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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses at the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism hearing entitled “Decriminalizing Cannabis at the Federal Level: Necessary Steps to Address Past Harms.” Durbin first commended Weldon Angelos, President and Co-Founder of The Weldon Project, for sharing his experience as someone who has been personally impacted by the “war on drugs,” and for his continued advocacy for criminal justice reform. Mr. Angelos was serving 55 years in federal prison for three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and various charges related to marijuana trafficking. He was released on May 31, 2016, after a federal court granted him a reduction in sentence. Mr. Angelos’ sentence was so extreme that his judge, unable to go below the mandatory minimum, called on then-President Obama

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), and U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) requested answers from Fidelity Investments on their decision to allow 401(k) plan sponsors to offer plan participants exposure to Bitcoin, a highly volatile and unregulated digital asset. Fidelity is one of the largest 401(k) providers with around 40 million individual investors and around $11.3 trillion in assets under administration. The letter said in part, “we write today to ask why Fidelity, a trusted name in the retirement industry, would allow plan sponsors the ability to offer plan participants exposure to Bitcoin. While plan sponsors ultimately are responsible for choosing the investments available to participants, it seems ill­ advised for one of the leading names in the world of finance to endorse the use of such a volatile, illiquid, and speculative asset in 401(k) plans-which are supposed to be retirement savings vehicles defined b

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WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Department of Transportation (DOT) officially launched the All Stations Accessibility Program —an initiative that Duckworth led the charge to include in the recent Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and that will provide $1.75 billion over the next five years to help build the ramps, install the elevators and make another improvements to ensure that America’s public transportation system is actually, finally usable for those with disabilities. “When the ADA was signed 32 years ago, it was supposed to consign ableism to the history books—yet we still have a long way to go to ensure that every corner of this country is actually, truly and fully accessible for the 61 million of us living with a disability. I was proud to lead the effort to include the A SAP Act in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and I’m thrilled that the DOT is making ASAP funding available to transi

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ST. LOUIS - Following heavy rainfall and flash flooding overnight, the American Red Cross of Greater St Louis has been assisting those impacted by flooding across the St. Louis area. Currently, Red Cross staff and volunteers are providing support to multiple evacuation centers bringing in items such as water, snacks and blankets, as well as assistance with staffing. Red Cross will continue coordination with city and county officials as the water recedes, and will support accordingly to assist those impacted. Disaster Assessment teams are on stand-by to determine the extent of flood damage to area homes. As families work to recover from this disaster, the Red Cross is continuing to collaborate with and connect families to partner agencies who can provide assistance for various needs following the flooding. IMPACTED BY FLOODING If you have been impacted by the overnight flooding, and need a safe place to go, please call 2-1-1 to find an evacuation center near you. In addition,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Fire Department personnel called a Fire Box Alarm for a structure fire in the area of Richetta Drive in Edwardsville on Tuesday morning. The fire call went out at 7:22 a.m. Tuesday and responding agencies included Glen Carbon Fire, Wood River Fire, Bethalto Fire, Troy EMS, and Madison County Rehab unit. Responding crews found a 20 x 50 outbuilding with smoke showing from eaves. Eaves are a part of a roof that projects out horizontally beyond the side of the structure it covers. Firefighters entered the building and quickly extinguished the fire with 2 1-3/4-inch hand lines fed from a skid load, Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said. "No one was in the building at the time and no one was injured during the fire, but some personal property was damaged and there was significant damage to one end of the structure," the chief said. The Edwardsville Fire Department said the fire is still under investigation.

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LEBANON - Stephanie Bubert has organized a special GoFundMe fundraiser for Dustin Brown, a 26-year-old Lebanon man, who died in a tragic fatal motorcycle accident on Illinois Route 100 in Elsah Saturday night. Bubert is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Beau W. Brown. "Beau and Bobbie Jo had the unthinkable happen," Stephanie Bubert said. "They lost their fun-loving, amazing son Dustin to a fatal motorcycle accident. Dustin was someone who would drop anything and help someone in need. Now, Beau and Bobbie Jo have to lay their sweet son to rest. "Funeral expenses are costly and I am sure Beau and Bobbie Jo will be taking some time off work to grieve their son. Please consider donating to Dustin’s funeral expenses so that Beau and Bobbie Jo do not have to stress and worry about that while grieving." To donate to the GoFundMe, click below: https://gf.me/v/c/rpyx/e7ecvv-helping-the-browns See related story: https://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/state-police-release-information-about-fatal-motorcycle-crash-on-illinois-route-100-60130.cfm

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ALTON - Alton Mayor David Goins today presided over the opening meeting of the new Alton Riverfront Advisory Commission. The Commission met in Alton City Hall and was formed for the purpose to help guide growth and development on the Alton Riverfront. At the outset of the meeting, the Mayor said that this was a great first step in renewing Alton’s relationship with the river. Goins said that “The City of Alton has a long history of utilizing its riverfront for commerce, transit, travel, and the movement of goods and products. Access and use of Alton’s riverfront are critical to the identity of Alton and to the entire region. The riverfront has long served as a focal point for Alton, since its founding as a major river commercial center.” Goins mentioned that Alton has long taken the position that our riverfront was important to the City: “It is our community’s front door." Alton had previously established the Lakefront Advisory Board to aid in th

