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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today welcomed the selection of Colette Peters as the next Director at the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Durbin has called for a new, reform-minded Director to replace BOP Director Michael Carvajal since November 2021, following an Associated Press report that found that BOP is a “hotbed of abuse, graft and corruption, and has turned a blind eye to employees accused of misconduct.” Carvajal’s resignation was announced less than two months later. “It’s no secret that BOP has been plagued by misconduct. One investigation after another has revealed a culture of abuse, mismanagement, corruption, torture, and death that reaches to the highest levels. In light of those reports, I called for former BOP Director Michael Carvajal’s resignation last November. So it was welcome news when six weeks later, he announced his resignation. &ldqu

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ALTON - The Caring Circle Cancer Education and Support Group for women with cancer will be held on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to Noon in the upper level of Alton Square Mall, 200 Alton Square Drive in the OSF HealthCare suite. Ample parking is available, and access is only available through the upper level, OSF HealthCare outside entrance. This month’s topic is nutrition, led by Diane Herndon, registered dietician. Held on the third Saturday of every month, Caring Circle is facilitated by Heather Chambers, R.M.A., breast health navigator, and Karen Boyd, R.N., oncology nurse navigator, experienced cancer care professionals from OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center. The support group offers women with cancer a chance to connect with other women about their experiences. For more information or to register contact Karen Boyd at (618) 433-7609 or Heather Chambers at (618) 474-6791. To RSVP online, visit? osfsaintanthonys.org ?and click on View Classes & Events.

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GLEN CARBON - Hawthorne Animal Hospital, a top-rated veterinary clinic in the St. Louis Metro East, is excited to announce it will reopen its Troy location on July 14, 2022, to provide families with more options to receive high-quality, compassionate care for their pets they love. Located at 1516 Alarth Drive, Troy Vet Clinic provides nose-to-tail wellness exams and vaccinations by appointment. Any pet owner who wishes to schedule an exam for their dog or cat with one of Hawthorne’s veterinarians can call 618-288-3971. Pets experiencing a medical emergency will be directed to Hawthorne’s 24/7 animal hospital in Glen Carbon. “Like most veterinary clinics across the U.S., Hawthorne experienced a greater demand for our services over the past two years as pet ownership skyrocketed,” said Dr. Paul Myer, chief of staff for Hawthorne. “With the reopening of our second location, we’re offering Troy residents access to quality vet services closer to home

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Granite City Community Unit School District #9 is hosting a Back to School Celebration on Wednesday, August 3 from 3-6 p.m. at Worthen Park in Granite City. Students will have the opportunity to meet their principal, in addition to free school supplies, free refreshments, a touch-a-truck, games, prizes, a photo booth, school registration, and more. The first day of school for the 2022-23 school year is set for Wednesday, August 17. For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net .

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SPRINGFIELD, IL. - The Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is pleased to announce that Mission #61 takes flight on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. Ninety-six (96) Veterans will be on board this flight from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport to Washington, DC - 1 World War II, 4 Korean War, and 91 Vietnam War Era Veterans - all ready to experience their national memorials with their comrades. These veterans represent all branches of military service: 16 Air Force, 56 Army, 4 Marine, and 20 Navy veterans. Ninety-six (96) Veterans and eighty-two (82) Guardians will arrive at the airport Tuesday at 4:15 AM, having traveled from the 65 central and southern Illinois cities and communities of Beason, Bismarck, Bloomington, Brighton, Carlyle, Carrollton, Casey, Cerro Gordo, Charleston, Chatham, Clinton, Coffeen, Decatur, East Alton, Effingham, Franklin, Georgetown, Gifford, Girard, Godfrey, Greenfield, Greenup, Griggsville, Homer, Hoopeston, Jacksonville, Jerseyville, Lawrenceville, Lincoln, Litchfield,

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ALTON – Round the bases during All-Star Restaurant Week in both Alton and Collinsville and enjoy delicious summer dishes served up by locally owned and operated area restaurants. All-Star Restaurant Week begins Tuesday, July 12 and runs through Tuesday, July 19. Participating restaurants have hit it out of the park with amazing Restaurant Week specials for lunch and dinner. Diners can expect fixed-price meals with lunch set at $15 and dinners at $30, or in some cases, two can dine for $30. “Restaurant Week is a great way to celebrate all the amazing locally owned and operated restaurants in the Great Rivers & Routes region,” Cory Jobe, President & CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau said. “From Alton to Collinsville, we are able to highlight our delicious destinations to the visiting public and local residents eager to try something new.” Mouthwatering specials include pastas, woodfired pizzas, tender ribeye sandwiches, traditional Irish

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Illinois State Police seek the public's assistance in a homicide case. At 11:23 p.m. on Friday, June 24, 2022, Willie Clanton, a 64-year-old male from East St. Louis, was shot and killed in the 1500 block of Lynch Avenue in East St. Louis. State Police said Clanton was shot by suspects in a passing vehicle. The vehicle is described as a newer, dark-colored sedan with dark window tint, chrome trim around the windows, and driver door damage. (see attached photos). Anyone with information in reference to this homicide is asked to call Illinois State Police at 618-301-0807, the East St. Louis Police Department at 618-482-6600, or Crimestoppers at 314-725-8477 (TIPS).

