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WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, slammed President Trump and Vice President Vance’s tense and embarrassing meeting in the Oval Office on Friday with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Durbin began his remarks by reflecting on Casimir Pulaski Day—a local holiday observed in Illinois on the first Monday of March in memory of Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War cavalry officer born in Poland. This morning in Chicago, Durbin attended an event honoring Pulaski Day with the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda. He also attended a large rally in support of Ukraine yesterday. During his speech, Durbin also highlighted the critical relationship between Poland and the United States and how strengthening the NATO alliance is more important now than ever in light of Russian President Putin and Trump’s actions. “As I said today, it was a Pulaski moment. The United States and

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EDWARDSVILLE - Amanda Couch is rallying community support for David and Marge, an Edwardsville couple who suffered a devastating house fire on the evening of Feb. 20, 2025. The fire resulted in the complete loss of their home and vehicles, leaving the couple to navigate the aftermath of the tragedy. David and Marge were able to escape the flames, sustaining some injuries but overall remaining safe. Unfortunately, they were unable to save their pets during the incident. The couple had initially declined offers for financial assistance, but after discussions with family, they have agreed to accept help as they work through insurance claims and address immediate needs, including clothing, food, medical expenses, and eventually a replacement vehicle. Couch emphasized the importance of community support in times of crisis. "Thank you for helping them see they have an entire community here to support them and love them through this tragedy," she said. A GoFundMe campaign has been established

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has several programs lined up for community members to enjoy. “We just keep offering more programs, and people keep signing up and participating in them,” said Executive Director Mary Cordes. “In addition to all the books that we check out and the movies that we check out and the items that we stream and download and all that, there’s also that component of programming and being a community center and service group that we have found people really want and we’re happy to adapt and give to people. We’re always trying something new.” From 6–7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, hopeful readers can stop by the Alton Square Mall library for “Library Speed Dating: Find the Book of Your Dreams.” This event, rescheduled from February, encourages people to check out different genres of books and find new authors to enjoy. Cordes noted that it’s also a great social opportunity

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ALTON - The Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois will host its final Seed Swap of the spring season at the Hayner Library to provide community members with a sociable space to swap and share quality seeds, cuttings, and bulbs. Join fellow farmers and gardeners in celebration of the start of the spring gardening season at this community event, which is free and open to all. The second of Sierra Club’s two winter seed swaps will be held at the downtown location of the Hayner Public Library District in Alton on Saturday, March 8 from 12:00 to 2:00pm. To register for the Seed Swap at the Hayner Library, visit https://sc.org/seedswap-library . If you are sharing self-collected seeds, please label the homegrown seeds with the common or species name, year, and your name. If you are sharing commercial seed packets, there is no need to label the packets. Due to an anonymous donation, the Sierra Club will offer gardeners their choice of four different seed starter kits,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today spoke on the Senate floor against the so-called Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act— a Republican bill that would revoke federal funding from schools with athletic programs that allow trans girls to participate on sports teams for women or girls. The bill—which lacks a clear enforcement mechanism—could subject women and girls to physical inspection by an adult if someone from an opposing team accused them of being transgender. It infringes on the privacy of girls and women and is a dangerous use of the powers of government to target student athletes of all ages. Durbin said, “Put yourself in the shoes of these families for just a moment. magine being the parent of a trans kid and telling your child they are not allowed to play on the same sports team as their friends at school because a politician said they couldn’t.”

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Students from the East St. Louis School District 189 showcased their musical talents during the district's Black History Program, held recently at a local venue. The event featured a live performance by the orchestra students, who played "Favorite Song" under the guidance of their instructor, Rosalind Rogers. The performance was part of the district's efforts to celebrate Black History Month, providing students an opportunity to engage with cultural themes through music. The program is aimed to highlight the importance of Black history and its impact on the community. "These talented strings students did an amazing job," the East St. Louis School District said in a statement. "The performance was well-received, with attendees expressing appreciation for the students' hard work and dedication." The event underscores the district's commitment to fostering artistic expression and cultural awareness among its students.

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GODFREY - This year, a special celebration between friends turned into a fundraiser for the Village of Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department. Susie Eckert and her friends have hosted an Oscars party for the past 20 years, complete with a red carpet, ballgowns and over 60 attendees. As the party grew, they moved it to Tony’s Ranch House in Godfrey and turned it into a fundraiser for local nonprofits. This year’s celebration was the final Oscars party, and they raised nearly $2,000 for the Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department. “It’s a blast,” said Mary Mathews, owner of Tony’s Ranch House. “It is a goal to have fun, and everybody gets to come out and have a good night out. But it’s also about helping the community as much as possible. going towards Godfrey Parks and Rec this year, which is just excellent. I’m very proud of the parks.” During the party, attendees walk the red carpet and vote on awards for Best Dressed,

