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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker, state leaders, and community members from across Chicagoland gathered to officially rename 115 S. La Salle St. the Jesse White State of Illinois Building, honoring Illinois’ longest-serving Secretary of State and a legendary public servant. The event follows unanimous votes in both the Illinois House and Senate last year to rename the building after White, who turned 91 last month. “As the longest serving Secretary of State in our history, Secretary White spent his career doing something good for the people of Illinois every single day,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “He championed good and honest government at a time when our state needed it the most – putting us on a path to progress by rooting out the corruption and insider dealing that had defined our institutions. I cannot think of a more appropriate name than the Jesse White State of Illinois Building, which will serve generations of Illinoisans and stand as a symbol

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that three of her bills, the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act , the VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act , and the Health Professionals Scholarship Program Improvement Act , advanced out of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC). “I’m excited to announce that three of my bipartisan bills to support veterans have passed out of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Our veterans should be given every tool they need to succeed in civilian life – and these pieces of legislation are designed to do just that by helping veterans advance their skills, get connected with good-paying jobs, access the best quality health care, and navigate mental health resources at the VA. I look forward to continuing to work across the aisle to get these bills signed into law.” The bills now move to the full House

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07) led their fellow Senate and House Democratic colleagues in reintroducing legislation to protect Americans’ right to access reproductive health care, regardless of income, insurance or zip code. The Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Healthcare (EACH) Act would end the discriminatory Hyde Amendment and help lift unjust abortion coverage restrictions for those who depend on Medicaid and other government-sponsored plans—reaffirming the right to access reproductive health care after Donald Trump signed his Big, Beautiful Betrayal into law that will rip health care away from over 15 million Americans. “Ever since Trump’s far-right Supreme Court majority struck down Roe, Republicans have made it their mission to strip away a woman’s right to reproductive health care—a right they have no place to stand in the way of,” said Senator Duckworth.

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ALTON - The YWCA offers many programs for community members, but their summer camp and before- and after-school programs stand out. In an interview on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello at Centerstone’s recent resource fair , Maddie explained the YWCA’s Child Enrichment Program and how it benefits local kids. She said that the Y is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. to provide childcare, which includes games and lessons on topics like astronomy, STEM and dinosaurs. “It’s great,” Maddie said. “I never imagined working with kids, but once I started working here, being exposed to the kids, I not only got to teach the younger generation, but they were teaching me, too.” Locally, the YWCA of Southwestern Illinois has several locations, most notably their building at 304 E. 3rd Street in Alton. They also have spots in Wood River, Roxana and Godfrey. The childcare and summer camp programs work with kids in kindergarten throug

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Makayla “Mak” Mallon, currently pursuing her graduate degree in African American Literature, has spent this summer as a Servant Leader Intern for the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools® hosted on SIUE’s campus . Mallon graduated SIUE with a bachelor’s in history (’24) and also co-founded the student organization Black Literary Analysis Club (BLAC). “I was also privileged enough to work as a graduate assistant in the Redmond Center,” said Mallon. Here she shares her summer 2025 experience working with Freedom School scholars her own words. I am a Servant Leader Intern (SLI). As an SLI, I facilitate Integrated Reading Curriculum, which is rooted in activism and literature. So, we read selected books that follow along with Freedom School’s “I can make a difference” weekly themes. Once we have read with our scholars, we facilitate fun

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc. (SSP), located at 2603 N. Rodgers Avenue in Alton, IL, will be hosting an I-Cash Event on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 from 10am-1pm in SSP’s Meeting Room. During this walk-in style clinic, participants can speak with a representative from the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office and receive assistance with unclaimed property searches. What is Unclaimed Property? According to https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov , “unclaimed property consists of accounts and other financial instruments, usually intangible, being held at corporations, financial institutions, financial intermediaries, courts, and life insurance companies, that have gone dormant for a specified period of time based on property type.” “Common types of unclaimed property include checking and savings accounts, uncashed wage and payroll checks, uncashed stock dividends and stock certificates, insurance payments, utility deposits, customer deposits, accounts

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ALTON – Simmons Hanly Conroy , a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, is pleased to announce that firm partner Jo Anna Pollock has played a leading role in the founding and national expansion of education nonprofit Lindenwood Education System (LES), including its recent acquisition of Ancora Education. LES, headquartered in Saint Charles, Missouri, is the private nonprofit parent entity of a system of independent higher education institutions that offer a variety of certificate, diploma, associate, bachelor and professional-level programs. Each of the institutions under LES operates as a separate corporate entity and maintains its respective name, brand and distinct accreditations. The goal of LES, which now operates in nine states, is to expand access to education, diversify program offerings, and foster innovation that addresses today’s skill gaps and tomorrow’s workforce needs. Pollock, a Lindenwood

