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CHICAGO – During National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4-10), Governor Pritzker announced that more than 41 million visitors visited Illinois state parks and historic sites, the highest number in nearly 15 years. The surge coincides with increases in investments and efforts by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Office of Tourism to attract local, national, and international travelers by improving recreational opportunities, investing in park facilities and infrastructure, and featuring Illinois parks and historic sites prominently in the state’s Middle of Everything tourism campaign. “With world-class parks coupled with historic sites, it’s no surprise that more visitors continue to flock to the Middle of Everything to experience all Illinois has to offer,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This year’s increase in visitors reflects a growing enthusiasm to experience Illinois’ natural beauty and the positive impact

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Aviation Subcommittee—issued the following statement after Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy announced his new plan to modernize our nation’s air traffic control system: “For years, I’ve sounded the alarm that we must modernize our air traffic control system in order to safeguard the flying public. After the deadly DCA crash, multiple near-misses and a terrifying equipment failure impacting Newark, it is encouraging that Secretary Duffy and the Trump Administration recognize how urgent this matter is and are calling for new funding to upgrade our nation’s aging air traffic control technology and facilities. “While this may be a positive development, we shouldn’t forget that these are the same officials who just months ago indiscriminately

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SPRINGFIELD – The Fort de Chartres Rendezvous, a popular annual tradition in Randolph County, will take place June 7 and 8 at the Fort de Chartres State Historic Site. Rendezvous hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 8. Highlights include a flintlock muzzleloader shooting competition; period food, drink, and entertainment; artisan and craft demonstrations; 18th-century children’s games; militia and military events; and more. The Rendezvous is free and open to the public. Special event parking is available for $10 per car. Donations are welcome. The site is at 1350 Illinois 155, about four miles west of Prairie du Rocher. The event is hosted by Les Coureurs des Bois de Fort de Chartres and sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which manages the site, and Les Amis du Fort de Chartres. The Fort de Chartres State Historic Site marks the location of the last of three successive forts named “de Chartres&rdquo

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ALTON – An agreement to lay the groundwork for a planned Germania Brew Haus drive-thru location in Alton will soon face consideration from city officials. The Alton Committee of the Whole is set to vote Monday, May 12, 2025, on a redevelopment agreement between the city and G1 Germania Brew Haus Alton, LLC, to redevelop property at 700 E. Broadway in Alton. The coffee shop announced earlier this year that it plans to relocate from its original location just down the street at 617 E. Broadway, which will remain open during the construction of the new site. Among the new features planned at the next Brew Haus are a dedicated drive-thru, rooftop and all-season patio seating, and more. Under the terms of the agreement, the city would reimburse Germania for up to $75,000 of the redevelopment cost upon the project’s completion, which would be paid out of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds. The full scope of the project is described as “professional services and site

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ALTON - Alton Main Street is gearing up for their annual Night Markets. On every Thursday evening in June and July, except for July 3, 2025, community members can come to Sugar Alley in downtown Alton for an evening of live music, vendors, art and more. Alton Main Street Executive Director Sara McGibany expressed her excitement for another busy summer. “There’s all kinds of wonderful things happening downtown,” McGibany said. “We are so excited about the new home of the Night Market. This is really going to be an epicenter of all the activity this summer. We’re super excited about it.” Night Markets were previously located on Broadway, but they will now take place in Sugar Alley. The stage will be set up in the greenspace between Catdaddy’s and Chez Marilyn on 3rd Street in downtown Alton. “We are just really good at pivoting,” McGibany said. “We just roll with it. Whatever happens, we are able to figure it out.”

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BRIGHTON/COTTAGE HILLS – Two area residents face felony charges in separate cases of stolen vehicle possession. Chase S. Manns, 22, of Brighton, was charged on April 30, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle (a Class 2 felony) and possession of a controlled substance (a Class 4 felony). On Feb. 23, 2025, Manns allegedly received and possessed a blue 2018 Ford Fusion with an Illinois registration number, knowing the vehicle was stolen. He was additionally accused of possessing an undisclosed amount of a substance containing fentanyl. The case against Manns was presented by the Alton Police Department and he was granted pretrial release from custody. Brian A. Schaake, 42, of Cottage Hills, was charged in an unrelated case with a Class 2 felony count of unlawful possession of motor vehicles. On March 19, 2025, Schaake allegedly possessed a blue 2005 Chevrolet Silverado with a Pennsylvania registration number, knowing it to have been

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ALTON – Three Alton residents face charges of domestic battery and more in a series of separate criminal cases. Scottie D. Sinks, 38, of Alton, was charged on April 28, 2025 with two Class 3 felony counts of aggravated battery and Class A misdemeanor counts of domestic battery, violation of an Order of Protection, and criminal damage to property. On April 27, 2025, Sinks allegedly bit one victim’s arm, causing a laceration, and struck another victim with a shoe; he is also accused of throwing the latter victim to the ground, causing abrasions. He was also charged for being present at an address he was prohibited from under an Order of Protection, where he reportedly damaged electronics and a motor vehicle mirror. The case against Sinks was presented by the Alton Police Department, and he was remanded to jail for his initial court appearance. Phillip M. Schuyler, 39, of Alton, was charged on May 1, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery and a

