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SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and the co-chairs of the Congressional Labor Caucus Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) led 57 lawmakers in a letter calling on REI to bargain in good faith with workers who have been negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with the outdoor sports retailer for three years. “We urge REI to meet its duties as required under the National Labor Relations Act to negotiate and refrain from union-busting tactics such as eliminating bonuses and raises, terminations of union supporters, and unilateral changes to REI’s staffing and scheduling practices,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Chris Carr, Chair of the REI Board of Directors. “Workers have been negotiating with REI for three years and are far from reaching an agreement. Given that it is the policy

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Did you know that by 2030, it is estimated that AI will contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy? This staggering figure reflects not just its financial impact, but also how deeply AI is weaving itself into the fabric of our daily lives, often in ways we may not even recognize. From optimizing our commutes to personalizing our shopping experiences, artificial intelligence is not just a futuristic concept; it is a present-day reality that's enhancing our everyday existence. Understanding AI: More Than Just Technology Before diving into the myriad ways AI is improving our lives, it's crucial to grasp what AI truly is. Artificial Intelligence encompasses a variety of technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics, all designed to simulate human intelligence. These technologies analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns, make predictions, and automate tasks. The result? A more efficient, convenient, and personalized world. Enhanced

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On January 28, 2025, we reflect on significant events that have shaped our world over the years. One of the most impactful global events that occurred on this day took place in 1986, when the Space Shuttle Challenger tragically exploded just 73 seconds after liftoff. The disaster claimed the lives of all seven crew members on board, including schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe, who was set to become the first private citizen in space. This catastrophe shook the nation and prompted a reevaluation of the safety protocols and operational standards of NASA. It also sparked a national conversation about the risks associated with space exploration, leading to significant changes in the American space program. In 1977, January 28 marked the day that President Jimmy Carter lifted the 22-year ban on the export of crude oil from the United States. This decision aimed to stabilize the energy market and encourage domestic oil production, ultimately reshaping the economic landscape during a

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EAST ALTON — The East Alton Fire Department responded to an ATV accident on Lakeside Avenue just after 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, where they found an individual with injuries. Upon arrival, firefighters assessed the situation and determined that the injuries warranted additional medical assistance. The ATV accident was a single-vehicle incident. A medical helicopter was subsequently requested to facilitate the patient's transport to a hospital. East Alton Fire Chief Tim Quigley said a male and female were on the ATV at the beginning and the vehicle overturned. The ATV overturned on the male. The 911 call was made and after that East Alton Fire and East Alton Police arrived. The male was transported to the Olin-Winchester parking lot to be airlifted. Quigley said the reports said the man had a hematoma to the head and a possible left arm injury. Air Evac Medical Helicopter landed in the nearby Olin-Winchester parking lot and transported the victim to a hospital i

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is set to connect persons experiencing homelessness this week with services and goods. Madison County will hold its annual Project Homeless Connect event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31 at Riverbend Family Ministries, 144 E. Ferguson Ave, Wood River, which is the day after the county’s Point in Time Count. Madison County Homeless Services Coordinator David Kerr said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires local agencies to conduct a survey every year to determine the number of people experiencing homelessness in each jurisdiction throughout the country. The program counts the number of homeless persons — men, women and children — throughout the county and provides free services. The results from this annual Point in Time Count are also used to help determine grant funding for Community Development and local service providers. The Madison County Partnership to End Homelessness, which

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GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon trustees this week are set to consider a site plan for Dutch Bros Coffee. If approved, the latest Orchard Town Center tenant would make progress towards opening its first-ever Illinois location. On the agenda for Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, is the consideration and approval of a “Site Plan for Dutch Bros,” presented by Community Development Director Erika Heil and Trustee Nekisha Omotola. Heil stated the following in a memo to Mayor Bob Marcus and Village Administrator Jamie Bowden: “Dutch Bros is looking to invest in the Village,” Heil stated. “They would like to create a drive-up coffee and drink facility. No variances are being sought.” She added the project has been presented to and unanimously approved by the village’s Planning and Zoning Commission. The site plan itself includes a 950 square-foot, one-story building with a drive-thru facility. The new coffee spot would be located on Outparcel 12B in Orchard