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MADISON — The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was activated Saturday afternoon, July 26, 2025, following the discovery of a deceased male at an intersection in Madison, Illinois. At approximately 1:15 p.m., July 26, 2025, officers from the Madison Police Department responded to reports of shots fired near Washington Avenue and Wayne Lanter Avenue. Upon arrival, they found a male victim lying in the intersection who was pronounced dead at the scene. Chief Jeffrey Bridick of the Madison Police Department requested the involvement of the Major Case Squad, which was activated around 2 p.m. Twelve members of the squad are currently investigating the incident under the direction of Deputy Commander Sergeant Brent Rombach of the Wood River Police Department. Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Tips can be submitted by contacting the Major Case Squad Command Post at 618-876-7182 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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COLLINSVILLE – Recent Madison County court filings shed new light on an attempted murder case involving a Collinsville Walmart employee accused of stabbing his co-worker multiple times in the neck, back, and body. Kelvin F. Fuller, 19, of Collinsville, was charged on July 24, 2025 with one count of attempted first degree murder, a Class X felony, and two counts of aggravated battery, both Class 3 felonies. Fuller allegedly cut the victim’s neck with a knife, causing a severe laceration, and stabbed them multiple times in the back and body. The victim sustained several stab wounds and “internal injuries” which required multiple surgeries and sutures to repair, according to charging documents. The state’s petition to deny Fuller’s pretrial release from custody states the victim was one of his co-workers at the Collinsville Walmart, where customers witnessed the attack and attempted to intervene. “Victim reported that she was working at

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) tomorrow, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led a group of 24 fellow Senate Democrats in introducing a resolution that commemorates the signing of this historic, landmark law and condemns any efforts to cut Medicaid or implement work-reporting requirements that endanger the health of Medicaid recipients. The resolution comes after President Donald Trump signed his Big, Beautiful Bill into law, which makes the biggest cuts to Medicaid in American history and rips health care coverage away from over 15 million Americans. “35 years after the historic ADA was signed into law, it’s unacceptable that Americans with disabilities are still fighting for the same rights and opportunities this landmark bipartisan law promised,” said Duckworth. “By enacting the largest cuts to Medicaid in our nation’s history, Trump’s Big, Beautiful Betrayal is eroding hard-won

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CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today joined local leaders in honoring Emmett Till, on what would’ve been his 84th birthday, and celebrating the completion of Phase One restorations at Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ. The historic Bronzeville church—the site of Till’s open-casket funeral 70 years ago this summer—was designated as a national monument by President Biden in 2023 after continued efforts and leadership by Duckworth in Congress. Photos from today’s event are available on Senator Duckworth’s website. “In a time when the stories of Black Americans are being erased from history books and government websites—and when the term equity is treated like a slur—Mamie and Emmett’s stories don’t just need to be preserved, they need to be shouted from the rooftops,” Duckworth said. “I was proud to lead the charge in Congress for this national designation and to visit Roberts

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ST. LOUIS – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs will fund an additional $800 million in infrastructure upgrades this year, including improvements to the Marion VA Medical Center and the John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks facilities in St. Louis. The investments will support renovations and new medical equipment for treating local veterans. “Southern Illinois veterans deserve the highest standard of support,” said Bost. “These upgrades can make a life-changing difference for veterans in need of cutting-edge care. As Chairman of the House Veteran Affairs’ Committee, I’ll continue working closely with the Trump administration to get our local VA facilities the resources they need to serve those who served our country.” “This is another step forward in our efforts to make VA work better for the veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors we are charged with serving,” said V

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Intersect Illinois today announced that quantum company Infleqtion will headquarter its global quantum computing operations in Illinois as a future tenant of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park ( IQMP ). As part of the expected $50 million investment, the company will create dozens of new jobs, accelerating the growth of its hardware and software workforce and cementing a major expansion of its presence in the state’s innovation ecosystem. This announcement comes as hundreds of quantum leaders from business, government, and academia across the globe gather for the inaugural Global Quantum Forum hosted in Chicago. “Just a few short years ago, we laid out a vision for making Illinois a global capital for quantum computing. We have worked with partners from across government, business, research institutions, National Laboratories, and academia to build an ecosyste

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WOOD RIVER - The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southwestern Illinois chapter helps community members take care of their mental health. In an interview on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello at Centerstone’s recent resource fair , Heather shared her lived experience and the resources available through NAMI. An outreach specialist for NAMI, Heather’s entire career path was changed because of her lived experience, and she is proud that she can now help others who need help. “I lived a year of my life recently, within the last five years, completely agoraphobic. I had so many panic attacks that I wouldn’t leave my house,” Heather shared. “Sometimes when I’m talking to people, they’re like, ‘Ooh, that’s uncomfortable. Like, you’re telling your story?’ Yeah, I am, and it is a little uncomfortable, but I’m doing it with a purpose so that other people are like, ‘Hey,

