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SPRINGFIELD - With the close of fiscal year 2025 on June 30, Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza reports another successful year in paying the state’s bills in a timely manner while the state’s Rainy Day Fund balance has again increased to new records. For the fourth consecutive year, the Illinois Office of Comptroller (IOC) released all pending bills to vendors from the state’s General Revenue Fund (GRF), while reporting an end-of-year GRF cash balance of $1.9 billion. This means the IOC is current on all bills received related to Medicaid, the state’s Group Health Insurance program, elementary and high schools, higher education, and other government operations and programs. “Working with Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly, we have positioned the state in the most fiscally stable position we can, given the uncertainties of federal funding in the months to come,” Comptroller Mendoza said. “While we keep a close watch on the latest

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GODFREY - Since 2001, Great Rivers Choral Society (GRCS) has brought the joy of music to the Riverbend community. This group of people who enjoy singing came together with a goal of fostering music education and appreciation. It has continued through 25 years of singing, love, laughter, and a community of music loving people. The group is an adult choir (age 18+) of mixed voices who have fun bringing a diverse range of music to our community. The Great Rivers Choral Society choir was recently invited to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York in June 2025. Twelve members traveled to New York to join other select choirs to perform Mozart’s Requiem Lacrimosa. In a time when so many choirs have disbanded and no longer sing together, GRCS provides a place where singers can join together to make a beautiful sound. "We have so many friends who come to hear the music, and we enjoy the community that music fosters between us," Bev Schultz, a Great Rivers Choral Society board member, said.

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker announced that experienced government leader Christian Mitchell will join the ticket as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. Mitchell, a former three-term state representative and current First Lieutenant in the Illinois Air National Guard, served as Deputy Governor for over four years during which time he was a principal force behind the transformative $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital plan and the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The campaign released a new video, Meet Christian Mitchell, highlighting the announcement. “Christian Mitchell is a proven leader with deep experience, steady judgment, and an unshakable commitment to the working families of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Whether it’s transforming our clean energy future, rebuilding our infrastructure, or keeping our communities safe, Christian has been a force behind so much of our progress. I couldn’t ask for a better partner

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging Illinoisans to celebrate July 4th and the start of Summer 2025 safely by following proven safety guidance so as not to spoil the fun. Follow food handling safety tips to protect friends and family from foodborne illnesses. Avoid sunburn and heat stroke by using sunscreen and proper summer attire. Protect yourself from disease carrying pests like mosquitos and ticks. And leave the fireworks to professionals. This summer, IDPH is joining the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) in pointing to a 44% spike in fireworks-related injuries reported to Illinois hospitals in July of 2023 compared to 2024. In 2023, 108 fireworks injuries were logged at 34 hospitals; last year, 156 injuries, including one fatality, were recorded by 45 hospitals. As part of an effort to gather more comprehensive data, the OSFM is this year asking all medical providers to report fireworks injuries by completing this online form . “Independence

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SPRINGFIELD – The public swimming pool at Dixon Springs State Park in Pope County will reopen Tuesday, July 1 under the operation of Arrowleaf, a nonprofit human services organization based in southern Illinois. The pool and concession will reopen at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Trained lifeguards will be on duty. Regular updates can be found on the pool’s Facebook group, which can be found by searching for “Dixon Springs State Park Pool & Concession .” The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which operates Dixon Springs, and Arrowleaf entered into an emergency contract to operate the pool this summer after the department twice put the opportunity out for bid but neither drew any interest. “The Dixon Springs pool has long been a popular, local summer destination for Pope County residents and people from throughout the region. Getting it up and running

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ALTON - Greater Glory Christian Academy will once again offer pre-k for 3–5-year-olds. Located at 713 Washington Avenue in Alton, Greater Glory Christian Academy operates as a private Christian school and daycare. The Academy is associated with Greater Glory Apostolic Center. Andrika Cooley shared that their pre-k program is a unique way to give kids a head start before kindergarten. “It’s an amazing curriculum,” she said. “I’m just excited to get started.” Pre-k runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year. Throughout the day, students complete crafts, play outside, and enjoy STEM activities. They also learn basic colors, shapes, letters, phonics and more, and the curriculum works to develop their gross motor skills. Cooley said the school teaches the 36 letter sounds in addition to the 26-letter alphabet. They have a new animal mascot every week to help teach these sounds, like Abby Antelope or Bucky Buffalo;

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today sought to protect Veterans and many other Americans from going hungry because of cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) included in Trump’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” (BBB) that Senate Republicans are rushing to jam through tonight. Duckworth’s effort would have instructed the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee to change the BBB to ensure it would not reduce or terminate SNAP benefits for Veterans, homeless individuals, former foster youth 24 years of age or younger or for parents with children under 18 years of age, but her proposal was blocked by Senate Republicans on a vote of 49-51. “Back when I was in high school, my family struggled. We had no money and some days no food, teetering on the brink of homelessness, never sure what tomorrow would bring. I was only elected Senator… I was only able to become an Army pilot… I probably

