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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after the Department of Education announced the widespread discharge of all remaining federal student loans, totaling $3.9 billion in relief, for those who attended ITT Technical Institute (ITT Tech) from January 2005 through the for-profit college’s closure in September 2016: “It’s been almost six years since the disastrous collapse of the infamous for-profit college chain, ITT Tech. When the ITT Tech house of cards fell in a cloud of scandal, students and taxpayers were the ones left holding the bag. After years of urging the Department of Education to act, I’m relieved to see that these students are finally receiving the relief they are owed after being conned by ITT Tech’s exploitive marketing tactics and faulty degrees.” As a result of today’s announcement, 208,000 borrowers will receive $3.9 billion in full loan discharges, including

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ST. LOUIS – School bells will be calling students back to the classroom soon and the American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis has steps everyone can take to help kids remain safe as they head back to school. As parents get ready for the start of a new school year, it’s a good time to think about emergencies, such as weather-related disasters, and draw up an emergency plan for their household. Know what the emergency plan is at your child’s school and develop a family emergency plan so everyone will know who to contact and where to go if something happens during the school day. Details are available at redcross.org/prepare . “There are a lot of things to think about for the start of a busy new school year, but don’t forget to include safety,” said Beth Elders, Executive Director, Red Cross of Greater St. Louis. “We ask parents and guardians to consider familiarizing their children with these measures to help keep them safe as they head back

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CARROLLTON - A detailed history of Abraham Lincoln’s experiences and connections in Greene County is scheduled for release this fall. Acclaimed writer Tom Emery of Carlinville is releasing Lincoln in Greene County, Illinois, which features a wide variety of stories on the sCarrixteenth President in Greene County, many of which have never been covered. The book is slated for release and distribution in September. This fast-moving, illustrated, documented work analyzes the ties of Lincoln to some of the earliest names of Greene County history, including friendships with Jacob Fry, Edward Baker, C.M. Smith, and David Woodson, as well as political relationships with prosecutor Josiah Lamborn and members of the Carlin family. Lincoln’s speaking appearances in Carrollton are also discussed, as are voting records and the county’s reaction to his assassination. The role of Greene County in Lincoln’s near-duel at Alton in 1842 is examined, as are his court cases in th

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WACO, Texas – More than 3,000 Baylor University graduates – including nearly 90 graduates who completed their degree requirements in 2020 and 2021 – received their degrees during four commencement ceremonies May 13-14 in the Ferrell Center. One of those students was Jerseyville's very own Faith N. Frank. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Economics, Summa Cum Laude, Hankamer School of Business. On top of that, she also earned her spot on Dean's List. The Dean's Academic Honor List recognizes Baylor undergraduates for their outstanding academic work during each semester. Students honored on the Dean’s List earned a minimum semester grade-point average of 3.70 with no grade lower than a "C" while enrolled in at least 12 graded semester hours.

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MARYVILLE – State Senator Kris Tharp joined officials Monday to announce a combined $7.6 million to support restoration projects in Alton, Collinsville and Edwardsville. “Take a walk or drive down any Main Street in the Metro East, and you’ll be met with character, historic buildings and cultural history,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “For those of us who are proud to live here and call this area home, we understand its potential to be a major tourism destination, and I’m pleased to announce this funding to help bring these plans in Alton, Collinsville and Edwardsville to fruition.” Funded in part through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Rebuild Illinois Main Street and Downtown Capital Program and the American Rescue Plan Act, three entities in Madison County were awarded funds to develop downtown areas: Alton Works - $3,000,000 City of Collinsville - $1,828,350 City of Edwardsville - $2,869,031 To restore

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City learned Monday that it will receive a nearly $2.87 million state grant to rebuild its water and sewer system on a portion of Main Street and to add pedestrian-friendly streetscape improvements. The grant is part of the Rebuild Illinois (RBI) Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program. Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced Monday that $106 million in capital grants had been awarded to 50 commercial corridors and main streets throughout Illinois. Edwardsville City officials applied for the grant to replace the 130-year-old water main in the 100 block of Main Street and to make other improvements. Rebuilding the water main, which dates to 1892, will provide adequate flow to all buildings along the route and ensure the integrity and longevity of the system, City officials said. Replacing the water main and lining the sewers have been a priority for the City. The grant will cover the construction

