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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), and Intersect Illinois, joined by public and private sector leaders from across the state, will lead a trade mission to Mexico from March 30-April 2, 2025. This trade mission will focus on the importance of deepening economic ties and fostering greater cooperation between the State of Illinois and Mexico. The delegation will engage with Mexican counterparts to discuss enhancing collaboration in key sectors such as agriculture and food processing, finance, and manufacturing, all of which are vital to growing the Illinois economy and creating jobs. Through this mission, Illinois seeks to strengthen its longstanding partnership with Mexico, paving the way for future investment and shared success. “Illinois is a prime destination for businesses seeking to invest and grow in the U.S. market. Our state's forward-thinking policies,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—joined fellow SASC and SFRC member Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and 14 other Senate colleagues in calling on the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), SASC and SFRC to hold hearings to investigate why members of President Trump’s national security team were recklessly discussing classified military operations on unsecured devices. In the letter, the Senators also criticized the incompetence and carelessness of how these Trump officials mishandled the situation and inadvertently added a journalist to the group chat. The letter comes after new reporting detailed the classified military plans that were discussed in the commercial, unclassified messaging app. “We write to you with grave concern regarding the recent revelations reported in The Atlantic about

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - House Republicans back our military and veterans for their sacrifices to protect our great nation. State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Cahokia Heights) says there are many ways we can show respect to individuals who are active-duty in the military. House Bill 1125 was filed by Rep. Schmidt to say, “thank you for your service.” “My bill is a small gesture to show appreciation to the men and women who are committed to serving the greatest nation on earth,” said Schmidt. “This legislation should have bipartisan support, and I look forward to see it move forward in committee so we can further honor those serving in the military.” HB1125 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. If passed and signed into law, the bill would eliminate vehicle registration fees (vehicle weighing not more than 8,000 pounds) for active-duty military personnel. The current law reduces registration fees, but Rep. Schmidt wants to see the fees completely

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Did you know that Americans spent approximately $17 billion on second-hand goods in 2020? With a rising interest in sustainability and vintage finds, yard sales have transformed from mere neighborhood events into thriving marketplaces where hidden treasures await. If you're considering hosting a yard sale this spring, you stand not just to declutter your home but also to connect with your community, make some extra cash, and contribute to a culture of reusability. Hosting a successful yard sale requires thoughtful planning, strategic marketing, and a customer-friendly experience. Here’s how to make your yard sale a standout event. Setting the Stage: Preparing for the Sale 1. Declutter and Organize Before you can sell, you need to sort through your belongings. Take a weekend to go through rooms, closets, and storage areas. Create three piles: items to sell, items to donate, and items to throw away. For the items you plan to sell, ensure they are clean and in good condition.

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March 28, 2025, marks a significant day in history, highlighting various global events that have shaped our world. Looking back to historical milestones, on March 28, 1979, the Three Mile Island nuclear accident took place in Pennsylvania, USA. This incident was the most serious accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant history, sparking widespread public fear about nuclear safety. The partial meltdown of the reactor raised questions about the future of nuclear energy in the United States and led to significant changes in regulations governing nuclear power plants. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and oversight in energy production. In 1930, March 28 marked the first-ever radio broadcast of a major sports event. The game featured the University of Pennsylvania's baseball team against the University of Chicago. This broadcast ushered in a new era of sports entertainment, allowing fans to follow their favorite teams from the comfort of their homes.

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BATCHTOWN — Emergency responders swiftly mobilized to a structure fire in Batchtown, at 1:51 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, after a bystander reported the incident to West Central 911 Dispatch. The fire broke out in the 100 block of West Batchtown Road, prompting a rapid response from multiple local agencies. Volunteer firefighters from the Richwoods Volunteer Fire Department and Point Fire Protection District, alongside EMS personnel from Calhoun Volunteer Ambulance and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, arrived on the scene shortly after the call, with the first firefighters reaching the location by 1:57 p.m. on Wednesday. The Village of Hardin Fire Department also provided mutual aid. Upon arrival, EMS personnel learned that a 59-year-old female occupant was still inside the burning residence. Firefighters from Richwoods made entry into the home, successfully locating and recovering the victim while simultaneously extinguishing the fire. Immediate life-saving