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BUNKER HILL - A young boy was reported missing Monday in Bunker Hill, but the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office reported around 4:10 p.m., the boy had been found safe and sound. The boy was speculated to have run into a cornfield behind the Dollar General in Bunker Hill. The young man was 6 years old and the community was relieved when he was discovered.

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ALTON - Yvonne Campbell, the well-known owner of My Just Desserts in Alton, was injured in a serious car accident Saturday while vacationing in Jamaica. Yvonne’s daughter, Nakiyah Jackson, said Yvonne is presently “unresponsive.” Her daughter has created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help get her mother back to the United States. "We are asking for generous donations due to the fact that Yvonne had insurance but it has expired due to unforeseen conditions," the GoFundMe reads. "We are trying to get her back into the states for surgery and aftercare plans. "If you know Yvonne, you know she’d never enter a room without leaving you with a laugh, smile, or without giving you the biggest hug. She now needs your help, anything is greatly appreciated." Nearly $20,000 has been raised since the fundraiser launched Monday morning. To view and contribute to the GoFundMe, please visit: GoFundMe.com/f/yvonne-campbells-medical-expenses

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ALTON - Over the years, Celebrate Recovery Alton has assisted many individuals who are struggling with anguish of everything from drug abuse, alcohol addiction, sexual abuse, grief, eating disorders, divorce, gambling addictions, financial loss, grief and so much more. Celebrate Recovery meets each Wednesday night on the Calvary Baptist Church campus at 1422 Washington Avenue and Brown Street in Alton. Celebrate Recovery is described as a "Christ-centered, 12-step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life." The leader of the Celebrate Recovery Alton is Chaplain Marc Lane who is the Senior Chaplain for both the Alton Police Department and the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Lane has been a positive force with Celebrate Recovery and his work with the police department and the sheriff's office for many years. Lane is also a member of th

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Letter To The Editor: It brings me great pleasure to introduce to you, a valuable resource for the times we are living in and the challenges and struggles we all face from time to time. Celebrate Recovery Alton is a 12-step Biblically-based program for anyone struggling with any hurt, hang-up, or habit. Those attending have found hope and help to overcome issues of anger, alcoholism, guilt and shame, financial loss, divorce, gambling, dysfunctional families, sexual abuse, drug abuse, grief, eating disorders, and many more. Celebrate Recovery Alton is a ministry of Calvary Baptist Church. Celebrate Recovery was launched over 3 years ago with 2021 active meeting sites that exceed 35,000 community locations. Not included in these 35,000-plus locations is an active and growing network of State Prison and County Jails that offer Celebrate Recovery. As we continue o see the growing epidemic of drug and alcohol usage across our country, I encourage your support of this valuable resource.

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CHICAGO - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after Secretary of Transportation announced the first-ever Bill of Rights for airline passengers with disabilities : “Far too many Americans living with a disability—many of whom are Veterans like myself—face unnecessary and harmful challenges during air travel. As someone who has experienced these challenges firsthand, I understand how inaccessibility profoundly impacts travelers with disabilities, so I’m pleased to see the Biden Administration and Secretary Buttigieg announce this first-ever Bill of Rights for passengers with disabilities and I hope it helps us make meaningful progress in ensuring Americans with disabilities receive the protections they deserve.” The new Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights is an easy-to-use summary of the fundamental rights of air travelers with disabilities under the Air Carrier Access Act. It aims to empower air travelers

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EDWARDSVILLE - As our nation’s shelters face unprecedented overcrowding, BISSELL Pet Foundation is doing its part to take homeless pets from kennels to couches by sponsoring reduced adoption fees of $50 or less from July 11 – 31. The longest-ever Summer National “Empty the Shelters” event will be hosted in more than 250 shelters in 42 states, including Metro East Humane Society. Metro East Humane Society will participate July 11-31, 2022, at the Edwardsville (8495 State Route 143) and Highland (510 W Monroe) locations, offering $25 adoptions for all cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies. All interested adopters can find details online at www.mehs.org or by visiting either location during business hours: Monday-Saturday 11:30-5 and Sunday 11:30-3. “Shelters are calling me daily and BISSELL Pet Foundation is feeling the burden of overcrowding. With the euthanasia of homeless dogs up 22% in just the first quarter of 2022 alone, we knew we had to act quickly

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GODFREY - Test your knowledge of history, pop culture, nature, and more all while helping The Nature Institute (TNI) in its mission of education, restoration, and preservation. This Trivia Night fundraiser at Godfrey KC Hall., located at 1713 Stamper Lane. in Godfrey, Ill, will be held on Friday, August 12. Doors open at 6 p.m. and questions begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $15 per person or $120 for a team of eight to play. This event is sponsored by T&S Smokehouse. “We are excited to host this trivia night fundraiser this year. Working as teams to answer fun questions is a great way to spend time with family and friends all while supporting our community,” says Ramona Pollard, outreach director at The Nature Institute. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top two winning teams. Guests can also win from a 50/50 raffle and silent auction gifts. Teams are required to reserve a table up to the day of the event. Tables can be reserved at TheNatureInstitute.org or by calling (61

