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Gov. Pritzker Stands Up for Students with UIC, Young Invincibles

6 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton joined students, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) leadership, the Project on Predatory Student Lending, and the non-profit Young Invincibles for a rally in support of students and student loan borrowers across Illinois. Continuing the ‘Standing Up for Illinois’ tour, the Governor joined education leaders and students in calling attention to the harmful impact of Trump’s dangerous education agenda while pledging support for the Illinoisans and Illinois institutions that are under attack. “The dream of an affordable, accessible education as a pathway to a better life – one that was already out of reach for too many – is under attack by the Trump administration,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Student borrowers were made promises that are being rescinded. Education cannot just be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. When we open up pathways to education

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The Ultimate List of 2025 Farmers Markets in the Riverbend Region

6 months 2 weeks ago
RIVERBEND - The sun is out and gardens are planted, which means it’s time for farmers markets in the Riverbend region! We have a list of farmers markets starting in the next few weeks. This list will grow as we learn of more markets in the area. Check back often for updates! ALTON What: Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market Where: The parking lot at the corner of Landmarks Boulevard and Henry Street in Alton When: Saturday mornings, May 10 through Oct. 18 Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. BETHALTO What: B ethalto Farmers Market Where: Central Park in Bethalto When: Sundays from June 8 to Sept. 28 Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. BRIGHTON What: Village of Brighton Farmers Market Where: 414 N. Maple Street in Brighton When: Thursdays from June 19 to Sept. 11 Time: 4–7 p.m. CARLINVILLE What: Carlinville Market Days Where: 112 N. Side Square in Carlinville When: First Saturday of each month,

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Elik Bringing Free Senior Fraud Seminar To Wood River

6 months 2 weeks ago
WOOD RIVER – State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) is joining an expert from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the Illinois Department on Aging to host a Free Senior Fraud Protection and Advocacy Seminar at the Wood River City Hall this Friday. They will give a presentation and take questions from seniors on how to better protect themselves from fraud. This event is free and open to seniors. The event details are: Friday, May 2, 2025 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (noon) Wood River City Hall 111 N. Wood River Avenue, Wood River This seminar will help seniors understand how to recognize potential fraud attempts, learn how to be ready and stop them, and how to use the Attorney General’s Senior Help Line. The Department on Aging will give an overview of some of the services they provide to seniors. “It’s important that we empower our seniors to recognize and defend against the increasingly sophisticated scams that target them,” said

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Elena Rybak Aims For Multiple State Titles In Her Final High School Season At McGivney Catholic

6 months 2 weeks ago
GLEN CARBON — Elena Rybak of Father McGivney Catholic High School is setting records and establishing times in middle and long-distance running that are expected to stand for years in the region. The standout athlete has already secured multiple state championships and is poised for continued success in 2025. On Friday, Rybak dominated the Edwardsville Invite 800-meter race, finishing with a time of 2:13.06, well ahead of her competitors. Earlier this season, on April 21, 2025, at McGivney’s inaugural home track meet, she recorded a 4:57.11 in the 1,600 meters, a mark that may remain unbreakable on the new track for years to come. Rybak, recognized as the Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athlete of the Month for the Griffins, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete on her school’s new track this season. “It was so awesome we could pull the new track together for my last season and all the parents did such an amazing job, my parents included, to

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Sophie Shapiro's Hurdles Success Signals Strong Future For Edwardsville Girls Track and Field

6 months 2 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Sophie Shapiro, a sophomore at Edwardsville High School, has emerged as one of the area's premier athletes in track and field in 2025, capturing first place in both the 100- and 300-meter hurdles at the Edwardsville Invite held recently. Shapiro posted a personal record of 14.10 seconds in the 100 hurdles in the event, one of the best in Illinois and the country. She also won the 300 hurdles last Friday at Edwardsville with a time of 44.45 seconds. Shapiro had an outstanding indoor season for the Tigers. She is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. Shapiro’s performance at the Edwardsville Invite follows a recent 57.40-second run in the 400 meters at the O’Fallon Invite. In addition to her individual events, she plays a key role on several of the Tigers’ relay teams, contributing to the success of the Edwardsville girls' track and field program this season. Reflecting on her achievements, Shapiro said, “It felt

