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SPRINGFIELD – The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed Illinois’ first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) of 2025 in an individual from Southern Illinois who was hospitalized due to complications of the infection. About one in 150 people who contract the disease caused by a bite from an infected mosquito develop a severe illness that can affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves and even cause paralysis. The case marks the earliest onset of illness observed in Illinois since 2016, and underscores the risk posed by mosquito bites, especially to those who are over 65 or immunocompromised. So far in 2025, WNV has been confirmed in 19 counties. The first WNV-positive mosquito batch of this year was found May 9 in Rockford. In 2024, there were 69 confirmed human cases of WNV including 13 deaths, the highest number since 17 WNV-related human deaths recorded in 2018. “The fact that we are seeing the first human case of West Nile virus so early

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MARYVILLE. – Chestnut Health Systems™ opened an Ambulatory Withdrawal Management program, an outpatient alternative to inpatient withdrawal management, on Monday, June 16, 2025. This program expands access to care for individuals experiencing mild to moderate substance withdrawal. Located at 2148 Vadalabene Drive in Maryville, IL, the Ambulatory Withdrawal Management program provides a safe, structured setting where patients can begin their recovery journey without requiring hospitalization. Services include daily clinical assessments, medication support, case management, and behavioral health care — all delivered with Chestnut’s signature person-centered approach. “This is a vital addition to our continuum of care,” said Amy Gibbar, vice president of Integrated Care. “Ambulatory Withdrawal Management offers a flexible, accessible solution for individuals needing support during early withdrawal without inpatient admittance.” The

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (Il-02) forcefully questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. today as he appeared before the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. She challenged his guidance change, announced through a video on X , ending COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for pregnant women and children. “It is clear that Health Secretary Kennedy received no serious input from medical experts in his unilateral decision to reverse COVID-19 vaccine recommendations,” said Rep. Kelly. “What concerns me is his lack of care for the consequences of his decision. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to COVID – we saw that firsthand just a couple years ago when maternal deaths spiked during the pandemic. Vaccines are safe, effective, and the best medicine to prevent outbreaks.” “Secretary Kennedy's actions are proof that he is not fit for the job,” continued Rep. Kelly. “To the American people,

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ALTON — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, in partnership with the Wood River Drainage and Levee District, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, June 20, 2025, to mark the completion of the Upper Wood River Levee Underseepage Design Deficiency Correction Project. The event took place at the East Alton No. 1 Pump Station and celebrated a significant advancement in flood risk management for the region. The project addresses a known design deficiency in the levee system by implementing measures to control underseepage from the Mississippi River. Key improvements include the installation of 80 new relief wells, a drainage collection system, and the construction of an access road. These enhancements aim to increase the safety and reliability of the levee system, which protects approximately 31,000 residents, critical infrastructure, and 13,700 acres of property valued at $3.4 billion. “The completion of the project represents a major step forward

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O'FALLON - Curtis Newcomb was sworn in as the new Council Member for Ward 4 recently, bringing over a decade of public safety experience and a deep commitment to public service to the O'Fallon City Council. Newcomb, a lifelong resident of O’Fallon who now raises his own young family in the community, offers a unique perspective on the needs and values of the area. O'Fallon Mayor Eric Van Hook highlighted Newcomb’s background and approach, saying, “Curtis Newcomb was born and raised in O’Fallon, and now raises his own young family here — giving him a unique, lifelong perspective on the needs and values of our community. "With over a decade of experience in public safety and a deep commitment to public service, Curtis brings both practical insight and heartfelt dedication to the role. His collaborative approach and focus on responsible growth and resident well-being will make him a strong advocate for Ward 4 and a tremendous asset to our City

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ALTON - Greater Glory Christian Academy aims to get kids excited about God. The Academy is currently in its fourth week of summer camp, which runs through July 25, 2025. Camp is open to children ages 3–12 and costs $90 a week, and CHASI is accepted. Andrika Cooley explained that she loves working with the kids and teaching them about the Bible while enjoying fun activities. “What makes it special for us is that the children come in excited,” she said. “We’re able to really love on them, and they love on us. We learn from the children and the families as we’re teaching.” Kids spend their days at camp completing crafts, participating in STEM activities, playing with hands-on sensory stations, enjoying outdoor games, and learning about the Bible. They also have a weekly “water day” where they go to the Splash Pad at Riverfront Park in Alton. Camp runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every weekday, with before and after care options