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GRANITE CITY – Two men from Granite City face felonies in separate cases of domestic battery filed on the same day. Robert L. Moore, 55, of Granite City, was charged on June 25, 2025 with one count each of aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor. On May 19, 2025, Moore allegedly strangled a household or family member and struck them about the head and face with closed fists. The state’s petition to deny Moore’s pretrial release from custody states that authorities observed the victim’s injuries, including “clearly swollen cheeks and eyes, with bruising on her neck.” The victim reported that Moore became intoxicated and angry before striking and strangling her; she added that Moore had “previously stabbed her with a screwdriver.” In a separate case, Robert J. Besse, 37, also of Granite City, was charged on June 25, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery and

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RIVERBEND - Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks shows across the Riverbend and beyond! Here’s our ultimate guide for fireworks and fun this Fourth of July. THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025 Alton The City of Alton will host their annual Fireworks on the Mississippi display at 9:30 p.m. Starting at 5 p.m. at Riverfront Park, attendees can enjoy live music and food trucks. St. Louis Celebrate St. Louis will kick off on July 3 with live music, vendors, family attractions and more in the heart of the city. Fireworks launch after dark and can be viewed from anywhere in the city, with special promotions at the City Museum, Westport Plaza, 360 Downtown and the St. Louis Wheel. For more information, click here. FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2025 Alhambra Alhambra Park will host food, games and more starting at 6 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks launch at dusk. For more information, click here . Godfrey Godfrey’s Family Fun Fest kicks off at 5 p.m. at Glazebrook Park, wit

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WOOD RIVER - Isaiah Smith, a rising senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for his dedication and performance in football, basketball, and baseball. Smith credits his work ethic and the support of his coaches for his athletic achievements. Smith is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Smith has played football and baseball for four years and basketball for three years. “What I love most about these sports are the physicality of the sports; it pushes me to be my best,” he said. He attributes his success to the hard work he has put in during both the off-season and the regular season. “I’d like to thank all my coaches for all their help, always pushing me when I’m tired. If I mess up, they all are always there for me,” Smith added. Smith's coaches include Garry Herron for football, Billy Sullivan for basketball, and Tim Bond for baseball. Smith said his involvement in sports has helped

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced American poultry producers will have greater market access to Namibia, which will now accept fresh, frozen, and chilled poultry exports from the United States. The Trump Administration continues to take bold action to break down non-tariff barriers and defend current market access for farmers and ranchers. "President Trump is renegotiating the status quo of bad trade deals that have left behind American farmers and ranchers for far too long. Our agriculture is the best in the world, and under President Trump’s leadership, we are providing more markets for farmers to share their bountiful harvest. The announcement today is a win for farmers, a win for exporters, and a win for freedom-loving nations who want access to safe, high-quality U.S. food,” said Secretary Rollins. Effective July 1, U.S. exporters are now eligible to ship fresh, frozen, or chilled poultry and poultry products to Namibia,

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District #9 recognized two Coolidge Junior High School students recently for their achievements in track and field, qualifying for the 2025 Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) State Track Meet and placing among the top five competitors. Payton Petrillo secured second place in the 400-meter race, while Lauren Willaredt earned fourth place in the discus event. Petrillo ran a blazing time of 58.78 for second place in the 400-meter race. Willaredt was fourth in the discus with a toss of 88-0 or 26.82 meters. The recognition of the two girls took place during a Board of Education and Administration meeting, where district leaders honored the students for their athletic accomplishments. Pictured at the event were, left to right, Board President Eric Stacy, Payton Petrillo, Lauren Willaredt, Coolidge Principal Patrick Curry, and Assistant Principal Eric Mitchell. The Granite City School District board recognition acknowledgment highlights

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band will present two free summer concerts to celebrate Independence Day. The first concert will be held on Thursday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park, and the second on Saturday, July 5 at 7:00 p.m. during the American Legion Fireworks celebration. Both events are free and open to everyone. The concert will feature soprano Caitlin Towell, a local vocalist who will join the band for part of the program. Audiences can look forward to familiar favorites like America the Beautiful and Battle Hymn of the Republic, as well as patriotic marches by John Philip Sousa, including Semper Fidelis, The Liberty Bell, and Stars and Stripes Forever. Additional highlights include Irving Berlin’s Songs for America, the Armed Services Medley, and National Emblem March. The program also features Clare Grundman’s Kentucky 1800 and Concord, both of which reflect on America’s folk traditions and early history. Concessions

