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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen : “Every day, parents across America are burying children they have lost to gun violence. And yet, as our nation still mourns the horrific massacres in Uvalde and Buffalo, and as we work to combat the daily toll of the gun violence epidemic in cities like Chicago, this decision will make it even easier for guns to flood our streets. “For years, the gun lobby has told us the way to reduce gun violence is not to pass new gun laws, but to enforce the laws already on the books. At the same time, the gun lobby has been arguing in court to strike down those gun laws on the books. Today, they succeeded. This decision makes it all the more important for Congress to take actionable steps to protect our kids and communities from this nation’s

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WASHINGTON — Today, the Postal Service announced it will implement upgraded service standards for its USPS Retail Ground (RG) and Parcel Select Ground (PSG) products effective Aug. 1, 2022. Within the contiguous United States, service standards for these products will be accelerated from two- to eight days to two- to five days for the same affordable price. Items containing hazardous materials or live animals are not eligible for the upgraded service standards. RG is a ground shipping product for packages, thick envelopes, and tubes (with a maximum weight of 70 pounds) that are not required to be mailed via First-Class Mail service and are available only through retail channels. PSG is an economical ground delivery service similar to RG for commercial shippers. The Postal Service is aligning the RG and PSG service standards with the current First-Class Package Service (FCPS) standards within the contiguous US. Processing this mail with FCPS packages will enhance customer service

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) called for swift passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This package contains many of Rep. Kelly’s gun violence prevention priorities. Rep. Kelly is calling for House leadership to quickly bring the bill to the floor for a vote and for the support of her colleagues in passing the bill to save lives. “The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act will bring real progress to communities across America that are impacted by gun violence, like Illinois’ Second Congressional District,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “Imposing stricter penalties for straw purchasing and gun trafficking, investing billions of dollars in our mental health care services, keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and improving the background checks for buyers under 21 years of age – these are all policies and investments that the American people support and that I have worked for many years to achieve. I

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public that along with summer, Mosquito Season is now underway in Illinois and that positive batches of West Nile Virus have been reported in seven counties around the state. The reminder comes as public health officials around the country are highlighting the importance of taking protective action to “Fight the Bite” during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. While no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Illinois so far this year, there were 64 human cases (which are significantly under-reported) and five deaths attributed to the disease in the state in 2021. “West Nile virus is a serious illness, and we want to remind everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites at this time of year when so many of us are spending more time outdoors,” said IDPH Acting Director Amaal Tokars. “The most important things we can do are to wear insect repellent if w

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) and the Village of South Roxana are hosting a ceremony to designate Illinois Route 111 from New Poag Road to Madison Avenue as “The Chief Todd Werner Memorial Highway”. The ceremony is open to the public and will be at the sign location on Highway 111 and Madison Avenue at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 2. Family and guests can park at the back parking lot of Mike’s Inc. at 109 Velma Avenue, South Roxana and walk to the sign location. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the South Roxana Village Hall at 211 Sinclair Avenue, South Roxana. “Chief Werner dedicated his life to public service in Madison County by serving as a first responder. He made a positive impact on the people who were fortunate to call him a friend,” said Rep. Elik. “Dedicating a portion of Route 111 in his honor will serve as a reminder that his selfless commitment to the community will not

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EAST ALTON - The East Alton Elementary School District #13 is pleased to announce Mrs. Ashley Lowe as the new Principal of Eastwood Elementary School. Mrs. Lowe comes to the district after serving more than a decade in the Alton School District and four years in East St. Louis Schools. “Ashley will be an outstanding Principal at Eastwood. She is passionate, all about students and faculty, brings a wealth of knowledge regarding special education, and will partner well with parents and community to increase the social-emotional well-being and academic performance of students,” said Mario Sherrell, incoming Superintendent of Schools. Mrs. Lowe attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in special education and McKendree University where she earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership. “I look forward to joining the East Alton Community and working with students, staff, and parents to sustain and grow the school cultur

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O’FALLON, MO - Dozens of top prospect St. Louis high school basketball players from across the St. Louis area will participate in an all-star basketball game at St. Dominic High School in O’Fallon, MO help grant wishes to local children battling critical illnesses. The fundraising event will happen on Friday, June 24 at St. Dominic High School located at 31 St Dominic Dr, O'Fallon, MO 63366. At 6 pm a three-point contest will take place followed by a dunk contest. The all-star basketball game will begin at 7:15 p.m. The game is being organized by Luke Kahrhoff, a 17-year-old student from St. Dominic High School who received a wish from the Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas chapter in 2015 when he was just 10 years old. He said he wanted to fund a unique way to raise awareness and funds for the organization that helped him during his own medical journey. “Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer,” said Kahrhoff. “During the course of my chemotherapy