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SPRINGFIELD – University of Illinois Springfield students earned awards and were elected to offices at the Model Illinois Government (MIG) simulation, held Feb. 28-March 2 at the Illinois State Capitol. Abbie Hasty of Alton was one of the UIS delegation award winners. The UIS delegation won five individual awards: Melody Colonel of Chester won the Outstanding Member of the Senate award. Maria Rodriguez Spengler of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, won the Outstanding Whip in the Senate award. Samuel Moore of Moweaqua won the Outstanding Committee Person in the Senate award. Abbie Hasty of Alton won the Outstanding Committee Chair in the House award. Timothy Malit of Springfield won the Outstanding Lobbyist award. UIS students competed against peers from 15 colleges and universities across Illinois. The simulation allows participants to serve as legislators, staffers, lobbyists, journalists and executive branch officials. Throughout the weekend, UIS students debated legislation,

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– Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced bipartisan legislation that would strengthen National Guard units in Illinois and across America by helping to ensure our servicemembers have access to the funds needed for maintenance and readiness activities that keep us all safe. Specifically, the bipartisan Guarding Readiness Resources Act would provide a critical exemption from the Miscellaneous Receipts Act for State Active Duty (SAD) reimbursement payments, ensuring that these funds are directed back to the National Guard units that incurred the expenses and ultimately bolster readiness and operational efficiency. “The men and women of the National Guard are committed to the motto of ‘always ready, always there’—which is why it’s important our Guardsmen have the resources they need to stay mission-ready,” said Senator

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ALTON - Anne Johnson works from a place of passion. Johnson, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. Johnson is a retired teacher who taught math in the Alton Community Unit School District #11 for 31 years. Now, she spends her time volunteering and helping to make the community a better place. “After retirement, I knew that there was something I needed to be doing,” she said. “I felt like helping anyone that I can, so I started volunteering.” Johnson volunteers at St. Anthony’s Hospital three days a week. She also helps at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Collinsville and serves as a foster grandparent. At her church, Tabernacle Baptist Church, she works as an usher and volunteers for several church projects. As a former teacher, Johnson understands the value of education. She offers free tutoring out of her home and at Hayner Library. Community

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On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement on the institution of President Trump’s tariff plan: “Trump’s Tax on Working Families will have a devastating impact on Illinois’ manufacturing and agriculture sectors and will hurt hardworking Illinoisans at the grocery store checkout, on their utility bills, and at the gas pump. I have spent the past few weeks talking with farmers, manufacturers, and even breweries who have been preparing to reduce production and raise prices – actions that may have ripple effects for supply chains in Illinois and across the country. “Donald Trump swore to bring down costs on Day One. Instead, he’s taxing working families while embarrassing America on the world stage. I will be staying in close contact with representatives from Canada and Mexico to emphasize Illinois’ commitment to an ongoing trade partnership, and I will not stop fighting to ensure Illinoisans get a fair

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WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke out against President Trump’s tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. As of today, President Trump has instituted a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10 percent on goods from China, bringing the total to 20 percent tariffs on China. In his remarks, Durbin underscored that the Trump tariffs would not lower prices, as he promised during his campaign, but instead spike prices for Americans. “Instead of improving the lives of or lowering prices for Americans, we are seeing policies of the Trump Administration do exactly the opposite. The President has spent his time trying to systematically dismantle the federal government, creating rifts with our closest allies, and now, imposing destructive tariffs on our biggest trading partners. The tariffs that he has unleashed… will hurt American consumers and supply chains

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ALTON - If you want to grow in your spirituality, an upcoming conversation at River Bend Yoga might be for you. “Raise Your Spiritual IQ!,” a three-part series hosted at River Bend Yoga in Alton, will cover three topics that invite people to explore their spirituality from a new perspective. At 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, community members can stop by River Bend Yoga for an hourlong discussion titled “Past Lives — Present Lessons,” which encourages attendees to “discover the secrets of karma and reincarnation to answer questions about your life today.” “Come with that open heart, and you’ll learn something,” said Sheila Aehle, one of the organizers. “It will take you further in your study. We’ll go through some of the techniques in the book, but the main focus is learning how to raise that spiritual IQ in whatever way you are guided. Aehle and Flora Van Koten practice Eckankar, the path of spiritual

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POCAHONTAS – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Pocahontas, Illinois man for allegedly producing and disseminating 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. Raoul’s investigators, along with officers from the Illinois State Police (ISP) and Bond County Sheriff’s Department, conducted a search of Blankley’s residence in the 600 block of Academy Street in Pocahontas on Feb. 27, 2025. Blankley was taken into custody after investigators discovered evidence of child sexual abuse material. The Attorney General’s office charged Aaron R. Blankley, 47, in Bond County Circuit Court with 10 counts of dissemination of child pornography, each Class X felonies punishable by up to 30 years in prison; and five counts of possession of