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ALTON - Local artists have the chance to learn more about a major grant opportunity. From 12:30–1:30 p.m. on July 3, 2025, community members can come out to Jacoby Arts Center in Alton for a workshop by Company of Folk, an organization that supports the Illinois Arts Council and the Creative Projects Grant. John Gardner, Company of Folk executive director, encourages artists to come out and learn about the grant. “That’s our whole role, to make it easier for artists,” Gardner said. “One of our greatest joys is connecting artists with funding opportunities. We’re very passionate about helping artists to apply and navigate grant opportunities like this when they come.” The workshop on July 3 will inform local artists about the Creative Projects Grant through the Illinois Arts Council. This grant offers up to $12,000 to support a single arts project or professional development opportunity. As an organization, Company of Folk works with

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COLLINSVILLE — The U.S. District Court and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois will participate in a naturalization ceremony on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, to welcome 61 new citizens from 27 countries. The event is set to begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville. Candidates will take the Oath of Allegiance as part of the naturalization process. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft highlighted the significance of the ceremony in the context of the upcoming Independence Day holiday. “As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s independence on Friday, we’re reminded of our country’s long-standing tradition of accepting immigrants from all over the world through the naturalization process,” Weinhoeft said. “It’s with great enthusiasm that we acknowledge the efforts by our friends and neighbors who have prioritized entering the U.S. legally. Together, we are bound by our shared

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ALTON - Members of the Rotary Club of Alton Godfrey and their guests met Monday, June 30, 2025, at Julia’s Banquet Center for the club’s annual banquet. Sam Stemm served as the master of ceremonies and installed the club’s 2025-26 officers and newly elected board of directors. John Rain announced two additions to the list of Paul Harris Fellows. Donna Bemis became the first in the club’s history to serve as president for two consecutive terms. During her address, she thanked members of the club for the works accomplished during the 2024-2025 Rotary year giving special mention to chairs of the club’s various committees including Ron Mayhew who chairs the Literacy Program, Students of the Month, Student of the Year Scholarship, sponsorship of Interact clubs at Alton High and Marquette Catholic High Schools, and the William E. Moyer Arts and Science Scholarship. Bemis also thanked Bill Hoagland for managing meeting programs, and other committe

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias will announce nearly $20 million in grant funding to libraries across the state that will ensure access to quality resources and programming for all Illinois residents. 639 public libraries statewide will receive nearly $18 million in per-capita grants, 88 will receive over $1 million in technology grants and 12 will receive nearly $1 million in construction grants. News of the grants comes amid federal cuts to library budgets nationwide. In March, the Trump administration signed an executive order to eliminate and defund the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which issues $180 million annually to public libraries nationwide. Illinois receives nearly $6 million annually – the sixth highest amount of any state. Giannoulias will be joined by: Prairie Trails Public Library District (Burbank) Officials and Local Officials Rene Leyva, Director of Fossil Ridge Public Library (Braidwood)

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What does it truly mean for a nation to declare its independence? Beyond the fireworks, parades, and celebrations, Independence Day marks a profound transformation—a collective assertion of identity, values, and self-determination. This day is not merely a holiday; it is a milestone that encapsulates the struggles, aspirations, and triumphs of a people striving to govern themselves. The Origins of Independence Day: A Defining Moment in History Independence Day commemorates the formal declaration of a nation’s sovereignty, often following prolonged conflict or negotiation. While many countries celebrate their own Independence Days, the concept originates from pivotal moments in history when colonies or territories broke free from imperial rule or oppressive governance. Take the United States, for example, where Independence Day is observed on July 4th. This date marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when the thirteen American colonies proclaimed

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July 1 has long been a date marked by transformative moments across the globe. 1867: Canada Becomes a Nation Arguably the most impactful event associated with July 1 is the birth of Canada as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire. The British North America Act, now called the Constitution Act, came into effect on July 1, 1867, uniting the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into the Dominion of Canada. This day is celebrated annually as Canada Day, marking the beginning of Canadian sovereignty and the foundation for its parliamentary democracy. The confederation was not just a political merger but a step towards nation-building, setting the stage for Canada’s expansion westward and its evolution into a multicultural society. The event also demonstrated a peaceful approach to unification, distinguishing Canada’s path from other countries’ often tumultuous formations. 1963: The United States and Canada Establish the Peace

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EDWARDSVILLE - The EHS Tiger Talk Podcast Network will receive a $1,320 grant from the Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Foundation. The award is part of the Illinois High School Journalism Grants Program offered by the Illinois Press Foundation and financially sponsored for a third consecutive year by Illinois Farm Bureau. EHS was one of 19 recipients across the state and will use the grant money to purchase two microphones, mic stand, digital voice recorder, stream deck, capture card, webcam, green screen backdrop, and Ring light kit. The EHS Tiger Talk Podcast Network concluded a successful first season during the 2022-23 school year in which students produced two weekly podcasts, including The Jungle, the official EHS sports podcast, and Tiger Spotlight, a podcast that highlights the Tiger community. The two podcasts produced a total of 54 episodes with 1,409 plays. “With this grant, we look forward to expanding this initiative as we move into

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