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BETHALTO - Stacey Hoffmann goes out of her way for her students. Hoffmann is an Extended Curriculum special education teacher for first through third grades at Parkside Primary School in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. She also coordinates the Parkside Buddy Program, which pairs students with two buddies to play with during recess. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she is reflecting on her 27 years in the Bethalto School District and her plans for more to come. “I have always loved working with children and have a deep desire to make a positive difference in their lives,” Hoffmann said. “I believe that education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer young people to help shape their futures. By supporting students and their families, I aim to help them make the most of their educational opportunities and prepare them for success both in school and beyond.” Outside of school, Hoffmann stays busy with her family. Her oldest daughter

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ALTON - Small business owners who are looking to start or grow their business through e-commerce and learn about best marketing practices for growth are welcome to attend three free online retail and marketing workshops in Downtown Alton to be held at Coco+Oak, located at 110 W. 3rd Street. Alton Main Street and Coco+Oak are teaming up to present these educational workshops led by a seasoned pro - Madeline Eades, owner of Coco+Oak, has 10+ years of experience in marketing and sales and is sharing her wisdom to help her fellow business owners succeed. There is no cost to attend but space is limited, so please register early to secure your spot at one or all of the workshops: To register for "Online retail and how it can help you grow - finding the perfect platform for your business" on Tues, May 13th at 5:30 CLICK HERE: https://forms.gle/nr75Vh8e25PKRrGR8 To register for "Marketing online locally and why I should invest - using social media and local outlets to grow" on Tues

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COLLINSVILLE - The City of Collinsville is finishing up a mural to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Located at the former Rich’s Tire Service building in uptown Collinsville, the “Welcome to Historic Uptown Collinsville” mural features several iconic scenes from the region. Caitlin Rice with the City of Collinsville expressed her appreciation for the new mural and what it means to the community. “It’s definitely drawn a lot of excitement for us,” Rice said. “We’re very lucky to be a part of it and getting some cool things for our community. It’s been fun.” The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau provided the city with a Route 66 grant to promote beautification and mark the centennial anniversary of the route, which will be celebrated in 2026. This grant will provide two murals, including the uptown Collinsville mural and a mural at Old Herald Brewery and Distillery. The uptown mural was designed in

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HARTFORD - The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site will host their annual Point of Departure Commemoration event this weekend, complete with artisans, cannons, a Thomas Jefferson impersonator, and plenty of free family fun. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, 2025, community members can come to the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site at 1 Lewis and Clark Trail in Hartford to learn about the Lewis and Clark expedition and life on the American frontier. Artisans will be available with hands-on demonstrations and activities for families to enjoy. “We’re going to be here to commemorate one of the greatest historical events in the history of America,” said Mike Bortko with the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. “This is your history. This is how people lived on the frontier 225 years ago.” Bortko collaborated with Ben Pollard to help organize the Point of Departure Commemoration, which is completely free to attend. They

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ALTON - Alton Main Street is excited to launch another round of its Façade Improvement Grant Program. This initiative is designed to assist property and business owners in Downtown Alton with rehabilitating the facades of their buildings for the purpose of creating a positive visual impact, stimulating private investment, and complementing other community development efforts. Improvement projects that are eligible to receive the grant include, but are not limited to: storefronts, exterior painting, signage, awnings, accent lighting. A total of $5,000 is available to be awarded, and grants are required to have a 1:1 match. This program is being made possible by a generous sponsorship from Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.. The application deadline is Monday, June 9th. Interested property owners as well as tenants with owner’s permission are eligible for the program. In order to be eligible for the FIG Program, buildings must be located within the Alton Main Street

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ALTON – The 2025 season of the Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market will begin on Saturday, May 10th (always Mother’s Day weekend) in the parking lot at the corner of Landmarks Blvd. & Henry Street in Downtown Alton, Illinois. The market will be in session, rain or shine, every Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. until Noon through Oct 18th. Shoppers will find a wide selection of locally-grown seasonal fruit and vegetables including heirloom varieties and organically grown crops, along with grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, farm fresh eggs, local honey, hot and iced coffee, fresh bread and other baked goods, as well as ready to eat breakfast and lunch items. In addition, breakfast items, fresh cut flowers, potted plants, and a large assortment of hand-crafted artwork such as pottery, stained glass, soap, candles, and woodworking items will be sold. Special activities have been scheduled every week. Opening day will feature a make & take project: DIY letterpress Mothers'

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement on the selection of David P. Steiner as the new United States Postmaster General. The Postmaster General is the chief executive officer of the United States Postal Service and is responsible for managing and directing the day-to-day operations of the agency. “I’ve long fought to strengthen and improve the United States Postal Service for my constituents and have been outspoken against efforts to privatize the Postal Service. Now, we have a new Postmaster General who comes directly from one of the Postal Service’s chief competitors and has a record of opposing the right of workers to join a union. This raises real concerns about the direction Mr. Steiner may take the Postal Service, where over 91% of the workforce is unionized. “Let me be clear: keeping the Postal Service as a public good and defending the rights of postal employees are non-negotiable.

