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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and their fellow members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) in writing a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing deep concerns with imminent Reductions in Force (RIFs) at the State Department and requested answers on the Trump Administration’s process for carrying out these layoffs. The Senators wrote: “RIFs should remain a tool of last resort, and if implemented must be conducted according to long-standing procedures that prioritize transparency and a merit-based process for both career civil service employees and Foreign Service Officers (FSOs). During a time of increasingly complex and wide-spread challenges to U.S. national security, this administration should be strengthening our diplomatic corps—an irreplaceable instrument of U.S. power and leadership—not weakening it. However, RIFs would severely undermine the Department’s

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SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration: Illinois Department of Human Services Christopher Thor Martin will serve as Inspector General at the Illinois Department of Human Services.* Martin has over 20 years of experience as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, leading the State’s Attorney’s Office’s efforts to modernize internal technologies and use technological evidence in trials. In 2022, he became Deputy Bureau Chief of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Bureau, in charge of prosecuting gang crimes, narcotics, white collar crime, and gun violence, and he was later promoted to Chief Deputy. In 2025, Martin joined the Office of Inspector General of Illinois Department of Human Services as its Deputy Inspector General. Martin also serves on two professional advisory boards, including the

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MADISON COUNTY — Joseph A. Torres II was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and reckless discharge of a firearm following a fatal shooting early Sunday morning at 3rd Chute II, a bar located at 2204 Fosterburg Road in unincorporated Alton. At approximately 1:05 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Madison County deputies responded to reports of an unwanted subject at the establishment. While en route, dispatch received additional calls reporting a shooting at the same location. Upon arrival, deputies and Alton Police officers found Malcolm D. Woodhouse-Alexander with multiple apparent gunshot wounds in the parking lot. He showed no signs of life. Torres was taken into custody without incident. Investigators determined that Torres and Woodhouse-Alexander were acquaintances who had been involved in an ongoing argument throughout the night that had turned physical on several occasions. Around 12:15 a.m., authorities said Torres reportedly fired a single shot into the air

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SPRINGFIELD — An Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team from Illinois is headed to Texas overnight to assist with operations after deadly flooding this week. This group of 39 rescuers from fire departments, deployed as part of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) as USAR Task Force 1, will be on the ground in Texas for up to 14 days. IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger said, “This nationwide mutual aid agreement allows states to share resources and personnel during emergencies, and tasks for this operation include wide-area search and rescue as well as debris pile clearance. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this devastating tragedy and hope we can be of service.” Illinois is one of close to two dozen states offering assistance to flood-ravaged Texas. “Just as many towns, cities, and counties in Illinois have agreements to assist each other in times of disaster, states have agreements to do the same,” explained Berger. Gov. JB Pritzker

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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2025-03 , directing state agencies to evaluate the scale and impact of how Trump’s tariffs will affect key economic sectors in and the increased costs that will be passed onto working families. The order comes as the Trump Administration continues to push a disastrous trade policy that exacerbates economic uncertainty for businesses, disrupts supply chains, and raises costs on everyday goods. Gov. Pritzker joins other governors including Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, New York, Oregon, and Washington, who are taking similar executive actions at the state level. “Donald Trump’s reckless trade policies are nothing more than a tax on working families that will jack up prices, threaten jobs, and impact the way we live,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This Executive Order ensures we have a clear-eyed view of the impact the Trump Slump will cause from higher prices at the grocery store to uncertainty

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that $7 million in grant funding has been awarded to four grantees through the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grant (TIEG) Program to support entrepreneurship and innovation in key growth industries around the state. These grant awards will strengthen the resilience of both existing and new startup incubators. "Illinois has an unmatched spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, and the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grants Program is helping channel that into world-changing advancements and sustainable economic growth," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Our technology incubators and start-up ecosystem are positioning our state as a powerhouse in the economy of tomorrow, and I am proud to be strengthening our investment in that future." The TIEG Program was designed to modernize and revitalize tech incubators across Illinois to meet the evolving needs of startups. This initiativ

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EAST ALTON – A case of home invasion in East Alton has yielded a Class X felony charge against one of the city’s residents. Jesse E. Stewart, 41, of East Alton, was charged on July 7, 2025 with one count of home invasion, a Class X felony. On July 4, 2025, Stewart allegedly knowingly entered an East Alton residence without authority and injured one of the home’s occupants by striking the victim about the face. The state’s petition to deny Stewart’s pretrial release from custody states Stewart got into a physical altercation with the homeowner after kicking in their front door and refusing to leave the residence, despite being told to do so multiple times. Stewart was still present in the residence when officers arrived in response to the reported home invasion. According to the petition, “the homeowners advised they had no relationship with the defendant and he had no authority to enter their residence.” At the time of this incident, Stewart

