B. W. Aviles Stories | Metro East Sun

Mike Bost comments on Trump’s actions during government shutdown and posthumous award for Charlie Kirk

By B. W. Aviles | Oct 16, 2025

Rep. Mike Bost addressed recent actions by President Trump during the ongoing government shutdown in a series of posts dated October 14-16, 2025.

Elik responds as former Speaker Madigan begins prison sentence for corruption

By B. W. Aviles | Oct 14, 2025

State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) issued a statement after former House Speaker Michael J. Madigan began serving a 7.5-year sentence for corruption in a federal prison in West Virginia.

SIU School of Dental Medicine offers free dental care for veterans on November 13

By B. W. Aviles | Oct 14, 2025

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Dental Medicine will hold its Annual Veterans Dental Care Day on November 13, 2025.

Rep. Amy Elik visits Braidwood Nuclear Plant during refueling preparations

By B. W. Aviles | Oct 10, 2025

State Representative Amy Elik visited the Braidwood Nuclear Plant in Will County as it prepares for a scheduled refueling of one of its two units.

Senator Harriss seeks veterans’ stories for state capitol Veterans Day display

By B. W. Aviles | Oct 10, 2025

State Senator Erica Harriss is inviting Illinois residents to submit photos and stories of veterans for a display at the Illinois State Capitol.

Critics cite recent crimes in debate over Illinois sanctuary state policies

By B. W. Aviles | Oct 3, 2025

Illinois’ sanctuary state policies have come under criticism from some officials who argue that these measures have left families vulnerable and allowed violent offenders to remain free.

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Who are the former Metro East high school standouts competing in the week of Monday, Oct. 6?

By B. W. Aviles | Oct 3, 2025

These former Metro East area high school standouts are scheduled to compete the week starting Monday, Oct. 6.

Rep. Kevin Schmidt invites local veterans to join advisory council

By B. W. Aviles | Oct 1, 2025

Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt is inviting veterans from the 114th District to join his Veterans’ Advisory Council.

Mike Bost outlines available resources amid partial government shutdown

By B. W. Aviles | Oct 1, 2025

As of October 1, 2025, many federal government operations have shut down due to the lack of an approved funding resolution. U.S. Representative Mike Bost expressed understanding of the frustrations faced by Southern Illinois residents as a result...

Illinois launches statewide listening tour for new math education plan

By B. W. Aviles | Sep 26, 2025

Illinois education officials are seeking public input on a new plan aimed at improving student math performance across the state.

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Who from Metro East area's former high school standouts will play in the week starting Monday, Sept. 29?

By B. W. Aviles | Sep 26, 2025

These ex-Metro East area high school standouts will take the field during the week of Monday, Sept. 29.

Schmidt calls for broad approach to lower Illinois energy costs

By B. W. Aviles | Sep 25, 2025

High energy prices remain a concern for families throughout Illinois.

Illinois lawmakers debate record-high state budget amid calls for transparency

By B. W. Aviles | Sep 24, 2025

Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed the fiscal year 2026 budget for Illinois, which amounts to $55.2 billion, marking an increase of about $2 billion from the previous year and representing what critics say is the largest budget in state history.

Granite City Works continues steel slab production following federal intervention

By B. W. Aviles | Sep 23, 2025

The decision to continue steel slab production at Granite City Works has been described as a significant development for the Metro East region.

Rep. Mike Bost highlights public safety legislation and veterans' issues in recent social media posts

By B. W. Aviles | Sep 19, 2025

Rep. Mike Bost shared updates between September 18-19, 2025 regarding new public safety bills in Washington D.C., recognition for veterans under the Trump administration, and a tribute on POW/MIA Recognition Day.

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Which Metro East area high school graduates will take part in games in the week starting Monday, Sept. 22?

By B. W. Aviles | Sep 19, 2025

The upcoming week starting Monday, Sept. 22 will feature these former Metro East area high school athletes.

Rep. Mike Bost highlights VA backlog reduction and local priorities in recent posts

By B. W. Aviles | Sep 18, 2025

Rep. Mike Bost posted updates between September 17–18 on reductions to veterans' benefits backlogs and regional priorities such as Scott Air Force Base's role in Southern Illinois as well as agriculture policy discussions ahead of a new Farm Bill

Illinois Department of Transportation opens applications for harvest permits

By B. W. Aviles | Sep 17, 2025

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has begun accepting applications for Illinois Harvest Permits (IHPs), which are intended to help farmers and agricultural haulers transport crops more efficiently during the fall harvest season.

Former Governor Jim Edgar remembered for leadership after death at age 79

By B. W. Aviles | Sep 16, 2025

Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar died Sunday at age 79 after battling pancreatic cancer.

Mike Bost discusses veterans bills, mourns Charlie Kirk’s death, comments on NIH funding