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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), in collaboration with Microsoft, today unveiled Ally-IL, a custom application enabling DCFS caseworkers to connect and engage with youth and support networks virtually using a Microsoft Teams platform. Ally-IL is the first-of-its-kind tool developed to provide a free, real-time collaborative platform. This groundbreaking application offers chat-based tools, enabling DCFS caseworkers, families, children, youth and their trusted circle of alliances—including teachers—to stay connected and streamline communication, all while protecting sensitive information. By fostering secure and timely communication, Ally-IL enhances the support network around every child and family involved. “Through this public-private partnership with Microsoft, we are changing the way our children and youth in care can stay connected to their families and their DCFS caseworkers,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

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CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) announced it will begin accepting and processing 2024 tax returns today, Monday, January 27, the same date the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins accepting federal income tax returns. Illinois will participate in the free IRS Direct File program this year. Eligible Illinois taxpayers can use the program to file their 2024 federal returns directly with the IRS. They will also be able to easily transfer their information into IDOR’s free online account management program, MyTax Illinois , to file their Illinois taxes. Both platforms are fast, secure, easy to use, and mobile-friendly. Direct File eligibility can be confirmed by visiting https://directfile.irs.gov. “IRS Direct File offers a range of benefits for taxpayers, including free federal tax return filing, step-by-step guidance, and real-time online support, explained IDOR Director David Harris . "Eligible taxpayers can then use the verified Direct File

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SPRINGFIELD - National Unclaimed Property Day is coming up and Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is urging people to check the I-CASH missing money website to see if they have money or other unclaimed property waiting for them to claim. “National Unclaimed Property Day on February 1 is a great day for people to visit our I-CASH website , though you certainly don’t have to wait until then,” Frerichs said. “In fact, it’s a good idea to check the website at least a couple of times a year to see if you, your family, or your friends have cash or property to claim.” “We work hard to return missing money and unclaimed property to the rightful owners,” he added. “Putting money back in your warm hands is better than keeping it in our cold bank vaults. Putting money back in the hands of Illinoisans does more good for our state’s economy than it does sitting in our bank account.” “Unclaimed property” typically

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GODFREY - Students and teachers at St. Ambrose Catholic School participated in a Eucharistic procession to mark National Catholic Schools Week. On Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, the St. Ambrose student body followed the Blessed Sacrament to symbolize their following of Jesus Christ. The students and teachers circled the parking lot of the church and concluded the Eucharistic procession inside St. Ambrose with a period of adoration. Principal Robert Baird explained that the procession is an important sign of faith. “As believers of Christ, we believe that was Jesus in the form here on Earth with us, so we’re followers of Him. It’s a visible sign that we’re followers,” he said. “That’s the idea of a Eucharistic procession. It’s a positive outward sign for the community, and that’s where we’re here doing.” The Eucharistic procession serves as St. Ambrose’s kickoff for National Catholic Schools Week, which runs from

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CARLINVILLE - Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 at 20733 North Broad, inside Donor Bus at Carlinville Area Hospital. What: Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics Community Blood Drive When: Monday, February 10, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, at Carlinville Area Hospital, 20733 North Broad, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Vicki Walker at (217) 854-3141 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60352 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife to schedule at 800-747-5401. 2801 South 10th Street | Springfield, Illinois | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org ) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A phot

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COLLINSVILLE - Three individuals are facing serious charges in connection with the shooting death of 32-year-old Portia Rowland, who was killed while warming up her car outside her home on Olive Street on the morning of Jan. 21, 2025. On Monday, Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas Haine announced the charges against Sammy J. Shafer, Jr., 36, Gary D. Johnson, and Marty Shaw. According to the charging documents, Shafer is accused of hiring Shaw and Johnson to carry out the murder. Shafer faces two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of solicitation for murder-for-hire. Johnson, identified as the alleged gunman, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of possession of a weapon. Shaw is also charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Investigators allege that Shafer paid $10,000 for the murder. Shaw reportedly gave Johnson a ride on the day of the shooting and was said to have received the same $10,000, subsequently giving $6,500

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ALTON — St. Mary’s Catholic School in Alton held its inaugural Appreciation Dinner this past week, honoring five educators for their long-standing commitment to Catholic education. The event brought together parish and school families to celebrate the contributions of these women, who have dedicated between 25 and 36 years to teaching. The dinner, which took place at St. Mary’s Catholic School, recognized the recipients of the Catholic Educator Lifetime Achievement Awards: Karen Crites and Julia Godfrey, both with 35 years of service; Beth Hogg and Kelly Jacobs, each with 30 years; and Sue Brown, who is set to retire after 25 years of teaching. St. Mary's Catholic School Principal Mary Rivera highlighted the significance of the evening, noting that most of the honorees have spent their entire careers at the school. “What a testament to their faith to do so,” Rivera said in an email. Rivera emphasized the important role these educators play in fostering