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ALTON - Puddle of Mudd is coming to the Alton Amphitheater on Aug. 2, 2025, and frontman Wes Scantlin can’t wait. Puddle of Mudd is known for their post-grunge sound and early 2000s hits like “Blurry” and “She Hates Me.” They recently released the album “Kiss the Machine,” which has been a major success. Scantlin expressed his excitement to perform in Alton and share the music with Riverbend residents. “We are very excited to come and jam,” Scantlin said. “We’ll be sweating, definitely.” In addition to their chart-topping songs, Scantlin promises “some deep cuts” from Puddle of Mudd’s older records, as well as, potentially, a few covers. He said all of the songs are “like special little babies” to him, and he looks forward to reminiscing over Puddle of Mudd’s career during the Alton show. Scantlin reflected on many of the songs and projects that contributed to Puddle

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MADISON COUNTY - The Madison County Regional Office of Education recently hosted a ceremony to recognize the recipients of the first ever Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship for Madison County Students. Ten students from across Madison County were selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship based upon their applications that detailed their high school careers and future plans. The winners were chosen from over 50 extremely qualified applicants. The scholarship is named after Alma Irene Aitch who was a former teacher at the Lincoln School in Edwardsville. It was funded through a collaboration between Mr. Manny Jackson, Dr. Ed Hightower, and Dr. Robert W. Werden that was designed to reward hard work and excellence in education. The scholarship will continue in the future and will continue to be open to all Seniors in any Madison County High School who will be continuing on to a university, college, or trade school. Mr. Jackson, Dr. Hightower, Dr. Werden, and the entire Madison County Regional

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SOUTH ROXANA — The American Legion Post 1167 in South Roxana received a complete replacement of its heating and air conditioning system at no cost, thanks to efforts by local officials and a veteran-owned business. The issue began when the post’s central air conditioning unit stopped working. On July 2, 2025, South Roxana Mayor T.J. Callahan personally reached out to Mike Barton, commander of The American Legion Post 1167, after learning of the problem. Callahan used personal funds to purchase a window air conditioner for the post as a temporary solution. Following that, Terrah Bevelo, a village employee, suggested Barton contact American Heating and Cooling, a veteran-owned company. The owner, Mr. Spearlock, inspected the existing unit and determined it was beyond repair. He then offered to replace the entire heating and air conditioning system free of charge. American Heating and Cooling was a definite "Difference Maker" in the region with this heartfelt donation

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EAST ST. LOUIS — The East St. Louis Community Tennis Association has had an incredible summer. A ribbon cutting in May 2025 unveiled the six brand new courts at East St. Louis Senior High in May 2025. East St. Louis has hosted tennis tournaments, free lessons, and school outreach events over the summer. "Whether you are a player, parent, or community supporter, there is something for everyone," the East St. Louis Community Tennis Association said about the new tennis courts. East St. Louis School District Superintendent Arthur R. Culver has emphasized the importance of the new courts in fostering student engagement and athletic development. “We believe these courts will spark a love for the game and inspire a new generation of student-athletes to explore tennis, build confidence, and stay active both on and off the court," he said. The East St. Louis project was made possible through financial support from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO),

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GODFREY - Freer Auto Body will once again sponsor their Christmas in July event with the goal to raise over $75,000 for Community Christmas. From 10:30–1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, you can stop by Freer Auto Body in Godfrey to purchase raffle tickets and enjoy a sloppy joe lunch. All proceeds go to 17 local agencies that participate in Community Christmas to supply toys, clothing, hygiene products and more to area families. “On Christmas Day, you get a warm feeling knowing that you helped. You really do,” said Margaret Freer. “If people haven’t been, they need to come and experience it. It’s a fun day. Little kids wait on you. It’s kids helping kids. The sloppy joes are the best you’ll ever have.” For a donation, you can receive a sloppy joe, chips and a slice of Margaret’s cheesecake. You can also purchase raffle tickets for $10 each. The raffle prizes include $3,500 cash, several vacations and experiences,

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ALTON — Six Alton Middle School cheerleaders have been selected as All-American Cheerleaders at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Cheer Camp, earning an invitation to perform at the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28, 2025. The cheerleaders, recognized on June 18, 2025, will represent their school and community in what organizers describe as a “once-in-a-lifetime event.” Sarah Crause and five others are coordinating a fundraiser to support the cheerleaders’ participation. Each cheerleader faces a cost of $1,000, which does not include travel expenses. The organizers are seeking donations from the community to help cover these costs and ensure the athletes can take part in the parade. “Any amount is greatly appreciated,” the fundraiser organizers said, emphasizing the importance of community support to enable the cheerleaders to attend this honor. Click here for the GoFundMe.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—secured several important provisions to support servicemembers and boost American competitiveness and national security in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that SASC approved this week and the full Senate will now consider. Among the provisions that the Senator secured in the Committee-passed legislation, Duckworth successfully led a provision to expand IVF access for uniformed servicemembers and ensure military families have the same level of coverage that Members of Congress and other federal employees already have. As President Donald Trump continues to misuse our military to intimidate American citizens across our nation, Duckworth also successfully secured provisions that would safeguard Americans’ civil rights when servicemembers assist

