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SPRINGFIELD – In a victory for working families struggling with the affordability crisis and deceptive corporate practices, the Illinois State Senate passed the Illinois Junk Fee Transparency Act ( SB1486 ) to curb the widespread use of deceptive and excessive junk fees. Economic Security Illinois Action put forward the legislation with lead sponsor Senator Omar Aquino and in partnership with Representative Bob Morgan and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “As Illinoisans struggle with rising costs, we applaud Senator Aquino and the Illinois Senate for taking action to protect working families from hidden fees that hike up their bills,” said Erion Malasi, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Economic Security Illinois Action. “This bill empowers the Illinois Attorney General to crack down on businesses hiding real costs, and ensures transparency in pricing for the majority of businesses already playing by the rules. The price you see should be the price you

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BELLEVILLE — The Diocese of Belleville expressed gratitude and support on Thursday, May 8, 2025, for the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. In a statement issued by Very Rev. Godfrey Mullen, OSB, Moderator of the Curia for the diocese, the Belleville Catholic community joined clergy, religious, and lay faithful in giving thanks to God for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in selecting the successor to Saint Peter. Pope Leo XIV, in his initial address, called on Catholics worldwide to embrace the gospel through humility, peace, justice, and unity. “He renewed the call to each of us, disciples of the Lord, to live His gospel of life: to receive the gift of humble and persevering peace, to open our arms to one another, to work fearlessly for justice, to rejoice in the resurrection, to gather in God’s people, to listen attentively to and dialogue charitably with one another together on the journey, in all things to build the Kingdom

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Gavin Kolley, 37, of Arnold, Mo., was charged Wednesday with first-degree involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident following a fatal crash on May 6, 2025, authorities said. According to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Kolley was traveling eastbound on Meramec Bottom Road when he struck a vehicle driven by Victim #1. After the collision, Kolley fled the scene, continuing east on Meramec Bottom Road at a high rate of speed and erratic driving. He ran a red light at Meramec Bottom Road and Lemay Ferry Road before proceeding onto Baumgartner Road, where he crossed the center lane and collided head-on with another vehicle driven by Victim #2. Christine Decker, 57, of St. Louis, was identified as the victim who died as a result of the crash, according to the police. Emergency medical services found Kolley at the scene and noted signs of alcohol consumption, including slurred speech. Kolley admitted to relapsing an

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SPRINGFIELD – Wednesday, May 8, 2025 the League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) returned to Springfield to lobby their state legislators. LWVIL is a nonpartisan organization that takes action on issues it has studied and reached consensus on. LWVIL augmented this year’s Lobby Day with a team of trained volunteers who make up LWVIL’s newly-minted Volunteer Lobby Corps. After a day of orientation led by experienced members of the team, the Lobby Corps was joined by additional League members for a day of in-person meetings with legislators from both sides of the aisle. “LWVIL advocates to protect voting rights and advance a more equitable democracy,” explained LWVIL President Becky Simon. “The League stands up for social justice issues because systemic inequities prohibit people from participating equally in our democracy.” This year, LWVIL focused on protection of Constitutional rights and equity in education and housing. Local Leagues

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GRANITE CITY - The Rotary Club of Granite City recognized juniors Sophie Davison and Cate Smallie as Students of the Month for April. Students were nominated by teachers, and were chosen on the basis of academics, as well as scholastic, extracurricular and civic honors and awards, and organization membership and leadership. Each honoree will receive a framed certificate and a gift card . SOPHIE DAVISON Member of girls basketball and girls golf team ... Secondary Honors program ... Academic Award ... Member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Photography, Renaissance, Spirit and Varsity Club ... Volunteer at church and Relleke Farms ... Daughter of Corby and Gina Davison. CATE SMALLIE Member of girls tennis and girls swimming team ... GCHS Yearbook Editor ... Secondary Honors program ... Member of Renaissance and Varsity Club ... Volunteer at Old Six Mile Museum and Paddlers ... GCHS Baseball PA Announcer ... Personal Choice Award ... Daughter of Scott and Debbie

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ALTON – The Vintage Voices committee has set an audition date for the upcoming tours in October. Auditions will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at YWCA Southwestern Illinois, 304 E. 3rd St., Alton, Ill., 62002. Actors wanting to audition should arrive anytime between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. The cast features nine characters of various ages – three White females, two White males, two Black females, and two Black males. Commitment is five performances and an individualized rehearsal schedule. "Vintage Voices is all about bringing local history to life through storytelling. Every year, we hold open auditions to find people excited to help write and perform the stories of those we're featuring in this year's event. Auditions are simple – just a cold read from a script we’ll give you. Hope to see you in June!" said Diana Enloe, Co-Director of Vintage Voices. The annual event consists of walking tours held in the Alton Cemetery (5th and Vine Streets) with actors in perio

