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SPRINGFIELD, IL. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced the winners of her 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Natasha O’Brien, from Springfield High School, was declared the winner of the contest for her piece titled “Oh, Do I?” Her artwork will be displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for one year. Second place was awarded to “David and the Lion” by Aysha Spence from Eisenhower High School in Decatur and third place was awarded to “Lipstick on a Pig” by Leah Sanderfield from Glenwood High School in Chatham. The winners were selected by judges Julie Dailey, a local artist based out of Springfield, Betsy Dollar, the Executive Director of the Springfield Art Association, and Johnette Mitchell, a leader in the Decatur area art community. Congresswoman Budzinski with Natasha O’Brien, the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. “We received so many incredible submissions and had a number

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ALTON - The Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George will mark the convent’s 100th anniversary with a Mass and blessing. Sister Beata Ziegler and Sister Anastasia Maher shared more about the convent’s history in the United States and their collaboration with OSF St. Anthony’s. They are excited to celebrate the 100th anniversary later this week. They also have an open house to be scheduled later this fall. “This is the jubilee year of hope,” said Sister Beata Ziegler. “Our jubilee corresponds with hope. I think, when we look at Jesus’s sacrifice and our participation in it, it is hope for the world. Our world is in desperate need of goodness and of really being able to understand their dignity and worth, and that is something, through our healthcare apostolate, I believe we can really give.” On April 22, 2025, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will perform an Anniversary Mass at 11 a.m. at the OSF St. Anthony’s Chapel.

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GRANITE CITY - Lavoris Montgomery is organizing a fundraiser to support the burial expenses for her grandson, Devontray Jamal Williams, of Granite City, who died in his sleep on April 17, 2025, at the age of 4 months and 17 days. The infant’s mother, Dekearra Williams, had recently returned to work six weeks earlier and had not yet been able to add him to her insurance policy. Montgomery expressed the need for assistance and said, “We really could use your help and support in giving my grandson a proper burial.” The fundraiser aims to provide financial relief during this difficult time for the family. Click on this link for more information on the GoFundMe.

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BRIGHTON - Grace Stroheide pitched a perfect game recently to lead Southwestern to an 11-0 victory over North Greene in a five-inning softball contest. The game took place recently, with Stroheide retiring every batter she faced, a rare achievement in softball and baseball. Grace is recognized as the Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for Southwestern, highlighting her all-around contributions to the team. Southwestern head coach Amanda Edwards praised Stroheide’s performance, saying, “It’s always a good day when a kid is perfect. It is always nice to see.” In addition to her pitching prowess, Stroheide has demonstrated strong offensive skills. Edwards added that she noticed Stroheide was on track for perfection by the third inning but chose not to mention it until after the game, when the team celebrated.

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GRANITE CITY — The Granite City Police Department announced the addition of a new officer to its ranks on Tuesday. Freddy Edwards, a graduate of Granite City High School. Edwards officially joined the department and is set to attend the Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy starting in May 2025. The Granite City Police Department welcomed Edwards as a local recruit who will begin his formal training in law enforcement in the coming months. Freddy was a standout athlete at Granite City High School. He played college football at Culver-Stockton. Freddy was also just added to our GCHS football coaching staff as an assistant football coach under head coach Steve Roustio. Grantie City High Athletic Director John Moad had high praise for Freddy and his addition to the police department and football coaching staff:" "Freddy was one of the best pure athletes to come out of GCHS," Moad said. "He made things look easy on the field and court. It is grea

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O'FALLON, Ill. — The O'Fallon Police Department is seeking public assistance following a burglary at the Bike Surgeon at 201 E. State St. early Sunday morning, April 20, 2025. The O'Fallon Police said the incident occurred around 5:45 a.m. on April 20. Police reported that the suspect was seen riding a bicycle both before and after the crime. Authorities are asking residents to review any surveillance footage from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., particularly in the downtown O'Fallon area around Presidential Streets and numbered streets. “We encourage everyone to check their cameras,” the Belleville Police Department said. Anyone who observes suspicious activity or individuals is urged to contact the O'Fallon Police Department at 618-624-4545 and ask for the on-duty supervisor. The investigation is ongoing.

