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Free Summer Concert Set for June 26 at Edwardsville City Park Bandstand

1 week 5 days ago
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Concert Band will perform a free summer concert on Thursday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park. This week’s program, titled “American Folk Tapestry,” explores a series of works that showcase the sounds of river ballads, pioneer songs, spirituals, Shaker hymns, and more. Each piece is based on traditional songs and shows the work of composers connected to the Midwest, making the program feel both nationwide and close to home. Grab a seat, settle in with friends and family, and enjoy a summer evening filled with music from your local community band. Follow the Edwardsville Municipal Band on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates.

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Opinion: Not Just a House โ€” A Legacy Worth Saving

1 week 5 days ago
ALTON - Alton is rich in history, visible in its buildings, neighborhoods, and civic fabric. But if we don’t act with urgency, that history will vanish, one structure at a time. The next may be the Mary Jane and Julia Buckmaster House at 1121 State Street in Alton, located in the Christian Hill National Historic District. On paper, it’s a deteriorating home. But it’s far more than that. This house tells a story of Alton’s women — a story we can’t afford to lose. Julia Buckmaster, one of its earliest residents, was a civic leader, journalist, and entrepreneur. As president of the Alton Women’s League, she used her voice and influence at a time when women were rarely heard in public life. Her home was not just where she lived — it was where her legacy was built. That legacy is now in danger. Following foreclosure, the house was transferred to Fannie Mae. I’ve reached out — by email — to express my interest in taking ove

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Comptroller Mendoza Launches New Podcast To Help Consumers With Money Matters

1 week 5 days ago
SPRINGFIELD - Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s new podcast, The Mendoza Podcast – Financial Talk that Makes Cents, covers a wide range of topics. This includes the basics of budgeting, investing, and saving for college. “I’m a finance nerd at heart, and I really wanted to bring my knowledge, as well as advice from experts to the public,” said Comptroller Mendoza. “I think viewers and listeners will find some really great information in these episodes and have some fun along the way.” New episodes will be launched every Monday on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and coming soon...on Spotify. This first episode takes a look at how Comptroller Mendoza’s interest in all things financial began, and where the public can get started as well. “In upcoming episodes we tackle some tough subjects, like talking to your spouse or partner about money, and paying for infertility treatments,” added Comptroller Mendoza. “We also explore

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Gov. Pritzker Announces Two Appointments to Boards and Commissions

1 week 5 days ago
SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration: Joliet Regional Port District Board Celeste Bermejo will serve as Member of the Joliet Regional Port District Board* Bermejo is driven by a deep belief in community empowerment through finance, education, and civic leadership. She is a Financial Services Professional with WestPoint Financial Group, where she advises small business owners on retirement strategies and financial risk management. Bermejo also champions equitable access to literacy programs while serving as President of the Fountaindale Public Library District Board of Trustees and on the Board of Directors for the Classmates Literacy Foundation. Bermejo received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA in finance from Lewis University. Illinois Housing Development Authority Claire Leopold will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois

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Durbin Statement On Successfully Removing Harmful Judiciary Provisions From Republicans' Reconciliation Bill

1 week 5 days ago
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats successfully removed harmful Judiciary provisions from Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including a provision that would have gutted judicial independence, as well as a provision limiting Department of Justice grant funding to Chicago and other cities that don’t agree to engage in federal immigration enforcement activities: “Here’s what Senate Republicans attempted to sneak into their so-called Big, Beautiful Bill: a provision intended to limit the ability of individuals and organizations to challenge lawless Trump Administration executive actions by putting those potential plaintiffs on the hook for millions of dollars; and a provision conditioning grant eligibility on a state or locality’s compliance with federal immigration policies. “But

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Alton Father Launches GoFundMe After Injury Halts Family Income

1 week 5 days ago
ALTON - Johnny Salinas, a 26-year-old union worker and father from Alton, is seeking financial support after a severe arm injury left him unable to work. The injury occurred while Salinas was flipping storage units for extra income when a glass panel from a picture frame sliced through his left arm, causing muscle and vein damage. Salinas, who works for Local Union 338, said the injury has left him without use of his lower left arm. He added that his insurance claim was denied, and the storage facility where the incident occurred is not accepting responsibility. As the sole provider for his family, Salinas faces at least six weeks without income. To help cover basic expenses during his recovery, Salinas and Rozlyn Reyna have co-organized a GoFundMe fundraiser. The funds raised will be used to support his family and pay bills. Salinas said in a statement, “I’m out of work for over six weeks, and I’m the only source of income for my family. Funds will be used to support

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The Role of Pollinators in Summer Gardening: Nature's Unsung Heroes

1 week 5 days ago
Did you know that nearly 75% of the world’s flowering plants depend on pollinators to reproduce? Without these tiny creatures, the vibrant blooms and bountiful harvests commonly seen in gardens would be drastically reduced. Pollinators play an indispensable role in maintaining the health and productivity of garden ecosystems. Understanding their significance during the peak growing season offers gardeners a powerful advantage in cultivating thriving plants and supporting biodiversity. Why Pollinators Matter in the Garden Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male part of a flower (anther) to the female part (stigma), enabling fertilization and the production of fruits and seeds. While wind and water can carry pollen in some species, the vast majority rely on animals—primarily insects such as bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and even hummingbirds—to perform this task efficiently. In summer gardens, when many plants are in full bloom,

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This Day in History on June 24: First Report of Flying Saucers

1 week 5 days ago
June 24th has long been a date marked by monumental events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most impactful global events recorded on June 24th took place in 1947, a day that would forever change the landscape of modern technology and communication. On this day, pilot Kenneth Arnold reported seeing a string of nine unidentified flying objects near Mount Rainier, Washington, coining the term “flying saucers.” This sighting sparked the modern UFO craze and initiated a surge of public interest and government investigations into aerial phenomena. Arnold’s report marked the beginning of a new era in popular culture and scientific inquiry, influencing everything from military protocols to entertainment. Traveling back several centuries, June 24th, 1497, saw the beginning of John Cabot’s expedition from Bristol, England. Cabot’s voyage across the Atlantic Ocean led to the European discovery of parts of North America, predating

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Festus flutter: Small earthquake reported Monday

1 week 5 days ago
FESTUS, Mo. - A minor earthquake rattled parts of eastern Missouri on Monday afternoon. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the magnitude 1.7 quake struck at 3:37 p.m. CT June 23, 2025. It was centered about 1.4 miles northwest of Olympian Village, Missouri, and roughly 7.6 miles southwest of Festus. The earthquake originated at a [...]
Joe Millitzer

Crews working on water main break in Creve Coeur

1 week 5 days ago
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - Crews are on the scene after a water main break in Creve Coeur Monday night. The break occurred around 10 p.m. on Spoede Road and Oak Park Drive. A boil advisory was not issued after the break, officials said. Crews are working on the break and hope to have it [...]
Nick Gladney