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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) reintroduced the Right to Contraception Act , legislation that would create a statutory right to obtain and use contraceptives and ensure health care providers have a right to provide contraceptives, contraception and share information about this essential care. Last June, Senate Republicans shamefully blocked the bill from passing the Senate. “Ever since the Supreme Court threw out Roe v. Wade, we’ve seen extreme MAGA Republicans across the country work to roll back health care and tear reproductive freedom away from Americans—which has cruelly threatened birth control, plan B, IUDs and other forms of contraception,” said Senator Duckworth. “I refuse to let my daughters grow up in a world with fewer rights than I had. As MAGA Republicans continue their anti-choice, anti-science crusade, it is as important as ever that the Senate acts t

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today urged Illinoisians who are considering making a wager on the Super Bowl this Sunday to be fully informed about the risks of online and app-based sports betting when deciding whether to place a bet. Illinois allows certain sports betting apps and websites to operate within the state. Sports betting operators must be approved for licensure by the Illinois Gaming Board and must comply with all regulations to lawfully operate in Illinois. People can check the Illinois Gaming Board’s licensee list to see if a sportsbook is authorized to operate in Illinois. “If you decide to bet on the Super Bowl or any other sporting event, take the time to determine that you are placing your bet with an entity that is licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board and operating legally in the state,” Raoul said. “Using an unlicensed betting service puts your personal information and your money at risk. Even if a sports betting website or app

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CHICAGO- Yesterday, Governor Pritzker spoke with the Consul General of Mexico in Chicago, Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendivil, as part of his ongoing efforts to protect Illinois jobs and keep costs down amid the looming threats of Trump's Taxes on Working Families. During their conversation, Governor Pritzker and Ambassador Torres Mendivil discussed the strong economic and cultural relationship between Illinois and Mexico and the importance of preserving trade in key sectors like agriculture and machinery. They also discussed the harm proposed tariffs could inflict on businesses and working families in both Mexico and Illinois, such as disrupting business operations and increasing the prices of everyday goods like groceries. Governor Pritzker committed to remaining in touch with Ambassador Torres Mendivil with information about critical Illinois companies and products that would be affected by trade war to help Mexico limit the impacts of retaliatory tariffs on Illinois. Both parties

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AURORA – Aurora University has named Antonia Phillips of Alton, IL, to the Dean's List for the fall 2024 semester. Phillips is majoring in Sport Management and Marketing. The Dean's List recognizes full-time undergraduate students who have earned a 3.6 grade-point average or higher. Founded in 1893, Aurora University is a four-year, private, nonprofit, accredited higher education institution located on a 39-acre campus in Aurora, the second largest city in Illinois. The university serves approximately 4,100 undergraduate students across more than 60 academic programs. More than 1,800 graduate students are enrolled at the institution as well. AU leadership, faculty, and staff are committed to the success of AU students, offering strong academic support programs and learning opportunities that prepare students to achieve their goals after graduation. Learn more at aurora.edu.

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JERSEYVILLE – Jersey Community High School (JCHS) has partnered with local businesses to shine a spotlight on students nominated through the F.O.C.U.S. (Finding One Clearly Unique Student) program for January 2025. “Students of the Month” are selected based upon the number of F.O.C.U.S. nominations a student earns in a given month. The F.O.C.U.S. program allows teachers to select and recognize students each week for exceptional academic performance or kindness. Sophomore Lola Reed (left) and junior Ava Deist (right) were selected as Students of the Month in conjunction with Jerseyville Banking Center. Reed and Deist received the most F.O.C.U.S. nominations from their teachers in January, earning them both the Students of the Month honor at JCHS. They are congratulated by Sidney Parker of Jerseyville Banking Center. Freshman Jada Baro (right) and eighth grader Allison Haarmann (left) have been chosen as Students of the Month in conjunction with CNB Bank

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner has introduced two measures in response to the murder of Sonya Massey last year. “Sonya’s death should have never happened,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Since that fatal day, I have worked with state and county officials, law enforcement and community members to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Alongside Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter, we created the Massey Commission to address systemic issues in law enforcement practices, mental health responses, and community relations. Both of these measures came directly from the commission.” Senate Bill 1953 would require law enforcement agencies to conduct a more comprehensive review of a prospective officer’s past employment to ensure his or her physical and psychological fitness for duty as a police officer before making an offer of employment. To ensure the highest degree of integrity and professionalism in the hiring process

