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ALTON - As artificial intelligence becomes more popular, a local clinical psychologist reflects on how AI can be useful in therapeutic settings — and how it comes up short. Dr. Ari Lakritz, PsyD, works with OSF St. Anthony’s Psychological Services Department. Lakritz noted that a lot of people utilize AI to help them accomplish tasks, and this technology can be useful as a motivator to finish therapy homework or process emotions in between sessions. But he noted that overreliance on AI might also have downsides. “This was kind of inevitable when they made AI. It’s going to help you with your term papers, it’s going to help you with your homework, and maybe it’ll be your therapist one day,” he said. “It’s all very new and you can’t really make huge generalizations because you don’t really have this longitudinal data that’s three, five, ten years out, but you do have some observations about how people use

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans to keep on the lookout for text message scams claiming to be from the “Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles” that threaten to suspend vehicle registration and driving privileges. The text messages are phishing attempts designed to trick residents into giving up personal or financial information. Recipients should not respond or open any links found in unsolicited texts and emails. “Phishing scams are unfortunately an increasingly prevalent threat in our modern society, seeking to cheat Illinoisans out of their personal information and hard-earned money,” Giannoulias said. “Please remain vigilant to avoid these scams and report them to protect yourself and others from falling victim to fraud schemes.” The office only sends text messages to remind residents about scheduled DMV appointments. It does not send text messages regarding driver’s license or vehicle registration

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EDWARDSVILLE - From a young age, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Michael Denn, PhD, has loved aviation and rocketry. Denn, instructor in the SIUE School of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical Mechatronics Engineering, has taken his passion for and years of expertise in the aerospace industry and propelled them into an impressive pedagogy that has caused many of his students’ learning to soar. A recent accolade for Denn’s persistent and consistent excellent teaching is the 2025 Faculty Award – St. Louis Section from the St. Louis Chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Denn was recognized at the AIAA annual awards banquet on Thursday, May 22 at Orlando’s Events Centers in Maryland Heights, Mo. “The Faculty Award recognizes faculty members who has provided outstanding support to an AIAA student branch and individual student members at his/her university or provided outstanding education to

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Does your pin oak look like it’s breaking out in little bumps? Those odd, round growths are called twig galls, and they’re more than just a cosmetic nuisance. In spring, tiny gall wasps—no bigger than a grain of rice—lay their eggs just under the bark of new shoots. As each larva grows, your oak responds by building a hard, knobby shell around it. That shell is the gall. When the wasp finally matures, it chews its way out, leaving a telltale hole—and the cycle begins again on fresh twigs. Twig galls form because your tree is trying to protect itself. The chemical signals from the wasp egg trick the plant into redirecting nutrients and hormones to build the gall. Inside, the larva finds both food and shelter. While a few galls here and there won’t kill your tree, a heavy infestation can sap vital resources from young shoots. Over time, your oak’s new branches will be stunted, uneven, or even die back before they mature. The damage goes beyon

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MARYVILLE - The Home Builders and Remodelers Metro East Association has had a busy year so far, and they’re still working to support consumers and businesses throughout the region. Shannon Stelling stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about some of the HBRMEA projects and initiatives. She encouraged people to utilize the HBRMEA as a resource to find reputable builders and remodelers, and she emphasized that the organization aims to help consumers get what they need to be successful home owners. “You always have the Home Builders & Remodelers Association that are all local companies that can be trusted here in the area that can help you,” she said. “If you’re not sure and you want a good reference, call the HBR.” In addition to acting as a resource, the HBRMEA advocates for homeowners. Stelling explained that the local chapter is currently working with municipalities like Granite City and Belleville to pioneer

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PHOTOS: Carlos A. Marcanos-Gonzales, Keyler G. Barreto, and Jose Mora Herrera. EDWARDSVILLE – Three Venezuelan natives have been charged with orchestrating a scheme to steal cash from an Edwardsville bank ATM. Carlos A. Marcanos-Gonzales, 27, Keyler G. Barreto, 19, and Jose Mora Herrera, 24, were each charged on May 23, 2025 with attempted theft (each Class 3 felonies) and computer tampering (each Class 4 felonies). On May 22, 2025, the three allegedly accessed the locked panel of an ATM at the Bank of Madison County in Edwardsville in attempt to steal over $10,000. Each are accused of taking part in an ATM theft scheme involving the installation of a computer program to cause the ATM to dispense money without authorization. Petitions filed to deny each of the defendants’ pretrial release describe the incident as follows: “Defendant and two co-defendants were located near the scene of an ATM alarm activation at Madison County Bank,” the petitions state.

