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STAUNTON – Rural broadband is more than making an Internet connection, it’s about connecting people and giving back to our local communities. This year marks the 20th year that Madison Communications has sponsored the Teacher of the Year Awards contest! Madison has proudly contributed over $35,000 to local area schools through this program. The Teacher of the Year program annually presents an award to three teachers, however this year they celebrated by awarding the top five teachers to celebrate their 20th contest year! The contest takes place from March 1 – May 1 and is divided into the nomination and voting phase. During the month of March, Madison received a total of 212 nominations and during the month of April, the teachers received OVER 20,000 votes! The five teachers who received the highest number of votes were announced May 1 on social media platforms as well as on their website! The 2025 Teacher of the Year winners are Breanna Seely from Mt. Olive Elementary

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt held a press conference to highlight legislation that would stop gyms and fitness centers from cancelling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership. “This bill is about fairness, trust, and making sure that when a business offers a lifetime membership, it actually means lifetime membership — not one year, not until they decide to change the deal, but for the life of the customer,” said Belt (D-Swansea). "We’re setting a fair and clear standard that responsible businesses are already following and that gym-goers deserve.” Senate Bill 314 requires physical fitness centers that offer so-called “lifetime memberships” to be upfront and transparent about any provisions in the contract that would allow them to raise prices or reduce benefits. These terms must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed — no fine print, no legal gymnastics. The bill also includes commonsense exceptions.

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ALTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project, in partnership with Jacoby Arts Center, is excited to announce its inaugural Plein Air art competition, “Mississippi Riverscapes.” This event is an open-air painting and drawing competition at Rivers Project recreation areas throughout the month of June and is open to all amateur and professional artists ages 16 and up. Artists will compete for regional and cash prizes, including a weekend artist retreat at the Green Tree Inn in Elsah, IL. The competition will conclude with the opening of the new “Mississippi Riverscapes” temporary art exhibit at the National Great Rivers Museum which will feature the artwork of all participants, as well as information about the featured Rivers Project recreation sites. Artists may paint or draw independently at any of eight selected Rivers Project recreation sites, any time between June 1st and June 22nd, 2025. For a one-time entry fee of $25, artists may submit

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TROY, Mo. — Ellie Sitton has been named the recipient of the inaugural Troy Fire Association Scholarship, the Troy Fire Protection District announced May 17. The district recognized Sitton for her commitment to helping others and extended best wishes for her future endeavors. The scholarship aims to support individuals who demonstrate dedication to community service. The Troy Fire Protection District congratulated Sitton in a public statement, highlighting her achievements and expressing admiration for her dedication. Sitton is an outstanding Triad High School student-athlete. She was a finalist in the IHSA Girls Sectional at Edwardsville in November 2024, placing fourth in the 50 freestyle with a time of 25.18 and sixth in the 100 breast with a time of 1:13.05.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Multiple Fairview Heights Police officers were shot Saturday night during an encounter with a suspicious individual on Potomac Drive, authorities said. At 9:44 p.m., May 17, 2025, officers were dispatched to the neighborhood after a report of someone prowling near a residence. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the individual, who then opened fire, striking multiple officers. The injured officers were taken to two local hospitals and are currently receiving treatment, the Fairview Heights Police Department said. The suspect is in police custody. The Fairview Heights Police Department described the investigation as active and ongoing and said limited information is available at this time. Officials expressed gratitude for the quick response of the officers and emergency personnel. “We are grateful for the quick actions of our responding officers and emergency personnel,” the department said in a statement. “Please keep our injured

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with leadership from National Public Radio (NPR) stations across Illinois to discuss the importance of continuing to fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), NPR, and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) after President Trump issued an executive order seeking to prohibit these programs from receiving any federal funds. “As a democracy, we should pride ourselves on having freedom of the press. Yet, the Trump Administration continues to threaten journalists and news outlets, including our public media,” said Durbin. “NPR and PBS provide unbiased, informative news to Illinoisans, especially those who live in rural areas. We cannot let the Trump Administration bulldoze the press, which holds our government accountable. I will continue to fight for and protect funding and support for public media in Illinois.”

