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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today participated in a spotlight forum entitled “Scamming Our Schools: Robbing Our Students’ Futures to Line Their Pockets.” During the forum, which was hosted by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Durbin focused on how the Republican budget reconciliation bill would create a national school voucher program that would further drain resources and funding from public schools. Durbin began by reflecting on the school voucher program created for Washington, D.C., called the “Opportunity Scholarship Program,” which was suggested by former U.S. Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH). “I asked some basic questions when this opportunity program was created. Basic questions like, who’s going to decide the quality of the teachers in these schools’ situations? What kind of curriculum will be offered? What kind of measurement of success or failure will there be? Will the student be better off a

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – After President Donald Trump illegally ordered a military strike against Iran over the weekend, today combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) condemned Trump’s actions as both unconstitutional and a violation of the War Powers Act and underscored her support for U.S. Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) War Powers Resolution, which would reassert that only Congress holds the power and solemn responsibility to declare war. Duckworth reiterated that while Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon, the President of the United States and Commander in Chief should have pursued this goal through diplomatic means first before needlessly dragging the American people and our nation’s servicemembers into another war in the Middle East. Duckworth’s remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . “When Donald Trump illegally bombed Iran without Congressional authorization, let’s be clear: there was no imminent threat to the

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Did you know that the average backyard party can generate over 50 pounds of waste, much of it non-recyclable? From disposable plates to plastic straws and single-use decorations, typical gatherings often leave behind an environmental footprint that lingers long after the last guest departs. Hosting an eco-friendly summer party isn’t just a trend—it’s a conscious choice that reflects growing awareness about sustainability and responsible living. Planning with Purpose: Setting the Eco-Friendly Tone The foundation of any sustainable event lies in thoughtful planning. Before sending out invitations or picking out decor, consider the environmental impact of every decision. Choose Invitations Wisely Digital invitations are an excellent way to reduce paper waste. Platforms like Evite or Paperless Post offer customizable, stylish templates that simplify RSVP tracking. If paper invites are preferred for their tangible charm, opt for recycled or seed-infused paper, which

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June 25th stands as a date marked by profound moments that have significantly shaped the course of history across the globe. Perhaps the most globally impactful event associated with June 25th is the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. On this day, North Korean forces launched a surprise attack across the 38th parallel, invading South Korea and igniting a conflict that would last three years. This war was not only a brutal confrontation on the Korean Peninsula but also a significant episode in the larger context of the Cold War, involving major powers like the United States, China, and the Soviet Union. The war resulted in immense human suffering and reshaped geopolitical alignments in East Asia, the repercussions of which continue to influence international relations today. Going back in time, June 25th, 1876, saw the dramatic Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand. In this fierce encounter during the Great Sioux War, a coalition of Native American tribes,

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ST. LOUIS – BJC Health System today announced that will retire effective October 1, 2025, concluding an extraordinary career spanning almost 40 years in health care — the last 16 of which were devoted to BJC Health System, headquartered in St. Louis, MO. “It has been an honor to serve and lead our team members these past 16 years as they deliver exceptional care to our patients and communities,” said Rich Liekweg, BJC Health System CEO. “Together, we successfully navigated through unprecedented times in the industry, never losing sight of our singular purpose to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. I am deeply proud of our caregivers, the culture we have created, and the values we share that place the patient at the center of all we do.” Liekweg joined BJC in 2009 as president of Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital and served as group president of BJC HealthCare. He was later named executive

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JERSEYVILLE – The City of Jerseyville is exploring its options for residential trash and recycling services. City Council members on Tuesday voted unanimously to solicit companies for bid proposals to contract with the city to provide exclusive residential waste, garbage, trash, yard waste collection, disposal, and recycling services for the city. Mayor Kevin Stork said residents have long requested recycling services, adding that previous efforts between the city and Jersey County to bring recycling to Jerseyville didn’t pan out as planned. He sees a new exclusive contract as a possible way to add those services while saving residents money. “When talking to residents, I’ve found that there may be different pricing depending on where you live in town, based on their routes and pickup,” Stork said. “As a city, I think we need to explore the options to get recycling see if we can save a little money for our residents by doing an exclusive contract.”