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WOOD RIVER – In an occasionally heated Monday night, March 3, 2025, meeting, members of the Wood River City Council shared dueling perspectives on alleged mismanagement of city TIF funds and agreements. Two meetings ago on Feb. 17, 2025, Councilman Bill Dettmers called for a forensic audit and independent investigation into the city , alleging city officials made unauthorized payments to developers, changed parts of TIF agreements without council approval, and much more. To address these and other concerns, Dettmers called for a special meeting to be held on Feb. 24, 2025. He was told two council members would need to request the meeting in writing; the next day, the city announced a special meeting would be held on Feb. 24. T he special meeting could not be held after Mayor Tom Stalcup and Councilmen Jeremy Plank and Scott Tweedy chose not to attend, ensuring there would be no quorum and no city business could be conducted. Stalcup and P

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WASHINGTON – Today in a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that he will host Dr. Elizabeth Sokol, a pediatric oncologist and researcher from Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, as his guest for President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress tomorrow evening. In his remarks, Durbin underscored that President Trump and Elon Musk’s move to gut funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will have disastrous, long-term impacts for Americans suffering from cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and more, as well as for NIH-funded researchers like Dr. Sokol. “This annual address traces its roots back to our Founding Fathers, but I doubt they would even recognize their beloved country today. With President Trump and Elon Musk acting unrestrained, we are barreling down a dangerous path to a constitutional crisis,” Durbin said. “I’m going to have a guest at the Address tomorrow night,

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GRANITE CITY – The Rotary Club of Granite City recognized juniors Morgan Hayes and Emily Lievens as Students of the Month for February. Students were nominated by teachers, and were chosen on the basis of academics, as well as scholastic, extracurricular and civic honors and awards, and organization membership and leadership. Each honoree will receive a framed certificate and a gift card, and will be recognized at the Mayors' Prayer Breakfast on March 25, 2025. MORGAN HAYES Two-year member of girls golf team ... Saturday Scholars ... Two-year High Honor Roll ... Rookie of the Year ... Member of Renaissance, Spirit and Varsity Club ... All-Warrior Academic Award ... Chemistry worker ... Daughter of Jeff Hayes and Jamie Warren. EMILY LIEVENS Member of girls golf team ... Secondary Honors ... Alpha Peer Leader ... National Society of High School Scholars ... Member of Renaissance and Spirit Club ... GCHS Attendance Office Worker ... Volunteer at GCHS Freshman Workshop

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR); Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Chris Coons (D-DE); and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) today introduced bipartisan legislation to improve America’s competitiveness throughout the African continent and in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Increasing American Jobs through Greater Exports to Africa and Latin America Act will force better coordination between U.S. government agencies and departments, establish comprehensive strategic goals, and marshal private investments to improve U.S. exports to Africa, Latin American, and the Caribbean. The legislation will help create American jobs by requiring a whole of government strategy to increase the number of U.S. exports to Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean by at least 200 percent in real dollar value within ten years of enactment of the law. The legislation was included in the Senate

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ALTON — A new culinary celebration is set to take place in Alton, as Mac's 315 Belle St. hosts its inaugural Fat Tuesday Buffett on March 4, 2025. The event, running from 4 to 9 p.m., will feature a variety of Cajun favorites, including crawfish and shrimp boil, gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, southern fried chicken, fried catfish, hush puppies, fried okra, and dinner rolls. The menu will also include king cake, a traditional treat associated with the Mardi Gras season. Rob Lenhardt, one of the owners of Mac's, noted that this is the first time the establishment is hosting a Fat Tuesday event. "A couple of places around the area have done it in the past but stopped. We feel there is a market for it," Lenhardt said. Lenhardt said St. Louis is recognized for its annual Mardi Gras celebration, that is the second largest in the United States, trailing only New Orleans. With an expected turnout of 200 to 250 attendees, the Fat Tuesday Buffett at Mac's aims to attract local residents

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ALTON – Time is running out to reserve your spot for YWCA Southwestern Illinois' 34th Annual Women of Distinction Celebration on Thursday, March 13, at The Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College. This highly anticipated event will feature Mrs. Vernetta Caffey as emcee and Dr. Kathie Wuellner as keynote speaker, bringing their wisdom, inspiration, and passion to the evening’s celebration. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the program beginning promptly at 6 p.m. Women of Distinction Academy photos will be taken at 5:30 p.m. The reservation deadline is Friday, March 7. “We have an exceptional group of honorees this year—women whose dedication, leadership, and achievements have made a lasting impact in our community,” said Dorothy Hummel, Executive Director of YWCA Southwestern Illinois. “Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating their stories and supporting programs that empower women, nurture children, and advance racial and social justice.”

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