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The End Tobacco Loopholes Act would establish a new federal e-cigarette tax, increase tobacco tax rate, & close tax loopholes WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoothi (D-IL-08), and several Senate Democratic colleagues today introduced the End Tobacco Loopholes Act, legislation that would close tax code loopholes for tobacco products to lower tobacco use and reduce health care spending. The legislation would establish a federal tax on e-cigarettes as 30 states have done, update the federal cigarette tax rate for the first time in more than 15 years to restore its public health impact, and harmonize the tax rate across tobacco products to address gamesmanship by manufacturers. Increasing the price of tobacco products has been found to be the single most effective way to reduce tobacco use, particularly among children. “Big Tobacco’s deadly profit scheme relies on

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GODFREY- ? Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined students and leadership from Lewis and Clark Community College to propose a new community college baccalaureate degree program. Through this consumer-driven, student-centered program, community colleges would be enabled by the State to offer four-year bachelor degrees, making degrees more accessible while meeting the needs of employers in key sectors, and keeping education costs low for students and working families. “As the home of the third largest community college system in the nation, Illinois should be doing all that it can to leverage these world-renowned institutions to meet those goals,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We have some really terrific four-year institutions that are a vital part of the higher education system in Illinois, but we need to recognize that there are geographic, financial, and accessibility constraints that close off too many students from attending those schools. With lower tuition

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COLLINSVILLE – Parents, educators, healthcare and emergency professionals, social service workers and all community members are invited to attend a free training workshop on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234, focused on a variety of emergency preparedness training to help everyday people respond to crisis situations. The workshop is put on by the Medical Reserve Corps of Illinois. “As we’ve watched California wildfires and now flooding force people from their homes, it reminds us of the rapid response needed for disasters right here, including mass shootings, floods, and storms,” said workshop consultant Jeannette Tandez Johnson. “The Medical Reserve Corps of Illinois wants to prepare residents to survive and thrive after a community crisis.” Free Workshop Sessions Open to All Include: First Aid Certification CPR/AED Certification Stopping Bleeding from Traumatic Injuries

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost announced today that he will host Judy Repking of Effingham County, a board member of Effingham Area Right to Life and chair of the Bishop’s Pro-Life Committee, as his guest for President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday. Repking and her husband, Paul, have been dedicated advocates for pro-life causes in Effingham County for over two decades. “I was happy to invite Judy Repking to sit in the House gallery for President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress because you won’t find a stronger defender of unborn babies in Southeastern Illinois," said Bost . "Judy and Paul have worked hard to educate, inspire, and mobilize others in the fight for life. That’s precisely the type of selfless leadership I wanted to highlight on this very special occasion.” Bost will meet with the Repkings on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, welcome them to join him at a congressional joint hearing, and provide a

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With support from Congressional funding and the REV Illinois program, Wieland North America is investing $500 million to propel advanced manufacturing modernization EAST ALTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) celebrated the groundbreaking of Wieland’s modernized East Alton facility. The project is supported by a $5 million congressionally-directed Community Project Funding award and a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement. Wieland’s $500 million investment in this modernization project will retain 800 jobs throughout Illinois, enabling the company to increase production of critical copper and copper alloy components that are used in electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure, and renewable energy production while supporting the state's clean energy economy. “Wieland has been a cornerstone of good-paying union jobs and economic growth in East Alton for over a century,” said Congresswoman

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HIGHLAND - GRID Solar is officially offering general electrical contracting services alongside solar, and this helps them create more efficient systems. Ryan Wagner, co-owner of GRID, explained that the business aims to help their customers get the most efficient energy systems. With a few “master electricians on staff,” Wagner said that they can help customers decode their energy bills and decide what kind of system is best for them. “It just opens up the number of services we can do for everybody,” he explained. “We always tell people, we’re trying to sell you as few panels as possible, not as many as we can get away with. If we can spend $1,000 putting more insulation in your attic and that saves you $3,000 by not needing that many panels, then that’s a wise use of your money and you should do that.” Wagner noted that traditionally, people view their house’s systems as separate from one another. Plumbing, HVAC and electrica

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BETHALTO — The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed multiple charges against two Bethalto residents, Blake M. Clemons, 35, and Ashley L. Rusk, 33, following an investigation into the dissemination of child pornography. The charges were presented on March 3, 2025, after a cybertip from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office prompted an inquiry by the Bethalto Police Department. Clemons faces 16 counts, including 11 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and five counts of child pornography, with all charges classified as Class X felonies except for one count of child pornography, which is classified as a Class 1 felony. Rusk is charged with 11 counts, including one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, as well as multiple counts of permitting sexual abuse of a child, classified as Class 1 felonies. She also faces two counts of child pornography, classified as Class 2 felonies, and one count of sexual exploitation

