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CARLINVILLE — On Friday, July 18, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) will convene a roundtable with local stakeholders to address growing concerns about food access in Central and Southern Illinois. The discussion comes in response to recent actions by the Trump administration, including the cancellation of the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) contracts, as well as newly signed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The roundtable will bring together farmers, food banks, and leaders in the food and agriculture sectors to discuss current challenges and identify solutions to expand access to locally grown food and strengthen regional food systems. WHAT: Budzinski to Host Roundtable on Threats to Food Access in Central and Southern Illinois WHO: U.S. Congresswoman Budzinski, Illinois’ 13th District Austin Flamm, Owner of Flamm Orchards John Williams, Illinois Farmers Union/Sola Gratia Melanie Martin,

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GODFREY – A case of identity theft against an elderly victim has yielded felony charges for a Godfrey resident. Cory M. Breuer, 43, of Godfrey, was charged on July 11, 2025 with one count each of aggravated identity theft (a Class 2 felony) and deceptive practices (a Class 4 felony). From April 1, 2024 to May 30, 2024, Breuer allegedly possessed the personal identifying information of a victim who was 60 years of age or older, knowing the information had been stolen or illegally produced. He also possessed two checks made out in the victim’s name, one for $1,200 and the other for $2,500. Breuer was also found in possession of a digital copy of a $750 check made out in another person’s name. He reportedly possessed each of the checks with the intent of accessing the funds of another person, according to charging documents. The East Alton Police Department presented the case against Breuer, who was ordered released from custody. All individuals charged are presumed

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BELLEVILLE — Anz Edmundson, a rising junior at Belleville East High School, had an art piece accepted into the 2025 Annual High School Ceramics Exhibition hosted in May 2025 by the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA). The exhibition featured 53 students from 32 high schools across 15 states, highlighting emerging ceramic artists from around the country. The AMOCA Exhibition received nearly 500 applications this year, with Edmundson’s work selected among the 53 pieces chosen for inclusion. The selection underscores the artistic talent present at Belleville East High School and places Edmundson among a distinguished group of young artists. The virtual awards ceremony premiered on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The event included a presentation of the entire exhibition, showcasing the diverse range of ceramic works. Funding for the program was provided in part by grants from the Ruth and Joseph C. Reed Foundation for the Arts and the DEW Foundation.

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EDWARDSVILLE – A highly anticipated shared use path in Edwardsville is one step closer to construction after the City Council approved a related agreement on Tuesday. Aldermen unanimously approved a Professional Services Agreement for Preliminary Engineering for the New Poag Road Median and Shared Use Path project. The full project total of $149,695 will be paid out of the Edwardsville Enhancement Fund. Ward 4 Alderman SJ Morrison said residents of his ward have been looking forward to this project as a way to calm traffic and make their neighborhood more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. “This is an exciting project for Ward 4 residents,” Morrison said. “It’s been a priority of mine for a while in an effort to try to calm traffic as people come off of New Poag Road and onto St. Louis Street, but also add some beauty to the entrance and enhance walkability and bikability on St. Louis Street and New Poag Road.” Mayor Art Risavy agreed area residents

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — A 12-year-old child was injured Monday night, July 14, 2025, after a bullet passed through an apartment at Greystone Apartments in Cahokia Heights, police said. The shooting occurred just after 6 p.m. Monday, according to the Cahokia Heights Police Department. The bullet struck the child inside the apartment. The child was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and was reported to be in stable condition as of Tuesday morning. The investigation into the shooting remains active, with authorities pursuing multiple leads and persons of interest, the Cahokia Heights Police said.

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ROXANA — The Roxana Street Department announced it would close Old Edwardsville Road from West Thomas Street south to South Central Avenue at around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, due to heavy rainfall and flooding. The Roxana Police said the closure was effective immediately and will remain in place until the flooding subsides. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while the road is closed. The Roxana Police Department is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions change.

