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Our National Robocall Nightmare Is Getting Worse Under Donald Trump

5 months 3 weeks ago
According to the latest data on robocalls from the YouMail Robocall Index, the scale of the U.S. robocall problem has grown by another eleven percent year over year. U.S. consumers received just over 4.8 billion robocalls in May. We’ve normalized ceding our primary voice communications platforms to corporations, debt collectors, and scammers, and there’s every […]
Karl Bode

Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow Reflects On Former Mayor Thompson's Lasting Influence

5 months 3 weeks ago
JERSEYVILLE — Thomas C. Thompson, former mayor of Grafton and founder of the Alton Flames hockey team, died June 30, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by his family. Born Jan. 17, 1941, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Thompson was recognized for his diverse contributions as an educational administrator, landscaper, artist, and as a governor-appointed member of the Board of Central Port District, Illinois. Thompson served two terms as mayor of Grafton, where he was instrumental in founding the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), a coalition focused on promoting prosperity, sustainability, and economic growth for communities along the Mississippi River. In September 2022, he received the MRCTI Founding Mayor’s Medal at the organization’s 10th annual awards dinner in St. Louis. “I am honored to receive this award,” Thompson said during a Grafton City Council meeting on Sept. 14, 2022. “The MRCTI is a great organization that allows

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Alton High National Merit Finalist Trenton Hyman Excels Academically and in Leadership

5 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - Alton High School senior Trenton Hyman was named a National Merit Finalist for the 2024 academic year. The school recognized him for his exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular involvement, placing him among the top-performing students nationwide. The National Merit Scholarship Program annually identifies and honors students who demonstrate outstanding potential for academic success. To become a Finalist, students must first achieve an exceptional score on the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year, meet rigorous academic and eligibility requirements, and advance through a competitive selection process from Semifinalist to Finalist. All Finalists are eligible for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, which are awarded based on skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Stacie Franke, principal of Alton High School, said after Trenton's announcement: “We are incredibly proud of Trenton Hyman for achieving

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Senator Harriss and Representative Elik Host Successful Kids Fair in Granite City

5 months 3 weeks ago
GRANITE CITY — State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) and State Representative Amy Elik (111th-Alton) welcomed hundreds of children and their families from across the Metro East to their annual Kids Fair, hosted in Granite City. “This event is a one-stop shop for families to connect with important local and state resources for their children,” said Senator Harriss. “Parents can get helpful information, kids enjoy free activities and treats, and everyone has a great time.” This year’s Kids Fair featured a foam party, face painting, a balloon artist, a touch-a-truck experience, and free vision and hearing screenings. Families also enjoyed free snacks and drinks, thanks to sponsors Kraft, Meridian, Twigs for Kids, and Granite City Route 66. “As legislators, it’s our job to serve the community, whether that’s at the Capitol or right here at home,” said Representative Elik. “Seeing so many local families

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ECF Awards $1.35 Million To City Of Edwardsville For Community Projects

5 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Foundation announced Tuesday, July 1, 2025, that it is awarding the City of Edwardsville $1.35 million to help fulfill the wishes of a family whose business served the community for nearly a century. The David Kriege Family entrusted ECF with the gift and a directive to use it to improve the quality of life in Edwardsville, ECF Chair Rich Walker said. David Kriege, who died in 2022, was the last member of his family to operate Kriege Hardware, a business fixture in downtown Edwardsville from 1920 to 2011. The gift specified three areas of interest: recreation, preservation and beautification. “ECF has been a part of nearly every major park project in the City and we are thrilled to be able to be the conduit for these important projects that will benefit the area for generations to come,” Walker said. “I look forward to even more opportunities.” Mayor Risavy said the City is grateful for the gift and the opportunity to

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