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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of six attorneys general in sending a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought requesting a meeting on a federal rule that provides veterans and their families access to vital reproductive health services. The rule at issue, “Reproductive Health Services,” permits the VA medical benefits package and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide abortion counseling for all pregnancies and abortion services in situations where the patient’s life or health is threatened and in cases of self-reported rape or incest. The Trump administration has indicated it is currently reviewing the rule and has held meetings with other stakeholders. “Those who have served in the military have made countless sacrifices to protect our freedoms. In return, our military

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility in Illinois, highlighting the state human rights law that protects transgender people from discrimination. To mark the occasion, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) today issued non-regulatory guidance on the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of gender identity. “As Governor, it has been my mission to ensure that every Illinoisan lives without the fear of violence, prejudice, or discrimination,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “If you’re looking for a place to be authentically yourself, come to Illinois—a state where, regardless of who you are, we celebrate all Illinoisians, recognize their accomplishments, and fight to protect rights to live with dignity and respect.” “In Illinois you have a right to safely exist and be your most authentic self. We don’t just talk about inclusion—we put it into law,”

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a Carlyle, Illinois man was sentenced to 100 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting children and producing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office prosecuted Mickail S. Cranford, 24, who was sentenced on Thursday by Clinton County Circuit Court Judge Joshua Morrison after previously pleading guilty to two Class X felony charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13 and two Class X felony charges of manufacturing child pornography. “This sentence represents justice for victims who have been exploited and abused,” Raoul said. “I will continue to partner with local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), sent a letter to the Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Dan Bongino, raising serious concerns over his ability to lead the Bureau with FBI Director Kash Patel. Deputy Director Bongino is a former conservative political commentator, podcast host, and conspiracy theorist peddler. The position of the FBI Deputy Director is not Senate-confirmed. The Senators wrote, “As the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) finalizes its new leadership structure, we are deeply concerned that Director Kash Patel’s senior leadership team is unprepared for the challenges of managing our nation’s premier law enforcement agency and its approximately 38,000 public servants.” “As the newly appointed Deputy Director, your past public

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PEKIN – Governor JB Pritzker, Epic Medical and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced the company will open its first U.S. facility in the Riverway Business Park in Pekin. Epic Medical, which will operate as Epic Pharma Solutions Inc. in Illinois, will make a $25 million capital investment with support from an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with DCEO, which will enable the company to expand into the U.S., construct an intravenous (IV) solutions manufacturing facility, and initially create 50 new full-time jobs. “Illinois is one of the best places in the world for manufacturing companies to operate, and we are thrilled to welcome Epic Medical to Pekin,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “With the $25 million investment, the Central Illinois facility will create good-paying jobs for working families in the region while strengthening the medical device supply chain to increase the availability

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GODFREY - Now in its third year, the Community Garden at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Godfrey. is welcoming Spring. For many of us this is our favorite time of the year. What makes a garden a community garden? Mark Groh, co-chair says “we listen to the needs of the community. The produce is shared with the Alton Crisis Food Center, Oasis Women’s Center and others in the Riverbend area facing food insecurity. We asked them what vegetables are popular for those receiving food from their programs, and less available from other sources”. Karen Sullivan, Alton Crisis Food Center acknowledged okra, Chinese cabbage, and sweet potatoes were among the favorites provided by the Community Garden from those picking up food items in previous years. Traditional fresh vegetables such as peppers, green beans, eggplant, lettuce, squash, zucchini, and tomatoes supplement the non-perishable food donations of the congregation to both organizations throughout the long growing

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ALTON – Spring is in the air, and the Easter Bunny is on his way! Families are invited to celebrate the season with an unforgettable Easter experience at Alton Square Mall, filled with joy, smiles, and festive fun. Starting on April 4, 2025, guests can visit Alton Square Mall to meet the Easter Bunny, capture memorable photos, and soak in the vibrant springtime atmosphere. This beloved tradition brings the magic of the season to life with beautifully themed photos, creating cherished memories for all. "Springtime is about making joyful memories with loved ones," said Rosanna Frisch, Senior Marketing Manager. "We’re delighted to welcome the Easter Bunny back to Alton Square Mall and invite families to join us for a fun, festive photo experience that celebrates the magic of the season." For more information please email mallevents@hullpg.com or contact the Mall Management Office at (618) 300-3164

