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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined local elected officials, Meta leadership, and business and academic leaders to celebrate the opening of Meta’s Data Center in Dekalb. The data center is now fully operational and is supported by 100% renewable energy. “As Illinois grows its status as a technology hub of the future, this data center is bringing investment and vitality to a newly thriving community,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re thrilled that Meta is committed not just to continuing to build a successfully company, but also to lifting up the people of this entire region.” Meta also announced a partnership with Northern Illinois University to support the NIU Barb City STEAM Studio that is designed to increase college and career readiness for DeKalb High School students. The new program will support students interested in engineering, robotics, and other STEM fields with the goal of creating opportunities for underrepresented communities

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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, met with German Ambassador to the U.S., Andreas Michaelis, to discuss continued support for Ukraine, and Durbin’s push for President Biden’s emergency supplemental request, which includes emergency funds for Ukraine, Israel, the Indo-Pacific, and humanitarian needs. They also discussed the importance of the transatlantic alliance and the strong partnership between Germany and the United States. “During today’s meeting, I reiterated my support for Ukraine, which remains on the frontlines of democracy, and reassured Ambassador Michaelis that I will continue to work in Congress to ensure our Ukrainian friends are equipped with the necessary resources to prevail against Russian tyranny,” said Durbin. “The United States is fortunate to have a strong relationship with Germany and as a security and economic partner within NATO, the EU, and the G7/G20,

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ROCK ISLAND — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) were joined today by local officials and community leaders to announce the completion of a multiyear project to install a new deck on the Interstate 280 Sgt. John F. Baker Jr. Mississippi River Bridge in Rock Island County, an improvement that will result in a smoother, safer ride on one of the state’s key travel corridors. Made possible by Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program and a partnership with Iowa, the project included patching and resurfacing east of the bridge for a combined investment of $65.7 million. “This is exactly what Rebuild Illinois, our state’s massive infrastructure modernization program, is all about: to make life better and easier for our people,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “When we make smart investments in the roadways that working families and businesses rely on, we’re constructing a better

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EDWARDSVILLE - Junior forward/guard Herbert Martin had a big game in the Tigers' home opening boys basketball contest Nov. 28 against Chatham Glenwood, scoring 13 points and providing solid defense, including several steals, as Edwardsville defeated the Titans 49-41. The Tigers held off a late Glenwood rally to clinch the win, using good defense and timely steals to hold off the Titans, with Martin playing a key role on the defensive end to up the team's record to 2-2 on the season after finishing fourth in the 53rd Decatur Turkey Tournament on Thanksgiving weekend. Martin is a Johnston Law Firm Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. In limited time as a sophomore last season, Martin averaged 1.0 point and 0.3 rebounds-per-game, while also having 10 steals and seven assists. Early on this season, Martin has already made a big impact on the Tigers and has contributed much to the team already, thanks to some very good work put in during the summer. "I'm feeling very good," a very

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PIASA - Southwestern senior cross country runner Zach Rue is the kind of individual every coach dreams of having on their team. Southwestern head boys cross country coach Gary Bowker said Zach simply epitomizes what the school looks for in terms of Piasa Birds athletes overall. He not only does his best individually but always looks to put the team first and wants to assist his legendary coach - Gary Bowker. Zach improved all season and recorded a time of 20:13 for three miles in the South Central Conference Meet on Oct. 14, 2023. Zach Rue is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. He also recorded a time of 20:12 at the Trenton-Wesclin Regional and was a steady performer for Southwestern throughout the cross-country season, Coach Bowker said. "His best race was at regional which was the last race of the year and you always like athletes to run their best race in the last race of the year." “Zach worked at Cope Plastics over

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Letter To The Editor: Hear, O Israel: why do you make war on your brother Ishmael {also son of Abraham}? Why do you keep your bother in an open air prison {Gaza} forcing him to despair? Why do you accept over $3 billion in military aid from the United States every year? Why are you so preoccupied with killing your brother? Cannot brothers {Jews and Arabs} live in peace? The peaceful removal of one man will solve this crisis once and for all. That man is Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu. Hamas and Hezbollah are the direct result of his hate towards all Palestinians. As a citizen of and believer in democracy, I applaud the efforts of the Palestinian people. Their efforts are similar to what is happening in many other parts of the world. Believe it or not, one thing that overrides capitalism and political correctness in the United States is the right to have one's voice heard. This is the foundation of which our democracy is built on. The Palestinian

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced an Alton man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison for disseminating child pornography. The Attorney General’s office prosecuted Christopher L. Page, 37, of Alton, Illinois, who was sentenced by Madison County Circuit Court Judge Neil Schroeder after pleading guilty to four counts of dissemination of child pornography, all Class X felonies. Page was sentenced to 32 years in prison and will remain in custody pending his transfer to the Illinois Department of Corrections. “My office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force works tirelessly to identify predators who share heinous images and videos of children online,” Raoul said. “My office will continue to partner with local law enforcement agencies to hold these perpetrators accountable, and to protect children in the Metro East and across Illinois.” The case is part of Attorney General Raoul’s work to investigate and