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Letter To The Editor: I want to wholeheartedly endorse Susan Robbins for Godfrey Village Clerk. She is the only qualified candidate on the ballot. She is a certified Municipal Clerk who understands the significant role of the clerk to ensure the village is in compliance with Municipal law. As a Godfrey Trustee, I have been impressed with how she handles her clerk responsibilities and takes responsibility for her actions. She was involved with the township starting in 2001 and assumed the deputy clerk position in 2019. In all she has served 24 years as supervisor assistant, Deputy Clerk and Village Clerk. She assumed the Village Clerk roll tow years ago and had a seamless transition taking over from the previous Village Clerk, Bethany Bohn. She has always come across as a people person and runs an efficient operation while serving the public with a smile. Susan has continued to organize Mobile DMV services in Godfrey, Shred-it days and most recently put together the NO Knock ordinance

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Whenever you feel a headache coming on or you tweak your back, it’s common to reach into the medicine cabinet for a couple of acetaminophens (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). But does it matter which one you take? And is there anything wrong with taking both to fight off what ails you? Acetaminophen is an analgesic, which is a type of drug that reduces pain signals within your nervous system. It’s used to treat discomfort like headaches and joint pain, and to reduce fever. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is typically used to tackle issues such as back pain, menstrual cramps and toothaches. It also works to decrease fever. Sarah Sheley is a pharmacist with OSF HealthCare. She says it’s important to know that ibuprofen helps with inflammation and acetaminophen can’t do that. “The difference between the two is the fact that the ibuprofen, that anti-inflammatory component, reduces pain by affecting the production of certain

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ROCKFORD – On behalf of the Diocese of Springfield and an Illinois pro-life pregnancy center, Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys have filed a federal lawsuit challenging a state law that forces religious organizations to hire employees who violate their religious beliefs on reproductive issues like abortion. “Illinois can’t force pro-life religious organizations to bend their knee to the state’s secular view of abortion,” said ADF Senior Counsel Mark Lippelmann. “The Constitution protects the right of religious organizations to choose workers who will advance—rather than contradict—their religious beliefs. We urge the court to uphold these organizations’ fundamental right to serve their communities consistent with their faith.” The Diocese of Springfield affirms, proclaims, and strives to live out the teachings of the Catholic Church throughout the state of Illinois, including indispensable beliefs about reproduction,

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ALTON - Chris Bell wants to see changes in Alton’s 5th Ward. In a recent conversation on “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , Bell, a candidate for 5th Ward alderman, explained his vision for the 5th Ward and the City of Alton. He wants to see improved streets and less “derelict” houses, which he believes will improve property values. “At the end of the day, I won’t give up on Ward 5 no matter what,” he said. “Being an Alton person all my entire life, I can guarantee you, I won’t give up on negotiating and putting every need of Ward 5 first. And then I will meet and help out with everybody else after that. But Ward 5 will be my first priority.” Bell works at Busch Stadium and with the Alton Community Unit School District #11. He previously worked in construction. Though he grew up in the city, he never expected to run for office. However, he has become dissatisfied with the roads in the 5th Ward, whic

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St . ?Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and Accident Reconstruction detectives are investigating a pedestrian fatally struck in the 9200 block of South Broadway Avenue at Horn Avenue that resulted in the death of an adult male.? At 3:10 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, St. Louis County police officers from the South County Precinct responded to a call for service for a person struck in the 9200 block of South Broadway Avenue at Horn Avenue. Officers located a male who had been struck by a vehicle. The male was transported to an area hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.?? Preliminary investigation revealed the male was in the roadway when he was struck by a motor vehicle. The driver remained on scene and is cooperating with the police investigation. ? The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. ? Please contact the St. Louis

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EDWARDSVILLE - Ivy Hall Dispensary recently opened in Edwardsville, and they’re pleased with the new spot they’ve chosen to call home. Located at 6197 Old Alton Edwardsville Road in Edwardsville, the dispensary sells a variety of cannabis products. Brianna Draksler, a representative with Ivy Hall, explained that they’re eager to serve up a great experience for Riverbend customers. “We’re so excited to be open,” she said. “We’re very involved in our community. The experience is the thing that sets us apart from other dispensaries, so that’s our big focus.” Ivy Hall Dispensary opened their first location in Chicago in 2022. They have since expanded to ten other locations across Illinois. Ivy Hall is the first social equity dispensary in Illinois, meaning its ownership team is composed of individuals with minority backgrounds, veterans, and people who were impacted by the War on Drugs. Draksler said they’re

