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WEST CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Jel Sert Company joined local leaders to cut the ribbon on the company’s West Chicago expansion project. The company invested over $10 million to construct a new manufacturing operation that will enhance production of its popular powdered stick packs and ensure it can meet growing consumer demand. The expansion project will create more than 100 new manufacturing and packing operations jobs while retaining nearly 1,000 existing jobs. “Through competitive incentive programs, workforce development, and our state’s robust business development efforts, Illinois has been supporting businesses that create jobs and invest back into their communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Jel Sert is a shining example of that mission. Beginning as a small operation nearly 100 years ago, Jel Sert has grown into a global powerhouse, with its home base right

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EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River Community High School recently released its High Honor Roll and Honor Roll lists for the second semester of the 2024-2025 school year: HIGH HONOR ROLL Seniors Cameryn Adams Mianah Arnold Devon Barboza Matthew Bruce Chase Butler Adam Byrd Jayla Cartwright Claydon Cathorall Drew Charles Gabriel Colvin Emma Cope Brayden Cunningham Chloe Dale Josiah Daniels Saaphyri DeSelle Jaden Downs Jordan Ealey Brayden Elledge Gavin Ever Ethan Goforth Jack Gould Zoie Gray Eric Grimes Caleb Handler Alexander Hersman Sierra Holbrook Blair Mayonna Jaggie Keira Johnson Lillian Kay Sophia Knight Milla LeGette Quinten Mariconi Ahrya McKelley Grace McLagan Koen Miller Kelsey Moore Maya Mugge Michael Noeltner Gwendolyn Nunley Elliott Owens Braeden Phillips Kayley Plank Haley Pratt Lucas Rabe Tyler Ragusa Kindra Reed Kenadie Romero Carmela Scroggins Camden Seibert Ash Shea Isaiah Simpson-Kolmer William

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ALTON - Local kids have a trusted adult, a sense of community, and improved grades thanks to a new tutoring program. Patricia Brown, a paraprofessional at East Elementary School and founder of Bright Beautiful Minds Tutoring Academy, realized that many of the kids living at Alton Acres and Oakwood Estates would benefit from the educational and social boosts of tutoring. She started her own tutoring program to refresh them on basic concepts and help them create a “school family.” “It’s letting them know that they are important and that we believe in them,” Brown said. “You’re not a product of your environment. You can be whatever you want to be.” Brown is a commissioner with the Alton Housing Authority. When she learned the Alton Housing Authority was planning to discontinue a tutoring program due to lack of participation, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She knocked on every door, found volunteers, and invited kids

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GODFREY — The Community Christmas campaign is gearing up to support local families in need during the holiday season through its annual fundraising events this summer, including the Christmas In July event. Organizer Margaret Freer emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging people to help sell $10 raffle tickets for the campaign’s fundraising efforts, so the Christmas In July event can be an overwhelming success. The 17th annual Christmas In July event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 18, 2025, at Freer Auto Body, located at 4512 N. Alby in Godfrey. Freer said every dollar raised during the event will go directly to helping families experience the "spirit of Christmas." In addition, Bakers and Hale in Godfrey will host their annual "dine to donate" event on July 13, 2025, which also benefits the Community Christmas campaign. Tickets for the July Freer event will also be available at the dine to donate affair. “We have amazing prizes

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SPRINGFIELD – June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. With reports of elder abuse on the rise in Illinois since 2022 , Department on Aging Director Mary Killough is reminding community members to learn the warning signs and speak up about suspected abuse of older adults. “Elder abuse is sadly more common than many people realize, but it is largely preventable,” said IDoA Director Mary Killough. “By understanding what elder abuse is, recognizing the signs, and taking steps to prevent it, we can create safer and more supportive communities for older adults.” Elder abuse is characterized as an act causing any physical, mental or sexual injury to an older adult, including exploitation of their financial resources and abandonment. The term also applies to actions that create an environment in which harm could be expected, including harm to an older adult's health, physical and/or emotional well-being, or welfare. National studies show as many as one in 10

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SPRINGFIELD – Do you know someone who has left a lasting mark on the outdoors in Illinois? The Illinois Conservation Foundation is now accepting nominations for the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame class of 2025. Each year, the foundation honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to conservation and outdoor recreation across the state. Since 2002, inductees have included mentors who have introduced thousands to hunting, fishing and wildlife stewardship. These leaders have championed habitat restoration, clean water, and helped preserve our outdoor heritage for generations to come. “These are the people who don’t just enjoy the outdoors, they make it better for everyone,” said Jenny Vaughn, executive director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. “We’re proud to celebrate their stories and their impact.” Nominees selected for the 2025 class will be inducted at the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Gala next spring. Visit the

