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SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) continues to fight to protect the rights of parents to choose the best educational experience for their children. HB 2827 , the “Homeschool Act,” was heard in committee today and passed over the objection of tens of thousands of families choosing home or private school for their children. This bill mandates that non-public elementary and secondary schools register annually with the Illinois State Board of Education, and also requires homeschools to fill out a Homeschool Declaration Form or risk truancy, which could lead to fines and even imprisonment. It further requires administrators to submit personal information about themselves and their students to state and local authorities. “Illinois should empower parents to place their children in education environments that help them learn and succeed,” said Rep. Amy Elik. “Bureaucrats in Springfield have bigger problems to solve than tracking

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Police are seeking the driver of a white vehicle after allegedly threatening a cameraman and attempting to hit the victim with the car.

ALTON - The inaugural Alton Art Expo is going to be weird, and organizer Charles Mooneyham wouldn’t have it any other way. Mooneyham, owner of Mooneyham Art , has spent the last six months planning the expo, scheduled for 12–7 p.m. on Saturday, March 29 and 12–5 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Milton Schoolhouse. He and co-organizer Stephen Scordias are excited to launch the event to benefit Centerstone , an organization located in Alton that combats mental health and substance use disorders, while also celebrating all the authenticity of Milton Schoolhouse and the artists who have come together to make the expo happen. “Can you get any more Velvet Underground than this place?” Mooneyham said. “It is so Warhol. And that’s been my goal, just to make it Warhol. Keep it freaking Warhol.” Mooneyham “came into this town loud” a few years ago, working as crisis hotline clinician while his husband, Jon Ross-Mooneyham

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Guns N’ Roses has announced the departure of their drummer, Frank Ferrer.The band described Ferrer’s departure as amicable, noting he is the “longest serving drummer in their storied run.”“The band thanks Frank…

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A local manufacturer of tubing products is closing one of its facilities.

Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. Inc. must pay $7 million for the attorneys’ fees of four former employees who were accused of carrying out an “orchestrated raid” on one of its offices in Indianapolis, an arbitration panel has ruled.

A Wentzville man is in custody for a fatal shooting last weekend outside an O’Fallon apartment complex.

SPRINGFIELD – At a Capitol news conference Tuesday, Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) joined his House Republican colleagues to highlight a legislative package focused on stopping illegal immigration in Illinois. Under the Biden Administration’s Open Border policy, the United States and the State of Illinois were unable to keep up with the flood of migrants coming into the country. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, Illinois is home to the fifth most foreign nationals in the country, with at least 530,000 illegal immigrants residing across the state. “The surge of illegal immigrants into Illinois has led to a string of horrific crimes, endangered public safety, and has blown a huge hole in our already-strained budget,” Rep. Davidsmeyer said. Representative Davidsmeyer is sponsoring legislation ( HB 1317 ) to repeal the Illinois TRUST Act, a misguided law that prohibits law enforcement agencies from working with

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ALTON - The Ninian Edwards Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held the 72nd annual award ceremony on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Asbury Village in Godfrey. DAR Good Citizenship Award is given to seniors based on their involvement in extra-curricular activities; contributions to the community; scholarship; and demonstration of the good citizen qualities of dependability, honesty, leadership, and patriotism. This year’s winners are: Alton High School: Jacobi Solomon Civic Memorial High School: Carlie Pritchett East Alton-Wood River High School: Kelsey Moore Marquette Catholic High School: Rodger Zawodniak Mississippi Valley Christian School: Herbert Gray Sapp III Roxana High School: Meredith Pitchford In the essay portion of this award, Carlie Pritchett’s essay was picked to advance to district competition. She was given a $100 gift card for being chosen.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to combat trafficking, including human trafficking. ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly, along with key stakeholders representing human trafficking survivors, law enforcement, and support service providers, will appear before the Senate Criminal Law Committee today to speak to Senate Bill 2323 . The proposed legislation includes development of a strategic plan to improve the victim-centered, trauma-informed law enforcement response to individuals who have been trafficked, as well as developing training standards for detection, investigation, and response to human trafficking. “Human trafficking can come in many forms, from commercial sex acts to forced labor,” said Director Kelly. “Because human trafficking has many faces and can happen almost anywhere, it is important to have a comprehensive, statewide trauma-informed response that encompasses those who may come in contact with individuals who are

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to simplify the college admissions process for high school seniors and community college transfer students. “To keep more students in our state for college, we have to make the application process as seamless as possible,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We have done a lot of work on the admission process in Illinois in recent years, and this measure is another step in the right direction.” Senate Bill 2448 would reduce barriers for students by offering direct admission to qualified applicants at all public institutions of higher education and community colleges that participate in the program. Under the legislation, students would no longer face the burden of repeated application processes or unnecessary application fees, ensuring a smoother transition into postsecondary education. The measure would also require school districts to provide student directory information to each public institution

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Kloss posted photos on Instagram with her two sons and a new baby bump captioned "three's a party."

SPRINGFIELD – This week, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Frank Mrvan (IN-01), and Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) led a letter to President Trump expressing willingness to work with him to invest in domestic manufacturing and American steelmaking. The members expressed support for tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to counter the influence of bad actors in the global market, incentivize the use of American-made materials and promote fair trade, but highlighted concerns with implementing tariffs on close trading partners like Canada. The members write , “Section 232 tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, like those you announced on February 10, can help counter the influence of bad actors in the global market, like China, India, and Mexico. The use of this important policy tool can also incentivize the use of American-made materials and promote fair trade. While your administration should be applauded for wanting to pursue policies to

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The city of Jennings plans to appeal a $2 million judgment entered against it last year, according to new court records.

ALTON – Support beautification efforts in downtown Alton with the purchase of a new T-Shirt available for sale now at the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St., Alton. The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau created a new T-Shirt designed to specifically support on-going Alton beautification efforts. That work is spearheaded by Pride, Inc. which will receive 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the shirts. Pride, Inc. is a community beautification organization which focuses its volunteer efforts on the greater Alton region. “Every purchase of a T-Shirt directly contributes to enhancing the look and feel of downtown Alton,” said Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “This initiative will foster community pride and promote a more vibrant and attractive downtown environment.” The Bureau purchased the T-shirts which are selling for $25 each plus tax. The Alton Visitor Center is open Wednesdays through Sundays

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This weekend offers an exciting array of events that cater to diverse interests, from engaging community fundraisers and delicious fish fries to lively music performances and creative workshops, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete listing of all events happening in the area, be sure to visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ . Featured Join Fish Haven at Alton VFW Post 1308 for a Fish Fry Every Friday in Lent . Come hungry, bring your crew, and enjoy great food, cold drinks, and live music! Dinner includes Fish (Buffalo, Catfish Filet, Catfish Nuggets, or Cod), Hushpuppies, 2 Sides, and Bread for $15. Available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Godfrey Knights of Columbus Friday Fish Frys will be held Every Friday, March 7 through April 11, 2025 , from 4-7 p.m. at the McNicholas Club on Stamper Lane. Buffalo, whitefish, whole catfish, shrimp, and baked fish and cheese pizza will be served. Buffalo and whitefish are All You Can Eat. Sides will include fries,

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Most kids celebrate their birthday with cake and candles. Tucker Mullinax, however, celebrated his 12th birthday with the catch of a lifetime.