekend lane closures on I-270 between Interstate 255 and Illinois 203 start at 9 p.m. Friday, May 16. I-270 will be reduced to one lane in each direction. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, May 19. Inner-loop ramp closures at the I-270/Illinois 111 interchange start at 9 p.m. Friday, May 16. The following inner-loop ramps will remain closed for the duration of the project: Northbound Illinois 111 to westbound I-270 Eastbound I-270 to northbound Illinois 111 Southbound Illinois 111 to eastbound I-270 Westbound I-270 to southbound Illinois 111 Full closure of Illinois 111 at the interchange between the ramp from southbound Illinois 111 to westbound I-270 and the ramp from northbound

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in three lawsuits, including one filed by Raoul and three attorneys general, challenging President Trump’s unlawful executive order attempting to unilaterally end birthright citizenship. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and Washington Attorney General Nicholas W. Brown joined Attorney General Raoul in filing the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington at Seattle. In February, the federal court granted the coalition’s motion for a nationwide preliminary injunction, halting implementation of the executive order. “As Illinois’ Attorney General, I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and to protect the rights of all Illinois residents. And as a birthright citizen myself, born to an immigrant mother not yet naturalized at the time, the fight to preserve birthright

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ST. LOUIS – United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) is asking the community to give back, get involved, and make a difference at the second annual UWGSL Unite With Us Day, a community-wide day of service where thousands of volunteers come together to help our neighbors. Registration for Unite With Us Day will begin on May 15, 2025, and the event will take place on June 21 where individuals and families are encouraged to sign up for one of the volunteer projects. You can register to participate in a project at www.stlvolunteer.org/unite . Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Projects will benefit nonprofit partner agencies throughout Missouri and Illinois. Hundreds of volunteer opportunities are available for everyone, ranging from 5 years old and up. Volunteer events will include sorting and packaging food, community cleanup efforts such as yard work and garden maintenance, organizing clothing donations from the community, and more. “We are so excited

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COLUMBIA – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that pavement patching on northbound Interstate 255 from the Illinois 3 on-ramp to Davis Ferry Road will begin, weather permitting, this evening, Thursday, May 15, 2025. All lanes will reopen to traffic by Friday morning, May 16. Work will continue over the weekend, with crews starting again Friday evening, May 16. At least one lane of traffic will remain open throughout the project. All lanes will reopen to traffic by Monday morning, May 19. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this work. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Assistant Minority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) and nine other Democratic colleagues across U.S. Senate Armed Services, Appropriations and Intelligence Committees in demanding that the Department of Defense be transparent with them about the substantial national security and operational risks posed by President Trump’s plan to accept a $400 million aircraft “gift” from the Qatari royal family. In a letter sent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink last night, the Senators called for answers from the Department of Defense about how it would prevent these national security risks if Donald Trump accepts this gift, and how much taxpayers will have to pay for the extensive upgrades that would need to be made on this unvetted aircraft in order to protect the President, servicemembers and sensitive information from nefarious espionage,

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GRAFTON - Kick back for a weekend of soul stirring blues music during the 15th Annual Grafton Winery Blues Festival Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Grafton Winery The Vineyards, 21028 Eckert Orchard Rd., Grafton. This free event features the music of regional blues bands at the scenic winery nestled in the hills of Grafton. The Vineyards will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 17 and May 18 serving award-winning Grafton Winery wines, beer and drinks along with a special Blues Festival Menu. No outside food or drinks will be allowed as per state law. The Blues Fest weekend will preview Friday, May 16 with a special event at the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, 300 W. Main St., Grafton. The Mojo Express Blues Band will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. at the downtown Grafton location. Kicking off the weekend of music on Saturday, May 17 at The Vineyards will be a classic blues band lineup including: Ivas John Band from 1 to 4 p.m. Soulard Blue Band from 5 to 8 p.m. Entertainment

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ROXANA – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has released the below statement following the recent complaint from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency against the operators of the Roxana Landfill: “As a result of countless conversations with community leaders and residents, I introduced and passed legislation last year that directly addresses many of the issues now highlighted in the Attorney General’s recent complaint against the Roxana Landfill,” said Senator Erica Harriss. “These newly enacted laws were driven by my commitment to constituent services and by the tireless advocacy of local leaders and community stakeholders who have long pushed for cleaner neighborhoods and safer, healthier communities. I’m grateful to the Attorney General’s Office for taking action and treating these complaints with the seriousness they deserve. This is a big step forward, and I will continue

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