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EDWARDSVILLE – Bruce Holland, founder and CEO of Holland Construction Services (HCS), has been named the 2025 recipient of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering Distinguished Service Award. Holland will receive this prestigious award for decades of dedication to the Metro East region and the SIUE community. Holland’s leadership in construction, local innovation, student mentorship and advancement of the University will be formally recognized during the School’s Commencement Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Since founding HCS in 1986, Holland has grown the company into one of the Midwest’s most respected construction firms, dedicated to creating not only structures but relationships and trust. Holland has been a key friend to SIUE’s School of Engineering and students. “It’s been a great place for us to get qualified people for our industry,” Holland said of SIUE. “We’ve had a lot

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ALTON - Come learn about the changing nature of the electric grid and the Clean & Reliable Grid Affordability Act legislation under review by the Illinois General Assembly. Electricity demand is projected to rise in Illinois and the U.S. the next few years at rates not seen for generations, primarily due to the explosive growth of data centers. At the same time, Illinois and the U.S. is undergoing a transition from centralized fossil-fuel generation towards distributed renewables. Dr. Nicholas Johnson is an assistant professor of sustainability and economics at Principia College, and chair of the Department of Sustainability. He holds a BS in physics and religion from Principia College, an MS in environmental policy from Michigan Tech, and a PhD in energy and mineral engineering from Penn State. His particular expertise is in electricity markets and the organizational behavior of the bodies that operate the electric grid in North America. Dr. Johnson recently had an AAAS Science an

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined Caring Across relentless attempts to slash Medicaid funding. Duckworth spoke passionately about the millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid—Americans including pregnant women, children with disabilities as well as people in nursing homes—and demanded that Republicans put their constituents’ lives ahead of Trump’s ego by working with Democrats to save the program. Key Quotes: “Republicans told us in Project 2025 that they would come for Medicaid, and this is the rare case when the GOP has actually kept its word—putting at risk the roughly 80 million Americans who rely on it. These are Americans in red states and blue, in big cities and small towns—Americans who don’t deserve the ways in which Republicans are making them suffer.” “It’s obvious that Trump has never stayed up late at night hunched over the kitchen table, with

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WASHINGTON, D.C . — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity Act (Ag BIO Act), a bipartisan bill to support the biofuel economy in Illinois and across the country. The legislation updates the USDA’s Section 9003 program to expand access to grants, streamline loan guarantees, and provide $100 million in mandatory funding over five years. “My district is home to world-class research facilities like the University of Illinois’ Integrated Bioprocessing Research Lab and SIUE’s National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center—both at the forefront of biomanufacturing innovation,” said Congresswoman Budzinski . “I’m honored to partner with my colleague Zach Nunn on bipartisan legislation that supports the groundbreaking agricultural research led by students and scientists at these institutions. Strengthening America’s bioeconomy

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GRANITE CITY – In April, Revity Credit Union came together to raise $2,900 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois through the Revity Threads of Kindness Program. This program, funded by employees, allows Revity Credit Union staff to embody the credit union's philosophy of people helping people. By contributing a monthly monetary donation to a local organization, employees can enjoy wearing jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays throughout that month. In 2025, Revity Credit Union is committed to impactful giving and community support, weaving kindness into the fabric of our daily lives and ensuring that every jeans day makes a difference. BBBSIL was nominated as the recipient of our April Threads of Kindness donation, receiving $2,900. April also marks Credit Union Youth Month. To celebrate with our members, Revity Credit Union offered stuffed Revels, which are miniature versions of Revity’s mascot. Each Revel was available for a $10 donation to

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SPRINGFIELD – Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois issued the following statement in response to the election of Pope Leo XIV. “With profound joy and deep gratitude to God, the universal Catholic Church celebrates the election of Pope Leo XIV, our new Holy Father! 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's XIV’s humble acceptance of this sacred responsibility. “As people of faith, let us lift up Pope Leo XIV in prayer that he may be strengthened in wisdom, courage, and compassion as he begins his ministry. Let us also pray that under his leadership, the Church will continue to be a beacon of light in a world overshadowed by confusion, hatred, and violence. May he inspire within us a deeper commitment to the holy Eucharist, prayer, and the Gospel message, and spark greater unity

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EDWARDSVILLE - Ashley Ridler prioritizes her students. Ridler, a third grade teacher at Albert Cassens Elementary School in the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7, shared that she decided to become a teacher so she could support her students’ growth and make sure they always had someone on their team. “I decided to become a teacher because I wanted to make a positive impact on children's lives and be a safe and supportive person for them,” she said. “I enjoy working with students because of the way they look at the world. They are so innovative, kind, and compassionate. They really make you look at the world differently!” Ridler is constantly inspired by her previous teachers and the teachers around her. She aspires to provide the same opportunities and love that her teachers gave to her. Because Ridler cares so deeply about each student, she tries to meet them where they’re at and give them the individualized support they nee