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City was hit the hardest in the immediate area Tuesday morning with 8-8.5 inches of rainfall during the massive amount of thunderstorms that belted the area. Granite City had a similar rain event in 2019 when 9 inches of rain was dumped and it sparked flash flooding all around that area. More than 1,000 homes were left with flooded yards and basements and some homeless. Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson and his staff have been busy since he was elected to try to shore up the problems the city has had for years with flooding. Mayor Parkinson made these statements today: “I have spent the morning with my team looking at trouble spots and talking with residents about this morning's regional flash flooding. The City focused last year on flooding mitigation by aggressively cleaning out ditches, upgrading/installing pumps, and authorizing approximately $8 million in infrastructure projects (shown below). “This morning’s event gave me an opportunity

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TABLE GROVE – On July 25, 2022, Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 4 was contacted by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving two FCSO Deputies. Preliminary reports indicate that two FCSO Deputie s were attempting to locate a male subject that was wanted on warrant for Domestic Battery. At appro ximately 9:56 p.m., during an encounter, the subject pointed a gun at the two FCSO Deputies and both Deputies fired their weapon at the male subject. The subject was pronounced deceased near the intersection of Fulton County Road 13 and East Bailey Road. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident. An autopsy is scheduled for July 26, 2022. This is an active and ongoing investigation and no additional information will be released at this time. The investigation continues by ISP Zone 4 Macomb, the Fulton County Coroner's Office,

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells announced on Tuesday that Arion M. Thurman, 19, of the 1100 block of Scott Avenue, St. Louis, has been arrested on the following charges in Madison County Circuit Court: Unlawful Possession Of A Stolen Firearm, Aggravated Unlawful Use Of Weapons, and 5 counts of Burglary. Chief Wells said Thurman was taken into custody at 3 a.m. on Monday, July 25, 2022. "A resident in the 300 block of East Lorena Avenue called the police department due to a car alarm sounding," the chief said. "Officers from the police department responded. Officer Tyler Tharp saw a person standing at a car door. When the person saw Officer Tharp, the person fled on foot. While investigating, Officer Tharp spotted another person in the area. Officer Tharp was able to apprehend Thurman in the 200 block of Lorena Avenue. "The suspect was taken into custody. A firearm with an extended magazine was found and the suspect was taken into custody. The firearm was linked

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CHICAGO – The next Mega Millions drawing is tonight and the jackpot has grown again - and is now a whopping $830 million. There are multiple ways to play, so whether you're at home or on the go, it's never been easier for Illinois residents 18 years of age and older to get in on the fun by purchasing a Mega Millions ticket. Tickets can be purchased in-store at any one of over 7,000 retailers across the State or online via the Illinois Lottery website or mobile app. Every Mega Millions ticket is a chance to win - and a chance to dream. Earlier today, the Illinois Lottery shared suggestions for ways to spend a mind-boggling, life-changing windfall. What's your dream? The Illinois Lottery encourages all of its players to play responsibly. Play for fun, not for funds; and set a budget and stick to it. For more information on how to play lottery games responsibly, please visit IllinoisLottery.com Mega Millions is played every Tuesday and Friday night, with the next draw taking

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CARROLLTON - Several individuals have been arrested for drug and alcohol-related offenses in Greene County over the last few weeks, according to the most recent Greene County Jail Booking Report. Brandon Benbrook, age 47, of Chatham was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, illegal possession/transportation of liquor by driver, possession of a narcotic instrument, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of cannabis in a vehicle by driver, possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, improper parking on a roadway and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Benbrook was arrested on July 9 at 4:56 a.m. by the Greene County Sheriff and remains in custody. Zachary Blumenberg, 36, of Kampsville was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a narcotic instrument and a warrant for failing to appear in Calhoun County court. He was arrested by the Calhoun County Sheriff on July 15 at 11:1

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BETHALTO - For the second time in the past month, the Bethalto Police Department and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office teamed to conduct covert narcotics investigations in the village, that resulted in the execution of search warrants and seizures of narcotics, Bethalto Police Chief Mike Dixon said Tuesday morning. Tuesday morning, officers from both departments executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Terrace Street, seizing suspected cocaine, packaging materials, and currency, Chief Dixon added. "In addition to the noted seizures, additional evidence was seized from the home that is linked to an illegally possessed firearm Bethalto Officers seized during a traffic stop earlier this month," the chief said. "One male occupant of the home and a guest were taken into custody at the scene. The guest was questioned and released with the male occupant being detained on probable cause related to the investigation. The facts will be presented to Madison County State's Attorney

