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WASHINGTON — This week, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined four Republican colleagues and every House Democrat in voting against partisan legislation that would make harmful across-the-board cuts to federal programs. The proposal comes as House Republican Leadership continues to hold the full faith and credit of the United States hostage in a political game aimed at forcing cuts on programs that working families rely on every day. Budzinski’s statement can be found below: “Just like every family in America, it’s critical for Congress to pay its bills. Failure to do so would cause a devastating default on our debt and an economic crisis. It’s profoundly irresponsible for Republican Leadership to hold our economy hostage in an attempt to force harmful cuts on the American people,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “This week, I stood with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in voting against a proposal that would raise costs for hardworking

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EAST ST. LOUIS – On April 24, 2023, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office (SCCSAO) filed two counts of Official Misconduct (Class 3 Felony) and four counts of Aggravated Battery (Class 3 Felony) against 32-year-old Justin D. Gaither, a Washington Park Police Officer. On March 19, 2023, the Washington Park Police Department (WPPD) requested the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 6 to conduct an excessive use of force investigation involving Gaither, one of their officers. Earlier that day, Gaither had responded to a residence near 45 th Street and Bunkum Road in Washington Park for a call for service. While in the home, Gaither reportedly became involved in a physical altercation with a 19-year-old male resident. An ambulance responded to treat the injuries of the 19-year-old victim. Gaither allegedly used excessive force on the victim by striking him in the face and tasering him while strapped to an ambulance gurney.

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is honored to give away a $1,000 scholarship to not only a member of the credit union but a student from one of our area high schools. The 2023 “Midwest Members Credit Union Scholarship” winner is Lillian Shaw! Lillian is involved in numerous school activities while at Civic Memorial including Spanish Club, Yearbook Club, Radio Broadcasting Club, Media Club, ENCO, football, and competitive cheerleading. Lillian has also received many honors/awards including High Honor Roll, National Honors Society, Spanish National Honors Society and Mu Alpha Theta while in school. After graduation Lillian plans to attend University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC) and will be majoring in Political Science/Pre-Law. Congratulations, Lillian! We all here at Midwest Members Credit Union wish you well in your future endeavors! Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community for 88 years. To find out more information about Midwest Members

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BELLEVILLE - The law firm of Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd., (MM&R) announced today that Anthony L. Smith II has joined the firm as an associate effective March 13th, 2023. In 2003, Anthony L. Smith II graduated cum laude from Truman State University with a degree in Psychology. During his undergraduate studies, Smith joined The United States Navy. He was appointed to Officer Candidate School (OCS) and Commissioned as an Ensign in August of 2003. He was a participant of the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program, a highly selective Navy collegiate officer accession program, and was honorably discharged from the reserves as a Lieutenant in November 2010. In May of 2008, Anthony earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University Law School. While attending law school Anthony was a member of the American Association of Justice, Public Interest Law Group and The Veterans Law Student Organization. He was recognized as a 2008 Presidential Management Fellows Finalist and a recipient of a Dean’

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SPRINGFIELD - More than three-quarters of young Americans cannot qualify for service in the armed forces for a variety of health, academic, and behavioral reasons — a growing national-security challenge that demands immediate action, according to a group of retired Illinois military leaders. One action they recommend, in releasing a new report on the topic: Heading-off such challenges with the help of greater investments in young children’s learning and development. This includes the early care and education increases Gov. Pritzker has proposed for the FY24 state budget, as well as further improvements in Illinois’ system of birth-to-5 supports as envisioned by a bipartisan state commission. “We need to help more kids graduate from high school, fully ready and well-skilled for whatever path they choose to pursue next in life — whether that be further education and training, workforce entry, or service in our nation’s military,” said Major

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EDWARDSVILLE - Roger Smith, the former Chief Deputy Coroner in Madison County, today announced his decision to seek the Republican party’s nomination for Coroner in 2024. Smith worked for the Coroner’s office for 32 years before retiring in 2021. He was the Chief Deputy Coroner for the last 11 years of that term. “I consider the position of Coroner to be a calling not a job,” stated Smith. “It is about earnestly seeking the facts surrounding an individual’s death and assuring they were not harmed by another. It is about helping families and loved ones find their way during the worst moments of their lives. I commit to serving as Coroner with the honor, dignity, and respect the citizens and taxpayers of Madison County deserve.” Smith promises, if elected, to suspend collecting his IMRF pension and will decline to participate in the pension system as the elected Coroner. “I am willing to forego those payments because it’s the right

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ALTON - This week, Reiniger Jewelers continued a tradition first established by previous owner Charlie Maneke and awarded the Community Hope Center in Cottage Hills a check for $3,480. The donation comes from the earnings of a special group of earrings purchased near the holiday season with this donation as a focus. Reiniger Jewelry Store owner Paul Reiniger and Manager Kerry Walker were excited to donate the funds to such a worthy cause. Paul Militzker of Community Hope Center said the donation was a blessing and he was "really grateful." The plan for Reiniger is to continue to make this donation each year. "It was wonderful being able to do this and we are grateful we can continue what Charlie Maneke started years ago," Walker said. "At Christmas time, we put a flyer on the counter and even have people come in to buy them. They make great stocking stuffers, usually earrings, but sometimes bracelets. We get them in October and start selling them in November."