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a Montgomery County man was sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office prosecuted Troy A. Shull, 46, who was sentenced by Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Matoush after pleading guilty to three Class 2 felony counts of possessing child pornography. His 18-year sentence will be followed by three years to life of mandatory supervised release, and he will also register as a sex offender for life. “The young victims who are exploited and abused by child sexual abuse material deserve the justice this sentence represents, and I am hopeful it helps as they continue to heal fro

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and six other Senate national security leaders urging Acting Inspector General of the Department of Defense (DOD) Steven Stebbins to open an inquiry into DOD’s involvement facilitating the transfer of an unprecedented foreign gift intended for President Trump’s personal use. The Senators’ letter follows reports that President Donald Trump will accept a $400 million luxury plane as a gift from the Qatari government, in violation of the Constitution. “DOD risks becoming embroiled in a brazen attempt to evade constitutional limitations on the acceptance of personal gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval. The Constitution provides that ‘no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title,

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CHICAGO— New Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) administrative rules now require all casinos statewide to conduct mandatory human trafficking recognition training, develop, document and implement human trafficking training and reporting procedures, and post human trafficking awareness notices. “Human traffickers often target casinos and hospitality venues to conduct their illegal activities,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “By adopting mandatory human trafficking recognition training, establishing minimum requirements for that training and requiring casino operators to implement appropriate reporting and signage protocols, the IGB, while working in partnership with the Illinois State Police (ISP) and other law enforcement agencies, is taking meaningful steps to combat these heinous crimes.” “Human trafficking is one of the most underreported and under-identified crimes,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Because human trafficking

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MAKANDA - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Senator Dale Fowler and local leaders to celebrate the opening of a new enclosed horse arena at Giant City Stables. The new enclosed facility, part of Giant City State Park in southern Illinois, will offer year-round therapeutic horse-riding for youth, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, as well as riding lessons and trail rides for the park’s visitors. The design offers greater privacy for therapeutic riding lessons, while preserving the dignity of clients and their families. “My administration has worked hard to invest in facilities and programming like the ones at Giant City State Park—those that are mission-focused and community-oriented,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Over many decades, Giant City Stables has helped countless individuals, their families, and their communities

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BELLEVILLE – Illinois American Water's most recent Water Quality Reports are now available for all service areas on the company’s website at illinoisamwater.com . The company continues working to uphold its commitment to meet or surpass both state and federal water quality standards for regulated substances, including lead. “At Illinois American Water, our mission is to provide safe, clean and reliable water to our customers,” said Rebecca Losli, President, Illinois American Water. “Our annual reports inform customers about their water quality, the comprehensive testing we conduct, and our continuous investments in treatment technologies and infrastructure improvements.” The 2024 annual water quality report, also known as a “consumer confidence report,” details the quality of water the company provides to its customers using data collected from water quality testing in its local systems between January and December 2024. It highlights

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GODFREY - At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Godfrey Village Board next Tuesday, May 20, 2025, newly elected officials will be sworn in for the start of their new terms in office. In anticipation of a larger than normal crowd, the meeting will be moved from Godfrey Village Hall to the Trimpe Auditorium at Lewis & Clark Community College. Meetings of the committees and the board are always open to the public, and Mayor Mike McCormick welcomes all to attend.

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VENICE - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and local leaders to announce eight awards totaling just over $10 million through the Illinois Grocery Initiative New Stores in Food Deserts Program ($9.6 million) and Equipment Upgrades Grant Program ($600,000) to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in Illinois. Grantees were selected through competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) processes “When I signed the Illinois Grocery Initiative into law the vision we had in mind was reducing costs, fighting food insecurity, and boosting the local economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This $10 million investment will go directly toward construction and renovation of quality, affordable grocery options in neighborhoods across the state. From Champaign to Marion to Venice, we’re fighting food insecurity while investing directly into the lifeblood of our economy, supporting farmers,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies successfully passed through the U.S. Senate. Senator Duckworth’s Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act — co-led by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)—would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula and other related nutrition products, including ice packs, in consultation with leading maternal health groups. “After pushing for this for years, I’m proud the Senate passed this long overdue legislation that would make it easier for new moms to travel with their breast milk and the breastfeeding equipment they need to pump and feed their babies,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’ll continue