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COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander, Captain Casey Faro, announces the ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Madison and St. Clair counties during April. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers working the detail will be watchful for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and transporting open alcoholic beverages, as well as improper seatbelt and child restraint usage, distracted driving, and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations. Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services in Alton will be holding its monthly Lymphedema education meeting on Thursday, April 3. Riverbend region residents are invited to join the OSF Lymphedema Therapy Team for this free educational session about Lymphedema and meet other people with Lymphedema. The April Lymphedema education meeting will be held: Thursday, April 3, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services 228 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL Enter the Rehab office from the upper mall parking lot, facing Alby Street, under the "OSF HEALTHCARE" sign Interested individuals should direct questions or requests for additional information to OSF Rehabilitation Services at (618) 463-5171. Lymphedema refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid that is usually drained by the body's lymphatic system. Some Lymphedema facts include: It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but it can also occur in the face, neck,

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BELLEVILLE – Busey Bank is proud to support the financing of Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation’s (SIHF) latest initiative aimed at expanding healthcare services in Belleville. SIHF, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to communities throughout Southern Illinois, will now be able to purchase and renovate a four-story, 59,425-square-foot facility to expand healthcare services for the Belleville region. This impactful project was made possible through the use of federal and state New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) programs, which are designed to stimulate investment in low-income communities and encourage economic development in areas where traditional capital may not be readily available. Busey partnered with SIHF on this complex financing by providing multiple loans, including a federal NMTC leverage loan and a federal NMTC equity investment. With financing now in place, the planned renovations will allow SIHF to consolidate

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Letter To The Editor: I am proud to endorse Mayor Goins for re-election as Mayor of Alton. Over the past few years, Mayor Goins has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to our community. It took him several years, beginning in 2021, to clean up the financial mess he inherited. There was no way to allocate funds for necessary street repairs and infrastructure improvements until the city’s finances were stabilized. After more than two years of hard work, he has successfully turned our city's financial situation around. It would not be fair to deny him another term, as he needs the opportunity to continue implementing his vision for better streets, improved infrastructure, and enhanced economic development for Alton. In addition to his financial accomplishments, Mayor Goins has made a significant impact during his first term. He has transformed our city's deficit into a remarkable $7 million surplus and has overseen more road repairs than any previous administration.

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ALTON – Marquette Catholic High School will present Disney’s Freaky Friday – A New Musical on April 10, 11, and 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. on the Ruth Klaus Stage located at 219 E. 4th Street. Disney’s Freaky Friday , a New Musical features music by Tom Kitt , lyrics by Brian Yorkey , and is written by Bridget Carpenter . It is based on the 1972 novel of the same name by Mary Rodgers and its 1976 , 1995 , and 2003 film adaptations. In the story, an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, and they have only one day to make things right again before the mom's wedding. According to Ms. Madison Foreman, Theater and Music Director, 32 students are involved in the production as actors, crew and ensemble. She said, “Our students have poured their hearts into bringing this story to life. It’s a story that everyone can relate to—about family, understanding, and embracing change—but it’s also packe

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Letter To The Editor: April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and I’m writing today to celebrate someone who has spent the last four years helping make recovery possible for more people in Illinois. As an AmeriCorps member with Recovery Corps, Donnis Campbell has focused on supporting individuals at Chestnut Health Systems as they build a healthy life in recovery from substance use disorder. Over the past four years, she has given a total of 6,300 hours to help people achieve their goals! Donnis meets with program participants and provides guidance as they navigate resources, set goals, and develop recovery action plans. With Donnis offering individualized support, we’ve seen people overcome barriers and ultimately maintain progress in their recovery. I especially have been proud of how she’s used her own experience in recovery to connect with others and provide mentoring and peer support. I couldn’t let the program year end without acknowledging

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MARYVILLE, IL. – With mixed emotions, Thompson & Lengacher CPAs would like to announce the retirement of Mike Lengacher, Principal & Owner. After a more than 40-year career in public accounting. Lengacher will enter retirement effective June 30, 2025. With Lengacher retiring, Elizabeth Heil, CPA, and Heather Clugston, CPA, have acquired Thompson & Lengacher (T&L) and will continue serving the firm’s many clients upon his retirement. Heil joined the firm in 2021 after spending more than 20 years in public accounting. Clugston has spent 15 years in public accounting and joined T&L in January 2025. Heil and Clugston are both Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and will offer the same quality services T&L clients have received for many years. The T&L team will work toward making Lengacher’s retirement a smooth transition for all clients. “Heather and I are excited to continue to serve T&L’s clients and continue to expand the firm. Mike and I have been preparing