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ALTON - The Alton City Council gave their final approval for several property demolition proceedings that were passed earlier this week by the Alton Committee of the Whole. Even more property demolitions are slated to be voted on at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. Demolition proceedings for the following properties were given final approval: 1217 East 5th St. 728 Humboldt Ct. 730 Humboldt Ct. 1613 Joesting Ave. 915 Harrison St. 1923 Gross St. 1109 Wesley St. 3105 Hillcrest Ave. 2813 Sunnyside St. 3308 Franor St. Several more demolition proceeding ordinances were introduced at tonight’s meeting and were referred to the Committee of the Whole for their next meeting on May 8. City Council members approved a Notice of Sale announcing the city is now accepting bids on three properties: 1321 E. 5th St., 2317 Humbert St., and 934 Tremont St. A few bids were also awarded by council members. Supreme Trucking & Excavating wasa awarded their $23,684

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) and her House Republican colleagues are calling for a moratorium on expansion and a State audit of Illinois’ billion-dollar health benefits program for undocumented immigrants. At a Capitol press conference in Springfield, State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton), Deputy Republican Leaders Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) and Ryan Spain (R-Peoria), along with Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville), highlighted a bombshell State report detailing the massive cost and enrollment expansions of Illinois’ health benefits program for undocumented immigrants. Rep. Hammond, who serves as chief budgeteer and Rep. Elik who serves as deputy budgeteer for the House Republican Caucus, laid out in detail the dramatic growth in undocumented immigrant participation, which will require nearly a billion dollars in general revenue funds to support the program in Fiscal Year 2024. “Illinois’ health benefi

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WOOD RIVER - The William M. BeDell Achievement and Resource Center (ARC) will host its 41 st annual dance and auction from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, November 5. The event will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 1713 Stamper Lane in Godfrey. Board member, Shirley Weidman, has organized the dance since 1980 as the primary fundraiser for the agency. Chairing the event this year are John and Kirstin Hamilton of Fosterburg. The Hamiltons have been attending the dance for 15 years. Kirstin said, “I grew up with the Wiedman family and spent time at their home. Shirley has always welcomed us to the event, and we’ve enjoyed it.” John added, “My father said the arc dance has been one of the premiere events in the community for many years. We’re happy to be a part of it.” Kirstin is a physical therapist for OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center and John is co-owner of Hamilton Fabrication and Steel, and farms with his family. Tickets to the

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ALTON - Swapping is the new shopping! Clean out your closet and join Alton Main Street on Sunday, April 30 th from 12:00-4:00 p.m. for a Pop-Up Clothing Swap. The event will be held in the ballroom at Mineral Springs Mall, located at 301 E. Broadway. To participate, you simply bring gently used clothing, accessories and shoes that you no longer wear and trade for as many new items as you can carry out. An option to bring your items in advance is available; early drop off is on Saturday, April 29 th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the same location. Participants should enter through the side door to the lower level which faces Alton Street. The event is open to the public, and the entrance fee is $5.00 when you bring clothes to swap or $10.00 when you just bring yourself. Leftover clothing will be donated to local charities. Attendees may also bring fabric in any condition (such as worn-out clothing, pillows, blankets, etc.) which will be recycled with Remains Inc. A Needs Assessment conducted

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PIASA - Southwestern Middle School recently announced its Positive Behaviorial Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Students of the Month. The PBIS Students of the Month are as follows: from left to right front row: Chloe Murray, Lydia Feyerabend, and Baya Faulker-Fairfax. In the back row are: Cason Robinson, Noah Randolph, Kaylen Moiser, Noah Lavey, and Chandler Adams. Southwestern Middle School teacher Jamie Harrop said the students were nominated according to the word of the month. The word this month was "empathy," she said. "Also, they were honored for being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe," Harrop said. "They all received a Dairy Queen lunch of their choice. We have a different word of the month each month for the PBIS honor and recognize students according to that. It is so nice working with a great group of kids each day."

