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CARLINVILLE – Blackburn College has announced that Jared Jones, a 2016 graduate and director of team travel and logistics for Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians, will be the keynote speaker at the College’s 2025 commencement ceremony. The event will take place Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. on the Hudson Quad. Jones brings an inspiring perspective to this year’s graduating class, shaped by their shared experiences in Blackburn's student-managed Work Program—the only student-managed program in the country. The Work Program offers students a way to gain valuable, hands-on experience in roles that directly support the College's daily operations. Students who participate in the Program develop essential skills, build a resume, and reduce the cost of their education, all while earning a four-year degree. Jones's journey from a student worker on campus to a leadership role in the Major Leagues highlights the impact of Blackburn’s nationally

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ALTON - Ameren Illinois' new carbon-free assessment program aimed at helping public schools in the state reduce energy costs and improve sustainability has been very successful, Michael Pittman, manager of new clean energy programs, said. The program, which began in the first quarter of 2024, offers comprehensive energy assessments to public school districts within Ameren Illinois’ service territory. The assessments evaluate both the interior and exterior of school buildings and provide a strategic roadmap to increase energy efficiency, including opportunities to update HVAC systems, improve insulation, and consider solar facilities. “Energy costs are one of the largest expenses of operating a school,” Pittman said. “We look at the facility comprehensively to identify opportunities such as updating HVAC schedules, installing smart thermostats, fixing windows and doors, and making other capital improvements that can lead to significant savings.” Since

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SPRINGFIELD - Recognizing Financial Literacy Month, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is celebrating a generous donation of books that teach children about the value of financial literacy, which every Illinois public library received. As part of its charitable endeavors, Walmart donated 1,500 copies of Mellody Hobson’s ‘Priceless Facts about Money’ to over 750 public library branches across Illinois. An Illinois native, Hobson is the Co-CEO & President of Ariel Investments, a global value-oriented asset management firm founded in 1983 in Chicago. Hobson is a leader in corporate boardrooms, as former chairman of Starbucks Corporation and a current director of JPMorgan Chase. She was listed among Forbes Magazine’s 100 most powerful women in the world. Written for children, Hobson’s book illustrates with entertaining stories and facts how money works and introduces readers to fundamental principles of financial literacy and money management

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief supporting an effort to block erratic and unlawful layoffs and mismanagement at the Social Security Administration (SSA) by Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek and the Department of Government Efficiency. Raoul and the coalition point out that such actions jeopardize continued benefits payments for millions of Americans. The brief supports the plaintiffs’ request for an injunction in American Association of People with Disabilities v. Dudek, and it was filed today in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. “The Trump administration claims that it’s making the Social Security Administration more efficient, but in reality, these seemingly-arbitrary layoffs and office closures are throwing it into chaos,” Raoul said. “Millions of Americans, including more than 2 million Illinoisans, rely on Social Security benefits to

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to stop gym and fitness centers from cancelling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership. “When gyms advertise lifetime memberships, someone shouldn’t have their benefits reduced because they’re actually utilizing the gym,” said Belt (D-Swansea). "If you sign up for a lifetime membership at a set price, the gym shouldn’t be able to turn around next year and raise your rate." Gyms and fitness centers follow rules under the Physical Fitness Services Act. Belt’s measure is designed to prevent fitness centers and gyms from changing prices or reducing benefits for any “lifetime membership” price they advertise. If a fitness center wants to change prices or benefits for one of these contracts, they would have to clearly disclose their intention when the gym membership contract is being signed. “We’re trying to crack down on deceptive tactics used

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CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reduce electricity capacity prices that are set to increase substantially on June 1 for ComEd customers. If allowed to go into effect on June 1, the results of the 2025-2026 PJM Interconnection (PJM) capacity auction would drastically increase electricity prices for consumers. In his complaint , Raoul is asking that the auction be rerun under revised rules that would be fairer for consumers. “PJM and FERC have acknowledged that the rules are flawed, and they have been changed for the next two auctions,” Raoul said. “I am asking that the most recent auction be conducted again under the revised rules, which have already been approved by FERC. These changes are critical to protect consumers from unreasonable increases to their utility bills.” Capacity prices are paid by each residential, commercial and industrial customer as part of their electric

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ST. LOUIS – On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, new St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer took office in the rotunda of City Hall surrounded by family, friends, elected officials from across the state and residents who were excited to usher in the City’s next chapter. Mayor Spencer’s inaugural address called for unity and collaboration and also pointed to four priority areas including openness and accountability, city service delivery, public safety and growing an inclusive economy. “I ran for Mayor because I know when we work together, we work best,” Mayor Spencer said. “The people of this city are generous and hardworking, resilient and humble. We’re also as tough as the carbon steel of the arch. With the determination and grit this city was built upon, we can and will do better.” The Mayor was officially sworn in by Missouri Supreme Court Judge Robin Ransom. Comptroller Donna Baringer was officially sworn in by Judge Michael Stelzer. Additional