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ALTON — The public boat launch ramps at Alton Marina have been closed effective July 15, 2025, due to low water levels on Pool 26 of the Upper Mississippi River Basin, marina officials announced on Tuesday. The current river level at Alton Marina is 413 feet above sea level, resulting in approximately four feet of water within the harbor. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ latest forecast, water levels are expected to reach Maximum Drawdown within the next seven days, prompting the closure of the launch ramps to all vessels during this period. Rob Honke, operator and general manager of Alton Marina, said the marina is closely monitoring river conditions and will provide updates as they become available. “Please refer to the USACE forecast data for the most up-to-date information, keeping in mind that conditions may change with rainfall in the upper river basin,” Honke said. Boaters and visitors are encouraged to check Alton Marina’s Facebook

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ST. LOUIS, MO. - It doesn’t matter if you’re a Republican, a Democrat or somewhere in between, you’re sure to enjoy Soulard Art Gallery’s upcoming “Politically Incorrect” show, which opens on Friday, August 8, 2025. St. Louis Mayor Kara Spencer will judge the exhibit at St. Louis’ number one gallery, located at 2028 S. 12th St. “Whether you’re on the left side of the fence, the right side of the fence, or just straddling the middle, we are interested in your artwork and your point of view,” says curator and resident artist, Claudia Ruth Burris. “Make a statement, express a viewpoint, illustrate your side of the story… Whatever your political beliefs, this show is for you.” This show is something different for the Soulard Art Gallery, which exhibits work from artists all over the bi-state region in rotating shows which change every six weeks. “Instead of the typical art subjects featured in our gallery,

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band continues its summer season with a free concert on Thursday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park. This week’s performance, titled “A Musical Potpourri,” offers a lively mix of pieces that reflect the range and interests of the band’s musicians. The program features a blend of concert classics and stage favorites, including Holst’s Second Suite in F, the lively Amparito Roca, and Mancini Magic. Broadway medleys from Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, and Man of La Mancha round out the evening with familiar and beloved melodies. Concessions for the evening will be provided by Glen Ed Pantry, a local nonprofit serving families in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, and nearby communities. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a relaxed evening of music in the park. Follow the Edwardsville Municipal Band on Facebook and

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ST. LOUIS, Mo. – As St. Louis continues to recover from the May 16th severe storms and tornadoes, two local organizations, Evolution Festival and the United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL), have partnered to provide further relief for those in urgent need. This year, proceeds from all ticket, concession, merchandise and parking sales at Evolution Festival will directly benefit the UWGSL disaster recovery efforts. The funds will be used to help local families and neighbors rebuild in the wake of the devastating storm. Evolution Festival has pledged a minimum, guaranteed donation of $100,000 to UWGSL for this crucial initiative. “Evolution Festival is about more than just music, it’s about community. Coming together to support our neighbors in need is what truly defines us,” said Steve Schankman, Evolution Festival Founder and Executive Producer. “This partnership shows the power of community in action; every ticket, beverage and t-shirt sold

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc. will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday, July 21st, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2603 North Rodgers Avenue in Alton. Blood donations are needed year-round, especially during emergency blood shortages. Right now, hospital demands continue to outpace donations and organizations like the American Red Cross are reaching out for the community’s assistance and are especially calling on those with Type O to donate. As an incentive, the American Red Cross is gifting donors a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter code ‘SPP’. Walk-ins are also welcome, although appointments are encouraged to help manage donor flow.

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MARYVILLE – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has teamed up with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to host an ICASH event this Thursday at the East Alton Municipal Building. Constituents are encouraged to stop by to check if they are owed unclaimed property and receive assistance filing a claim. ICASH Event Details Who: Senator Erica Harriss; Illinois State Treasurer’s Office When: Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 9AM-12PM Where: East Alton Municipal Building, 119 West Main Street, East Alton, IL 62024 ICASH events help residents across Illinois locate and reclaim unclaimed property. Since 2015, more than $2 billion in assets have been returned to Illinoisans. Unclaimed property can include everything from forgotten bank accounts and uncashed checks to insurance payments, stocks, and even the contents of safe deposit boxes.

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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 the SHC Foundation Golf Tournament had its most successful year ever, raising $40,000 on June 6 to benefit Annie’s Hope and Overnight Warming Locations (OWLs). Each organization received $20,000 from the tournament held at the Spencer T. Olin Golf Course in Alton. Over the last 18 years, the annual event has raised more than $357,000, benefiting area organizations and charities. “We are thrilled that the SHC Foundation Golf Tournament had its biggest fundraising success ever,” said SHC Foundation Director Tamara Jesse. “We want to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported or participated in the event that enhances the amazing work that Annie’s Hope and Overnight Warming Locations do in our community. We also are grateful to the Spencer T. Olin Golf Course for hosting the tournament

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has released the 2025 prevailing wage rates for construction trades for all counties in the State. The updated rates, which took effect Tuesday, July 15, are the result of IDOL’s annual statewide survey conducted under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act . The Act requires that workers on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects be paid wages consistent with local standards. This ensures taxpayer dollars stay in the Illinois economy—supporting local workers, promoting quality jobs, and fostering fair competition among contractors. Each June, IDOL determines the prevailing wage rates by reviewing compensation—defined as hourly base pay plus annualized fringe benefits—commonly paid to workers performing similar jobs on public works in each locality. “Illinois continues to invest in its workforce and communities through strong prevailing wage protections,” said Illinois Department