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul defended birthright citizenship in the ongoing multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration’s executive order purporting to redefine birthright citizenship to exclude certain children born to non-citizen parents. Attorneys representing Illinois, Arizona, Oregon and Washington argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Wednesday in the states’ lawsuit challenging the executive order. It was the first case against the order to be heard in an appeals court since a district judge in February deemed the order “blatantly unconstitutional” and granted a nationwide preliminary injunction against its implementation while the case proceeds. The administration appealed to the 9th Circuit in an effort to overturn the injunction. “As a birthright citizen myself, born to an immigrant mother not yet naturalized at the time, the fight to preserve birthright citizenship is a personal one,”

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced 27 awards totaling $23 million through the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program as part of a larger strategy to equitably grow the clean energy workforce in Illinois through the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Additionally, the Governor announced $25.5 million available in grant funding for the third round of the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program to support renewable energy projects in historically underserved communities. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, Illinois is leading the nation forward in generating good jobs and fostering economic opportunity in the clean energy industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program ensures that our investments leave no community behind – and

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HIGHLAND – EvUCC (Evangelical United Church of Christ) in Highland, is set to host a deeply moving evening of music and reflection as singer-songwriter Jess Ray brings her acclaimed Matin Tour to town. The concert will take place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 , offering a unique blend of quiet songs, hymns, and heartfelt storytelling. The Matin Tour is inspired by Jess Ray’s Matin project, a four-part set of songs recorded at sunrise, capturing the stillness and sacredness of the early morning hours. Known for her honest lyrics and warm, folk-infused sound, Jess invites audiences into a space of peace, creativity, and connection. Event Details: Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 Venue: Evangelical United Church of Christ (EvUCC), Highland, IL Early Entry Ticket Holders Doors Open: 5:45 PM Early Entry Ticket Holder Q&A Hang with Jess: 6:00 PM General Admission Doors: 6:30 PM Concert Begins: 7:00 PM Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her music,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC)—pressed the nominee to serve as Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Cheryl Mason, on whether she intends to remain impartial in her investigations and put the needs of our Veterans ahead of the whims of Donald Trump. Duckworth raised concerns about Ms. Mason’s commitment to uphold the rule of law, particularly since she refuses to acknowledge that her nomination is only possible because Donald Trump illegally fired her predecessor. Duckworth’s remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . “Congress established Inspector Generals to help ensure any given Administration complies with the law—and instead of carrying out these important oversight responsibilities, I’m deeply concerned that Ms. Mason would simply serve as a private investigator for Donal

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that maintenance work will take place on westbound Interstate 64 between Ninth Street and the Martin Luther King Drive ramps in St. Clair County, weather permitting, from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, June 7. During that time, traffic will be reduced to one lane. All lanes are expected to reopen by 6 p.m. the same day. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College welcomed the community to their annual Summerfest. On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, students, alumni and families gathered at the River Bend Arena on the LCCC Godfrey campus for a resource fair complete with bounce houses, face-painting, sno cones and more. Attendees could learn more about the college and local organizations. “The goal of Summerfest is to reach out past our wall on Lewis and Clark’s campus and really bring the community out onto our campus,” said Daniel Nosce, one of the organizers. “It is one of the most important things to us as a campus community. We know that we have been here for a long time and we’ve had many people come through our doors, and we just want to invite them back. Hopefully, we’ll get generations of these potential students and past students.” Representatives from LCCC departments were present to share about their work and opportunities at the college. Potential

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Did you know that immersing your body in natural water can boost your cardiovascular health more effectively than some traditional gym workouts? Outdoor swimming, an activity that has surged in popularity worldwide, offers a unique combination of physical and mental benefits that indoor pools or other forms of exercise often can’t match. Far beyond a simple pastime, outdoor swimming taps into the power of nature to enhance physical well-being in remarkable ways. Enhanced Cardiovascular Fitness Swimming is widely recognized for its cardiovascular benefits, but outdoor swimming takes this a step further. When you swim in open water—whether a lake, river, or ocean—the varying temperatures and currents create a dynamic environment that challenges your heart and lungs more intensely than a controlled indoor pool. Cold water immersion, common in outdoor swimming, causes your body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, increasing heart rate and circulation. Researc