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ALTON - Week three of the Alton Municipal Band’s 132nd season will feature music for the young (and young at heart!) The annual children’s concert will feature familiar tunes from the big screen and the small screen and will feature several different instruments from the band. Children are sure to love songs from the latest children’s movies, and adults will enjoy reminiscing about childhood melodies. The concert will also feature a “Children’s Art Museum.” Children of any age can visit Hayner Public Library at Alton Square Mall anytime before Friday evening to color a picture of their choice, which will be featured in the museum. All of the artwork will be displayed during a pre-concert exhibit at Haskell House on Sunday, June 26th. The concert will be presented on Thursday, June 23rd at Riverview Park (7:30), and Sunday, June 26th at Haskell Park (7:00). The Children’s Art Museum will be open at Haskell House on Sunday, June 26th,

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GLEN CARBON - The 2022 Glen Carbon Homecoming last weekend turned out to be well attended with considerable community participation. The events included a Covered Bridge 5K and Fun Run Saturday morning and a parade that brought out many in the community Saturday afternoon. A variety of vendors turned out with a wide variety of food and drink with shop vendors for the evening. Carnival rides, games, and a climbing wall attracted many children. Riverbend Mobile Ax Throwing also was a hit with Mission Ready Laser Tag. The Glen Homecoming culminated with a fireworks display.

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CARLINVILLE - Thursday marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX. The winds of change were quickly felt in Central Illinois. Just eleven months later, the first Macoupin County Girls Track Meet was held. Within a few years, girls’ track in the county, and across the state, would be joined by volleyball, basketball, and cross country, among others. It would be years before the girls’ meet reached equal footing with the boys’ meet. But at least, Macoupin County girls had a chance in athletics in 1973. That inaugural meet was held on May 9 at Carlinville and not surprisingly, it came and went with little fanfare. In Carlinville, the local Macoupin County Enquirer devoted a mere four paragraphs to the meet. The smallest school in the field, Palmyra Northwestern, took top honors with consistency in every discipline. Though the Wildcats captured only three individual crowns, they finished in the top-five in every event to finish with 55 points, ahead of

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement in response to the new bipartisan proposal—the Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act —to lower the cost of insulin for working families: “Every time I hear from an Illinoisan who is facing the unbearable decision of either paying for their—or their child’s—lifesaving prescription drugs or paying for rent, the same frustrating question comes to mind: how are we still allowing Big Pharma to have such a stranglehold on our country? “No American who relies on insulin should have to ration their medication to afford their bills. That’s why I was proud to help introduce earlier legislation that would cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month, which has been included in the INSULIN Act . I’m proud to support this proposal and I hope we can move quickly to get this passed and to President

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HARDIN - Calhoun County Clerk Rita Hagen said mail-in and early voting “has been very slow in Calhoun” so far this election. While Hagen said voting “seems to be picking up this week,” the turnout for both early voting and voting by mail is down overall. However, Hagen said this isn’t unusual for a primary election in Calhoun County. “Primary Election voting is usually light in the county,” Hagen said. She also said voters “really don't like to declare their party affiliation,” causing further delays for the county and lowering turnout. Based on the numbers so far, a low turnout is expected in Calhoun County this Election Day on June 28. Polls will open for regular voting on June 28 at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. For more information about polling places for Calhoun County, contact the Calhoun County Clerk’s Office at 618-576-9700, ext. 2.

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ALTON - Owner Noah Anderson officially opened his second Anderson's Classic Barbershop location today, this time at 2509 State Street in Alton. Noah said the new location will be a walk-in-only shop for the time being. He has owned the State Street location for around a month. “The State Street location housed the legendary Fletchers Barbershop for many years and is the longest-standing barbershop in all of Alton,” Noah said. “Don Fletcher is still cutting hair at the State Street location as he has for 50-plus years.” The Anderson’s Barbershop on Milton at 1320 Milton Road in Alton has been open for a year under Noah’s guidance. The phone number for the Milton location is 618) 855-1212. Anderson's Barbershop services include a Classic Buzz, Signature Cut, Executive Beard Trim, Straight Razor Shave, and the basic Haircut or Beard Trim. There are multiple professional barbers working at State Street and the Milton Road location. Clients appear

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GRAFTON - Multiple individuals were honored at the Grafton City Council meeting on June 21. Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Stan Gula of Dream Home Realty Centre, Inc., for selling all thirty of the city-owned residential lots in the Grafton Hills subdivision. In November 2021, reporter Teri Maddox of the Belleville News-Democrat wrote and published an article about the "free lots" being given away in Grafton. Her story went viral and started the ensuing land rush! Within 24 hours, Stan received over 500 calls and emails from as far away as Canada, eventually culminating in a new owner for every lot. “The deluge of phone calls, emails, and texts we received inquiring about our free lot program was incredible,” said Gula. Mayor Morrow said, “Because of Stan’s dedication and hard work, Grafton can look forward to welcoming these new residents and families to our historic little river town. The Grafton Hills lot program