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement after President Donald Trump’s administration started mass deportation actions in and around Chicago: “We can all agree that we must remove any dangerous individuals from our country who are here illegally. But the mass deportation actions being undertaken by President Trump’s administration go far beyond those important goals. These actions have the potential to sweep up Dreamers who came to the United States as children, Veterans who have served our nation, and essential workers who care for our family members, build our homes, and ensure we have food on our tables. “Instead, we should focus on deporting those who pose a danger to our country. And we should give the rest a chance to earn legal status. They would have to register with the government, pay their

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined her colleagues on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) in a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Acting Secretary Todd Hunter requesting answers on how the VA is implementing President Trump’s Executive Order to freeze hiring across the executive branch. “President Trump signed this Executive Order without offering any solutions to the ongoing staffing shortages affecting the VA,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “If critical roles are waiting to be filled, and offers are rescinded, that’s deeply concerning. We can’t let service fall by the wayside or allow even one veteran to go waiting for answers on their health or benefits.” The VA reported more than 40,000 vacancies at the end of 2024, including in critical clinical roles like mental health providers and nurses. Thousands of Americans have already received notifications that V

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EDWARDSVILLE - Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois will celebrate Mass at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The event is part of the weeklong observance of National Catholic Schools Week, which runs from January 26 to February 1. During the Mass, Bishop Paprocki will join students, staff, and administration from Catholic schools in the Edwardsville area. This gathering aims to highlight the importance of Catholic education and foster community among local schools. The Diocese of Springfield serves approximately 124,000 Catholics across 28 counties in Central Illinois and operates 43 Catholic schools, including 36 elementary schools and seven high schools.

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PONTOON BEACH – A woman facing felony charges for attacking her husband with an axe claims she was intoxicated and "feeling homicidal" during the incident. Stacy K. Fitzpatrick, 56, of Granite City, was charged on Jan. 21, 2025, with aggravated domestic battery and aggravated battery, both Class 2 felonies. O n Jan. 19, 2025, Fitzpatrick allegedly struck a victim “in the head with an axe, causing a severe laceration to the victim’s head.” A petition to deny Fitzpatrick’s pretrial release states officers immediately saw evidence of the attack upon meeting the victim. “ Victim reported that his wife struck him in the head with an axe ,” the petition states. “ Officers observed him to have a bleeding laceration to the head.” Fitzpatrick later admitted to striking the victim with the axe, adding she was “intoxicated and was feeling homicidal.’” Fitzpatrick’ s criminal history shows prior

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY: ? ?On Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued?charges?on suspect Tawiand Cleafton, 31 years of age, of the 10100 block of Baron Drive Avenue, St Louis, Missouri, 63136, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Abuse or Neglect of a Child, and two counts of Domestic Assault. A booking photo of Cleafton is attached. Cleafton is being held on $500,000 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?for the Failure to Register as a Sex Offender reads:? The Defendant is required to register because he plead guilty to attempted forcible rape in 2013 under Chapter 566, RSMo, an unclassified felony. He established residency in St. Louis County and was arrested for domestic violence charges. The Defendant was incarcerated on those charges and released from incarceration on November 4, 2024.

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WOOD RIVER — Madison County Emergency Management Agency wants to remind the public about the dangers of playing on ponds and lakes this winter. EMA Director Fred Patterson said police and fire departments throughout the county have received phone calls about children playing on the ice of ponds, including retention ponds. He said in hopes of avoiding water rescue emergencies and fatalities this winter, emergency officials want to remind the public about the dangers. “The best way to stay safe is staying off the ice,” Patterson said. “It’s an important reminder for children to make sure they're not using retention ponds for hockey or playing or even walking across it.” Retention ponds can have hidden dangers. Often times they can have pumps and aerators circulating water, causing water levels to vary, also weakening the ice. Also the change in temperatures from freezing to above freezing creates thinning of the ice as some areas start to melt.

