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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on Senate passage of the Continuing Resolution (CR), which will fund the federal government through November 17: “Extreme MAGA House Republicans failed. The right-wing policies that they have been pushing for weeks were removed from the short-term government funding bill and hundreds of thousands of hardworking Americans and service men and women will not be forced to work without pay come Monday. “And while today’s particular bill did not include additional funding to Ukraine, I want the brave Ukrainians who continue to push back against Putin to know that the United States still stands, and will continue to stand with you—and we will find additional ways in the future to continue our commitment to you. “Now, Congress must roll up its sleeves and complete the government funding process before November 17.”

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ALTON - In 2016, Pride Incorporated, a non-profit beautification organization, transformed State House Circle into the picturesque landmark it is today to commemorate their 50-year anniversary. The project, meticulously designed by Tim Matifes—Chairman of the Beautification Committee at the time — came to fruition thanks to generous donations and the dedication of many talented individuals. Pride’s circle of volunteers, comprising family and friends, has tirelessly maintained the lush and stately landscaping throughout the years, ensuring its continued splendor. Once more, Pride is enhancing this historic landmark by planting four Autumn Blaze Maple trees around its perimeter, further enriching its vibrant color palette. On October 10th, starting at 9:00 am, Waldbart & Sons Nursery of Dorsey will commence the tree installation. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Alton Parks and Recreation for providing logistical assistance and support for this beautification

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ALTON - Alton Police and Fire Departments worked a two-vehicle crash just after 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, on Alby Street at East Center Drive. Alton Fire Department Battalion Chief Bill Simon was the coordinator at the scene and he said initially there was a call of possible entrapment but when the firefighters and police arrived, a passerby had helped pull the door open for someone in one of the vehicles. The vehicles had damage to the front and back, he said. He also said no one was transported with injuries from the scene. No other details were available about the crash at this time.

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TEUTOPOLIS – With information provided by the community, the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation has been able to identify the vehicle and driver believed to be involved in the September 29, 2023 crash just outside of Teutopolis that resulted in five fatalities and multiple injuries. “Thank you to the communities of Montrose and Teutopolis, and everyone who provided information to ISP,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The information we received from the community has been instrumental in identifying the vehicle and driver believed to be involved in this case.” On Friday, September 29, 2023, ISP, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Teutopolis Fire Protection District, and other local law enforcement, fire, and emergency services responded to a crash that occurred at 8:42 p.m. on 19740 East U.S. Highway 40. The crash involved a semi-truck tanker carrying 7,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia,

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SPRINGFIELD —Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Director John J. Kim today announced $750,000 in funding through the release of a Section 604(b) Water Quality Management Program Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This grant program is used to implement the Illinois Water Quality Management Program and Illinois’ Nonpoint Source Management Program through water quality projects and activities. The NOFO has been posted at https://il.amplifund.com/Public/Opportunities/Details/d08c9b29-bf05-4432-8dda-3e8f2b0d1787 . Grant funds under this program can be used to determine the nature, extent and causes of point and nonpoint source water pollution, develop watershed-based plans, and develop technical and administrative tools to support development and implementation of water pollution control projects and programs. In addition, projects can develop designs for best management practices to address water quality problems, implement administrative

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Cookies-N-Milk, of McKinney, TX is recalling their 6oz cups of "Chocolate Chip Edible Cookie Dough" because it may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. “Chocolate Chip Edible Cookie Dough” with lot # 32402342 C has been recalled which was made available in retail stores throughout the states of IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, WI, WY. The recalled product is packaged in a 6oz clear plastic cup with the Cookies-N-Milk brand and the lot # 32402342 C found on the top side and is potentially filled with peanut butter edible cookie dough. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. After receiving a notification from a distributor, the investigation indicates the problem occurred at the packaging stage. Consumers who have purchased 6oz cups of "Cookies-N-Milk Chocolate Chip edible cookie dough" with the identified

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that road repairs will require lane closures in both directions of Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri starting, weather permitting, Friday, Oct. 6, at 9 p.m. One lane will always remain open in each direction. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 9. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are 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 work zone. 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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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined leadership from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network, and local officials to announce the launch of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago (CZ Biohub Chicago)—a new biomedical research hub at the cutting edge of leading scientific study. CZ Biohub Chicago brings together three of Illinois’ leading scientific and technology institutions—University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Northwestern University—to study human tissue with the goal of enabling new, groundbreaking therapeutics. CZ Biohub Chicago was selected in early 2023 to join the prestigious CZ Biohub Network, which includes a $250 million investment from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. “The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has recognized what we’ve been promoting and demonstrating to investors and businesses across the globe—when it comes to cutting edge development and research, there’s

