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Opinion: Valerie Doucleff Endorses Mike McCormick For Village Of Godfrey Mayor Position

3 months 3 weeks ago
Letter to the Editor, I would like to give my full support to Mike McCormick in his campaign for re-election as mayor of Godfrey, IL. Mayor Mike is the leader who possesses the values, principles, skills and total dedication to the people of Godfrey. While mayor, Mike has not only kept our real estate taxes at the lowest rate in Madison County, but without any municipal debt. A situation other cities would love to find themselves in. Mike has encouraged businesses to locate in Godfrey and families to live here. Glazebrook Park has grown tremendously and is a wonderful place to take children, and grandchildren for many types of sports activities and play areas. Adults enjoy the beauty and serenity of the park for long walks. In the sixteen years he has been mayor, the Village's present and future has always been first in his decision-making concerns. Mike's experience has prepared him to excel in the many roles required for mayor. I have known Mike since I was a young girl. From

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SIUE's STEM Center and SALT Launch Innovative 'Cougar KickBots’ Program at Alton Middle School

3 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE/ALTON - A decline in youth participation in organized sports disproportionately affects low-income and underserved communities, where financial barriers often limit access to structured athletic programs, according to a 2022 report from the Aspen Institute. Recognizing this challenge, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s STEM Center and Student Athletes Leading Tomorrow (SALT) have launched Cougar KickBots, an innovative program merging soccer, robotics, and life skills to provide students with valuable opportunities for growth. Founded in 2019, SALT is an Alton-area sports-based youth development organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities. Through Cougar KickBots, SIUE and SALT take a cross-disciplinary approach, integrating physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development into a hands-on program. Using LEGO robotics kits and Databot data loggers, students explore scientific concepts such as angles, momentum, and velocity, and

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Attorney General Raoul Supports Perkins Coie Law Firm Targeted For Representing Clients Disfavored By President

3 months 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of Perkins Coie LLP (Perkins Coie), the Seattle law firm targeted by President Donald Trump for representing clients and taking positions disfavored by the president. Raoul and the states argue in the brief that the president’s March 6 executive order addressing risks from Perkins Coie is an attempt to prevent certain lawyers and viewpoints from reaching a court of law. The executive order claims Perkins Coie has engaged in dishonest and dangerous activity, particularly while representing Hillary Clinton in 2016. After the brief was filed, the court ordered a temporary restraining order to stop the implementation or enforcement of the sections of the executive order addressing risks from Perkins Coie. “In our country, clients have a right to legal representation regardless of their political party,” Raoul said. “Consistent with this

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Opinion: Public Works Director Discusses Past and Present Under Mayor Goins and Future Infrastructure Plans

3 months 3 weeks ago
Letter To The Editor: ALTON - The City of Alton has made significant strides in infrastructure improvements over the past few years and has ambitious plans for the future. The decisive actions of the Public Works Department, coupled with community engagement, have paved the way for a robust maintenance and improvement strategy that enhances the quality of life for all residents. Alton Mayor David Goins stated, “Through the efforts of our Public Works Department and particularly our Street Department we have strived to do our best to address infrastructure concerns especially the potholes that have recently been a trouble area throughout the city.” **Past Accomplishments (2021-Present) ** Since 2021, the City of Alton's Public Works Department has resurfaced approximately 37 streets, with additional work completed on the Homer Adams Parkway, College Ave./Route 140, and Martin Luther King Drive, all managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Notably, after

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SIUE's Dr. Jerrica Ampadu Lauded as a Woman of Distinction by YWCA Southwestern Illinois

3 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - “A relentless advocate for women and underserved populations,” Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing’s (SON) Jerrica Ampadu, PhD, demonstrates what it means to be a “Woman of Distinction,” according to her nominator, SIUE’s Tracy Cooley, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, SON assistant professor. Ampadu, interim associate dean for Graduate Programs, director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and associate professor, was named as a 2025 Woman of Distinction by YWCA Southwestern Illinois. Ampadu was one of 10 women recognized for her valuable and diverse contributions in the workforce and community. “This nomination is truly humbling. It is not very often that I take time to reflect on the cumulative impact of my work and advocacy,” said Ampadu. “Knowing that I have remained consistent in my purpose, values, and beliefs over the last 30 years is incredibly meaningful. Having others acknowledge my work makes

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Gov. Pritzker Joins Illinois Education Leaders Amid Unprecedented Federal Attacks on Public Education

3 months 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined hundreds of representatives from the Illinois Education Association (IEA) including leadership, educators, state legislators, and stakeholders at the IEA Representative Assembly. Governor Pritzker delivered remarks summarizing the State’s education investments through his proposed FY26 budget, as well as underscoring the importance of defending public education as the Trump Administration works to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. “Every student in every community from Cairo to Chicago, from Rockford to Champaign deserves a high-quality education taught by a well-paid teacher in a school with a library and a gym and a nurse and a social worker,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Education is either the foundation for nation’s future success, or if we fail, it can be our undoing. When we invest in our schools, we are building stronger communities, a more stable democracy, and a healthier economy.” "I

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Gallatin Basketball Players of the Year Awards Fete Set March 23, 2025

3 months 3 weeks ago
Think basketball. It’s awards time for Riverbend high schools. The 78th annual Gallatin Prep Players of the Year awards banquet is scheduled for Sunday, March 23, at Julia's Banquet Center in East Alton. Festivities begin with a buffet at 6 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony. Male and female players from Alton High, Marquette Catholic, East Alton-Wood River, Roxana and Civic Memorial are eligible for the honors. There will be a boys and girls Player of the Year, 110 percent award winners, free throw award winners, plus team sportsmanship awards. All team MVPs and 110 percent nominees from the five competing schools will be recognized. Varsity players and coaches get in free. Tickets, priced at $25 apiece for all others, will be available at the door, which will open at 5:30 p.m. Please use cash or checks to purchase tickets. Venmo and PayPal will also be available, but no credit cards. Semaj Stampley and Jarius Powers of Alton were the MVP recipients in 2024. The banquet

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Attorney General Raoul Issues Statement On Lawsuit To Stop Trump Administration From Dismantling Department Of Education

3 months 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued the following statement after joining a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education. “Illinois students have long relied on the Department of Education to oversee the timely processing of financial aid applications and the release of aid, so they can make informed decisions about pursuing postsecondary education,” said Raoul. “The Trump administration’s unlawful, unconstitutional action will severely hamstring the processing of essential financial aid. The elimination of large numbers of employees in the department’s Office of Civil Rights Harms Illinois students seeking redress from the federal government when violations of their rights affect their ability to obtain an education. Using mass layoffs to effectively dismantle a department that has its responsibilities set in federal law is yet another example

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Resurrection Lutheran Church Hosting 2025 Health & Resource Fair

3 months 3 weeks ago
GODFREY - Resurrection Lutheran Church in Godfrey is excited to announce their upcoming 2025 Community Health & Resource Fair, which will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1211 Homer Adams Parkway. This free event aims to help people connect with local and state resources. Up to 33 exhibitors will be on hand to share information about access to health and veterans’ resources, senior services, library services, legal and financial services, recreational opportunities, and so much more. Our goal is to help provide residents with a wide range of information about public health and wellness, including local organizations that offer recreation, conservation advocacy, gardening, native plant landscaping, and community service work. Attendees can expect plenty of giveaways from exhibitors and the chance to win door prizes. According to Sharon Groh, Community Health & Resource Fair Coordinator, “we will be accepting non-perishable food items from attendees t

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