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Alton High Boys Tennis Wins Nadal Division Championship

6 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON - Alton's boys tennis team continues to improve under Coach Jesse Macias and this past weekend, they achieved the biggest accomplishment of the season. Alton High School captured the championship in the Nadal division at the JD Sinnock Springfield Invitational on Saturday, April 26, 2025, highlighted by strong singles and doubles performances from its tennis team. The Alton tennis boys are Auto Butler Male Athletes of Month. The Redbirds' Alex Tuetken secured the championship in the number one singles bracket, while his brother, Nick Tuetken, finished as runner-up in the number two singles for the Redbirds. Freshman Carter Hanebutt and sophomore Erick Humphrey also earned second place in the number two doubles competition, narrowly losing in a third-set tiebreak to Peoria Richwoods. Alton coach Jesse Macias praised the contributions of the Tuetken brothers, saying, "Alex has been the constant all year. He battles every night and puts in the work as a captain in practice. He'

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FBI Arrests Wisconsin Judge For Allegedly Obstructing The Arrest Of An Undocumented Immigrant

6 months 2 weeks ago
Oh hooray. Another part of our new normal under Trump 2.0. Here’s the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel with the gory details: Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was charged April 25 with two felonies on allegations of trying to help an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest after he appeared in her courtroom. According to a 13-page complaint, Dugan, 65, is accused […]
Tim Cushing

Illinois State University Police Ask For Public's Assistance In Shots Fired Incident

6 months 2 weeks ago
NORMAL - Illinois State University Police Department (ISUPD) asks for the public’s assistance identifying a person of interest in the shots fired incident that occurred on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at approximately 7:40 p.m., in the Bone Student Center. In an isolated incident, a fight started between two groups of people that ended with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to a non-student. The victim was transported to an area hospital. The person of interest, seen in the attached pictures, fled the scene. ISUPD responded with all available resources, and we are grateful for the assistance of Normal Police, Bloomington Police, McLean County Sheriff, Illinois State Police, and Normal Fire Department who rapidly responded to support our community. Dozens of officers worked through the night processing evidence, responding to calls and tips, and providing an extra presence on campus. We ask the public to review two photos of a person of interest. Information can be provided by

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Biden wanted Medicaid to pay for weight-loss drugs. Trump said it doesnโ€™t have to

6 months 2 weeks ago
The Trump administration this month scrapped a Biden-era proposal that would have required state Medicaid programs and allowed federal Medicare to pay for some GLP-1s for obesity treatment. Instead, state Medicaid programs will retain the choice of whether to cover the high-priced medications for their residents. The drugs, which have historically been prescribed to diabetic […]
Shalina Chatlani

Biden wanted Medicaid to pay for weight-loss drugs. Trump said it doesnโ€™t have to

6 months 2 weeks ago
The Trump administration this month scrapped a Biden-era proposal that would have required state Medicaid programs and allowed federal Medicare to pay for some GLP-1s for obesity treatment. Instead, state Medicaid programs will retain the choice of whether to cover the high-priced medications for their residents. The drugs, which have historically been prescribed to diabetic […]
Shalina Chatlani

Granite City Girls Soccer Stands Strong with Gartner's Crucial Saves

6 months 2 weeks ago
Granite City Girls Soccer Goalie Katie Gartner Is Key Part Of Warriors, Makes Tremendous Saves To Preserve Draw Against Edwardsville Bu COLIN FEENEY EDWARDSVILLE - Katie Gartner is a sophomore goalkeeper for the girls soccer team at Granite City High School, and her solid work in the net for the Warriors has helped the team achieve a good season thus far - with the potential for more good things ahead. She is a Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. Gartner made some astonishing saves for Granite during a 1-1 draw against Edwardsville at Tiger Stadium on Apr. 24, including a pair of big saves against Gabby Thompson, one of the area's most exciting and dangerous players. Her saves in goal helped the Warriors gain a vital point on the road. For the season, she's played 1,000 minutes in goal, conceding 15 goals for a 1.20 goals-against-average and an .870 save percentage in helping Granite go to a 4-4-5 record so far this season. With the crucial

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