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ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District will host two public meetings to present the findings of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam Water Control manual revision update. A presentation will be given at each public meeting by the St. Louis District Water Control Office on the findings from the analysis of each drawdown alternative. Each alternative was assessed for its hydraulic, sediment, real estate, economic, geotechnical/levee safety, and environmental impacts as part of a two-year process. Presentations will be held: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. National Great Rivers Museum #2 Locks and Dam Way Alton, IL 62002 Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Grafton City Hall 118 East Main Street Grafton, IL 62037. Water Control Manuals are operating manuals for USACE locks and dams. The Water Control Manual includes instructions for operating the locks and dam for the purposes authorized by Congress and other applicable laws that maintain

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CLAYTON, Mo. – Flight Club , an entertainment venue and restaurant described as an “upscale Social Darts concept,” officially opened its doors in Clayton on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. Flight Club locations throughout the U.S. operate under license exclusively held by State of Play Hospitality . The Clayton location at 7710 Forsyth Blvd. marks the brand’s eighth-ever venue in North America. State of Play President and CEO Toby Harris appeared on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to share more details behind the business ahead of its grand opening in Clayton. He said the United Kingdom-based Flight Club concept has gained traction across North America since its Chicago location opened in 2018. At the center of the “Flight Club” experience is a blend of classic and groundbreaking dart technology, ensuring a fun time for dart throwers of all experience levels. “The core of the concept is ‘Social Darts’ – you’re

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February 8th has witnessed a multitude of significant events throughout history, spanning various categories such as science, politics, culture, and more. One of the most notable events in recent history happened on February 8, 2023, when scientists from around the world gathered to announce a groundbreaking discovery in the field of quantum computing. The team, comprised of physicists from the United States, Europe, and Asia, unveiled a new quantum processor that is capable of solving complex problems at unprecedented speeds. This innovation has been hailed as a potential game-changer, with implications for various fields including cryptography, materials science, and artificial intelligence. Experts believe that advancements in quantum computing could lead to solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as climate change and disease prevention. In the world of sports, February 8, 1986, was a day of triumph for the New York Giants. The team won Super Bow

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MARKHAM - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as officials from Pace and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), to celebrate the award of two grants totaling $58 million (Pace, $27 million; RTA on behalf of CTA, $31 million). The funding will be used to purchase all-electric Class 8 public transit buses – replacing older, higher-emitting buses with 57 new, advanced technology, zero-emission buses (27 Pace buses and 30 CTA buses). The projects are funded through the State’s allocation from the Volkswagen (VW) Settlement. “Illinoisans of all backgrounds depend on Pace and the CTA. Whether commuting to work, visiting friends and family, or running their everyday errands – the convenience and efficiency of these systems is absolutely essential to their everyday lives,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Pace has added 27 new, fully electric buses – along with 30 that will join the CTA fleet.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Police Department has expanded its team with two special recruits sporting wagging tails and boundless enthusiasm. Meet Chase and Max, the department’s first-ever K-9s to take on the additional role of therapy dogs for the SIUE campus. These four-legged K-9s are already making a difference, offering comfort, companionship, and support to students, faculty, and staff. Chase and Max come to SIUE through a specialized rehabilitation and rescue program through the Cook County Department of Corrections, Tails of Redemption, which trains dogs for emotional support and community engagement. Unlike traditional K-9s focused on enforcement, these pups are here to soothe stress, ease anxiety and build positive connections between the police force and the campus community. The dogs undergo obedience and distraction training, ensuring they remain calm and focused in various environments. They are a crucial asset for victims

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CHICAGO- Yesterday, Governor Pritzker spoke with Canada's Ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman, as part of his ongoing efforts to protect Illinois jobs and keep costs down amid the looming threats of Trump's Taxes on Working Families. Governor Pritzker and Ambassador Hillman reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining bilateral trade ties between the State of Illinois and Canada in key sectors of economic collaboration, including automotive, technology, and agriculture. They also discussed the negative impacts of proposed tariffs for both Canada and Illinois, such as increasing the prices of everyday goods and gas. Governor Pritzker committed to remaining in touch with Ambassador Hillman with information about critical Illinois companies and products that would be affected by a trade war to help Canada limit the impacts of retaliatory tariffs on Illinois. Both parties agreed to continue working together to strengthen economic ties between the state and the country. Governor

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ALTON - The fourth annual Ice Jam at the Dam winter festival, to be held at the National Great Rivers Museum on Feb. 15, 2025, will highlight winter experiences that can be had along the river, along with winter-themed movies, live music, animal shows, and more. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the public is invited to visit the National Great Rivers Museum for a wide array of winter activities. In a change from years past, this will now be a primarily indoors event, with education tables throughout the museum gallery, as well as outdoors in front of the museum. Local organizations will have educational booths where visitors can learn about winter recreation, try their hand at a winter-related science experiment, and hear about the Lewis and Clark over-wintering at Camp Dubois alongside a replica of the White Pirogue boat used on their expedition. Children who visit at least six stations will receive a goody bag of prizes, as well as a s’mores kit. In front of the museum, families can

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EDWARDSVILLE - Jane Gockel, an Edwardsville native, has received a President’s List honor at Florida Gulf Coast University for the 224 fall semester. Florida State University said being placed on the President’s List recognized that you are attaining your academic goals and willing to go the extra mile to achieve them. This honor is noted in the student’s academic transcript and becomes a permanent part of a student’s academic record at Florida Gulf Coast State.