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ALTON - During his final meeting with the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education, longtime member Ed Gray was recognized for his service to the community. During their regular meeting on April 15, 2025, the Board of Education took a few minutes to recognize Gray as he prepares to step down from his position. Superintendent Elaine Kane called Gray “a local legend.” She noted that Gray has served the Alton School District for 58 years in different capacities, including 20 years on the school board. “Mr. Gray, for your tireless service and meaningful contributions, in honor of your professional and personal legacy of service, on behalf of all who are here and many who can’t be, we extend our heartfelt admiration and appreciation for you,” Kane said. Gray was hired to teach in the Alton School District in 1967. He became an assistant principal at Alton High School. In 1985, he was named the Administrator for Plant Facilities and

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Did you know that the average person spends about 90% of their time indoors? The environment around us profoundly influences our mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Yet many people overlook how simple adjustments to their living spaces can dramatically enhance their daily experience. Refreshing your home decor doesn’t require a complete overhaul or a hefty budget; thoughtful changes can breathe new life into your surroundings and subtly shift your mindset. Assessing Your Current Space: What’s Working and What’s Not? Before diving into new purchases or design trends, take a critical look at your current decor. What elements bring you joy or comfort? Which ones feel outdated or cluttered? This honest evaluation helps prioritize efforts and resources. One effective method is the “visual inventory.” Walk through each room and note pieces that catch your eye positively or negatively. For instance, a worn-out sofa might drag down the room’s vibe

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April 16th has been a day marked by a diverse range of significant historical events that have shaped the world in profound ways. One of the most pivotal events to occur on April 16th is linked to the turbulent period of the Russian Revolution. On April 16, 1917, the Russian Provisional Government, which had taken power after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II earlier that year, faced a critical turning point. Amidst growing social unrest and the pressures of continuing World War I, the Provisional Government struggled to maintain authority and public support. This day is particularly notable because it underscores the mounting challenges that would soon lead to the Bolshevik October Revolution later that year, fundamentally altering the political landscape of Russia and the world. Backtracking a bit, April 16th has also been notable for events that span a wide range of categories. For example, in the realm of exploration and colonial history, on April 16, 1520, the Spanish explorer

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GODFREY – Representatives from St. Louis planning firm PGAV Planners gave a presentation at Tuesday’s Godfrey Village Board meeting on updating the village’s comprehensive plan. A comprehensive plan serves as a roadmap for a community’s future, ensuring its growth in areas of housing, economic development and more is guided in a strategic way over the next decade. The plan does not include specific policies or ordinances – instead, it provides general guidance on how village boards and committees should approach decisions that impact Godfrey’s future. “Comprehensive plans are important for every community,” PGAV President Andy Strockoff said, adding they help see “what works and what doesn’t” for each community, guiding what to change and what to keep the same. Godfrey’s last comprehensive plan was completed in 2021 by the village’s own Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. PGAV was previously considered

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HARTFORD - The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site will commemorate the 221st anniversary of the start of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with the annual Point of Departure Commemoration May 10 and 11. Visitors can interact with military demonstrators, historic artisans, and hands-on displays at this free event, which takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Artisans will exhibit historic skills including candle making, leatherworking, tanning, gunsmithing, spinning, woodworking and more. The event offers an opportunity for visitors to experience how things were made in the past and what life in the Illinois Country was like. Frontier medicine of the early 19th Century will be explored with a display of medical instruments and common treatments. Military reenactors will portray soldiers of the Lewis and Clark Expedition's Corps of Discovery. Interpreting the "White Pirogue" replica of the Expedition's boat, these reenactors will reveal the grueling task of navigating against the

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G RANITE CITY - Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski stopped at Granite City for a roundtable discussion with local leaders about funding for local projects. On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Budzinski and leaders from local communities met at America’s Central Port in Granite City to discuss the Continuing Resolution recently passed by Congressional Republicans. This resolution did not include funding for 15 projects in the 13th District, which Budzinski represents. “We had a number of projects that, had we reached a full and complete federal budget in this last fiscal year, we would have been able to award these well-deserving communities with this commitment,” Budzinski explained. “These are projects that had already gone through the appropriations process and had been approved, but we just failed to reach, under Republican leadership, a complete federal budget. So this can has continued to be kicked down the road, quite frankly, for the last several years.”

