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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and three of their Senate Democratic colleagues today sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary raising concerns about recent changes to the FDA that will weaken the Human Foods Program, which spearheads all food safety and nutrition efforts at FDA. The Senators’ letter comes as Secretary Kennedy has slashed staffing at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), terminating 10,000 employees, including 19 percent of the FDA workforce. “The Human Foods Program oversees 78 percent of food in the United States. It enforces federal laws, coordinates with other federal agencies and state and local governments, and distributes public health information. Further, it combats diet-related chronic diseases, such as heart disease and certain cancers, that shorte

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ALTON – The Salvation Army of Madison County will celebrate National Salvation Army Week May 12-18, 2025 with open houses at both of its locations and with a Dine to Donate collaboration with several local restaurants. Scooters at 5330 Godfrey Road in Godfrey will donate a portion of their proceeds from Tuesday, May 13, to support local Salvation Army youth programs. Alton’s Old Bakery Beer at 400 Landmarks Blvd, and Brown Bag Bistro at 318 East Broadway, will join the e?ort on Wednesday, May 14. On Thursday, May 15, Applebee’s in Granite City will share a portion of their proceeds from those presenting a Salvation Army flyer, available at both corps o?ces. Visitors can learn firsthand how The Salvation Army provides food, shelter, counseling and hope to youth and adults in Madison County at open houses at the Corps facilities: Wednesday, May 14, from 1:15- 2:45 p.m. 525 Alby Street in Alton Thursday, May 15, from 2-6 p.m. 3007 East 23rd Street in Granite

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CHICAGO – During National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4-10), Governor Pritzker announced that more than 41 million visitors visited Illinois state parks and historic sites, the highest number in nearly 15 years. The surge coincides with increases in investments and efforts by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Office of Tourism to attract local, national, and international travelers by improving recreational opportunities, investing in park facilities and infrastructure, and featuring Illinois parks and historic sites prominently in the state’s Middle of Everything tourism campaign. “With world-class parks coupled with historic sites, it’s no surprise that more visitors continue to flock to the Middle of Everything to experience all Illinois has to offer,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This year’s increase in visitors reflects a growing enthusiasm to experience Illinois’ natural beauty and the positive impact

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Aviation Subcommittee—issued the following statement after Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy announced his new plan to modernize our nation’s air traffic control system: “For years, I’ve sounded the alarm that we must modernize our air traffic control system in order to safeguard the flying public. After the deadly DCA crash, multiple near-misses and a terrifying equipment failure impacting Newark, it is encouraging that Secretary Duffy and the Trump Administration recognize how urgent this matter is and are calling for new funding to upgrade our nation’s aging air traffic control technology and facilities. “While this may be a positive development, we shouldn’t forget that these are the same officials who just months ago indiscriminately

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SPRINGFIELD – The Fort de Chartres Rendezvous, a popular annual tradition in Randolph County, will take place June 7 and 8 at the Fort de Chartres State Historic Site. Rendezvous hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 8. Highlights include a flintlock muzzleloader shooting competition; period food, drink, and entertainment; artisan and craft demonstrations; 18th-century children’s games; militia and military events; and more. The Rendezvous is free and open to the public. Special event parking is available for $10 per car. Donations are welcome. The site is at 1350 Illinois 155, about four miles west of Prairie du Rocher. The event is hosted by Les Coureurs des Bois de Fort de Chartres and sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which manages the site, and Les Amis du Fort de Chartres. The Fort de Chartres State Historic Site marks the location of the last of three successive forts named “de Chartres&rdquo

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DEAF, Inc. is hosting a family social event at Grant’s Farm for families with Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, DeafBlind, or CODA children. Admission to Grant’s Farm is free. We have 30 free parking passes available […]

The post Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Day at Grant’s Farm appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports a serious crash that happened just before 5 a.m. Saturday morning in the west St. Louis County area. The crash involved a tractor trailer and a black passenger car that left the scene before troopers arrived. The impact of the crash caused the truck to overturn, prompting a major [...]