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O’FALLON — Expectant moms can get all their “what to expect when expecting” questions answered by attending any or all the prenatal education programs offered by HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in the coming year. St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center offers a wide range of services for mothers and infants, including: Prepared Childbirth Class, $30 fee: Feb. 22, March 11, March 29, April 26, May 6 and 17, June 21, July 8 and 19, Aug. 23, Sept. 9 and 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 11 and 15, Dec. 13. Breastfeeding Class, $15 fee: Feb. 13, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 10, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4. Birth Circle Breakfast, no fee: Feb. 13, June 26, Sept. 25, Dec. 18. Infant and Child Safety Class, $15 fee: April 27 and Oct. 12. Classes are open to any mom-to-be and their support person. St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center also offers a monthly Parent Circle Support Group that is open to all new parents, whether this

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Kristen and her brother Nathan spoke about trusting God in the wake of Kristen’s son’s unexpected passing. Kristen’s son, Gavin, took his life in August 2024. She shared that since then, she has relied heavily on Proverbs 2:5 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” — to comfort her through her grief. “It’s a reminder that I’m not supposed to carry this burden alone,” she said. “I don’t have all the answers. I’m not supposed to have all the answers, because I’m not the Heavenly Father. He's the one who knows everything. Even though we try to put the pieces together and make sense, my belief is, we’re still not going to get it right.” Kristen said Gavin was “a kind, caring, gentle soul.” He made the decision to get baptized at age

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EDWARDSVILLE - According to the American College Health Association, 76% of undergraduate students experienced moderate to serious psychological distress in 2024 . Today, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is working to reduce that number among all its student population, with the help of a $290,000 Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act Competitive (MHEAC) grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, noted SIUE Counseling Services Director Sydney K Greenwalt, PhD. Greenwalt also offered a barometer for gauging mental health concerns at SIUE. “Last year, we saw 604 unique clients in direct service provision at SIUE Counseling Services,” she said. “This year, so far, we have seen 348 unique clients, along with the students served through psychoeducational outreaches.” Specifically, hundreds of students have participated in psychoeducational engagement that includes mental health sessions through SIUE’s partnership with TimelyCare

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SPRINGFIELD – This Super Bowl Sunday, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are reinforcing vital safety messages that could save your life or someone else’s: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket.” “Celebrate smart and designate a sober driver before the party starts so this year’s Super Bowl gathering isn’t the last one you attend,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “There’s no instant replay when you’re on the road, so be the MVP and make sure the party game plan includes a sober ride home.” Remember that walking impaired also can be dangerous, so designate a sober friend to walk home with you, if needed. Sober driving isn’t the only law that should be followed. Always make sure you and everyone else in the vehicle buckles up. It’s

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CASEYVILLE — Sergeant Danny Allison of the Caseyville Police Department has been recognized for his contributions to law enforcement with a Certificate of Merit from the Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association. The award, presented by Chief Tom Coppotelli, acknowledges Allison's significant work with the Midwest cryptocurrency task force. Allison's investigative efforts have led to the recovery of more than $400,000 for victims of cyber scams, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing the complexities of digital crime. The award ceremony took place recently, although the specific date and location were not disclosed. The Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association aims to honor law enforcement professionals who demonstrate exceptional dedication and effectiveness in their roles. In receiving this recognition, Sergeant Allison's skills and commitment to combating cybercrime have been brought to the forefront, underscoring the importance of specialized

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ALTON – An Alton resident and sex offender has been charged once again for failing to register; the same offender faces a weapon charge in a separate case. Corry J. Faulkner, 53, of the 2200 block of Gillis St. in Alton, was charged with two Class 2 felony counts of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender, his second subsequent such offense. On Dec. 30, 2024, Faulkner allegedly failed to register with the Alton Chief of Police every 90 days as legally required under the Sex Offender Registration Act. He had previously been convicted of the same offense in Madison County in 2023. Faulkner was also charged in a separate Madison County criminal case with possession of a weapon by a felon, a Class 3 felony. On Jan. 31, 2025, he reportedly possessed a Ruger 380 handgun after previously being convicted of a felony, failing to register as a sex offender. The Alton Police Department presented both cases against Faulkner, who Madison County Sheriff’s Office records

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