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced statements on Monday, March 2, 2025, after his office has charged two individuals with firing guns in the direction of a school bus. Daniel G. Coalan, 18, of Alton was charged with one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (class X felony), one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (class 1 felony), and two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons (class 4 felony). The charges allege that he discharged a firearm in the direction of a school bus and in the direction of another person, and unlawfully possessed a 9mm handgun. Also charged in a juvenile case is a 16-year-old male from Wood River. The juvenile is charged with one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (class 1 felony) and two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons (class 4 felony). The charges allege that he discharged a firearm in the direction of another person and unlawfully possessed a 9mm handgun with

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ALTON - Julie Botterbush started as a candystriper at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Now, she’s the Administrative Director of Nursing Operations for SSM Health. Botterbush, 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. As she reflected on her career and community service, Botterbush has a powerful message for other young women. “I worked the AIDS epidemic, I worked the COVID epidemic, and everything in between,” she said. “The biggest thing, if I could tell a young girl, if I could tell myself, if I could tell my 1986 self — be your biggest hero. Believe in yourself. Be resilient. And don’t give up. You may have to try harder, you may have to try a couple of times, but bounce right back.” Botterbush began training to be a nurse at the J.B. Johnson Center at Alton High School in the 1980s. She loved the job and decided to become an LPN. But

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ALTON - The Jones brothers — Cameron, Chase, and Carson — made significant contributions to Marquette Catholic High School's boys basketball team during the 2024-2025 season. Their collective efforts have not only showcased their individual talents but have also strengthened the team's overall performance. The boys are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athletes of the Month for Marquette Catholic. Carson Jones, a junior, expressed gratitude towards his family for their unwavering support. "My entire family has always encouraged me and I thank my brothers for challenging me and pushing me to do my best," he said. This season marked Carson's first year playing varsity basketball, where he dedicated himself to extra work both on the court and in the weight room. "That hard work paid off as I got bigger and better this year," he noted. Cameron Jones, a freshman, also made an immediate impact by starting on the varsity team. He thanked his family and his AAU coach, Brandon

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JERSEYVILLE/GRANITE CITY – Two area sex offenders face felony charges after failing to register with local law enforcement. Brad A. Stokes, 39, of the 28000 block of State Highway 16 in Jerseyville, was charged on Feb. 25, 2025 with unlawful failure to register as a sex offender, a Class 3 felony. On Feb. 17, 2025, Stokes allegedly failed to register with the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office within three days after establishing a residence in Jersey County, as legally required under the Child Sex Offender Registration Act. Stokes was arrested by the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office and has been granted pretrial release from custody. In a similar but unrelated case, David W. Bowers, 28, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged on Feb. 25, 2025 with a Class 2 felony for his second or subsequent offense of failing to register as a sex offender. On Jan. 7, 2025, Bowers reportedly failed to register as a homeless sex offender with the Pontoon Beach Chief of

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ALTON — Two individuals have been charged in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on Feb. 26, 2025, near a school bus stop in the 1200 block of Central Avenue, according to the Alton Police Department. Daniel G. Coalan, an adult, faces multiple charges including Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class X and Class 1) and Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons (two counts, Class 4). A 16-year-old juvenile has also been charged under a Delinquency Petition with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1) and Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons (two counts, Class 4). Coalan was arrested on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in the 700 block of Oakwood Estates in Alton, while the juvenile suspect was apprehended the following day in the 700 block of State Street in Wood River, with assistance from the Wood River and East Alton police departments. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford expressed gratitude for the work of his team and the collaboration with neighboring law enforcement agencies.

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ALTON/GRANITE CITY – Five individuals were charged with mob action in Madison County, including three men from Alton, one from Granite City, and another from St. Louis. In separate but related cases, each of the following individuals face a Class 4 felony count of mob action: Raysean M. Colvin, 20, of Alton John A. Hammond Jr., 44, of Alton Damion D. Weeden Sr., 44, of Alton Lamaure A. Hickman, 20, of Granite City Vernon G. McIntosh, 39, of St. Louis While in custody, all five individuals allegedly acted together to batter another detainee in the Madison County Jail. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented each of the cases, and their records indicate all five individuals currently remain in custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Letter To The Editor: At tonight’s Wood River City council meeting, we will once again be considering Councilman Dettmers request to pursue additional professional services regarding items discussed at length in prior meetings. If Councilman Dettmers gets what he wants, this would mean adding thousands of dollars in professional services to the tens of thousands in legal costs Dettmers has already cost Wood River taxpayers. I suspect that hiring a forensic auditor is the path of least resistance for him. Taxpayer-funded lawyers aren’t telling him what he wants to hear. As I've said, Wood River is more transparent than ever before. Before I took office in 2021, all we had was a paper copy of the agenda posted on the glass door at city hall. Now we have live and video-recorded meetings. Agendas, board packets, minutes, and a calendar of meetings are all posted online. Councilman Dettmers list of grievances do not rise to the level of a forensic audit. Except for the close