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ST. LOUIS - With nearly 1.5 million people suffering from rheumatoid and juvenile arthritis in the United States, researchers at Shriners Children’s St. Louis have discovered a new revolutionary way to potentially minimize flare-ups and symptoms while preventing the progression of the disease. Shriners Children’s St. Louis Director of Research Dr. Farshid Guilak recently published findings on a revolutionary new method of “chronotherapy,” the administration of drugs based on the body’s circadian rhythm, potentially changing the way the condition is treated in the future. Circadian rhythm refers to the body's 24-hour clock which is regulated by the brain and responds to light. Using a combination of synthetic biology and tissue engineering, Dr. Guilak’s research team developed circadian-based gene circuits, termed “chronogenetics,” that can be programmed into stem cells that, once implanted in the body, align with a patient’s

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Did you know that one-third of all food produced globally is wasted? That's approximately 1.3 billion tons of food each year, equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of nearly 1 billion cars. This staggering statistic not only highlights a pressing environmental issue but also underscores the importance of rethinking our shopping habits to combat food waste. As consumers, we hold significant power over food production and waste. By adopting smarter shopping habits, we can reduce the amount of food that ends up in landfills and, at the same time, save money and resources. Let’s explore practical strategies that can help you shop mindfully and contribute to a more sustainable future. Understanding the Impact of Food Waste Before diving into strategies for reducing food waste, it's essential to understand its implications. Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, strains land and water resources, and represents a significant financial loss for households.

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Welcome to March 31st, a day rich with historical significance and transformative events that have shaped our world. From groundbreaking treaties and scientific discoveries to cultural milestones, this day has witnessed a variety of noteworthy happenings across different eras and regions. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful events that occurred on this date throughout history. The Formation of the Treaty of Paris (1856) One of the most significant events that occurred on March 31st was the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1856, which brought an end to the Crimean War. This conflict, fought primarily between the Russian Empire and an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain, and Sardinia, was marked by its brutal battles and significant loss of life. The treaty not only marked the end of hostilities but also reshaped the balance of power in Europe, ensuring the independence of the Ottoman Empire and limiting Russian expansion. This event is crucial

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Dear Editor, As the Fire Chief of the Godfrey Fire Protection District, I am concerned about the current Village of Godfrey Trustees' decision to dismiss the proposal for expanding ambulance services. In September 2023, I suggested leasing the old fire station on Godfrey Road to enhance our emergency response, but this was ignored. Relocating the proposed service to Roxana contradicts the trustees' vision for our village. Reliable emergency services are vital, and opposing this expansion undermines our residents' safety. Currently, Alton Memorial is our only ambulance service, and while they perform admirably, our growing community needs more support. Expanding services would, in periods of increased demand, ensure quicker response times and better care during emergencies. To the voters: As you make decisions in upcoming elections, please consider the importance of reliable emergency services. Thoughtful voting can ensure that our community's needs are met and

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WOOD RIVER – An Alton man charged with breaking into a Wood River home and stealing a firearm from inside has been ordered to remain in custody. Aaron S. Basham, 33, of Alton, was charged on March 24, 2025 with residential burglary (a Class 1 felony) and possession of a weapon by a felon (a Class 3 felony). Basham allegedly broke into a Wood River residence on March 22, 2025 and stole a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm firearm from the home. The weapon was unlawful for him to possess as a felon previously convicted of Residential Burglary in a 2015 Madison County case. A petition was filed to deny Basham’s pretrial release, stating the victim told authorities they believed Basham was the one who broke into their home after capturing him on surveillance video. After searching Basham’s residence, authorities recovered clothing seen in the surveillance video and the victim’s stolen firearm. “ was interviewed and admitted to entering the victim’s residence

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EDWARDSVILLE - The reading voices ran the scale from sounding strong to resolute, excited to pensive, and were punctuated with masterful and melodious tunes along the way. They relayed an old, important American story with a new twist, as told through the words of a fictious child and her grandmother. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Communications Director Nicole Franklin and her mother, SIUE alumna Irene Franklin , captivated an audience with the reading of their book, “ Ella’s Sunday Song ,” on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in the University’s Lovejoy Library. Earlier that morning, the Franklins visited the SIUE Early Childhood Center to share their story. “Ella’s Sunday Song” is a children’s picture book introducing the Spiritual, a musical artform that emerged from centuries of slavery in the United States,” informed Franklin. Accompanying the Franklins, by singing the Black spiritual, “Steal Away (Steal Away

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