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Gary and Karen Cain Of Edwardsville Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary

1 year 3 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Gary and Karen Cain of rural Edwardsville marked their 50th wedding anniversary on June 13, celebrating a milestone that began with their marriage at the Bible Center Church in Charleston, Illinois. The couple wed in 1975, with the ceremony officiated by the late Rev. Todd Taylor of Alton. Over the years, Gary Cain has built a diverse career, retiring as a counselor from Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto. He also served as a principal at Western Military Academy's Lower School in Alton and worked as an FBI special agent in New Orleans, Louisiana. He continues to substitute teach at Civic Memorial High School and participates in the Bethalto Rotary Club. Karen Cain is a retired teacher from the Alton School District. She currently serves as organist and pianist at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Hamel and Edwardsville First Baptist Church. Additionally, she is an active member of the Alton Carillon Guild and performs carillon concerts at the Gordon Moore

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6 arrested as fights mar The Grove's Pride celebration

1 year 3 months ago
As crowds gathered at bars in The Grove to celebrate Pride, chaos broke out in the streets. St. Louis police are not mincing words after a handful of people were arrested Sunday for public disturbances during the festivities.
Chad Mira

The Supreme Court Just Discovered Nationwide Injunctions Are Bad—Right As Trump Needs Them Gone

1 year 3 months ago
The Supreme Court just discovered that nationwide injunctions are problematic. How convenient that this revelation came right as Donald Trump returned to office with plans to rule by executive fiat. Last week’s big Supreme Court decision in Trump v. CASA was trumpeted in the media as being about birthright citizenship, even though that was only […]
Mike Masnick

Nearly 100 Students Showcase Talent At Edwardsville Orchestra Camp

1 year 3 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Nearly 100 students in grades 5 through 12 participated in the Edwardsville School District #7 Orchestra Camp last week, showcasing their skills on violin, viola, cello, and bass. The camp, held within the district, provided instruction from a team of educators that included Victoria Voumard, Missy Banker, Maggie Patton, Phil Sgambelluri, and Lindsey Wolfford. Voumard has coordinated the successful orchestra camp for students for many years in the Edwardsville School District #7. Voumard said the event aimed to enhance students' musical abilities and foster a deeper appreciation for orchestral instruments. Voumard also described the camp as "a tremendous success, reflecting strong student engagement and commitment to the program." District officials expressed pride in the students' achievements and the collaborative effort of the instructors, highlighting the camp as "a valuable opportunity for young musicians to develop their talents."

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Budzinski Announces $1.1 Million in Federal Funding for St. Louis Downtown Airport

1 year 3 months ago
SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced $1,158,009 in U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) funding for St. Louis Downtown Airport. The federal grant would go towards rehabilitating the access road to the airport’s hangar buildings. “St. Louis Downtown Airport is one of the most active airports in our region. It supports hundreds of local jobs and serves as a gateway to Central and Southern Illinois,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m excited to announce more than $1.1 million in federal funding to rehabilitate a critical access road at the airport. This is an important investment in the future of this regional hub that supports our broader goal of expanding business and development opportunities in the Metro East.” “This roadway improvement is essential to supporting and retaining several hundred good paying jobs and solidifying the St. Louis Downtown Airport’s position as

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Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete Of Mo.: Finely Hatfield's Dual Sport Commitment Highlights Athletic Versatility

1 year 3 months ago
GRANITE CITY - Finely Hatfield, a 13-year-old swimmer for the Paddlers Swim Club in Granite City, made a key contribution for her team at the Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association's Relays Meet June 23, 2025, at home and helped the Pirates finish fourth in the team standings of the meet. Hatfield swam the lead-off leg on the 150-meter butterfly relay team that finished fifth in the race., as the Pirates placed fourth with 111 points. She is a Stillwater Senior Living Granite City Female Athlete of the Month. Hatfield is looking to improve her times in her events this season, and wants to work hard to achieve her goals. The typically-hot summer weather helps motivate her to swim, plus staying in shape for another sports she's involved in. "I want to improve my times, and some," Hatfield said about her goals for the season. There's also another reason Hatfield stays involved in swimming for Paddlers. "Because it makes me stronger with fitness for the soccer season," Hatfield

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US Senate kicks off vote-a-rama on massive tax and spending cut bill

1 year 3 months ago
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate launched a marathon amendment voting session Monday during which lawmakers will debate dozens of proposals from Republicans and Democrats that could significantly reshape the “big, beautiful bill” even as a final vote nears. The vote-a-rama is expected to last throughout Monday and potentially into Tuesday, challenging senators who aren’t accustomed […]
Jennifer Shutt

Granite City's LilyRose Cockrum Named Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship Award Recipient

1 year 3 months ago
GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School 2025 graduate LilyRose Cockrum was chosen for the inaugural Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship for Madison County Illinois High School Seniors, as announced by Madison County Regional Superintendent, Dr. Robert W. Werden, along with Mannie Jackson and Dr. Ed Hightower. The $1,000 award is presented to 10 graduating seniors from across Madison County who have demonstrated high academic achievement, personal drive, and excellence throughout their four-year high school careers. The Aitch Scholarship is named in honor of Alma Irene Aitch, a former teacher at Lincoln School whose leadership and encouragement profoundly impacted her students and their future generations. Beloved for her deep love of school and community, Ms. Aitch’s legacy lives on through this scholarship. Created through the collaborative efforts of Jackson, Hightower, and Werden, the scholarship recognizes and rewards students who have demonstrated hard work and

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Mississippi River Festival is "Magical" for Attendees and Organizers

1 year 3 months ago
ALTON - According to organizers, the second year of the renewed Mississippi River Festival was once again “magical.” On Friday, June 27, 2025, the Mississippi River Festival kicked off at 7 p.m. after a delayed start due to weather, featuring vendors, interactive art installations, food trucks, beer tents, and live music at the Alton Amphitheater. The fun continued on Saturday, June 28, with a minor midday rain delay. Organizers Nick Bifano and Zack Johnson were eager to welcome the thousands of people who traveled from across the region to enjoy the shows. “This was our second year, moving into year three. It’s like, ‘Okay, what’s the best thing for this festival?’ But also, there’s this side mission of, ‘What brings the most honor to Alton, and then in turn, to the whole region?’” Bifano said. “I think we’re going to make mistakes along the way because we’re just humans trying to do cool stuff.

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