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ALTON — The Memorial Day Sunset Ceremony at Alton National Cemetery on Monday, May 26, 2025, honored those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation through a series of musical performances, tributes, and reflections. The event began with a percussion assembly by Alton High School students, followed by the Alton Fire Department Pipes and Drum’s rendition of "Scotland The Brave." The AHS AFJROTC Color Guard presented the colors, and Cary Pulaski performed the National Anthem. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Elijah Baird and sisters Charlotte and Celeste Phillbrook. City of Alton Mayor David Goins delivered the invocation, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by service members. "As we gather here today at this National Cemetery, we come together to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation," Goins said. "Though they are no longer with us in body, their memories remain etched in our memory and

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ALTON — The 20th Annual Memorial Day Sunset Ceremony on Monday evening, May 26, 2025, took on special significance as the late Richard Baird was honored for his long-standing dedication to the event and the community. Baird coordinated the ceremony for 19 years and contributed to this year’s event before his death on April 19, 2025. On Monday night, he was remembered for his service, leadership, and commitment to preserving the Alton National Cemetery. The Monday ceremony took place at Alton National Cemetery, where Baird’s son, Robert Baird, served as master of ceremonies. Robert, principal of St. Ambrose School, spoke about his father’s efforts prior to starting the Sunset Ceremony, including leading a crucial cleanup of the cemetery. “In the beginning, we realized we needed to initiate some improvements,” Robert said. “It was a passing idea one day — wow, that looks terrible, let’s do something about it.” Richard

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ALTON — The City of Alton held its 158th Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 26, 2025, continuing a longstanding tradition to honor fallen veterans. Organized and sponsored by the East End Improvement Association, the parade drew significant community participation and took place along a route through Upper Alton. The event began at 10 a.m. Monday, with parade participants assembling at Alton Middle School. The procession traveled up College Avenue to Washington Street, then down to Edwards Street, over to Main Street, back up College Avenue, and finally down Washington Street to the Upper Alton Cemetery. Bill Varble, a Vietnam War ranger and local veteran, served as this year’s parade marshal. Steve Schwartz, who helps oversee the parade, emphasized the significance of Memorial Day and the parade’s role in remembering those who have served. “Memorial Day is for the fallen. That’s the importance. Let’s not forget what this day and what this parade

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators John Ossoff (D-GA) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) in reintroducing legislation to ban stock trading by Members of Congress. The Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act would require all members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children to place their stocks into a qualified blind trust or divest the holding—ensuring they cannot use inside information to influence their stock trades and make a profit. “As Donald Trump continues to corruptly enrich himself and his billionaire friends through luxury jets from foreign powers, suspicious market manipulation and shady cryptocurrency scams, Congress must lead by example to help restore trust and integrity in government,” said Duckworth. “That is why I’m proud to help reintroduce the Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act to ensure every Member of Congress complies with this commonsense, ethical best practice.” The American people

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EDWARDSVILLE – Metro-East Lutheran High School has officially released its full Honor Roll lists for the fourth quarter of the 2024-25 school year. Grade 9 Honor Roll with High Distinction (g.p.a. 4.0) Abby Ayer, Shiloh Liam Hazelwonder, Godfrey Marion Hemmer, Caseyville Claire Houck, Maryville Collin Hudzik, Edwardsville Calista Stults, Collinsville Honor Roll with Distinction (g.p.a. 3.75-3.99) Elijah Ball, Worden Madison Dunn, Edwardsville Lyla Eggebrecht, Wood River Oliver Elmer, Edwardsville Noah Gray, Collinsville Caitlyn Hardage, Caseyville Lily Hartzel, Troy Moira Krueger, Glen Carbon Laynie Menard, Glen Carbon Preston Menossi, Edwardsville Ally Packer, Edwardsville Cole Payne, Edwardsville Matthew Redden, Edwardsville Henry Reiseck, Hamel Molly Schulmeister, Staunton Ryan Sullivan, New Douglas Owen Trackwell, Maryville Lily Walloch, Collinsville Josie Wright, Edwardsville Honor

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued the following statement after a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration’s executive order targeting the law firm Jenner & Block LLP is unconstitutional and entered a permanent injunction blocking the administration from enforcing the order. Since taking office, President Trump has issued unconstitutional executive orders targeting several law firms that have represented or employed political opponents of the administration or have expressed viewpoints disfavored by the administration. In April, Raoul co-led a coalition of attorneys general filing an amicus brief in support of Jenner & Block’s lawsuit challenging the order. “I am pleased the court recognized that this executive order is blatantly unconstitutional and has barred the Trump administration from enforcing it. Allowing a U.S. President to punish law firms based on who they employ or represent is not only unconstitutional, but

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CHICAGO – As co-chair of the Attorney General Alliance’s (AGA) Organized Retail Crime Working Group, Attorney General Kwame Raoul partnered with the AGA to convene local, state and federal law enforcement officials, legal professionals and industry leaders for an Auto Theft Symposium in Chicago. The symposium brought together law enforcement representatives with auto industry leaders OnStar and General Motors to discuss collaborative theft prevention strategies to deter and reduce vehicular hijacking and auto thefts throughout Illinois. The symposium featured presentations by leaders from the FBI, Chicago Police Department, General Motors and OnStar. Discussions focused on the impact auto thefts have on public safety at large, as well as the role public-private law enforcement collaborations play in reducing vehicular hijacking, auto thefts and related crimes. Raoul convened the symposium following conversations with the Cook County Sheriff’s Department and Lemont