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(Recipe from St. Louis Dairy Council) Ice Cream Dessert Tacos Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with ice cream dessert tacos. This dairy treat is not only delicious, but also easy to make! Personalize them by adding your favorite flavors, toppings, and creativity. Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes Servings: 6 Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 3 Tbsp. sugar 1 ½ tsp. baking powder 1 ½ tsp. baking soda 1 ¼ tsp. kosher salt 2 cups milk 2 large eggs 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 6 scoops Neapolitan ice cream 1 Tbsp. salted butter Toppings: Chocolate syrup Crushed nuts Fresh strawberries Whipped cream Instructions: For taco shells : Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and kosher salt together in a bowl. Using the whisk, make a well in the center. Pour milk into the well and crack the eggs into milk. Pour melted butter into the mixture. Starting in the center, whisk all ingredients

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ST. LOUIS - Looking for a tasty way to beat the summer heat? Look no further, as July happens to be National Ice Cream Month. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan deemed ice cream to be “the perfect dessert” and declared a month-long celebration of the delicious dairy treat. Thirty-seven years later, ice cream is still celebrated as a perfect companion to tackle summer heat. Whether it is an ice cream sundae after a long day at the pool, an ice cream sandwich at a ball game, or a few scoops in a bowl after a day in the office, the options to celebrate Ice Cream Month are endless. Did you know the average American consumes 23 pounds of dairy dessert each year? Ice cream has evolved over the years and includes many different treats and flavors, making it hard to choose just one. The classic tried-and-true vanilla flavor still holds the top spot when it comes to consumers’ favorite flavor. Vanilla ice cream’s ability to be incorporated into a variety of sweet

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DECATUR, IL. — The Millikin University men’s golf team recently announced its letter winners for the 2021-22 season. Letter winners are listed below. First Letter Freshman Ian Berndsen (Breese, Ill./Mater Dei H.S.) Junior Griffin Nyi (Pontiac, H.S.) Sophomore Carson Reynolds (Jonesboro, Anna Jonesboro) Second Letter Senior Trevor Britton (Wadsworth, College of Lake County) Senior Brandon Rowe (Oakwood, Oakwood H.S./Parkland College) Third Letter Senior Hunter Keith (Rossville, Bismarck Henning H.S.) Senior Jack Patterson (Alton, Marquette Catholic H.S.) Senior Max Phillips (Salem, H.S.) Senior Tyler Reitz (Lombard, Glenbard East H.S.)

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NASHVILLE - July 11, 2022 - Reba McEntire has announced a fall arena tour REBA: LIVE IN CONCERT , set to kick off October 13 in Lafayette, LA. With 35 No. 1 hits under her belt, the award-winning entertainer will deliver hit after hit during her “entertaining and flawlessly executed” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) live show. Presented by Live Nation, the 17-city tour will feature special guest Terri Clark across all shows. “I can’t wait to see everyone out on the road again this fall,” said Reba. “We had so much fun in the spring and I’m ready to get back out there with my buddy Terri Clark!” Tickets for REBA: LIVE IN CONCERT go on sale Friday, July 15 at 10 AM local time. Reba fans can access a special fan presale starting Tuesday, July 12 at 10 AM local time by signing up for Reba’s email list here . Fans must be signed up by 11:59 PM CT on Monday, July 11 in order to receive the presale code. The presale code will b

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced the return of more than $45,000 to the American Cancer Society. The money came from two bank accounts belonging to Diane Koszyk of Elmwood Park, Illinois, and was turned over to the Illinois Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division after her death. Koszyk died in 2017, at age 78, in Seasons Hospice, which was then located at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She had selected the American Cancer Society as beneficiary and co-beneficiary on savings and checking accounts with JPMorgan Chase & Co. The combined amount, plus interest, totaled $45,069 for the American Cancer Society. “We are honored to return these funds to the American Cancer Society and to carry out the wishes of Diane Koszyk,” Frerichs said. “While Diane passed away five years ago, her generosity lives on. Her gift will help the American Cancer Society as it pursues its mission to free the world from cancer.”

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ALTON - It's been nearly a year since the McDonald's on Broadway burned down to the ground, but it's back and better than before. That's right, as of 6 a.m. Monday, the busy location reopened. "We're here, again, and we're glad to be back," Dick Bold said. He's been an Owner/Operator with the McDonald's Corporation for about 30 years now and was present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "I mean it's been one delay after another," he said jokingly. He mentioned setbacks like only being sent two of the four a/c units needed as well as the gas meter showing up a little late. None of that matters now though as the restaurant, conveniently located where you first enter Alton, is re-open for business. "Finally we have got across the finish line. We are here, and we are back," Bold said to some applause. From there, Bold gave the floor to Alton's Mayor, David Goins. "I wasn't in office very long before I got the phone call from the fire chief that stated that the McDonald's was on fire

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