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is inviting the community to enjoy the beauty of the season with a free walk through a quarter-mile lighted holiday trail on the Godfrey Campus. “Hiking Through the Holidays” is in its second year, with even more lights this season and special activities on Saturday nights: Saturday, Dec. 2 – Free Kids Holiday Craft Saturday, Dec. 9 – Holiday Carolers Saturday, Dec. 16 - Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit The college’s mascot, Blazer the Newfie, will make appearances on Dec. 1, 8 and 15. “It’s definitely a must-do this holiday season,” said Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Coordinator Debbie Witsken on behalf of the team members who bring the magic to the display each year. “Come down, walk the lighted trail, enjoy hot chocolate, vote for your favorite decorated tree, and find L&C’s elves – Lewis and Clark – hiding along the way. It’s fun for

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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior point guard A.J. Tillman is a three-year starter as point guard for the Edwardsville High boys basketball team, and is returning for his senior season to help the Tigers enjoy success in the 2023-24 campaign. Tuesday night in a win over Chatham-Glenwood, Tillman led Edwardsville with 18 points. Last year, Tillman averaged 10.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game and also had 86 assists, 36 steals and nine blocked shots in helping the Tigers to a 20-11 record before losing to Collinsville in the semifinals of the IHSA Class 4A Quincy regional. In an interview conducted during preseason practice on Nov. 13, Tillman felt things were going very well and was ready to get the season underway. Tillman is off to a good start in the 2023-2024 season for this year's Tigers squad. Tillman is a Johnston Law Firm Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. "I think things are going well," Tillman said of the season so far. "We're getting back into the groove on things that we d

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EDWARDSVILLE - Forward Lainey McFarlin started the season in strong fashion with a total of 56 points in her first four games, hitting 18 points in a game at Pleasant Plains, 19 points against Breese Central at the O'Fallon Shootout, scoring nine points in the home opening win against Springfield, and on Nov. 22 at home scored 10 points in a loss at Lucco-Jackson Gym against Breese Mater Dei Catholic. The Tigers, a young team with only two seniors and a splash of sophomores and juniors, have shown improvement in all games played so far. After the win over Springfield on Nov. 20, McFarlin was a very happy person indeed. "It was really exciting," McFarlin said after the win over Springfield at home. "I was really proud of how we all played together." McFarlin is a Johnston Law Firm Female Athlete of Month for the Tigers. McFarlin thought that she played well against Springfield, but of course, there's always room for improvement. "I could have hit some shots," McFarlin said, "bu

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ALTON - Dr. Randall John Rogalsky of Godfrey died this past Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, and left a legacy as one of the area's premier medical professionals, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many who knew him in his medical practice and beyond. He was 68 years old at the time of his death. Sherri Henson, executive director of Alton MultiSpecialists, said Dr. Rogalsky had a huge influence on her life, her children, and everyone who was associated with him. Henson said Dr. Rogalsky was one who simply loved being an orthopedic surgeon and a doctor in general. He always had a smile on his face and was forever pleasant with patients and staff, she said. Alton Memorial Hospital President Dave Braasch said he feels privileged to have worked alongside Dr. Rogalsky for many, many years at Alton Memorial Hospital. “He was a top-notch person, physician and surgeon who carried our mission on his sleeve ... to improve the health and well-being of the people and communities

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ALTON - Alton Grace United Methodist Church is inviting the public to an Open House which is fast approaching on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the church, located across from Duke Bakery at 702 Henry St. in Alton. Pastor Alan Abert recently discussed more about the Open House and Alton Grace United Methodist on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . “You can expect a really warm greeting from the church,” Abert said of the Open House. “This event has been one that has emerged post-COVID as we slowly get back to a sense of community.” Abert said the event will feature both Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, and that there will be “a unique display of nativity sets,” some with special historical significance for the church. There will also be music at the event and some local crafters offering their goods for sale. “We’re just trying to get a little bit of everything out there in a nice, safe, family-friendly

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WOOD RIVER - Sophomore Kaylynn Buttry has shown extraordinary talent on both offense and defense to date this season for the talented East Alton-Wood River High School girls basketball team. She is described by her head girls' coach Lyndsey Perez as "a playmaker" for her squad. Kaylynn is not only solid on the hardwoods, but also plays additional sports in tennis and softball. She is an exceptional student and has made all A's in her classes at East Alton-Wood River High School. Perez said the following about the 5-foot-9 sophomore player: "Kaylynn has emerged as one of the leaders of this team in only her sophomore season. She is extremely quick and has a high basketball IQ. She finds gaps in defenses and makes them pay. Kaylynn brings her height and length to the floor and has bought into position-less basketball. "She knows our team goals and is determined to do all she can to help us reach them. Not only is she a competitor, but she often is our comic relief. Her personality off