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June 5 has been a date marked by a series of significant events that have shaped history across the world, touching on politics, science, culture, and more. One of the most globally impactful events associated with June 5 is the 1967 outbreak of the Six-Day War. On this day, tensions in the Middle East erupted as Israel launched preemptive strikes against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. The conflict fundamentally reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the region, with Israel capturing significant territories including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and Sinai Peninsula. This war not only altered borders but also had far-reaching consequences for international diplomacy, regional relations, and ongoing peace efforts. The legacy of the Six-Day War continues to influence Middle Eastern politics to this day. Moving to the cultural sphere, June 5, 1947, saw the release of the influential film "Miracle on 34th Street" in the United States. This classic holiday movie has become a beloved

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MARYVILLE - The 28th annual Anderson Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament was recently held on May 12, 2025, at the Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville. The event featured eighteen holes of golf and included several contests, such as the Men’s and Women’s Longest Drive and Men’s and Women’s Closest to the Pin, Buy A Drive Contest, and a Putting Contest. “With Spring showers in the air, the weather held out for most of the day, and the tournament ended up being a great success, with the tournament completely full, with 144 golfers participating!” Said Lori St. John, Director of Development. The event raised a total of $21,709.00. The Foundation allocates funds for capital projects and programs for Anderson Hospital. The winners of the tournament were: Jason Weiss, Johnathan Fowler, Les Benton, and Jeff Evans, all from J.F. Electric, Incorporated.

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BENTON — A federal jury convicted Kevin D. Stewart, 59, of Edwardsville, on two counts related to methamphetamine distribution in Franklin and Perry counties. Stewart was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of meth. The verdict followed a trial that centered on a traffic stop in March 2024, during which Illinois State Police officers recovered 312 grams of methamphetamine, 924 grams of homemade THC gummies, and a scale from a vehicle driven by co-defendant Elizabeth J. Schwartzkopf, 43, of Pinckneyville. Stewart was a passenger in the vehicle at the time. Schwartzkopf pleaded guilty in September to one count of conspiracy to distribute meth and one count of possession with intent to distribute meth. She was sentenced Wednesday to 48 months in prison. “The collaboration between the ISP and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is essential in dismantling drug trafficking networks,” said Illinoi

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ALTON – The Alton Police Department is providing an update regarding the death of Christopher D. Green, a 41-year-old male from East Alton, who was fatally shot in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 1, 2025. On Sunday afternoon, approximately six hours after the original incident, officers from the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division and Patrol Division took a juvenile male into custody in connection with the case. On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine’s Office filed a Delinquency Petition charging the 17-year-old male from Alton. The juvenile is currently being detained pending further legal proceedings. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after discussing judicial security with Judge Beth Bloom of the Southern District of Florida, Judge Mark Norris of the Western District of Tennessee, and Judge Esther Salas of the District of New Jersey, whose son was murdered at the family’s home by a former litigant who posed as a deliveryman: “President Trump is openly threatening judges with over-the-top rhetoric and even calling for their impeachment for ruling against him. Just as bad: Republicans seem to be keeping quiet about—or even enabling—his threats. If President Obama or President Biden had said these things, Republicans would’ve thrown a fit. “Americans are welcome to disagree with judicial decisions on the merits, but we must all agree that we cannot undermine our Constitution by allowing threats to the officers of our judicial branc

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), joined by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), today condemned U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for announcing changes to the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommended vaccine schedule that would dramatically limit access to COVID-19 vaccines for millions of pregnant women and children, needlessly endangering their health. In their letter, the Senators slam the decision as anti-science and politically motivated, criticizing Secretary Kennedy for failing to provide scientific justification for the policy change and for confirming their longstanding concerns that he would enact unscientific, anti-vax policies as HHS Secretary—despite all his clamoring before Senate committees that he would not restrict vaccine access. “Your politically driven, anti-science decision—made suddenly and behind closed doors, without

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) voted to pass the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, legislation that delivers funding to communities confronting the devastating opioid overdose crisis. The bill includes two key priorities championed by Congresswoman Budzinski: Authorizing robust funding for residential treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum mothers struggling with substance use disorders. Reauthorizing funding for grants to improve trauma support services, which help provide school and campus-based mental health services to better serve students’ needs, which coincides with legislation she introduced last Congress. “The devastating impact of opioids and fentanyl on communities nationwide, particularly in rural America, cannot be overstated. This bill represents a vital step forward by expanding programs that provide immediate assistance and long-term recovery support—programs proven to save lives,”

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