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ALTON - Riverbend Head Start is one of 17 agencies that receives assistance through Community Christmas, and the organization encourages people to support the initiative so their families can enjoy the holiday. Community Christmas is an annual initiative sponsored by United Way. Freer Auto Body in Godfrey will support Community Christmas with a Christmas in July fundraiser on Friday, July 18, 2025. Gene Howell, the president of Riverbend Head Start, emphasized that the fundraiser is a great chance to support the cause and help their families have a merry Christmas. “Community Christmas obviously is about preparing for the holidays. What better time to start than now for our families?” Howell said. “For a lot of our families, the biggest thing is they get the message from the community that, hey, we care about you and your kids. The kids, the message they get is they get something for Christmas that’s not used. It’s brand new, and that’s

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The World Literacy Foundation announced today that Caryn Jones will be a Youth Ambassador for 2025. She will serve as a local advocate, aiming to increase education and community awareness about the importance of reading and writing and lift literacy rates in Missouri City and beyond. Caryn will join a global group of 15- 26-year-olds from 90 countries striving to improve literacy outcomes for disadvantaged children who struggle to read. Caryn, a 17-year-old young woman with an unwavering passion for becoming a WLF ambassador, shares, " I love to read and learn, and I want that door to be open for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. I believe literacy is one of the most powerful tools for creating change, as it reduces inequality, empowers individuals, and opens up opportunities in every aspect of life. " Caryn is committed to ensuring everyone can access literacy resources. She feels strongly about joining a global initiative recognizing

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ALTON – The Community Hope Center Charity Golf Scramble, presented by Simmons Hanly Conroy, will take place July 18 at The Woodlands Golf Club in Alton. Proceeds from the event will help Community Hope Center provide groceries, warm meals, clothing, household items, and community navigation support to hundreds of families in the region who are facing food insecurity and other crisis situations. “Simmons Hanly Conroy is honored to be a longtime champion for Community Hope Center, and we are very proud to support its incredible work helping to provide area families with hope and basic necessities,” said John Simmons , chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy, which is a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families. “We look forward to this year’s Charity Golf Scramble and encourage all our community partners to join us for this great cause.” Registration for the Community Hope Center Charity Golf Scramble

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District #9 announced its school supply lists for the upcoming 2025-26 school year, which is set to begin on Thursday, August 14. Additional items may be added by individual teachers at the start of the year. It is recommended to purchase additional basic supplies during the “Back to School” sales especially things like pencils, paper, spiral notebooks, pocket folders and crayons. GRANITE CITY HIGH SCHOOL (9th-12th Grade) - ENGLISH | SPANISH COOLIDGE JUNIOR HIGH (7th & 8th Grade) - ENGLISH | SPANISH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Kindergarten-6th Grade) - ENGLISH | SPANISH LAKE EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES CENTER - ENGLISH | SPANISH Enrollment and registration remains open for the 2025-26 school year and GCSD9 families can register by using your SKYWARD account on a web browser. For all NEW enrollments, visit the Enrollment/Registration website for required documents prior

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that lane closures on Illinois 3 between Schaefer Road and the McKinley Bridge in Madison County, originally scheduled to begin Monday, July 14, have been postponed to Monday, July 21, weather permitting. Under the updated schedule, one lane will remain open in each direction. However, two lanes will be open between 20th Street and Broadway during the following times to reduce commuter delays: 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. southbound 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. northbound The lane closures are part of a $25.87 million pavement resurfacing project expected to be completed by mid-summer 2026. Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s

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GODFREY - Clearwave Fiber aims to support the community in Godfrey and beyond. As an internet fiber company, Clearwave Fiber works hard to provide reliable, fast internet to 5,000 homes and businesses in Godfrey, as well as throughout Illinois, Kansas, Georgia and Florida. But Shelley Hallier, Senior Vice President of Marketing, explained that their reach extends beyond the internet and into the community. “We believe that internet is no longer a luxury. Great internet is really a necessity, and we’re really excited to provide that to Godfrey,” she said. “When we come in and invest in a community like Godfrey and some of the surrounding areas in Southern Illinois, we also invest in the organizations and the youth. The real purpose is to ensure that folks in the community have access to the technology that they need to connect and thrive and pursue their dreams no matter where they live, in a small town or a small city or a big city.” To this

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