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Letter To The Editor: Dear Voting Residents of Alton, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for Mayor David Goins in his bid for a second term as Mayor of the city of Alton, Illinois. My relationship with David spans many years, during which I have seen him in various capacities — as a dedicated police officer with the Alton Police Department, a compassionate pastor at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, and currently, as an effective and forward-thinking Mayor. David has devoted over forty years of his life to serving our community, embodying the essence of leadership, honesty, and integrity. He has been a pillar of strength, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to the residents of Alton and fostering a sense of unity within our city. His leadership has positioned Alton as a place where our community can thrive. Throughout his tenure as mayor, David and his administration has put down over 30 Streets. He has spent over $500K on street infrastructure.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that Associate Judge Emily Nielsen has granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release for a defendant who is charged with aggravated battery. Haine’s office argued public safety required the continued detention of the defendant prior to trial. Jermaine L. Glen, 52, is charged with making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with an Alton Police officer on March 18, 2025. The case was investigated by Alton Police Department. This charge and the statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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BELLEVILLE - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski are set to meet with local veterans and leaders from Metro East Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The meeting will take place at VFW Post 4183 in Belleville. The discussion will focus on the ongoing impacts of the Trump Administration's policies on the veteran community, including reported layoffs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), interruptions in federal funding, and reductions in veteran care services. Duckworth, a member of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Budzinski, who serves on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, aim to address these issues with representatives from local organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion. Duckworth is a retired Army National Guard lieutenant and colonel. A combat veteran of the Iraq War, she served as

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ALTON – The city of Alton is proud to announce that it will host the Southwest Council of Mayors monthly meeting on Thursday, March 27th. The meeting will be held at the Renaissance X, located at 401 Piasa St, Alton, IL. The Southwestern Illinois Council of Mayors aims to provide a collaborative platform for cities within geographically related counties in southwestern Illinois to work together in the public interest on matters of mutual concern. This Council facilitates discussions among member municipalities, allowing them to jointly address challenges, share experiences regarding local governance, and represent a unified voice to achieve common objectives. This month, the Council will feature John Simmons as the guest presenter. Mr. Simmons, a respected retired attorney, philanthropist, and community leader, has been instrumental in community development through his creation of Alton Works—a private redevelopment company committed to fostering social and economic growth

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BATCHTOWN — A devastating fire on Tuesday, March 26, 2025, has left the Jackson family in Batchtown grappling with severe losses, including the hospitalization of family member Paula Benoist Jackson. The fire consumed their home and claimed the lives of three of their dogs, while three others survived but require medical attention. Paula (shown above) was inside the residence when the fire erupted and sustained critical injuries that necessitated her being life-flighted to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Currently in the Intensive Care Unit, she is reported to be stable, but her road to recovery is expected to be long and arduous. In response to the family's urgent needs, Courtney Smithee has organized a GoFundMe campaign aimed at alleviating some of the financial burdens they now face. The costs associated with Paula's life flight, her ICU stay, and anticipated medical treatments, including multiple surgeries, are expected to be significant. Additionally, Paula's inability to wor

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On March 25, 1925, 5,000 visitors attended the opening of Sessel’s expanded clothing store in their building at Third Street and Piasa Street (219-221 Piasa Street). “The occasion was one of the most notable events of the kind in the business history of Alton.” The celebration lasted from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the store gave out 3,000 carnations and 2,000 balloons. In 1907, Maurice Sessel opened Sessel’s Alton store in a corner of the old Armory building. In 1914, Sessel’s leased additional space on the first floor. In 1919, the second floor was also taken over, and in 1924, the entire four-story building was leased. The building’s first floor housed the heating plant and coal bins for the Haskell property on Piasa Street. The heating plant was separated from the salesroom by only a tile and plaster partition, which “was a constant source of expense through merchandise being damaged by coal dust and caused much uneasiness on the part

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GODFREY - Taylor Justice has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process. Currently serving as the Chief Development Officer at Beverly Farm Foundation, Mrs. Justice has established herself as a leader in the field of nonprofit fundraising and development. With over 10 years of experience in her profession, she spearheads fundraising initiatives and fosters relationships with supporters of the foundation's mission to provide homes, medical services and recreational centers for adults with disabilities. Among her notable projects, she led two successful 24-hour matching gift campaigns, raising over $1 million in 2024 alone. Mrs. Justice's career journey is marked by a series of progressive roles at Beverly

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Opera Theatre presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operetta The Pirates of Penzance for their spring production. Producers promise "a night of swashbuckling fun and delightful mischief” in a lively evening of family entertainment. Performances will be held on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in Dunham Hall Theater. The operetta, which premiered in 1879, follows the story of Frederic, a young man mistakenly apprenticed to a band of pirates until his 21st birthday, as he embarks on a journey filled with love, confusion, and outrageous misunderstandings. The SIUE production represents the collaboration of several departments set to bring a full orchestra, vibrant costumes, energetic choreography, and Gilbert and Sullivan's signature blend of humor and heart. “’You make it a point of never attacking a weaker party than yourselves, and when you attack a stronger one you invariably

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