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Christian Employers Alliance (CEA) and other coalition partners have achieved a significant legislative victory as the Senate Finance Committee has approved CEA-backed language that would extend a vital tax credit aimed at helping employers provide benefits to hardworking families when most needed. With House approval already in hand , CEA and its coalition of faith-driven business leaders have successfully urged key members of the Senate to extend the IRS Section 45S Employer Credit for Paid Family and Medical Leave . Hundreds of thousands of hardworking families could be devastated if the credit expires as currently scheduled on December 31, 2025. CEA President Margaret Iuculano addressed Senate members and staff this week on the Hill, arguing in support of the credit on a panel hosted by the Blueprint for Life Pro-Life Coalition. Iuculano says the Senate Finance Committee’s action validates the coalition’s efforts

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EDWARDSVILLE — A fatal crash at the intersection of Troy Road and Goshen Road claimed the life of a Glen Carbon man Monday evening, June 23, 2025, Edwardsville Police said Tuesday morning, June 24, 2025. The Edwardsville Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 7 p.m. on June 23, 2025. The Edwardsville Police released information Tuesday morning and said after a preliminary investigation that a 2014 silver Ford Focus, driven by a 26-year-old Edwardsville man, was turning left from Center Grove Road onto Troy Road and struck a 2015 black Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycle traveling westbound through the intersection. The motorcycle’s sole rider, a 29-year-old male from Glen Carbon, was pronounced dead at the scene by staff from the Madison County Coroner’s Office. The Illinois State Police were contacted to conduct the technical crash reconstruction, while the Edwardsville Police Department continues the overall investigation. Authorities have not released

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ALTON - As a local artist, Darla Cavins is looking to grow. Cavins always loved art. When she became an empty-nester, she decided to devote her time to painting and mixed media. Now, as the Milton Schoolhouse Artist of the Month, Cavins couldn’t be more excited to see how her art will continue to develop. “I think I’m at the point where I’ve decided or found what is really me,” she said. “I love bold colors, shapes and abstract work. My goal is for people to pause and say, ‘Wow.’ That is what I like in my art. Then I just start playing.” Cavins always enjoyed art, but she took a renewed interest in it when her son, Patrick, became old enough to enjoy it, too. Nowadays, Patrick is a prolific watercolorist in his own right, and Cavins has devoted her retirement to finding her niche in the art world. She shared that she mostly works with acrylic paint, but considers herself a mixed-media artist because “nothing is out

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned state Attorneys General at a bicameral spotlight forum entitled “Defending the Rights of the People: States and Congressional Allies Fight Back Against Trump's Constitutional Abuses,” with a panel of Democratic state Attorneys General who are combatting the Trump Administration’s egregious and unlawful actions through litigation. House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08) led the forum with Durbin. Durbin first questioned the Attorneys General about the Trump Administration abusing due process, specifically regarding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) mass deportation efforts. During his questioning, Durbin recounted a visit he made to an immigration court on Friday in Chicago to see firsthand what is happening during these immigration hearings. “We know what’s happening in some of thes

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EDWARDSVILLE - During their regular meeting on June 23, 2025, the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 voted to approve the 2025–2026 District #7 Student Handbook, which included four price increases. Lunch prices will increase from $3.55 to $3.95. Preschool Academy tuition will increase from $175 per week to $200 per week. Middle school students will now pay $12.75, not $12, for their P.E. uniforms. Kid Zone prices will rise from $105 per week to $115 per week. Several Board members expressed concerns about the rising lunch prices. Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton clarified the district will never deny a student lunch based on their ability to pay. He added that families have the option to fill out an application for free or reduced school meals. CFO Dave Courtney explained the USDA requires school districts to increase their lunch prices every year to meet rising costs of food and supplies. In addition to the price changes, the new 2025–2026 District

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Aviation Subcommittee—issued the following statement announcing her strong opposition to Bryan Bedford’s nomination to serve as Federal Aviation Administrator. Her announcement comes after Bedford refused to commit to upholding the 1,500-hour certification standard for our nation’s pilots after Duckworth pressed him on the issue. “It is deeply disturbing that at this critical moment in aviation safety Mr. Bedford refuses to commit to upholding the 1,500-hour pilot training requirement. Amid a surge in near-misses, an air traffic controller shortage, aging air traffic control equipment and facilities, and in the wake of the first major deadly commercial crash in more than a decade, now is not the time to weaken flight hour requirements for all aspiring airline pilots. Incident

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will present a series of free history walks and porch talks at Springfield historic sites this summer. “Walk, Hike and Bike History” returns with experiences that connect participants with history and get them engaged outdoors. In addition, porch talks take place at the Lincoln Tomb and Dana-Thomas House now through Nov. 9. “IDNR is excited to offer this opportunity for people to get outdoors this summer and learn more about history in Springfield,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “These unique tours will remind participants of the past while promoting healthy activity.” All tours are free. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made through Eventbrite . Visit the Springfield historic sites website or call 217-524-3971 for additional information. “Walk, Hike and Bike History” and porch talk experiences in Springfield include: Dana-Thomas

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Concert Band will perform a free summer concert on Thursday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park. This week’s program, titled “American Folk Tapestry,” explores a series of works that showcase the sounds of river ballads, pioneer songs, spirituals, Shaker hymns, and more. Each piece is based on traditional songs and shows the work of composers connected to the Midwest, making the program feel both nationwide and close to home. Grab a seat, settle in with friends and family, and enjoy a summer evening filled with music from your local community band. Follow the Edwardsville Municipal Band on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates.