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CHICAGO — A gas station in a small town southwest of Chicago has sold a winning Lotto ticket worth a cool $1 million. The winning ticket was sold at Citgo, located at 8755 W. 79th Street in Justice, IL. It matched all six Lotto Million 1 numbers in the Thursday, July 10 drawing: 5-11-16-23-25-39. Citgo, formerly known as Beahan Oil, has been a fixture in the small community for over 22 years. The store’s owner hopes the lucky ticket was purchased by a local customer. “I was out of the country when I got the call from my manager. We have no clue who the winner might be, but I have a strong feeling it was a regular Lotto player from our area,” said William Beahan, owner of the Citgo gas station. “Whoever it is, we’re very happy for the winner and look forward to celebrating with them.” Retailers who sell winning lottery tickets also have good reasons to celebrate as these wins bring their business a cash selling bonus of one percent of the

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SPRINGFIELD — Yesterday, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) held a roundtable discussion with Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe, United Way of Decatur, and various social service organizations to discuss the local impact of extreme social safety net cuts in President Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill Act. “Last night’s discussion was about speaking the truth of the deeply harmful consequences of the Big, Bad Bill. This law will decimate social services, kill jobs, close hospitals, and raise costs for families – while billionaires cash in,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “As President Trump and Congressional Republicans turn their backs on working families, I stand firmly with the health workers, teachers, caregivers, and nonprofit leaders who do the work of holding our communities together. With so much at stake, now is the time to come together, support our neighbors, and continue speaking out.” “Lawmakers must recognize the barriers

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CHICAGO - The Illinois Lottery is proud to join lotteries across North America in celebrating Lottery Week, taking place July 14–18, 2025. This annual event shines a spotlight on the positive impact lottery proceeds have on communities—from funding public education to supporting small businesses, boosting local economies, and investing in charitable causes. As a thank you to players, the Illinois Lottery is partnering with over 40 radio stations statewide to give listeners a chance to win a bundle of Instant Tickets—one of which could win up to $2 million. “For over 50 years, the Illinois Lottery has proudly supported communities throughout the State—most notably through funding for K-12 public education,” said Harold Mays, Director of the Illinois Lottery. “Lottery Week is a time to celebrate the players, retailers, and partners who make our mission possible and help deliver winning moments across Illinois every day.” When people

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TROY - Dawn Mushill, President/CEO of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce, announced on Monday, July 14, 2025, that the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce is seeking fall Chamber college interns. Mushill said students who apply should be a junior or senior in college and enrolled in mass communication, social media, video, public relations, business, marketing or office management. The Chamber is seeking students who can work independently, pay attention to detail, are reliable and are willing to do any task at hand. Interns are very important to the success of the Chamber as they are each involved in all aspects of the day-to-day operations, including office processes, event planning, event attendance, networking with Chamber members and much more. Although the internship is unpaid, there are many opportunities to meet Chamber member businesses that could potentially lead to a job after graduation. The Chamber works around the intern’s

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GODFREY - Clearwave Fiber will host a free Brick Builders' Bash for families to enjoy. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, community members can stop by Glazebrook Park in Godfrey for a free Brick Builders' Bash event. Attendees are encouraged to play with LEGOs and “build anything your imagination dreams up,” Clearwave Fiber said in a statement. “Brick Builders' Bash is a free, family-friendly LEGO event designed to spark curiosity and creativity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through hands-on play and exploration,” Clearwave Fiber explained. With a Free Play LEGO Zone and Hands-On Building Stations, attendees of all ages and skill levels can enjoy building LEGOs. A collaborative build challenge encourages people to work together to solve a creative task. There will also be a creative building competition complete with prizes, and a STEM activity zone where you can experiment with science and technology. Attendees

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ALTON – OSF Medical Group in Alton is pleased to announce a new cardiology nurse practitioner has been added to its staff to better serve the ever-increasing cardiology needs of Riverbend region residents. Meredith Walter, MSN, ANP-BC, is now seeing patients in need of cardiology care at OSF Medical Group - Cardiology, located at OSF Saint Anthony’s Medical Office Building, Suite 300, #2 Saint Anthony’s Way, in Alton. Ms. Walter will see patients Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Walter offers her patients a variety of specialty cardiology services encompassing (but not limited to): Chest pain Hypertension High cholesterol Heart failure Coronary Artery Disease management Walter’s comprehensive, clinical experience also includes: Served as practitioner, educator, and consultant for patients with advanced heart failure Valvular heart disease Experience encompasses rural settings as well as quaternary care hospitals Women’s health an

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