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias is awarding more than $400,000 to the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) to support 28 prison libraries throughout the state, in a first-of-its-kind partnership. The funding provides each correctional facility library with $15,000 to purchase reading materials – such as books, magazines and newspapers – or library supplies. The Secretary had provided grants to IDOC facilities decades ago, but the program was eliminated during the 1980s. “Access to books, educational materials and informative technology offers individuals the opportunity to empower themselves by acquiring new skills and broadening their horizons,” Giannoulias said. “By giving themselves the opportunity to prepare for a better life, a changed life, outside of the prison system, we’re helping individuals break free from the cycle of recidivism.” “IDOC is pleased to receive this generous grant

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TRENTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that a culvert replacement project on Old U.S. 50 in Clinton County will begin, weather permitting, at 6 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, through 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. To complete the necessary work, Old U.S. 50 from near Summerfield to Illinois 160 will be closed to through traffic. Motorists should follow the marked detour utilizing U.S. 50 and Illinois 160. Access to local traffic will be maintained by signage throughout construction. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, consider alternate routes, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The project is anticipated to be completed in November. 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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EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County State's Attorney's Office announced today a Granite City High School teacher - John S. Manoogian - has entered a guilty plea to misdemeanor charges of criminal sexual abuse and battery and has been sentenced. Manoogian, 61, was indicted in March 2021 on counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and battery. Manoogian was a long-time director of a Granite City performing arts program. Granite City Police started the probe of the teacher. The State's Attorney's Office said the incidents occurred between August 2019 and February 2020 and involved seven students between ages of 14 and 16. As part of the plea agreement, Manoogian was sentenced to 18 months probation and was forced to surrender his teaching license. He entered a guilty plea to two counts of criminal sexual abuse and five counts of battery. Madison County Regional Superintendent of Schools Robert Werden has already begun the process of notifying the Illinois State Board of Education’s

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch to discuss Illinois’ humanitarian response to the arrival of more than 15,000 migrants. During their meeting, Durbin, Duckworth, and Speaker Welch spoke about the need for the Biden Administration to offer critical support to Illinois as it responds to migrants arriving in the state. Durbin and Duckworth reaffirmed their commitment to working with their state partners, including Speaker Welch, to ensure that the federal government offers adequate funding and resources to the state. “Our government is at its best when every level of government works together. I’m grateful to have a hardworking partner like Speaker Welch in the state government who is similarly dedicated to delivering for the people of Illinois,” said Durbin. “We had a productive discussion about how we ca

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CHICAGO – A Macoupin County man - Robert L. Jones - faces charges of possessing and disseminating child pornography and failing to register as a sex offender. Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his office charged Jones, 45, in Macoupin County Circuit Court with five counts of dissemination of child pornography of a child under 13 years old, each Class X felonies punishable by up to 30 years in prison; 10 counts of possession of child pornography of a child under 13 years old, each Class 1 felonies punishable by up to 15 years in prison; and three counts of failure to register under the Sex Offender Act, Class 3 felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison. Raoul’s investigators, with the assistance of the Gillespie Police Department and Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department, searched Jones’ home on the 700 block of South Street in Gillespie on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, and arrested him due to evidence of child pornography on his electronic

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ALTON/GODFREY - The North Alton-Godfrey Business Council (NAGBC) invites you to join them for their monthly meeting to learn more about the businesses and volunteerism in the community. NAGBC’s next meeting is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 10, 2023 at OSF St. Anthony's Medical Center in the Perpetual Care Center. The organization has approximately 150 members, and the group meets once a month to network and share information about volunteer opportunities, upcoming events and ways to boost each other’s businesses. “We have fun but yet we do good,” said Margaret Freer, owner of Freer Auto Body in Godfrey. “It’s truly a great organization. The members are giving, they’re caring, they’re supportive…That’s what it’s all about, helping one another.” Freer has been NAGBC’s secretary for 31 years and jokes that President Zeke Jabusch has held his role “since he was born.” Throughout

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ALTON - Alton Fire Department responded in a quick fashion to a serious fire in the 2300 block of Sunset on Wednesday night. Alton Fire Chief Jesse Jemison said the fire appears to be “suspicious” in nature. He said the fire is being investigated by the fire department and the state fire marshal’s office was called in. Alton Police Department is also part of the investigation. Jemison said the house was occupied and the blaze appeared to start on the front porch. “The fire was knocked down within about 20 minutes,” he said. “The firefighters put a good hit on it and kept it confined to the house's front porch.” The chief said he could not release any more about the fire because of the ongoing investigation and that family members are being consulted, but more will come out later today.