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Fairview Heights experienced a power outage affecting approximately 3,700 customers Tuesday afternoon, June 24, 2025, after a malfunction caused a power line to fall onto another line, utility officials said. The outage began around 2:32 p.m. when a series of power lines running through Fairview Heights encountered a problem. One of the lines at the highest point of a pole malfunctioned and fell into another line, resulting in the widespread loss of power primarily in Fairview Heights and surrounding areas, Brian Bretsch, a spokesperson for the utility company, said. Bretsch said crews responded quickly to the situation amid ongoing heat conditions. "We were able to reroute power to other sources in the area,” Bretsch said. “All but 110 customers have been restored as of 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, and the remaining 110 are out until repairs are made. We need to replace a cross arm on the pole and rehang wire in that area.” Officials expect power to

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Duane and Cathy Lievers shared their testimony after an accident left Duane with burns covering 80% of his body. Duane shared there was an explosion at his job, and he was “dead center” when it happened. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was given 72 hours to live. Three years later, Duane is recovered and well, and Cathy and Duane believe God is the reason why. “You can’t deny it anymore,” Duane said. “Once you have Him touch you in the way that He has touched me, you can’t deny it.” When the doctor told her that Duane would die in 72 hours, Cathy responded with a “God reality check.” When the doctor said he would be in the hospital for at least six months, Cathy prayed. For the two months, 14 days and 20 minutes that Duane spent in the hospital, Cathy was by his side. She even started a prayer circle for other families

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RIVERBEND - With rising temperatures throughout the rest of the week, community members are reminded to stay safe and out of the heat. If you need a place to cool down, keep reading. Here’s a list of Cooling Centers throughout the Riverbend community. ALTON Alton Square Mall Where: 200 Alton Square in Alton When: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday Hayner Public Library's Alton Square Mall Location Where: 132 Alton Square in Alton When: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 12–5 p.m. on Sunday Hayner Public Library’s Downtown Location Where: 326 Belle Street in Alton When: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday Hayner Public Library's Genealogy and Local History Library Where: 401 State Street in Alton When: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 12–7 p.m. on Wednesday; 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on

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GODFREY – Today, State Representative Amy Elik announced she is running for re-election in the 111th State Legislative District. In her announcement, she reaffirmed her commitment to oppose extreme policies and expose waste, corruption, and misplaced priorities in Springfield. “Families throughout the Metro East want lower taxes, more job opportunities, and a better future for their kids. In Springfield, the politicians who have been in power for decades are out of touch. I have made it my job to oppose extreme policies and expose waste, corruption, and misplaced priorities. That’s exactly what I’ve done, and I’m running for re-election to keep up the fight.” Elik, a Certified Public Accountant, has quickly established herself as one of the leading fiscal watchdogs in the Illinois House. This year, as the House Republican Deputy Budgeteer, Elik led the opposition to the Democrats’ bloated and unbalanced state budget, which included over $1

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today that he has made more than $5 billion in investment earnings from the state portfolio during his time in office. With one month to go in the state’s Fiscal Year 2025, investment earnings are up 6.07% over the same 11 months in Fiscal Year 2024. “Every dollar we earn in interest for the people of Illinois is a dollar that lawmakers don’t have to raise in taxes,” Frerichs said. “We are trying to maximize earnings for our state at a time when the Trump administration is looking to strip away health care for working families to give billionaires a tax cut.” Treasurer Frerichs also has surpassed $3 billion in gross investment earnings for cities, villages, school districts, counties and other units of government that take part in the highly rated Illinois Funds local government investment pool the State Treasurer’s Office operates. The Illinois Funds has received the highest rating

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today co-led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief urging the court not to approve an agreement that would threaten the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program administered under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. The DBE Program, created by Congress in 1983 under President Reagan, tasks states with overseeing the administration of major federally funded transportation and infrastructure projects. It also ensures that contracts are awarded in a fair and nondiscriminatory way and has given minority and women-owned small businesses the ability to compete for major infrastructure projects across the country. “For 42 years, the DBE program has helped level the playing field for minority and women-owned businesses in maintaining and expanding America’s transportation infrastructure,” Raoul said. “I will continue to stand with my fellow attorneys general and others who

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “The Thin Blue Line Protecting America from the Cartels.” Durbin first questioned the witnesses on whether or not they agree that firearms flowing to the Mexican cartels from the United States is a problem. “I would like to read something and see if any of you disagree with this: Cartels have flooded the nation with illegal firearms sold by U.S. gun manufacturers in Mexico. The Mexican government estimated that around 200,000 U.S. sourced firearms are smuggled into Mexico annually. Do you disagree with that?” Durbin asked The witnesses including Jose Perez, Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigative Division at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Matt Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Division at the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA); and