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ALTON - The community is invited to the eighth annual Trinity Festival to enjoy 16 bands in 12 hours and raise money for Trinity’s Way. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in the warehouse at Milton Schoolhouse in Alton, and the event concludes at midnight. With two stages, over ten vendors, and 16 bands on the lineup, members of Trinity’s Way promise a fun day for everyone who comes out. “I think we’re on track to really have a great festival this year,” said April Gray. “Just to have that community support and that sense of love and the good vibes that day, it’s honestly enough to keep us going all year long and all of the other events that we do.” This year’s lineup includes Datura, Modern Pasta, Sometimes It’s Foggy and Sometimes It’s Clear, Hideous Gentlemen, Accidentally on Purpose, The Trophy Mules, Krickett & the Grilled Avocados, The Peacelords, Piasa Canyon, Mellow Trauma, Psychedelic

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ALTON - Rebecca Nixon, a retired kindergarten teacher who started her career in the Alton School District at Gilson Brown Elementary, left a very positive impact on her teaching journey with the district and school. She dedicated herself to influencing her students the right way each year, always making her classrooms memorable. Nixon's students were always ready for the next grade after she honed their skills. When asked what she loved most about her work, Nixon said it was the opportunity to influence students' lives positively. Now retired, she plans to spend more quality time with her family. In addition to family, Nixon enjoys traveling and attending sporting events during her free time and is consistently seen at Redbird home competitions. Offering advice to new educators, Nixon said the most important part of teaching is "building strong relationships with both students and colleagues." She said those relationships are the true keys to being a teacher who has an impact on

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GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) is excited to announce that Build-A-Bear Workshop is now part of our council retail experience! Girl Scouts – as well as non-Girl Scouts – can now build a new furry friend at our retail location at 4 Ginger Creek Parkway in Glen Carbon. To celebrate this new addition, GSofSI will hold two events and the public is invited to participate. Both events will take place at 4 Ginger Creek Parkway in Glen Carbon. First, a ribbon cutting, in partnership with the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Thursday, August 7 at 4:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided as well as a private sneak-peek of the forthcoming grand opening plans. Next, join GSofSI for an exciting grand opening full of activities! On Saturday, August 9 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., guests are invited to stop in and share in the fun. Tour and explore the Build-A-Bear party room, snap a pic at the photo booth, make and customize

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Fair Grandstand will open gates at 6 p.m. – two hours early – to accommodate the Megan Moroney concert crowd on Sunday, August 10. The event start time remains the same at 8 p.m. “We love the energy and excitement of a sold-out show,” said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair manager . “With thousands of people funneling in, allowing a little extra time to get everyone through the gates will help things flow smoothly.” Concert goers are reminded to Arrive early Have your digital ticket downloaded before you get to the Fairgrounds Travel light to get through the security line quickly The concert pre-show party will start at 4:30 p.m. Tickets for this pre-show event are still available on Ticketmaster.com. Pre-show ticket holders are the first to be let on to the track. Note: Concert ticket is required for purchase of pre-show ticket. Just announced, Hunter Flynn will take the Illinois Lottery Grandstand

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EDWARDSVILLE - Birth to Five Illinois advocates for kids and families. Based out of Edwardsville, the Birth to Five Illinois Region 41 chapter serves Madison County. They offer several resources and councils that aim to increase support for community members with young children. “We have families, we all have kiddos, but everyone feels like they’re doing this journey alone,” said Malayna Hutchins, Family and Community Engagement Specialist. “So when we bring them together and they say, ‘Oh, you know what, I’m going through the same thing, I’m struggling with this too’ — they’re like, ‘Why isn’t there anything where these people can come together and meet and share resources and talk about the struggles?’ That’s something that’s been really passionate for them.” Hutchins oversees the Family Council, a division of Region 41 that brings together “family voices.” Adrienne

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ALTON - The Marie Meyer Flying Circus performed in the flying field near Wood River on Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, 1925. The American Legion sponsored the shows, which began at 3 p.m. both days and featured three planes. A parade took place on Friday, July 24, to promote the shows. Planned events at the Flying Circus included wing walking by Marie Meyer, “said to be the only woman stunt flying in the country.” Meyer also planned to stand in the middle of the top of a plane while her pilot made the plane loop the loop. Meyer’s husband, Charles Fowler, was another one of the pilots. Fowler was well-known for his ability to fly upside down for long distances. There was an attempt at the “leap of death” by Bertie Brooks, movie stunt flyer, who also planned to hang from a trapeze by his teeth. In the leap of death, Brooks jumped from one end of the plane, hanging onto a rope, and attempted to climb back up the rope into the plane. Before

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