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced that the Committee’s previously announced hearing on online child sexual exploitation has been rescheduled for January 31, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. and will feature testimony from the CEOs of Meta, X (formerly known as Twitter), TikTok, Snap, and Discord. The CEOs of X, Discord, and Snap will testify pursuant to subpoenas issued by the Committee, following repeated refusals over weeks of negotiations by the three Big Tech leaders to testify. The CEOs of Meta and TikTok voluntarily agreed to testify at the hearing. “When we held our first hearing on protecting children online with experts and advocates earlier this year, Big Tech griped about not getting an invitation. We promised them that their time would come. But when they were offered their chance to testify, some companies outright refused

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SPRINGFIELD, IL – USDA Secretary Vilsack issued a disaster declaration for some area counties, including Macoupin and Montgomery along with others due to losses caused by a derecho and tornadoes that occurred June 29 through June 30, 2023. Counties contiguous to Christian, Hancock, McDonough, Sangamon and Washington counties are eligible for the same assistance. The contiguous counties include: Adams, Cass, Clinton, Fulton, Henderson, Jefferson, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Marion, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Randolph, St. Clair, Schuyler, Shelby and Warren. “I want to thank Governor JB Pritzker for working with Secretary Vilsack and the USDA to provide resources to producers impacted by these damaging storms,” said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director. “I encourage affected producers in declared counties to contact their local USDA Service Center to confirm eligibility.” A Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Mike Bost (IL-12) and Randy Feenstra (IA-04) today introduced legislation increasing accountability for states to reduce costly spending errors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. The bill is expected to save taxpayers up to $1 billion per month, in part by requiring states to recover overpayments and pay back what they owe. “We owe it to the American people to be responsible stewards of their taxpayer dollars; and part of that is ensuring that funding for nutrition assistance is only going to families who truly need help," said Bost. "We must hold the bureaucrats accountable for reducing spending errors that have contributed to a less effective and efficient SNAP program. I’m proud to help lead this legislation because it’s a step forward in restoring good governance." The Snap Back Inaccurate SNAP Payments Act would implement a zero-tolerance policy for lost taxpayer dollars. Inaccuracies in

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ULLIN – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officials announce the arrest arrested 18-year-old Blake A. Street of Goreville, IL for Aggravated Battery to a Child (Class X Felony). On November 22, 2023, at approximately 11 p.m., the ISP DCI Zone 7 was requested by the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) to investigate life-threatening injuries to a one-month-old child. On November 28, 2023, following a thorough investigation, Street was arrested by ISP DCI Zone 7 agents, with the assistance of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department and DCFS. The Johnson County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the above charges and Street is being held at the Massac County Jail pending a detention hearing. If you have any information on the events that occurred, you can contact the ISP DCI - Zone 7 at 618-845-3740 (Ext: 281). The investigation is open and on-going and no further information will be disseminated at this time.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Each year the Edwardsville Arts Center is much-anticipated by residents throughout the area. This year's EAC Holiday Show features artists from seven regional high schools, including Edwardsville, Alton, O'Fallon, Belleville East, Belleville West, East St. Louis, and Collinsville. Awards will be announced at the reception at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The exhibit runs from Dec. 1-Dec. 22, 2023, in the DeToye Student Gallery and serves as the Southwestern Conference Art Competition. "Join us at the EAC's Annual Holiday Show," Carolyn Tidball Director of Programs for the EAC said. "You can shop local and support working artists by doing your holiday shopping at the Edwardsville Arts Center, with over 20 artists featuring their work in our gallery. "At the EAC's Holiday Show, there is something unique and handmade for everyone - from glassblown ornaments to handmade jewelry, wheel-thrown pottery to scavenged, vintage sculptures - you're sure to find something special

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine announced Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 29, 2023, that a judge has sentenced a Missouri teen to 29 years in prison for the murder of a student at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Jacob Godoy, now 19, of Woodson Terrace, Mo., received the sentence Wednesday for the January 2021 killing of Moneer Damra, who was a nursing student and ROTC cadet. At the sentencing hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Luke Yager asked Associate Judge Neil Schroeder to impose a sentence of 55 years in prison. Damra, 27, was a passenger in a vehicle that came under gunfire from another vehicle at Illinois 157 and Interstate 270. Police have described the shooting as a random act of violence. There was no clear motive; the occupants of the suspect vehicle had no known connection to the occupants of the other vehicle. Haine said, “By every account, Moneer Damra already had an incredible impact on the lives of so many people an

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ALTON - Alton Main Street and Jacoby Arts Center are partnering to present First Fridays, a late night art and shopping experience which spans 16 locations across the Downtown Alton district. The shopping experience begins this Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. This series is held on the First Friday of October, November and December, providing you with an opportunity to check out new shops and galleries and visit familiar favorites to experience art and great specials at each business. Participants are offering a variety of discounts, refreshments, and giveaways. Everyone who has their passport stamped at a minimum of 10 locations will receive a $10 gift certificate to any participating business. Find "Where’s Wadlow" hidden at one of the locations to win a $100 gift certificate! Free parking is available in the lot next to Jacoby Arts Center, located at 627 E. Broadway, and a free shuttle bus will be provided from 5:00-9:00 p.m., running a continuous loop between all participating locations.

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