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ALTON – A mudslide occurred at Riverview Park on Jan. 13, 2025, prompting the Alton Parks and Recreation Department to temporarily close the area above the bluffs. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and nearby structures, including the Abbott Machine Shop, sustained no damage. The mudslide was triggered by a combination of weather conditions, including snow-covered bluffs, frozen ground, and recent sunny days that melted the snow. These factors caused the top layer of soil and vegetation, classified as loess soil, to slide off the steep bluff face, accumulating at its base. In response to the incident, Lyndsey Younger, the Interim Parks and Recreation Director, emphasized the department's commitment to public safety. "We recognize the importance of Riverview Park to our community and are exploring all viable options to ensure the safety of our visitors while preserving access to this cherished space," Younger said. The department is aware that addressing the stability o

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ALTON - In a recent interview on Our Daily Show! with Riverbender.com host C.J. Nasello, Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine highlighted the critical role of community involvement in the justice system, urging residents to report criminal activities to law enforcement. Haine's comments come amid ongoing efforts to enhance public safety in Madison County. During the interview, Haine emphasized the importance of tips from the community, stating, "You have to have trust in the community that it will be reported and successfully prosecuted." Haine noted that the initial report of a crime is often undervalued but serves as the essential starting point for achieving justice. Haine referenced a recent case that illustrates the significance of community trust and reporting. He described how a key witness, who was also a nephew of the suspect, felt compelled to come forward after seeing holiday advertisements that emphasized the value of family. This emotional realization led him

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ALTON - As the consolidated election on April 1, 2025, approaches, Ward 2 Alderwoman Carolyn MacAfee is looking ahead to her goals if reelected. MacAfee has held the position of Ward 2 alderwoman for 12 years. She is facing two challengers in the April 1 election. She expressed appreciation for the accomplishments she has made over the past decade, as well as excitement about her plans for the next four years. “I’m going to continue to make Alton a better place to live,” MacAfee said. “I’m a 24/7, seven days a week alderman.” MacAfee shared that she does not work full-time and she is not raising children, so she is “available all the time.” She answers every phone call and works to make sure her constituents are heard. She pointed to the recent snowstorm as an example. As MacAfee waited in her house for two days for her street to be cleared, she took calls from her neighbors in Ward 2 and directed the Public Works Department

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COTTAGE HILLS — The Cottage Hills Fire Department responded to a fire in a shed located in the backyard of a residence on Deanna Avenue on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. Firefighters arrived at the scene in the 1200 block shortly after the call was placed to 911. Upon arrival, crews found the shed on fire. A box alarm was activated, prompting additional assistance from neighboring fire departments, including Rosewood Heights, Meadowbrook, and Fosterburg. The Alton Fire Department also sent an ambulance to the scene, along with Alton Memorial for fire standby. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, and officials have not yet determined what led to the incident.

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ST. LOUIS — The Delmar Loop Ice Carnival, a beloved winter event in St. Louis, took place on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, drawing a crowd eager to experience a day filled with art, entertainment, and community spirit. The carnival ran from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. along Delmar Boulevard on Saturday, featuring over 55 ice sculptures, live ice carving demonstrations, and various activities for all ages. Samantha Smugala, Executive Director of the East Loop Community Improvement District, noted that this year marked the 18th anniversary of the Ice Carnival. "It is a festival unlike any in St. Louis," she said. "We are here to celebrate ice, not on the roads, but as an art form." She highlighted the impressive display of sculptures representing local businesses, as well as a large ice selfie color wall that attracted many attendees. In addition to the ice sculptures, the carnival offered a range of entertainment, including fire dancers, music, and kids' games throughout the day. One

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ALTON - Calvary Christian School’s open enrollment starts this week, and they’re eager to welcome students to their new program. Located at 1422 Washington Avenue in Alton, Calvary Christian School launched in Fall 2024 with 28 students. They follow the classical education model, with students divided into learning levels. Open enrollment starts on Jan. 27 with an open house planned for Feb. 15, 2025, and families are encouraged to reach out to get more information and decide if Calvary Christian School is right for their child. “The families have really bought into what we’re doing, and it’s been a really great year,” said Associate Pastor Wade Dobson. “We always say it’s not education by worksheet. They’re not just given a sheet of paper and answer these questions or complete these problems and turn it back in. There’s a lot more to it than that in terms of their involvement.” Dobson and Mike Harrelson, Calvary’

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST)—Deb Fischer (R-NE), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available—including a female crash test dummy. The bipartisan She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act would help enhance passenger vehicle safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures. The bill is estimated to help save more than 1,300 lives, prevent and mitigate tens of thousands of serious injuries and save billions of dollars in economic impact from preventing and mitigating injuries and deaths. “We can be doing more to improve our roadways and make sure visiting a family member or a routine trip to the grocery store doesn’t end in tragedy,” said Senator

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