Missouri House Republicans unexpectedly refused to allow a vote Friday on a $513 million spending bill for construction projects, citing a desire to control spending for a move that was kept secret from Democrats in the chamber and members of the state Senate. The move sank funding for major projects around the state, including national guard facilities, Boys and Girls clubs, and community health centers, to name a few. And it could seriously damage relations within the House and between chambers. Up…

ALTON – An agreement to lay the groundwork for a planned Germania Brew Haus drive-thru location in Alton will soon face consideration from city officials. The Alton Committee of the Whole is set to vote Monday, May 12, 2025, on a redevelopment agreement between the city and G1 Germania Brew Haus Alton, LLC, to redevelop property at 700 E. Broadway in Alton. The coffee shop announced earlier this year that it plans to relocate from its original location just down the street at 617 E. Broadway, which will remain open during the construction of the new site. Among the new features planned at the next Brew Haus are a dedicated drive-thru, rooftop and all-season patio seating, and more. Under the terms of the agreement, the city would reimburse Germania for up to $75,000 of the redevelopment cost upon the project’s completion, which would be paid out of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds. The full scope of the project is described as “professional services and site

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ALTON - Alton Main Street is gearing up for their annual Night Markets. On every Thursday evening in June and July, except for July 3, 2025, community members can come to Sugar Alley in downtown Alton for an evening of live music, vendors, art and more. Alton Main Street Executive Director Sara McGibany expressed her excitement for another busy summer. “There’s all kinds of wonderful things happening downtown,” McGibany said. “We are so excited about the new home of the Night Market. This is really going to be an epicenter of all the activity this summer. We’re super excited about it.” Night Markets were previously located on Broadway, but they will now take place in Sugar Alley. The stage will be set up in the greenspace between Catdaddy’s and Chez Marilyn on 3rd Street in downtown Alton. “We are just really good at pivoting,” McGibany said. “We just roll with it. Whatever happens, we are able to figure it out.”

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BRIGHTON/COTTAGE HILLS – Two area residents face felony charges in separate cases of stolen vehicle possession. Chase S. Manns, 22, of Brighton, was charged on April 30, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle (a Class 2 felony) and possession of a controlled substance (a Class 4 felony). On Feb. 23, 2025, Manns allegedly received and possessed a blue 2018 Ford Fusion with an Illinois registration number, knowing the vehicle was stolen. He was additionally accused of possessing an undisclosed amount of a substance containing fentanyl. The case against Manns was presented by the Alton Police Department and he was granted pretrial release from custody. Brian A. Schaake, 42, of Cottage Hills, was charged in an unrelated case with a Class 2 felony count of unlawful possession of motor vehicles. On March 19, 2025, Schaake allegedly possessed a blue 2005 Chevrolet Silverado with a Pennsylvania registration number, knowing it to have been

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ALTON – Three Alton residents face charges of domestic battery and more in a series of separate criminal cases. Scottie D. Sinks, 38, of Alton, was charged on April 28, 2025 with two Class 3 felony counts of aggravated battery and Class A misdemeanor counts of domestic battery, violation of an Order of Protection, and criminal damage to property. On April 27, 2025, Sinks allegedly bit one victim’s arm, causing a laceration, and struck another victim with a shoe; he is also accused of throwing the latter victim to the ground, causing abrasions. He was also charged for being present at an address he was prohibited from under an Order of Protection, where he reportedly damaged electronics and a motor vehicle mirror. The case against Sinks was presented by the Alton Police Department, and he was remanded to jail for his initial court appearance. Phillip M. Schuyler, 39, of Alton, was charged on May 1, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery and a

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BETHALTO - Stacey Hoffmann goes out of her way for her students. Hoffmann is an Extended Curriculum special education teacher for first through third grades at Parkside Primary School in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. She also coordinates the Parkside Buddy Program, which pairs students with two buddies to play with during recess. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she is reflecting on her 27 years in the Bethalto School District and her plans for more to come. “I have always loved working with children and have a deep desire to make a positive difference in their lives,” Hoffmann said. “I believe that education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer young people to help shape their futures. By supporting students and their families, I aim to help them make the most of their educational opportunities and prepare them for success both in school and beyond.” Outside of school, Hoffmann stays busy with her family. Her oldest daughter

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Soon after this school year started, a noxious odor started to affect students and staff in parts of Francis Howell North High School’s new building.

The federal government promised to pay for upgrades to keep utility rates down. Now what?

The crash happened Saturday morning on I-44 at Highway 141 south of Valley Park. MSHP troopers say a 'black passenger car' left the scene.

ST. LOUIS - Stray Rescue of St. Louis is beyond capacity and needs help from the public. The animal shelter is hosting an emergency adoption event at its Pine Street location. They’re urging families to adopt, foster, or join the ‘Rover-Night’ program. Every adoption comes with spay or neuter services, a microchip, vaccinations, a bag [...]

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. - The St. Louis Community is stepping up Saturday morning to support mental health service at Creve Coeur Lake. The Nami Walks St. Louis event is organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to mental health care and support. The walk aims to [...]