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ALTON - The Riverbend Rotary Club recently awarded $3,000 scholarships each to two 2023 graduates of Alton High School: Madison Ingram and Rebekah Blackmon. Madison is the daughter of Jennifer and Chad Ingram of Godfrey. She is pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Kansas. Madison is also participating in the STEMTeach KU program, a program where students can pursue a teaching license alongside earning a degree in one of several STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. A member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta while at Alton High, Madison was involved in extracurricular activities in music and theater, as well as many service projects and academic excellence. Rebekah is the daughter of Yeberzaf Yigzaw and the late Barnard Blackmon. She is attending the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), majoring in Physics, with a minor in Neurobiology. While attending Alton High School, she was involved in many organizations

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ALTON - The Gus Kodros Tribute Rock Show coming up in Alton on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at 5 p.m. will see the reunion of several Alton and St. Louis area bands team up for a night of music at The Lodge at The Lovejoy , located at 401 Piasa St. in Alton. The show is held in memory of Gus Kodros, former drummer for the band The Bishops, and benefits the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline . Fritz Beer, vocalist and guitarist for The Bishops, said the band played for about 10 years. Kodros played drums for five of those years, followed by Eric Harnetiaux. Years ago, the band started doing “reunion shows” with both drummers, who would play the songs from their respective era in the band. These shows became an annual occurrence until Gus took his own life before the pandemic. “They’re fun reunions, it’s like a party reunion show for friends and everything too,” Beer said. “We were like, ‘Let's just do one of these a year,’

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Letter To The Editor: We fell in love with Alton. Its warm community, hospitality, and acceptance stood out among many wonderful qualities for us as we made the big decision to move and raise our family here. It's disheartening to witness what appears to be a pre-emptive attack on a group of people, without a clear understanding of who they are or the positive impact they could bring to our town, before they’ve been given an opportunity to be good neighbors. The concerns raised by fellow residents about the recovery house are completely appreciated and understandable. However, let’s please first approach this issue with an open mind and a willingness to learn about what an Oxford House truly represents, and who it serves. With over a decade of experience in the recovery community in St Louis, I’ve seen firsthand lives turn around at Oxford Houses, producing men and women with a zeal to give back to life. So I reached out to Oxford Inc with my own concerns, and relayed

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PONTOON BEACH - Following three years of an ongoing driver workforce shortage, Madison County Transit (MCT) is proposing to make limited service reductions on five fixed-routes, effective December 3, 2023. Despite several years of aggressive efforts to recruit and retain drivers, a workforce shortfall in the double digits persists, which has necessitated mandatory overtime and could lead to driver frustration and fatigue, as well as the compromising of service reliability. In response, staff has recommended making short term frequency reductions on three routes and discontinuing two under-utilized express routes that operate only in the peaks. In addition, staff recommended to the Board that the usual January service change be implemented five weeks earlier than normal to make the adjustments as soon as possible. Reduction of Running Times and Service Hours: MCT is proposing to reduce the frequency on three bus routes from every 30 minutes to every 60 minutes. Those routes are the:

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SPRINGFIELD – Director Theresa Eagleson, who has led the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services for the past five years, announced today that she will be leaving the Department at the end of 2023. The Governor has appointed Lizzy Whitehorn, who currently serves as First Assistant Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services, to serve as Director beginning January 1, 2024. Under Eagleson’s leadership, HFS has implemented multiple nation-leading initiatives aimed at reducing disparities and creating more equitable healthcare and child support systems in Illinois. Eagleson championed the expansion of healthcare access, including behavioral healthcare and reproductive healthcare, and brought a new vision to the Department of improving lives and creating a more customer-centered way of providing healthcare and child support services to HFS customers. “Theresa has dedicated countless hours of work and a lifetime of Medicaid and health care expertise t

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