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ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced upcoming lane closures on the U.S. 67 Clark Bridge over the Mississippi River that will impact traffic flow. The lane closures will occur Thursday, June 23, Friday, June 24, and Monday, June 27, through Thursday, June 30. IDOT said these lane closures are necessary to allow for the completion of routine inspections scheduled for the structure. IDOT also said that motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. "Motorists should avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered," IDOT added. "Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices, and be alert for workers and equipment." Traffic will be reduced to one lane in the direction indicated during the following dates and times, weather permitting: June 23 - SB Left Lane Closed - 9:00

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ALTON - Aldermen in the Committee of the Whole Meeting on Tuesday agreed on a plan to proceed with the first phase of the Riverview Drive Construction project with a unanimous vote. GeoStabilization International, of Commerce, Colorado, will handle the retaining wall construction. The cost for Phase 1 of this project is estimated at $3,498,440. A total of 25 percent of the $3-million-plus cost will be paid through Rebuild Illinois funds. The issue will be presented at Wednesday night’s Alton City Council meeting for final approval. Alton Mayor David Goins said he is excited to see the Riverview Drive project moving through the council for approval. After the retaining wall part of the project is completed, he said the next step will be streets, sidewalks, and sewer work in the second phase. “This has been a long process and we are finally glad this day has arrived, and hopefully within a month or so we will begin Phase 1 of the Riverview Project,” Mayor Goins said.

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(BUZZ MAGAZINE) - As a Potager gardener (A potager is simply a vegetable plot that follows the principles of garden design to create an area that is not only ornamental but productive too. The main points to consider are rhythm, line, color, and texture, and it's important to introduce a focal point to bring the whole design together) I love saving my seeds at the end of the season for next season's garden. I was intimidated at first because I wasn't familiar with each plant's life cycle. Since then, I have come to learn that if you cannot find where the seeds come from on a plant, just wait. It will present its secrets to you in time. Every plant will produce a flower and then its seeds. Some plants take more time than others to do this. Onions, for example, will take multiple seasons to produce a flower. I prefer heirloom varieties, although I am not strictly loyal only to heirlooms. I do opt for more heirlooms than hybrids only because their seeds will produce plants just

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BETHALTO - The sign wasn't up for very long, but it did get a lot of people talking. Could the Riverbend area finally be getting a Chick-fil-a? Well, Bethalto Police Department said that it was too good to be true as the sign was put up as a prank Tuesday morning. After a public works employee notified the police about the sign, they came out quickly to take it down and confirmed that a Chick-fil-a is indeed not coming to Bethalto at the present time. The trend of putting up these "Coming Soon" signs came about from the viral video app TikTok. Such pranks could be deemed as a violation of the city ordinance, but since authorities are unsure of who put up the sign, it looks as if no further action will be taken, the Bethalto Police said. The Bethalto PD did take to their Facebook page and made the best out of the situation.

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O'FALLON, IL. - GCS Credit Union employees joined together to raise $1,045.00 in the month of May to benefit Relay for Life of Washington County through their Don’t Stop Donatin’ Jeans Program. The Don’t Stop Donatin’ Jeans Program is funded by GCS employees who make monthly, monetary donations out of their own pockets to a local organization. By donating $15 or more to a specific organization, GCS employees are able to wear jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays during that month. This year, GCS Credit Union is focusing on giving back to the 18 counties that they serve. May’s focus was on Washington County, IL. GCS proudly raised $1,045 for Relay for Life of Washington County. The Relay for Life movement is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser dedicated to helping communities attack cancer. Visit relayforlife.org/washingtoncountyIL to help attack cancer in your community. To find out more about GCS Credit union,

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ALTON - D&R Machine Company, located in Alton, is celebrating its 25th year of business in 2022. The company was founded by David and Rene’ Gotter in 1997, residing in a modest 900-square-foot space and specializing in repairing and rebuilding customer machines. Right from its inception in 1997, the company has been offering stellar full-service machining to its customers. Because the heart of D&R focused on repairing and rebuilding machines, its full-service machining repair division, Alton Machine Works, was established in 2003. Alton Machine Works took over a 30,000-square-foot building within the Alton Steel Business Park. In 2010, D&R Machine Company moved to a new facility to accommodate and expand its machining capabilities in an emerging market. Now located in two facilities, totaling over 75,000 square feet, D&R Machine Company was even more committed to meeting the needs of its customers. Building on a reputation for quality products and service, D&R Machine Company

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