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(Photos and Video by 618 Drone Service). WORDEN - Wordi Gras, a festive celebration dubbed the "Redneck Mardi Gras," took place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Worden, a small community along Route 66 in Madison County. The event, which began at noon, featured live music, food and drink vendors, and a parade that was reported to be the longest in the event's history. Rick and Nikki Landrem, local residents and organizers, noted that this year’s festivities were marked by a smooth operation and a family-friendly atmosphere. “All had fun and another year of no fights, everything went off smooth, no problems,” said Rick and Nikki. The elaborate parade commenced at 3 p.m. Saturday, showcasing a variety of floats, tractors, trucks, and cars as it wound through downtown, concluding at Civic Park. Participants included both local residents and visitors, with some traveling from out of state to enjoy the festivities. According to organizers, many attendees preferred

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ALTON - The Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club’s 39th annual Chili Chowdown will raise money for local students and community projects. On Monday, March 3, 2025, community members can stop by Main Street United Methodist Church in Upper Alton for a dine-in or carry-out chili meal. The Rotary Club will serve chili from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then again from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dennis Wilson, who chairs the event, explained that the goal is to improve the Alton-Godfrey community. “We’re very much into the community and trying to make it a better place,” he said. “It’s what Rotary stands for, making a better community and service above self. The idea is we all do a little something for everybody else and make a better world.” Tickets to the Chili Chowdown can be purchased at the door for $10. All proceeds go back to the Rotary Club’s projects, including their scholarships and literacy programs for the local schools. The Rotary Club sponsors

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EAST ALTON - Today, Governor JB Pritzker, Wieland Rolled Products North America, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined local leaders and partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of Wieland’s modernized East Alton facility. Wieland’s $500 million investment in this modernization project will retain 800 jobs throughout Illinois, enabling the company to increase production of critical copper and copper alloy components that are used in electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure, and renewable energy production while supporting the state's clean energy economy. “Today, we continue Wieland’s centuries-long journey by breaking ground on this major new expansion – a $500 million company investment in the future of Illinois and a driver of growth and opportunity in East Alton for years to come,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “More than just a job creator and economic driver – Wieland has been

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CHICAGO - In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the Top 10 consumer complaints his office received last year and highlighted his office’s work to protect consumers. For the fourth year in a row, complaints related to home repairs and remodeling topped the list while identity theft complaints remained second. Consumer debt came in third, and according to Attorney General Raoul, the issue is particularly relevant this year as he continues to defend the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) against efforts by the Trump administration and Elon Musk to defund and disband it. The CFPB is an independent agency that oversees big banks, lenders, credit card companies and mortgage servicers, and ensures companies follow federal consumer protection laws. “During National Consumer Protection Week, and throughout the year, I encourage Illinois residents to visit my office’s website and social media channels t

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CHICAGO - Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs marked Casimir Pulaski Day by announcing his office has purchased $15 million in Republic of Poland Bonds. It is the first time the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office has invested in the Republic of Poland. “Chicago and the suburbs are home to one of the biggest Polish populations in the world. Our state also has strong ties to Poland through trade, culture, a National Guard partnership, and sister cities relationships,” Frerichs said in making the announcement at the Polish Museum of America Casimir Pulaski Day event in Chicago. “Republic of Poland Bonds provide stable returns and are a strong investment for Illinois.” Treasurer Frerichs bought Republic of Poland Bonds to diversify the state’s portfolio and achieve stable returns from a strong investment. The bonds will mature in four years with an interest rate of 4.625% and a current yield of 4.831%. This outpaces the four-year U.S. Treasury

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EAST ALTON - Today, Governor JB Pritzker, Wieland Rolled Products North America, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined local leaders and partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of Wieland’s modernized East Alton facility. Wieland’s $500 million investment in this modernization project will retain 800 jobs throughout Illinois, enabling the company to increase production of critical copper and copper alloy components that are used in electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure, and renewable energy production while supporting the state's clean energy economy. “Today, we continue Wieland’s centuries-long journey by breaking ground on this major new expansion – a $500 million company investment in the future of Illinois and a driver of growth and opportunity in East Alton for years to come,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “More than just a job creator and economic driver – Wieland has been a communit

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