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ALTON/SWANSEA – Soulcial Kitchen Powered by Food is Love is excited to announce its next Block Party for Good community celebration, taking place this Friday, April 25, 2025 , at two vibrant locations: Soulcial Park – 127 Northbelt East, Swansea, IL – from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM Soulcial Square – Corner of Market Street and East 5th Street, Alton, IL – from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM More than just a party, these monthly gatherings are a joyful expression of dignity, generosity, and shared community purpose. Every Block Party for Good is built on the simple, powerful belief that Food is Love. Guests will enjoy free, restaurant-quality meals from our Currency of Caring -fueled food trucks, along with free fresh grocery giveaways from our award-winning partners at the St. Louis Area Food Bank. “We believe food can do more than fill a belly—it can fuel hope, restore dignity, and create community,” said John Michel, Founder of

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“Billie,” or “Sweet William,” as he was affectionately called by the local schoolchildren, was an Angora goat ram who belonged to Emil Koch of the Koch Brothers Meat Market at 634 E. Broadway in downtown Alton. And Sweet William was a smoker: “the prize cigarette smoker in Alton,” according to an April 17, 1925, Alton Evening Telegraph newspaper article. He could smoke six cigarettes at a time if they were lit for him and placed in his mouth. He would carefully smoke a cigarette halfway and then turn it sideways with his tongue and swallow the whole thing, “fire and all.” He then smacked his lips to ask for another. He did not prefer any brand over another “but may signify a preference later on after he has tried all brands.” The whole area loved Billie and helped take care of him. He got his wool clipped at Walnut Grove Dairy, where they also styled his beard with a curling iron and permanent wave. He could stand on his

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias has awarded more than $1.3 million to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries throughout Illinois. The grants, awarded in the spring of every fiscal year, support school library services for Illinois students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Resources and services provided through the grant include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs. “Illinois students deserve to have access to quality library resources, including learning materials, books and online services at our public schools,” Giannoulias said. “Libraries serve as places of knowledge, learning and discovery and this funding will help equip them to educate and inspire our future generations.” Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student for their enrollment at each school having a qualified library. Funding for the program originates

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias has awarded more than $1.3 million to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries throughout Illinois. The grants, awarded in the spring of every fiscal year, support school library services for Illinois students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Resources and services provided through the grant include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs. “Illinois students deserve to have access to quality library resources, including learning materials, books and online services at our public schools,” Giannoulias said. “Libraries serve as places of knowledge, learning and discovery and this funding will help equip them to educate and inspire our future generations.” Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student for their enrollment at each school having a qualified library. Funding for the program originates

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—issued the following statement after new reporting revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leaked highly-sensitive attack details in yet another unclassified Signal chat, this time to his wife and brother, putting the lives of our men and women in uniform at greater risk: “How many times does Pete Hegseth need to leak classified intelligence before Donald Trump and Republicans understand that he isn’t only a f*cking liar, he is a threat to our national security? “Every day he stays in his job is another day our troops’ lives are endangered by his singular stupidity. “He must resign in disgrace.”

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SPRINGFIELD — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) concluded her district-wide tour of hospitals and community health centers, highlighting the devastating consequences of proposed Medicaid cuts being pushed by Congressional Republicans. Over the past week, Budzinski visited health care facilities across Illinois’ 13th district to speak with frontline providers and patients about the real-world impact of slashing Medicaid funding. The tour began at Carlinville Area Hospital in Carlinville, continued with a visit to the Chestnut Clinic in Granite City, and concluded with stops at Carle Foundation Hospital in Champaign and Crossing Healthcare in Decatur. “Every stop on this tour reinforced what I’ve long known—Medicaid is a lifeline for our communities,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Community health centers across Central and Southern Illinois rely on Medicaid to keep their doors open, pay staff, and provide critical services like prenatal

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EDWARDSVILLE – Four Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students were among those honored for their campus contributions during the Southern Illinois University (SIU) System’s Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting on Thursday, April 17 at SIU Carbondale. The System’s Student Advisory Committee selected eight students and presented each of them with a 2025 SIU Distinguished Student Service Award. The accolade recognizes, honors, and celebrates the efforts and contributions of students whose acts of service are demonstrative of excellence and exemplary commitment to the support, advancement, and achievement of fellow students, their campus, and their community. The winners included: Nicholas Young, SIUE undergraduate student Iyanuoluwa Emmanuel Fatunmbi, SIUE graduate student Gabrielle Ramirez, SIU School of Dental Medicine student Lauren Wells, SIUE School of Pharmacy student Penny Bordewick, SIUC undergraduate student Caden Cockburn, SIUC graduate

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Did you know that nearly 70% of Americans say that food is the heart of any social gathering? A backyard BBQ isn’t just about grilling—it’s about creating an atmosphere where flavors, friendships, and fun come together seamlessly. Planning the ultimate backyard BBQ requires more than just turning on the grill; it’s about attention to detail, thoughtful preparation, and a flair for hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a first-time host, this guide will help you elevate your BBQ from ordinary to extraordinary. Setting the Stage: Designing the Perfect Backyard Ambiance The environment in which your BBQ takes place plays a significant role in guests’ overall experience. Think beyond the food and focus on creating a welcoming space. Layout and Seating: Arrange seating areas that encourage conversation and comfort. Use a mix of tables, benches, and lounge chairs to accommodate different group sizes. If space allows, create separate

