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Andrea Winters of Carrolton Is Second Winner In Rep. Davidsmeyer's Photo Contest

10 months 3 weeks ago
JACKSONVILLE — State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) is pleased to announce the second winning entry in his 100th District Photo Contest. The winning photograph, titled “Bountiful Crop” was captured by Andrea Winters of Carrolton and will be proudly displayed in Rep. Davidsmeyer’s Springfield office at the Illinois State Capitol. The contest invited residents from across the 100th District to submit photographs that reflect the character and charm of the region. Submissions included images of local landmarks, scenic views, and vibrant community life, all showcasing the diverse beauty of the district. The winning photograph, which beautifully captures a group of deer standing alert in the middle of a lush green field, was selected from dozens of entries submitted by talented residents across the district. The serene yet vibrant image highlights the connection between wildlife and agriculture that defines much of the 100th District’s

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60-Year-Old Charged With Two Counts of Domestic Battery

10 months 3 weeks ago
STANDARD CITY — A 60-year-old man from Standard City faces multiple felony charges after allegedly striking two household members and making physical contact with a law enforcement officer, authorities said. Mark W. Wallace was charged July 28, 2025, with two counts of domestic battery causing bodily harm, classified as Class A felonies, and one count of aggravated battery to a peace officer, a Class 2 felony. According to the complaint, Wallace struck the first victim in the chest with his hand. He then grabbed a second victim by the hair and struck him in the head. Following these incidents, Wallace allegedly grabbed a Macoupin County Sheriff’s Deputy’s arm and attempted to punch the deputy. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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New Entertainment Complex to Open in Jerseyville With Games, Golf Simulation Bays and More

10 months 3 weeks ago
JERSEYVILLE - On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Joshua Ackles and Trent Griffith found themselves at a loss: There was nothing for them to do in town with their kids. The day inspired Ackles and Griffith to open Tee Shots, a new entertainment complex in Jerseyville that will offer golf simulator bays, games, and more fun for families and sports teams to enjoy. With a soft opening planned for sometime in the next week or so, Ackles and Griffith can’t wait to share the complex with the community. “It's the whole reason we did it. The community is the highest priority that we have,” Ackles said. “The feedback that we’ve got from just about everybody we’ve talked to in town has been overwhelmingly positive. When I see people out and about, they tell me about how they’re excited for the place to open. They can't wait to come in and have some fun there.” Ackles and Griffith had been joking about starting a business like this since their

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Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Prohibiting AI Therapy in Illinois

10 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – Building on efforts to ensure quality healthcare accessibility for the people of Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation on Friday that protects patients by limiting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapy and psychotherapy services. The Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act prohibits anyone from using AI to provide mental health and therapeutic decision-making, while allowing the use of AI for administrative and supplementary support services for licensed behavioral health professionals. This will protect patients from unregulated and unqualified AI products, while also protecting the jobs of Illinois’ thousands of qualified behavioral health providers. This will also protect vulnerable children amid the rising concerns over AI chatbot use in youth mental health services. “The people of Illinois deserve quality healthcare from real, qualified professionals and not computer programs that pull information from all

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Nonprofit hospitals spend millions on stadium naming rights, raising eyebrows

10 months 3 weeks ago
Nonprofit hospital systems across the country are spending millions to plaster their names on sports stadiums and arenas, even as federal Medicaid cuts and economic uncertainty cloud their financial futures. Health care systems and hospital groups have bought naming rights at ballparks and arenas in states such as California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New York, North […]
Anna Claire Vollers

Alton Police Joins Forces With Church, Sacred Spaces Of CARE for School Supply Drive

10 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON — The Highway Of Holiness Church Of Deliverance In Christ, Inc. partnered with Sacred Spaces of CARE and the Alton Police Department to host a backpack giveaway aimed at supporting local children. The event took place recently in Alton, providing each child with a backpack filled with school supplies, snacks, dental care items, a refillable water bottle, and therapeutic tools. The Alton Police Department expressed gratitude to the church for its commitment to serving the community. “We are so appreciative of their commitment to serving and supporting our community,” the department said in a statement. The collaboration was described as a “beautiful morning serving together,” highlighting the spirit of partnership among the organizations involved.

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Justice Department demand for state voter lists underscores their importance

10 months 3 weeks ago
Alabama resident Roald Hazelhoff treasures his newly won right to vote. When election officials flagged the naturalized U.S. citizen’s voter registration for possible removal last August, the Dutch native fought back. Hazelhoff, then a 67-year-old college instructor, sued to stop Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, a Republican, from seeking to kick him and more […]
Jonathan Shorman

Vehicle Leaves Road, Strikes Yard Lamp Before Tree Collision in East Alton

10 months 3 weeks ago
EAST ALTON — A single-vehicle crash occurred at 12:35 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at the intersection of Willow Way Avenue and Berkshire Boulevard. According to East Alton Fire Chief Jeremy Diveley, the vehicle left the roadway, struck a yard lamp, and came to rest against a tree, and one person was injured. One patient was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, he said. Emergency responders arrived promptly to assist at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by East Alton Police.

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Downtown Wood River Dispensary Proposal Faces City Council Consideration

10 months 3 weeks ago
WOOD RIVER – A developer’s request for financial assistance to open a dispensary in downtown Wood River is on the agenda for the Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, Wood River City Council meeting. Marko Glisic with Los Angeles-based Riverbend Ferguson LLC has submitted an application for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance to renovate the property at 40 E. Ferguson Ave. for use as a recreational cannabis dispensary. “The Cannaisseur Inc.” is listed as the proposed tenant under the developer’s TIF application. The company reportedly already holds a license from the State of Illinois to open and operate recreational cannabis dispensaries within the state. “The project will transform a vacant, underutilized property into a modern, compliant retail dispensary, addressing physical deterioration, outdated systems, and ADA non-compliance,” according to the TIF application. “By activating a long-dormant site, the project will boost downtown vitality

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Riverbend Head Start & Family Services Hosts Donor Appreciation Event

10 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON – Riverbend Head Start & Family Services (RHSFS) is pleased to host its 3rd annual Donor Appreciation and Back-to-School celebration on Tuesday, August 5th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Vera Lee Meeting & Event Venue in Alton. In addition to our donors and corporate sponsors, Alton Mayor David Goins has confirmed his attendance, along with Police Chief Jarrett Ford . "It is without a doubt that we don’t say thank you enough or have the opportunity to personally thank those who believe in us the most,” said President/CEO Gene Howell. “We look forward to seeing our mission partners on August 5 for the opportunity to thank them as we embark on our upcoming school year that’s filled with a world of possibilities.” At Riverbend Head Start and Family Services, our efforts to help families overcome generational poverty are successful because of the support of our caring and committed donors, volunteers and community partners. Guest speaker

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WashU poll: Gun violence key issue in St. Louis

10 months 3 weeks ago
ST. LOUIS - For the third straight year, St. Louis adults have ranked gun violence as the most important health issue in the region, according to a recent survey conducted by WashU (iHeard). The survey polls adults from St. Louis City and County each July and this year revealed that while gun violence remains the [...]
Alex Barton