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SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker along with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) today announced the launch of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to better meet the needs of older adults across Illinois. The program expands options for community-based care and serves as an alternative to traditional nursing facility care, allowing eligible seniors to continue living safely at home. The PACE program brings another option for older adults in Illinois who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare in choosing their care. It provides customized and coordinated medical care and social services for adults aged 55 and older who are certified by the state as qualifying for nursing home care but are able to safely continue living in the community at the time of their enrollment. “Here in Illinois, we recognize that our elders thrive when they remain in our communities as they age,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The PACE program

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SPRINGFIELD - Land of Lincoln Honor Flight Mission #62 is preparing for take-off on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. Ninety-six (96) Veterans (1 World War II, 2 Korean War and 93 Vietnam War Era) will be on board this flight from Springfield Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport to Washington, DC - - all ready to experience their national memorials with their comrades. These ninety-six (96) Veterans and their eighty-two (82) Guardians will arrive at the airport Tuesday morning at 4:15 AM, having traveled from the 54 central and southern Illinois cities and communities of Argenta, Athens, Auburn, Batchtown, Beardstown, Brighton, Brussels, Bunker Hill, Carlinville, Carrollton, Champaign, Charleston, Chatham, Chrisman, Collinsville, Decatur, East Peoria, Effingham, Glen Carbon, Godfrey, Havana, Highland, Ivesdale, Jacksonville, Jerseyville, Jewett, LeRoy, Lewistown, Lincoln, Manito, Maroa, Mason City, Mattoon, Meredosia, Monticello, Mt Pulaski, Mt Zion, Neoga, Normal, Oakford, Oakley, Paris, Petersburg,

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ST. LOUIS - Centerstone, a not-for-profit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments, will host a free, virtual Flourish Open House webinar on September 6 from noon – 1 p.m. The focus of this webinar will be alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and family. The webinar will help participants gain a better understanding of the services Centerstone offers families through the Flourish program, which serves families through building parenting skills and support. “The goals of the Flourish program are to increase well-being, improve permanency and enhance the safety of the family,” said Taylor Marks, Centerstone’s Flourish supervisor. Flourish provides free services to many Illinois families. Flourish can help families improve their parenting and communication skills and strengthen relationships in the family. The webinar will address these services and many others provided by Flourish. Presenters in the webinar include: Alyssa Cline,

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EAST ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces a lane closure at the intersection of IL 3 and St. Louis Ave., beginning on Monday, August 22, 2022, weather permitting. The left turn lane from westbound St. Louis Ave to southbound IL 3 will be closed for several days. All other lanes will remain open. This work is needed to perform pavement repairs and the lane is expected to be reopened by Wednesday, August 24 at 10:00 pm. Drivers should use alternate routes to access this area while construction is ongoing. Drivers are also urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the construction area. The contractor on this project is RCS Construction, Inc of East Alton, IL. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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GRANITE CITY - Six Mile Regional Library District (SMRLD) would like to spread the word about their upcoming fall events. All of these events are completely FREE . For more information about these events, you can see the flyers attached below or go to their website at smrld.org .

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ALTON — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced $106 million in capital grants awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets throughout Illinois. Alton, Edwardsville, Collinsville, and Carrollton were among the cities that are designated to receive funds. In addition to the $106 million in state funding, projects offered an additional $109 million in matching grant funds, for a total investment of $215 million. The historic Rebuild Illinois (RBI) Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program represent the largest-ever RBI investment focused on community revitalization. AltonWorks, Alton, will receive a $3 million grant for the restoration of historic buildings for the Wedge Innovation Center incubator. The City of Collinsville will receive $1,828,350 for the St. Louis Road and Collinsville Road corridor initiative. The City of Edwardsville was awarded $2,869,031 for water/sewer and streetscape

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CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-led a coalition of 20 attorneys generals in commending the U.S. Department of Education for its far-reaching proposed regulatory reforms and in urging the department to adopt additional improvements to achieve equitable and transparent relief for student borrowers. The coalition submitted public comments to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, supporting the department’s proposed changes to its Borrower Defense, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Closed School Discharge regulations, while recommending additional changes to further benefit borrowers. “I commend the U.S. Department of Education for making important reforms to protect student borrowers and taxpayers from predatory schools,” said Raoul. “Today, we are calling on the department to strengthen and clarify some of these changes to ensure equitable relief for students in Illinois and across the country.” The Borrower Defense Rule was intended