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department recognized the contributions of correctional officers during National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, observed May 4–10, 2025. This annual observance, established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, honors the role correctional professionals play in maintaining safety and order within correctional facilities. On May 7, 2025, the department presented its correctional officers with gift bags as a token of appreciation for their commitment and professionalism. The gift bags were prepared in partnership with Sacred Spaces of CARE, highlighting community support for the officers who work behind the scenes to ensure safety and rehabilitation. “Each officer received a thoughtfully prepared gift bag filled with goodies — a small token of our immense appreciation for their unwavering commitment and professionalism,” the Alton Police Department said in a statement. The week serves as a reminder to acknowledge

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SPRINGFIELD – On April 16, 2025, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) and the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) closed the State of Illinois Clean Water Initiative Revolving Fund Revenue and Refunding Bonds, Series 2025 (Green Bonds), and successfully yield $544.2 million of proceeds for Illinois EPA’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs. “Illinois continues to receive strong bids from the bond market, amid the economic uncertainty being created on the federal level,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our strong fiscal discipline is allowing us to save taxpayers money, while also providing local governments the capital to replace lead pipes and create economic opportunities across the state.” Consistent with prior bond issues, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, the Series 2025 Green Bonds were priced at a premium on March 31 and April 1. These new funds will support Illinois EPA’s mission of financing critical water infrastructure

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EAST ST. LOUIS — During Teacher Appreciation Week, East St. Louis School District 189 has recognized Imani Dyson, an 11th-grade English teacher at East St. Louis Senior High School, for her dedication to student learning and instructional excellence. The district highlighted Ms. Dyson in its Teacher Appreciation Spotlight, noting her collaborative approach and use of data to guide her teaching methods. Assistant Principal Delicia Ferrell praised Ms. Dyson, saying, “Ms. Dyson is collaborative and uses data to drive her instruction. Her classes are always engaging and rigorous, and she encourages her students to be independent thinkers.” The East St. Louis School District expressed gratitude for Ms. Dyson’s efforts in creating a classroom environment where students are challenged, supported and inspired. The recognition reflects the district’s commitment to honoring educators who contribute to shaping strong and thoughtful learners. Thank you to

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) announced that it resolved multiple complaints of unpaid wages and is distributing more than $483,000 to affected workers. The payments are part of a settlement agreement reached with Beecher, Illinois-based contractor, Bulk Storage, Inc. In addition to the wages recovered for the workers involved in the claims, the Contractor will pay $85,000 in penalties to IDOL. “This agreement underscores the importance of ensuring that workers are paid the wages they’ve earned and are owed,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. “Recovering these funds not only makes these workers whole but underscores that every employer on public works and construction projects is expected to follow the law and uphold their obligations.” After an investigation, IDOL determined the Contractor failed to pay wages and/or benefits to more than three dozen workers as required under the Illinois Prevailing

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O’FALLON, Ill. — Nathan T. Smith was sentenced Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to 40 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Ivan J. Marshall. The conviction stems from the May 22, 2022, shooting death of Marshall, a 20-year-old employee at Bella Milano restaurant in O’Fallon, Ill., who was fatally shot in the restaurant’s rear parking lot. Smith was the last of four individuals charged and convicted in connection with Marshall’s death. The other convicted defendants are Darrayvia D. Crump of Cahokia Heights, who was convicted of armed violence and sentenced to 20 years; Nautica A. Young, also of Cahokia Heights, convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 21 years; and Shadajah J. Denton, of Cahokia Heights, convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 25 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The O’Fallon Police Department acknowledged the assistance of the Major Case

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GRAFTON – Pere Marquette State Park will host the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair, featuring fun and educational activities for the entire family, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park, which is near Grafton on Illinois 100. There are no admission or parking fees, and no fishing license or gear is needed to participate. The fishing fair will feature a variety of outdoor activities. Participating children will find a catch-and-release bluegill pond, where young anglers can have their photograph taken with their catch. The popular One-Cast station ensures everyone wins a prize. And bow-fishing stations offer youth an opportunity to shoot at moving targets in a pool or at a three-dimensional target. Every child who completes at least seven stations will receive a prize and have a chance to catch trout from the pond. New to the fair this year will be Hall of Fame fisherman Jimmy Houston, who will entertain the crowd with his fishing wit and wisdom.

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with 20 attorneys general, won a court order stopping the Trump administration from dismantling three federal agencies that provide services and funding supporting public libraries, museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses nationwide. In April, Raoul joined the coalition in suing the Trump administration to stop the implementation of an executive order that would dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued an order Tuesday granting the states’ request for a preliminary injunction to stop the administration from implementing the order and protecting the three agencies. “The administration’s actions jeopardize critical library and museum programs across the state. These programs help residents of rural communities and underserve

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