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ST. LOUIS/GRANITE CITY - St. Peters, Mo., recorded the highest rain totals Tuesday morning with 12.34 inches, but Granite City recorded 8.5 inches in the morning period. There was flash flooding on both sides of the river Tuesday. One person died when a car in St. Louis was found covered in more than 8 feet (2.4 meters) of water. Several puppies drowned when a building became flooded at Stray Paws Adoptables, a stray dog rescue operation in St. Peters, Mo., a St. Louis suburb. Firefighters in boats rescued other dogs from the building. The National Weather Service in St. Louis reported these were some examples of rainfall totals spread throughout the region: St. Peters, MO. - 12.34 inches Flint Hill, MO. - 11 inches O’Fallon, MO. - 11 inches St. Anne, MO. - 10.95 inches Moscow Hills, MO. - 10.44 inches Caseyville, IL. - 8.5 inches Granite City, IL. - 8 inches Fairmont, IL. - 6.25 inches Belleville, IL. - 6.3 inches Fairview Heights, IL. - 6.16 inches

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GRAFTON - Grafton Alderman Peter Allen has been dedicated to the Village of Grafton for many years, and at the July City Council Meeting, he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Mayor Morrow on behalf of the City Council for his service as a Ward One Alderman. Allen resigned his position because he and his family are moving to Alton at the end of the month. “We are grateful for Peter’s service as Alderman, and we want to recognize him for his dedication,” said Mayor Morrow. “Peter and I have something in common; we are both Gulf War Vets.” Allen served in the Navy during the Gulf War and has served as the Alderman oversight on the Grafton Veteran’s Committee. Allen said he was humbled by the presentation at Council. “I want to thank the Council for this certificate," he said. "It was my honor to serve under two administrations, Mayor Eberlin and Mayor Morrow.” Allen went on to say that he will still be active in Grafton at

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PONTOON BEACH - Agency for Community Transit (ACT) Board of Directors, Mark Achenbach (President), Ron Jedda (Vice President), Chrissy Wiley, Patrick McRae, and Lisa Ciampoli presented the Village of South Roxana with a check from the ACT Community Action Grants Program in the amount of $36,350.00 for the Village’s Inclusion Project. This project included the acquisition of a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) modified to meet ADA accessibility requirements. This check was presented by the ACT Board of Directors and staff to the Village of South Roxana’s Mayor Barbara Overton, South Roxana Police Chief Bob Coles and Lieutenant Brian Doyle on July 14, 2022. The newly acquired UTV will be used to transport members of the public to community events that may be otherwise inaccessible for them. For example, events held at parks, fields and stadiums are often difficult or impossible for individuals in wheelchairs or with mobility disabilities to attend. The UTV will allow the Village

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal motor crash in the area of Telegraph Road which resulted in the death of two adult females. On July 25, 2022, at 8:40 AM, St. Louis County police officers from the South County Precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle accident in the 5900 block of Telegraph Road. Arriving officers located two motor vehicles involved in a motor vehicle crash. Preliminary investigation has revealed a Chevrolet Colorado was traveling southbound on Telegraph Road when the electric light in front of Oakville Middle School turned to red. According to a witness, the driver of the Colorado accelerated through the red light. At the same time, a Nissan Rogue was turning northbound on Telegraph from the Bethesda Southgate Nursing home when it was struck on the driver's side by the Chevrolet Colorado. The driver of the Rogue, a 58-year-old female, was

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare is pleased to add a new primary care provider to its staff to better serve the community of Godfrey and surrounding areas. The addition of Lucas Edwards, PA, on July 24 will ensure increased access for patients in need of primary care at the OSF Medical Group – Primary Care office at 6702 Godfrey Road. Edwards joins the care team of Priya Kumaraguru, MD, and offers a number of services, including preventive care and chronic disease management. He received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Missouri and Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Southern Illinois University. He is a board-certified physician assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. New or existing patient appointments for primary care with Edwards or a member of his care team can be made by calling (618) 467-1520.

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ALTON - Each year, Lucy Jane Haskell’s birthday is always special in Alton. Lucy’s 142nd birthday will be celebrated from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 29, at the Haskell Playhouse at the corner of 12th and Henry. Lucy Haskell received her own playhouse in 1885 for her fifth birthday but died at age 9 in 1890. Lucy died of diphtheria. Margaret Hopkins, the organizer of the event, said the party will mimic Lucy’s fifth birthday party when the playhouse was gifted to her. Margaret said a previous newspaper article, says there were Victorian games, cake, lemonade, and pony rides to celebrate. Margaret said there will also be games that are active for children. “Everything we offer will be free to the public,” she said. “There will be a merchandise table where people can purchase notecards, t-shirts, etc., and all the proceeds to the playhouse and future events. A young lady has also been chosen to sing happy birthday to her.” Margaret said

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ST. LOUIS - The deceased in a homicide in the 6300 block of Lillian Avenue has been identified as Cameron Young, 22 years of age, of the 6200 block of Cana Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63121. The St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating the homicide. St. Louis County Police Jennings Precinct officers responded to a call for service for shots fired near the intersection of Goodfellow and Lillian Avenue at 5:22 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2022. Responding officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot injury. The victim was transported to an area hospital with a life-threatening injury where he later succumbed to his injury and was pronounced deceased. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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