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BELLEVILLE — Governor Pritzker joined local legislators and stakeholders today to announce a new law enforcement-focused campus in Belleville in partnership with the city of Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), the Illinois State Police (ISP), and Southern Illinois University (SIU). The campus, located on the former site of Lindenwood University’s undergraduate program, was repurchased by the City of Belleville through a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). “Thanks to a grant from Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Southwestern Illinois Justice & Workforce Development Campus will mold our passionate students into law enforcement professionals — from police officers to lawyers to forensic scientists,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This is a shining example of good government doing good work — collaborating with community partners and investing the time and resources necessary

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GLEN CARBON – Have you ever wanted to ask a question to a real astronaut? Let’s get an answer together! Come join Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois for a presentation from a local astronaut along with other fun activities on Saturday, September 10! Girl Scout alum and recent United States Astronaut Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Sandra Magnus will lead a presentation for girls on September 10 in Belleville. Dr. Magnus, who also grew up in Belleville, had an illustrious career at NASA and continues to advocate for STEM education. At this event, girls will also experience space activities from program partners from SIUE STEM Outreach Program and Riverbend Astronomy Club. “Dr. Magnus continues to be an inspiration for girls, particularly those interested in STEM,” said Mary Buchanan, Senior Director of Program Engagement. “She is a true champion of girl ambition, and we’re thrilled she is partnering with us to provide this amazing experience for girls

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Monday, August 15, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Alex Callier IV, 29 years of age, of the 7000 block of Greenhaven Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63136, for Murder Second Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Tampering with Physical Evidence in a Felony Prosecution. A mugshot of Callier is attached. Callier is being held on $150,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: Victim and Defendant are cousins and had been at Victim’s house. Victim and Defendant went to a nearby store and began to argue over a debt. Video also shows what appears to be an argument between the two. Victim walks away and then returns to Defendant. There is nothing in Victim’s hands and he did not reach for anything at his waist. Cartridge casings were located at the scene.

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WASHINGTON – Home Run Inn Frozen Foods, a Woodridge, Ill., establishment, announced today it is recalling approximately 13,099 pounds of frozen meat pizza product that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The frozen meat pizzas were produced on June 6, 2022. The following product is subject to recall : 33.5-oz cartons containing “Home Run Inn CHICAGO'S PREMIUM PIZZERIA DELUXE SAUSAGE CLASSIC PIZZA” with “best by” date “12/03/22”. The products are subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 18498-A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to a distributor in Illinois and then further distributed to retailers. The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that it had received consumer complaints reporting metal was found in the pizza. There have been no confirmed

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ALTON - Alton Police responded to an area on Belle Street in Downtown Alton Monday afternoon for what Police Chief Marcos Pulido described as "a suspicious actions complaint." "Officers contacted the driver, and it was determined that he had several outstanding warrants for his arrest," the chief said. A man was taken into custody by police at the scene.

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ALTON - A spirited Bans Off Our Bodies Rally was held in Downtown Alton on Saturday. The event was organized by Virginia Woulfe-Beile and Missy Ruth Johnson and was held at the intersection of Landmarks Boulevard and Piasa Street in Alton. Planned Parenthood also assisted in the organization of the event. The rally was described as a pushback against the recent SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, which the organizers say put women’s lives at risk and restricted women’s access to healthcare. A large group attended the Saturday rally. In a historic and far-reaching decision, the U.S. Supreme Court officially reversed Roe v. Wade in June, declaring that the constitutional right to abortion, upheld for nearly half a century, no longer exists. Beile delivered opening remarks and said she and others in the group do not want to go back to the way things were before Roe vs. Wade. Several U.S. states immediately banned abortion after the Supreme Court Ruling. The high

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EDWARDSVILLE - Metro Community Church in Edwardsville has released information about incidents shared with local police departments of several reported instances of persons associated with the church receiving texts from someone impersonating Lead Pastor Seth Conerly. "The texts ask that a gift card be purchased and sent to Seth for the purposes of giving to people in need — to be reimbursed at a later date — and then pictures of the gift card information be shared," the church said in a release. "The texts end with the signature “Seth Conerly.” Local police departments are investigating the scam. Metro Community Church Director of Operations John Helmcamp said the church has turned it over to the police and noted that this type of situation has occurred with another church in Granite City over the last week. “We are aware this has happened with two different churches, and there could be more,” he said. “We wanted to make sure people were

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