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BENTON — A federal judge has sentenced Alen Saric, 36, of St. Louis, to 87 months in prison for his role in a $1.7 million vehicle sale fraud scheme that targeted private sellers in Madison, Jasper, Bond and Fayette counties in southern Illinois. Saric pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, interstate transportation of property obtained by fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The scheme involved using counterfeit cashier’s checks to purchase vehicles on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist from 2018 until August 2023. According to court documents, Saric and co-conspirators issued more than $1.7 million in fake checks printed on security-enhanced paper bearing real bank names and logos but with fraudulent routing numbers. After acquiring vehicles with these bogus checks, the group resold the vehicles for cash before victims could discover the checks were worthless. Co-defendants Valentino Colic, 34, and Almir Palic, 25, also of St. Louis, previously

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GODFREY - On March 27, 2025, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a report alleging that a minor was sexually assaulted approximately seven years ago at a residence in Godfrey. The report prompted an investigation by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit and Digital Forensics Division. Madison County Deputy Sheriff Marcos Puldio said over the following month, investigators conducted multiple interviews, executed several search warrants, and examined numerous items of digital evidence related to the case. The investigation culminated in charges being filed against Andrew S. Masiero, 47. Masiero faces four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, classified as Class X felonies; two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, classified as Class 2 felonies; and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, classified as Class 4 felonies. He is currently in custody at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The case has bee

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ALTON/GRANITE CITY – Residents of Alton, Granite City, and more have been charged in separate cases with burglarizing properties and vehicles around Madison County. Richard A. Schrader, 42, of Granite City, was charged with a Class 2 felony count of burglary on April 28, 2025. Schrader allegedly entered a building which was property of Morrissey Construction Company in the 700 block of Washington Avenue in Alton, knowingly and without authority, with the intent to commit a theft. The Alton Police Department presented the case against Schrader, who was granted pretrial release from custody. Kienny Pierson, 49, of Alton, was charged on April 30, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of burglary. Pierson reportedly entered a 2021 Jeep SUV without authority, intending to commit therein a theft, on March 15, 2025. He was granted pretrial release from custody in the case presented by the Alton Police Department. Oscar K. McGee, 47, of St. Louis, was charged with a Class 1 felony count

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SPRINGFIELD — Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois issued more comments with excitement on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Springfield, celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost) is the first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from America. He and Paprocki are both natives of South Chicago and also White Sox fans, which was a plus to Paprocki. “With profound joy and deep gratitude to God, the universal Catholic Church celebrates the election of Pope Leo XIV, our new Holy Father,” Bishop Paprocki said. “This moment fills the hearts of the faithful with renewed hope, as the Church receives a new Vicar of Christ, a shepherd to lead us in truth, charity, and love. We give thanks for Pope Leo XIV’s humble acceptance of this sacred responsibility.” The bishop called on Catholics to pray for Pope Leo XIV’s wisdom, courage and compassion as he begins

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ALTON - Alton Main Street will kick off their Alton Farmers and Artisans Market this weekend. From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays starting on May 10 and running through Oct. 18, 2025, community members can stop by 501 Landmarks Boulevard in Alton for the market. Sara McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street, said the 100-plus vendors who will be in attendance are excited to welcome the community back for another season of fun. “It sounds cliché, but we really are a big family down there,” McGibany said. “Everybody’s really excited, making new products for the year, and it’s just really a cool thing.” McGibany said that last year’s farmers market maxed out at 163 vendors, and they expect similar numbers this year. All of the vendors must create or grow their own products. “We are truly a farmers and artisans market. Everything sold has to be handmade or homegrown by the person operating the booth,” McGibany

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Police have two felony warrants for Demarco Q. Robinson on charges of financial institution fraud, alleging he committed check kiting resulting in losses exceeding $65,000 at UMB Bank in Collinsville. The Collinsville Police released information on May 9, 2025, as part of their Fugitive Friday highlighting these charges. Check kiting is a form of bank fraud where an individual exploits the time it takes banks to process checks between different accounts to create a false balance and obtain unauthorized, unsecured loans. It involves depositing a check with insufficient funds and withdrawing money before the check is processed, creating a temporary illusion of available funds. For several months, investigators from the Collinsville Police Department and UMB Bank have been tracking Demarco’s activities across the Metro-East area. The warrants, issued by Collinsville Police, charge Demarco with financial institution fraud involving amounts between

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