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EDWARDSVILLE - Just in time for Earth Day, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will become an official steward of an Artemis Moon Tree. The Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweetgum) seedling is scheduled for public viewing and planting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 otherwise known as Earth Day. SIUE was one of three locations in the state of Illinois to be awarded the 50 to 60-inch seedling due to an application from associate director of admissions, Alicia Taylor. “I thought this was a long shot,” said Taylor who applied for The Gardens at SIUE to be the permanent location for one of the botanical space travellers. "Looking through the lens of educational outreach, this seemed like a great opportunity for learners from across generations to engage with SIUE in a way that aligns with our mission." According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Moon Trees Team, the seedling was grown from a seed that orbited the Moon during the November 16,

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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee, led Senate and House Democrats in an amicus brief opposing President Donald Trump’s unlawful attempt to fire members of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). FTC Commissioners Rebecca Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya are duly appointed, Senate-confirmed Commissioners at an independent federal agency created by Congress. President Trump’s illegal attempts to terminate them threaten the integrity of independent federal agencies and the FTC’s ability to enforce civil antitrust law and protect the public from fraudsters and monopolists. In addition to Durbin and Booker, the brief was led by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Amy Klobuchar

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul presented the proposed budget for the Attorney General’s office for the next fiscal year to a Senate legislative committee today in Chicago. Raoul announced that since taking office in 2019, his office has generated an average of $23.47 in revenue for every dollar of taxpayer funding the office received. “The Attorney General’s office serves Illinois as the people’s law firm, protecting seniors from scammers, supporting victims of violent crime and advocating for the state’s interests,” Raoul said. “We are committed to maintaining vital programs and services to the people of Illinois, even as our responsibilities continue to expand under new statutory requirements and greater enforcement authority of existing state laws, as well as our critical work to protect Illinoisans’ rights from attack by the federal government.” During the hearing, Raoul highlighted the increased workload resulting

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - A family is seeking community support after a car accident on March 17, 2025, resulted in the deaths of Ashley Koehler and her 10-year-old son, Jacob, and left her 3-year-old daughter, Gracie, critically injured. In response to the tragedy, friends and family organized the Emmerich Family Benefit fundraiser, scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2025, at St. Clair Bowl, located at 5950 Old Collinsville Road in Fairview Heights, Illinois. The event will include a silent auction and a ball raffle, with all proceeds going to support Koehler’s four children. The benefit features a 9-Pin No Tap Tournament and costs $25 per participant. Those interested in attending or reserving a spot can contact Kim at (618) 972-4713. “All proceeds from the benefit go toward all four children who were left behind after this tragedy,” organizers said.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Patrick Steinway, 41, of the 4800 block of Southridge Park Drive in St. Louis, was charged Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with stealing more than $25,000 from St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Church, authorities said. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed the charges on April 15, 2025. Steinway is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond with no option for 10% bond. The investigation began on Jan. 24, 2025, when Detective #1 responded to the Bank of Hillsboro following reports of theft from the church. Steinway, who volunteered for the church and worked at the bank, managed the church’s athletic department and was responsible for collecting and processing fees for its programs, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Office confirmed. During routine audits of nonprofit accounts at the bank, irregularities were discovered involving two church accounts and one personal account opened by Steinway. It was determined that Steinway transferred funds

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ALTON - Maya and Alex Stephan have emerged as pivotal players for the Marquette Catholic girls' soccer team during their successful 2025 campaign. In a recent match against Roxana, both sisters contributed to the team's victory by scoring goals, showcasing their skill and teamwork. The match occurred last week, further solidifying the Explorers' strong season. The Stephan sisters are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athletes of the Month for Marquette Catholic. Maya, reflecting on her journey, expressed her long-standing desire to play for Marquette Catholic. "I remember Alex and I watching them win in penalty kicks in the playoffs," she said. "I've been fortunate to have played with great teammates, but to share the experience with my sister for two years is something I will always be grateful for." Alex also shared her sentiments about playing alongside her sister. "I really enjoy playing with Maya. I'm definitely going to miss her when she graduates, not just the

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TROY - Make plans to spend the First Fridays in Downtown Troy this summer. Enjoy live entertainment, local food, market vendors, and shopping while exploring Market and Main Streets. The first event will be held May 2, 2025, with three more held the first Friday of June, August and September. The musical lineup for this summer at First Fridays in Downtown Troy is sensational. Standout area musician Mike Sonderegger of Mike Sonderegger Music will kick off the season with his always entertaining acoustic performance on May 2. On June 6, 2025, Dawn Mushill, President/CEO Of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jaob/Marine/Marine Chamber of Commerce said: "We go country with one of the best country bands in the area, Shotgun Creek. "We take a break for July 4th, then Lanny & Julie (a local staple) will join us on August 1st. Finishing the season, we have The Dude Abides Duo in September, which is guaranteed to rock the night. All concerts run 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. "People are encouraged to

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