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HAZELWOOD, Mo. - IMPACT Strategies, Inc., is pleased to announce the completion of the new Averhealth Laboratory. The project, which began last fall, involved the renovation and expansion of their facility in Hazelwood, MO at 601 Lambert Point Drive located off Lindbergh between Hwy 270 & Hwy 70. With outgrowing their current space causing the need to expand, this 26,000 SF renovation/tenant finish included specialized labs, private offices, training office, conference room, and break areas along with necessary coolers and freezers. The renovation and expansion project successfully enhanced the facility's technical capabilities, added important capacity, and improved the overall experience for clients. IMPACT Strategies managed the demolition and preparation of the existing building to receive the new specialized construction improvements for this Lab. Averhealth collaborated with IMPACT early in the preconstruction phase to maximize efficiencies for a progressive construction process.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) slammed Congressional Republicans for continuing to enable Donald Trump’s harmful cuts to VA services and its workforce, undermining the VA’s ability to keep up with new demand for care and benefits for our nation’s Veterans under the bipartisan PACT Act . During her remarks at a forum today, Duckworth called out Republicans for defending Trump slashing our VA while failing to exercise their own oversight and accountability for the proven deterioration of PACT Act implementation since Donald Trump returned to office. Duckworth’s remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube. “The PACT Act was a historic, overwhelmingly bipartisan victory that changed millions of Veterans’ lives,” said Senator Duckworth. “But just like other critical services for our Veterans, Donald Trump has taken a sledgehammer to PACT Act care and benefits as well as

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Brian Quintenz, who has been nominated to serve as Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). During their meeting, Durbin emphasized the need for regulation and steady oversight on cryptocurrency, as well as explicit consumer protections within the industry. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Durbin also discussed funding that is needed to enforce cryptocurrency regulation at CFTC. “As cryptocurrency rises in popularity, it’s critical that we institute oversight and regulations that adequately protect consumers,” said Durbin. “Today, I met with Brian Quintenz, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Chairman of CFTC, to reiterate that, if confirmed, he must put American consumers first and ensure that the digital asset market plays fair.”

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Office of the Attorney General (OAG) reached a settlement on behalf of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) and taxpayers of Illinois to recover $45 million from CVS Caremark in pharmacy benefit rebates. The settlement negotiation, led by OAG in conjunction with the Illinois Governor’s Office and CMS attorneys, resolves allegations that the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) failed to properly disclose and remit pharmaceutical rebates owed to the State under a longstanding contract. “PBMs have gone from being useful administrative service providers to behemoths that control the pharmaceutical industry at the expense of patients and independent pharmacies,” said Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “This settlement is part of my office’s ongoing work to hold PBMs accountable to the people of Illinois, which also includes calling on Congress to take federal action to reign in PBMs. I will continue to advocate for

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GREENVILLE—The graduating class of 2025 at Greenville University enjoyed a well-deserved celebration last weekend, featuring a Baccalaureate service and an outdoor Commencement ceremony attended by hundreds of family members and friends. Two speakers inspired the graduates during the weekend: Professor Ben Wayman, who delivered the Baccalaureate message Friday evening, and LaShanna (Sha) Farley, who gave the Commencement address. The Baccalaureate ceremony allows the Greenville University community to express gratitude to God for his faithfulness throughout students' collegiate journeys. It highlights the gifts of friendships, faculty, and sacred spaces that have transformed lives at Greenville, reflecting Christ's call to service. Additionally, it offers a moment for the community to pray for graduates and their families as they embark on this significant transition. Ben Wayman, speaker for the evening, holds the James F. and Leona N. Andrews Chair for Christianity at Greenville

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Illinois Invent2Prevent statewide partnership between Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, EdVenture Partners, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency-Office of Homeland Security will convene to establish the Invent2Prevent program in Illinois. This inaugural Illinois Invent2Prevent statewide symposium and competition that highlights interventions by high school students to reduce targeted violence and hate crimes in their communities will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, May 19 at SIUE’s Morris University Center (MUC) in the Conference Center. “These student competitions are what we live for, and it is especially exciting as this will be the very first one showcasing Illinois Invent2Prevent teams,” said Tony Sgro, founder and CEO of EdVenture Partners. “These students are addressing difficult issues that they are personally facing in their schools, on their campuses, and in their communities and they are providing credible,

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