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ALTON — Volunteers from across the region are coming together once again to lift up the name of Jesus, bring hope to hurting communities, and meet real needs on the ground. United to Revive, a grassroots ministry made up of believers from diverse churches, backgrounds, and walks of life, is returning to Alton’s Riverfront Park May 20–23, 2025 for a four-night tent revival packed with worship, testimonies, prayer, and outreach. In the weeks leading up to the event, volunteers will also be walking the streets of Alton, praying for the city and sharing God’s love. These Wednesday night Prayer Walks begin April 23 at 5:30 PM, meeting in the Panera Bread parking lot (1837 Homer Adams Pkwy). “Our heart is simple,” says Director Jeremiah Goltz. “To see lives transformed by Jesus and to see churches and people from all walks of life come together—not in competition, but in love and unity.” A Growing Regional Movement In just the past

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Did you know that the average office worker receives around 121 emails per day? Over time, this constant influx can turn your inbox and file storage into a chaotic digital swamp, making it harder to find important information and slowing down your productivity. Just as physical clutter can weigh on your mind and space, digital clutter can impair your efficiency and increase stress levels. Tackling this hidden mess requires intentional effort and strategy. The Digital Clutter Dilemma Digital clutter often goes unnoticed until it becomes overwhelming. Unlike physical clutter, which is tangible and visible, digital clutter is intangible—hidden in folders, inboxes, and drives. Over the years, files duplicate, emails pile up, and storage spaces fill with outdated or irrelevant content. The consequences include slower device performance, increased vulnerability to security risks, and difficulty locating critical documents. For instance, a 2021 study by Radicati Group revealed that

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GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic High School will hold a blessing ceremony for its new Track and Field facilities and a prayer vigil to honor the memory of Brandon Ahring, a beloved alumnus and assistant coach who died last week in a car accident. On Monday, April 21, 2025, the Griffin community is invited to gather at the school’s new Track and Field complex for the blessing at 3:45 p.m., preceding the school’s first home track meet of the season. Later that evening, at approximately 7 p.m., a prayer vigil will be held to remember Ahring, who was deeply committed to coaching and the McGivney community. Ahring, a member of the Father McGivney Class of 2021, tragically lost his life on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, while returning home from Track and Field practice in a vehicle accident near Hamel. He had served as an assistant cross country and track coach at the school for three years, working under Head Coach Jim Helton. In a statement to the McGivney

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a court victory after the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia found that Google has violated the law by maintaining illegal monopolies in the digital advertising technology industry, stifling competition and harming website publishers, advertisers and consumers. Attorney General Raoul, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 17 attorneys general, joined the Department of Justice (DOJ) in filing a lawsuit against Google in 2023, seeking to stop Google’s anticompetitive conduct that threatens markets in the online advertising industry. “Google has created an environment in the digital world that has caused harm to online publishers and advertisers by weakening a free and open internet,” Raoul said. “Google has maintained its monopolies in digital advertising technologies for too long, and I am pleased that the court found the company liable for its unlawful actions.” The

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Did you know that volunteering not only benefits the community but also significantly improves the volunteer’s own mental and physical health? According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, individuals who volunteer regularly report lower rates of depression and increased longevity compared to those who do not. This dual impact—strengthening both society and the individual—makes volunteering a powerful tool for social cohesion and personal growth. Building Stronger Communities Through Volunteering Volunteering acts as the glue that holds communities together. It fosters connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating networks of support that enhance social capital. Social capital refers to the resources available within a community through relationships, trust, and cooperation. When people volunteer, they contribute to a more resilient and inclusive society. For example, in many urban neighborhoods, local food banks rely heavily

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April 21 is a date rich with historical significance, marked by events that have shaped cultures, nations, and the course of human history. One of the most legendary events associated with April 21 is the founding of Rome. According to Roman tradition, Rome was founded on April 21, 753 BCE, by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus. This mythic founding story has been a cornerstone of Roman cultural identity and has influenced Western civilization's understanding of origins, governance, and empire-building. Rome grew from a small city-state to one of the greatest empires in history, laying foundations in law, architecture, and politics that still resonate today. Moving forward to the age of exploration, April 21, 1506, marks the beginning of the construction of the new St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This monumental project was commissioned by Pope Julius II and involved some of the Renaissance’s greatest artists and architects, including Michelangelo. The basilica

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