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ALTON - Post Commons, a coffee house and event space in Alton, is hosting its first-ever Wedding Expo this Sunday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature over 35 local vendors, free mimosas, prize giveaways, a coffee bar, food, and much more. Each attendee will get a free mimosa with their ticket purchase, as well as the chance to win 50% off a venue rental at Post Commons. Tickets can be purchased for $10 each online at this link . Those who buy their tickets before Friday, April 28 will also be entered to win a free engagement photography session with Sollie Photography. Events and Communications Manager Natalie McGee said that as an event space, Post Commons regularly hosts weddings and often gets asked by couples planning their weddings whether they know any good photographers, caterers, etc. She sees this event as a great way to create a one-stop shop for newlyweds-to-be while promoting local businesses. “We have always kind of noticed a need for

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EAST ST. LOUIS – On April 24, 2023, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office approved one count of First-Degree Murder (Class M Felony) and one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm (Class X Felony) for 33-year-old James D. O’Neal of Belleville. The charges are stemming from a 2017 shooting that left one individual fatally wounded and one individual severely injured. On August 13, 2017, Illinois State Police (ISP) Zone 6 and East St. Louis Police Department responded to a reported shooting in the former Norman E. Owens housing complex in East St. Louis, IL where 21-year-old Phillip S. Smith of East St. Louis, IL and a 21-year-old male of Belleville, IL had been struck by gunfire during an attempted robbery. Smith succumbed to his injuries and the 21-year-old Belleville man was transported to an area hospital with multiple gunshot wounds and was later released. After a thorough investigation, ISP agents arrested 20-year-old Devonte Lindsey of Centreville

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Asia Ladd, 26 years of age, of the 8800 block of Dragonwyck Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63121, for Murder Second Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Tampering with Physical Evidence in Felony Prosecution. A booking photo of Ladd is attached. Ladd is being held on a $250,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On or about March 11, 2023, Defendant shot Aaron Harris in the head. She then used cleaning products to clean the crime scene and removed the firearm. St. Louis County Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are leading this investigation.

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EDWARDSVILLE – On Friday, April 21, The Office of International Affairs held its Spring and Summer 2023 International Graduation Celebration. Numerous students were honored for their graduation achievement by receiving an international stole and a photograph. A delicious meal, beverages and cupcakes were also provided. The number of international students at SIUE has shown consistent growth each year, and this was the biggest international graduation celebration SIUE has ever seen. Many friends, family members, instructors and staff were present to celebrate the international graduates. “The event was so meaningful and motivating to students,” said Mary Weishaar, Ph.D., executive director of the Office of International Affairs. “The number of students attending was very impressive.” The celebration also included encouraging and uplifting words from Timanye Watson, international student program advisor, Min Liu, PhD, MPH, professor of applied communication

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul applauded a House committee’s passage of his legislation to hold crisis pregnancy centers that engage in deceptive practices accountable. Illinois law establishes the fundamental rights of individuals to make autonomous decisions about their reproductive health. There have been reports in Illinois and nationwide of limited services pregnancy centers, often referred to as “crisis pregnancy centers,” using deceptive and misleading practices to spread false information and interfere with patients’ timely access to the full range of reproductive care. “I experienced deceptive crisis pregnancy center tactics firsthand on a visit to tour a Planned Parenthood health center in Illinois. People who appeared as though they might work there were outside attempting to divert us away from the health center,” Raoul said. “Patients report going to crisis pregnancy centers – sometimes even receiving exams and ultrasound

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) today announced the grand opening of the Home Repair and Accessibility Program (HRAP) designed to assist low-income and very low-income homeowners with health, safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency repairs to their homes. HRAP will provide $15.3 million to preserve existing affordable housing stock, provide investment in underserved communities, improve the health and well-being of occupants, and help people with disabilities stay in their homes and communities. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $45,000 to cover necessary repairs through a five-year, forgivable loan. “Every Illinoisan deserves housing that is safe and accessible—no matter their economic status or zip code,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This $15.3 million home improvement grant program will provide low-income and disabled Illinoisans with the resources and support they need to stay in their homes—all while investing

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GODFREY - The Pharmacy Technician education and training program at Lewis and Clark Community College has been awarded dual accreditation by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE.) Following a 2021 amendment to the Illinois Pharmacy Act, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024, new pharmacy technicians are required to have graduated from a nationally accredited pharmacy technician training program. According to Program Coordinator Kayci Sakmann, the accreditation was awarded following a thorough review of the commission’s survey conducted in June 2022. “This accreditation is a huge step for the program because it aligns L&C to the standard of what is required for pharmacy technician certification,” Sackmann said. Sackmann says the accreditation will allow L&C to help alleviate the desperate local need for pharmacy technicians. “By following the guidelines put forth by the ASHP/ACPE,

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GODFREY - Doug Tallamy, author and expert on the interactions of plants and insects, has written several books describing the importance of native plants in our ecosystem. One of his projects, homegrown national parks, encourages homeowners to plant native plants in their yard in order to bring wildlife back to our more urban areas. This year, The Nature Institute is helping to make that dream a reality by providing many species of flowering plants at the Native Plant Sale. All of these plants will help make your yard a habitat hotspot for pollinators, birds, and other animals. The Nature Institute (TNI), located in Godfrey, IL, has provided the community with native plants at its annual plant sale since the year 2000. On Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 9 am to 12 pm, TNI, Lewis and Clark’s Restoration Ecology Program, and River City Natives willprovide many species of native plants to the community at its annual native plant sale. This year the sale will be in a new location,

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