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ALTON — The 158th Memorial Day parade took place in Alton on Monday, honoring veterans and community members. The event featured parade marshal Bill Varble, a Vietnam veteran, accompanied by his wife, Judy. The parade was sponsored and organized by the East End Improvement Association and staged by the Alton Optimist Club. Mark Cappel of the Alton Optimist Club and Steve Schwartz, a spokesperson for the Alton Halloween Parade, were also involved in the staging and coordinating of the event. “Parade marshal Bill Varble is a Vietnam veteran from 1968 to 1969. He was a ranger and we are proud to have him as a parade marshal. He and his wife rode in the car,” Schwartz said. He added that the Alton Optimist Club “always does an outstanding job” staging the parade. The annual Memorial Day parade serves as a community tribute to those who have served in the military, continuing a long-standing tradition in Alton.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt is co-sponsoring a measure that will prohibit students from using their cellphones in school during instruction time by the 2026-2027 school year. “Many kids aren’t learning when they have the option to sit on their phone and use social media instead of paying attention in class,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This measure gives considerable choice to the individual school district, allowing them to adopt a plan that works best for them.” By the 2026-2027 school year, school districts would have to adopt a policy that prohibits students from using cellphones in school during instructional time. School board members have the flexibility to adopt a policy based on the needs of their community. The school board's policy has to allow exceptions for medical reasons, for kids with disabilities, for English learners to access learning materials, and for school-issued devices. Each school district’s plan ca

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SPRINGFIELD - Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s Dog Days of Summer campaign kicks off today and will run each Tuesday through Labor Day. The effort, in its second year, features dogs available for adoption from shelters around the state who are desperately looking for a new family. “I am honored to carry on the Comptroller’s Critters program started by my dear friend Judy Baar Topinka, and our social media effort will help match dogs in need with people to love them” said Comptroller Mendoza. Comptroller’s Critters features an online database of participating shelters around the state, searchable by county. Links to shelter websites, addresses and other information is available, including tips about pet adoption and care. Illinois shelters that would like to be added to the database should email: critters@illinoiscomptroller.gov . “We have worked with Comptroller Mendoza’s office for a number of years, and are thankful for

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EDWARDSVILLE – Three men have been charged in connection with an Edwardsville Police Department investigation into an ATM alarm that sounded at a local bank early Thursday, May 22, 2025. Officers responded to the ATM alarm in the 100 block of South Main Street. While investigating the alarm, responding officers located a suspicious vehicle in the area. Upon further investigation, the following three subjects were taken into custody: Jose Mora Herrera, 24, H/M; Keyler Gimenez Barreto, 19, H/M; Carlos A. Marcanos-Gonzalez, 27, H/M; On Friday, May 23, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office issued two criminal charges each on Herrera, Barreto, and Marcanos-Gonzalez: COUNT 1 – Attempted Theft, a class 3 felony COUNT 2 – Computer Tampering, a class 4 felony The three were in custody as of Tuesday, May 27, at the Madison County Jail pending a detention hearing. These charges, as well as the statements made herein, are based upon probable cause.

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GRANITE CITY — An EF3 tornado struck the Greater St. Louis area on the afternoon of Friday, May 16, 2025, causing significant damage and resulting in five fatalities in the City of St. Louis. The tornado severely impacted the Granite City area, prompting an ongoing cleanup effort led by the city’s Public Works Department in coordination with the Madison County Highway Department, the Metro East Sanitary District (MESD), and the Granite City Parks District. Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson expressed gratitude for the collaborative response. “Thank you to the Granite City Public Works Department, the Madison County Highway Department, along with MESD and Granite City Parks District for their assistance in the cleanup. They did a great job,” Parkinson said. Cleanup operations are continuing, and the city has implemented a new plan to assist residents affected by the storm. Mayor Parkinson said those still in need of cleanup or other urgent assistance are encouraged

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department is seeking assistance in locating Maria Webb, who currently has four active felony warrants. The warrants include three issued by the Collinsville Police Department and one from a neighboring agency. Webb is wanted in connection with two separate retail theft incidents and for unlawfully possessing a weapon as a felon. Authorities are asking anyone with information about Webb’s whereabouts to contact the Collinsville Police Department at 618-344-2131, extension 5209. Callers can remain anonymous. The department also encouraged Webb to turn herself in to any police department to address the outstanding warrants. “These charges and statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty,” the police department stated.

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EDWARDSVILLE - You can join Main Street Community Center on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From Branson to South Africa, the Edwardsville community center will sponsor multiple overnight trips within the next year. Lori Johnassee, who coordinates these travel opportunities, encourages people to reach out now to learn about the trips and sign up as early as possible. “It’s a great joy to see people connect with other people,” Johnassee said. “We have been here 50 years now, helping and building programs, and travel has become a very important part of that. It’s the community. It's the camaraderie. It’s finding new friends. It’s keeping yourself active and healthy so that you can continue to age gracefully. Then, the benefits come back directly to our center, where we get to share those benefits right back to you.” From Sept. 20–27, 2025, community members can embark on a coach trip to Coastal Virginia and the Outer Banks. This

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