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ALTON - Alton is rich in history, visible in its buildings, neighborhoods, and civic fabric. But if we don’t act with urgency, that history will vanish, one structure at a time. The next may be the Mary Jane and Julia Buckmaster House at 1121 State Street in Alton, located in the Christian Hill National Historic District. On paper, it’s a deteriorating home. But it’s far more than that. This house tells a story of Alton’s women — a story we can’t afford to lose. Julia Buckmaster, one of its earliest residents, was a civic leader, journalist, and entrepreneur. As president of the Alton Women’s League, she used her voice and influence at a time when women were rarely heard in public life. Her home was not just where she lived — it was where her legacy was built. That legacy is now in danger. Following foreclosure, the house was transferred to Fannie Mae. I’ve reached out — by email — to express my interest in taking ove

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SPRINGFIELD - Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s new podcast, The Mendoza Podcast – Financial Talk that Makes Cents, covers a wide range of topics. This includes the basics of budgeting, investing, and saving for college. “I’m a finance nerd at heart, and I really wanted to bring my knowledge, as well as advice from experts to the public,” said Comptroller Mendoza. “I think viewers and listeners will find some really great information in these episodes and have some fun along the way.” New episodes will be launched every Monday on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and coming soon...on Spotify. This first episode takes a look at how Comptroller Mendoza’s interest in all things financial began, and where the public can get started as well. “In upcoming episodes we tackle some tough subjects, like talking to your spouse or partner about money, and paying for infertility treatments,” added Comptroller Mendoza. “We also explore

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SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration: Joliet Regional Port District Board Celeste Bermejo will serve as Member of the Joliet Regional Port District Board* Bermejo is driven by a deep belief in community empowerment through finance, education, and civic leadership. She is a Financial Services Professional with WestPoint Financial Group, where she advises small business owners on retirement strategies and financial risk management. Bermejo also champions equitable access to literacy programs while serving as President of the Fountaindale Public Library District Board of Trustees and on the Board of Directors for the Classmates Literacy Foundation. Bermejo received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA in finance from Lewis University. Illinois Housing Development Authority Claire Leopold will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats successfully removed harmful Judiciary provisions from Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including a provision that would have gutted judicial independence, as well as a provision limiting Department of Justice grant funding to Chicago and other cities that don’t agree to engage in federal immigration enforcement activities: “Here’s what Senate Republicans attempted to sneak into their so-called Big, Beautiful Bill: a provision intended to limit the ability of individuals and organizations to challenge lawless Trump Administration executive actions by putting those potential plaintiffs on the hook for millions of dollars; and a provision conditioning grant eligibility on a state or locality’s compliance with federal immigration policies. “But

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ALTON - Johnny Salinas, a 26-year-old union worker and father from Alton, is seeking financial support after a severe arm injury left him unable to work. The injury occurred while Salinas was flipping storage units for extra income when a glass panel from a picture frame sliced through his left arm, causing muscle and vein damage. Salinas, who works for Local Union 338, said the injury has left him without use of his lower left arm. He added that his insurance claim was denied, and the storage facility where the incident occurred is not accepting responsibility. As the sole provider for his family, Salinas faces at least six weeks without income. To help cover basic expenses during his recovery, Salinas and Rozlyn Reyna have co-organized a GoFundMe fundraiser. The funds raised will be used to support his family and pay bills. Salinas said in a statement, “I’m out of work for over six weeks, and I’m the only source of income for my family. Funds will be used to support

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Did you know that nearly 75% of the world’s flowering plants depend on pollinators to reproduce? Without these tiny creatures, the vibrant blooms and bountiful harvests commonly seen in gardens would be drastically reduced. Pollinators play an indispensable role in maintaining the health and productivity of garden ecosystems. Understanding their significance during the peak growing season offers gardeners a powerful advantage in cultivating thriving plants and supporting biodiversity. Why Pollinators Matter in the Garden Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male part of a flower (anther) to the female part (stigma), enabling fertilization and the production of fruits and seeds. While wind and water can carry pollen in some species, the vast majority rely on animals—primarily insects such as bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and even hummingbirds—to perform this task efficiently. In summer gardens, when many plants are in full bloom,

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