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WOOD RIVER/GODFREY – Two cases of battery filed last week in Madison County involve a Godfrey resident and a repeat domestic battery offender from Wood River. Willie C. Rounds, 66, of Wood River, was charged on June 20, 2025 with his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. Rounds allegedly caused bodily harm to a family or household member on June 20, 2025. He reportedly struck the victim with closed fists and kicked them about the head and body. The state’s petition to deny his pretrial release states the altercation unfolded “in the street” before a neighbor witnessed the attack and called police. “This defendant is already on probation for stabbing this same victim,” the petition states of Rounds. “He is also on conditions of release … for again battering the same victim. He has not appeared for court in either case, and is a flight risk.” Rounds had previously been convicted of domestic battery

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GRAFTON – A Grafton ice cream shop’s plans to expand their menu with alcohol-infused items are on hold for now after a lengthy debate at last week’s City Council meeting. Grafton City Council members voted last week to table an ordinance which would raise the number of Class A liquor licenses in the city from 17 to 18. Ella Mayberry, co-owner of Gogo-May’s Sundae Scoop in Grafton, made her case to the council and emphasized the liquor license would not turn the ice cream shop into a bar or cocktail lounge. She said it would allow them to add “a curated selection of alcohol treats” to their menu, such as “boozy snow cones, adult refreshers, and infused ice cream treats,” which have been highly requested by their customers. “This isn’t about changing who we are – this is about becoming more of what Grafton needs,” Mayberry said. “Here’s the truth: small businesses are struggling. Even the busiest

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department is hosting a fundraiser this Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Uptown Scoops to support the Cops & Kids Christmas program. From 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, a portion of every purchase made at Uptown Scoops, located at 403 West Main Street, will go toward providing children in need within the Collinsville Unit 10 School District with holiday gifts they can select themselves. The initiative aims to ensure a memorable Christmas season for local students facing economic challenges. Organizers encourage community members to participate and help spread the word about the event.

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Board approved awards totaling $24 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and an additional $39 million in federal and state subordinate resources that will finance the creation and preservation of 16 affordable housing developments in 11 counties throughout Illinois. The LIHTC awards are expected to generate an estimated $180 million in private capital to support the development of 850 affordable homes for low- to moderate-income families, seniors, and veterans. “Every Illinoisan – present and future – deserves a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By leveraging the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to spur millions in private development, we’re offering real housing solutions for working families, seniors, and veterans while creating jobs in construction and revitalizing communities up and down the state.” The 16 approved development

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are reminding organizations and individuals sponsoring fireworks displays to keep safety top of mind and to be sure their vendors have the required state licenses and certificates before their fireworks shows. The Illinois Explosives Act requires that anyone who purchases, possesses, uses, transfers, stores or disposes of explosives, including display fireworks, must have an explosives license and explosives storage certificate issued by the IDNR. Licensing and storage requirements administered by the IDNR do not apply to consumer fireworks (classified as 1.4 explosives). Approved consumer fireworks are regulated by the OSFM and are permitted only in villages, counties and municipalities that have passed ordinances allowing such displays. Consumer fireworks may be purchased and displayed only by adults who have obtained permits from their local jurisdiction.

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CHICAGO – An Illinois iLottery player is starting off the week $800,000 richer after scoring a Lucky Day Lotto jackpot prize over the weekend. The winning online player matched all five numbers in the Sunday, June 22 midday Lucky Day Lotto drawing to score the $800,000 jackpot prize. The winning numbers were: 15-22-28-36-38. There were over 17,500 winning tickets sold on Sunday, June 22 for the Lucky Day Lotto game. Lucky Day Lotto is an Illinois-only game with twice daily drawings at 12:40 p.m. and 9:22 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased in-store, online, or on the Illinois Lottery app. For more information or to buy tickets online, please visit IllinoisLottery.com . Lucky Day Lotto b-roll, produced by the Illinois Lottery, is available for the media; download here . As the Lucky Day Lotto jackpot continues to grow, the Illinois Lottery encourages players to remember it’s a game of chance. For more information about the odds of winning, visit the Lucky

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COLLINSVILLE - As the heat wave intensifies, a local nonprofit is looking for donations to help unhoused community members stay cool. Making A Difference is based out of Collinsville but serves people across the Greater St. Louis region. They are currently running low on water and need donations in order to supply water to unhoused neighbors. “We run 100% on donations. We’re 100% volunteer,” explained Jerry Price, who oversees the organization alongside his wife. “We’re just trying to help people. That’s our goal.” Twice a month, Price and his wife cook a meal and drive around the Greater St. Louis and Metro East regions to deliver the food to unhoused community members. They also have a community outreach based out of Caseyville Methodist Church where they store diapers, toys, household items, groceries, period products, pet food and more for those in need. This weekend, Price and his team will once again hit the streets to deliver

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