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GODFREY - St. Ambrose Catholic School will host an open house for prospective families to check out everything the parish has to offer. From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, students and families are invited to stop by St. Ambrose at 822 W. Homer Adams Parkway in Godfrey to meet the teachers and staff, hear about the school’s updated curriculum, and learn more about everything St. Ambrose does in the community. Principal Robert Baird shared that St. Ambrose aims to educate the whole child with a focus on faith, academics and extracurriculars. “We’re preparing people to be people, to be the best versions of themselves they can be, using the Lord and Savior as our example, Jesus Christ,” he said. “But then of course, preparing them for everything else, too. First and foremost, the academics, making them as strong and prepared for their high school and later college experience as they can be. That’s the focus and the mission of

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EDWARDSVILLE — This is a statement of Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, regarding charges filed in the murder of Portia Rowland: "This morning my office filed first-degree murder charges against three individuals for the murder of Portia Rowland. "We believe the evidence at trial will show that this was not a random crime but was a calculated and cold-hearted murder-for-hire scheme based on a personal grievance. As charged, we believe facts at trial will show that: - Gary Johnson, from East St. Louis, shot and killed Portia. - Marty D. Shaw, from Collinsville, was an accomplice to that killing and was the driver. - And Sammy J. Shafer, from Caseyville, solicited and encouraged the killing. "Gary Johnson had previously been convicted of a murder in 1997, and was sentenced to 40 years in prison." These charges stem from the outstanding work of the Collinsville Police Department, the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis and all of th

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EDWARDSVILLE - The following students have been named to the Honor Roll at Metro-East Lutheran High School for the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year: Honor Roll with High Distinction (g.p.a. 4.0) – Grade 9 Abby Ayer, Shiloh Liam Hazelwonder, Godfrey Marion Hemmer, Fairview Heights Claire Houck, Maryville Collin Hudzik, Edwardsville Cole Payne, Edwardsville Calista Stults, Collinsville Ryan Sullivan, New Douglas Lily Walloch, Collinsville Honor Roll with Distinction (g.p.a. 3.75-3.99) – Grade 9 Elijah Ball, Worden Abby Dulaney, O'Fallon Madison Dunn, Edwardsville Oliver Elmer, Edwardsville Charlie Frey, Glen Carbon Noah Gray, Collinsville Caitlyn Hardage, Caseyville Lily Hartzel, Troy Moira Krueger, Glen Carbon Laynie Menard, Glen Carbon Preston Menossi, Edwardsville Rhett Neathery, Wood River Ally Packer, Edwardsville Matthew Redden, Edwardsville Henry Reiseck, Hamel Molly Schulmeister,

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SPRINGFIELD – This month, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) established two new partnerships to address needs and expand training opportunities for cadets across Illinois. To support corrections facilities in the Southern Region, IDOC has signed an intergovernmental agreement with John A. Logan Community College in Carterville to prepare cadets for careers at Big Muddy River, Centralia, Pinckneyville, Menard, Shawnee, and Vienna Correctional Centers. Following that agreement, IDOC signed another intergovernmental agreement with Elementary School District 54 in Morris to support training efforts for cadets in the Northern Region, who will go on to serve at Joliet Treatment Center, Joliet Inpatient Treatment Center, Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center, Pontiac, and Sheridan Correctional Centers. These agreements are a result of collaborative discussions with AFSCME Council 31. “These new partnerships underscore our dedication to meeting the staffing needs of

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BUNKER HILL — Authorities have identified an individual found dead at a rural residence in Bunker Hill on Sunday afternoon. Charles Joseph Parrino, Jr., 45, was pronounced dead on January 26, 2025, according to Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya. Parrino, who worked at the popular Soulard bar Bastille, was known for his reliability. His absence from work over the weekend raised concerns for the bar’s owner, who has stated that Parrino was always early for his shifts. Kravanya stated that the cause of death remains pending as autopsy results are awaited. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Parrino's death is being conducted by the Macoupin County Coroner’s Office and the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Division. The investigation is ongoing. Authorities did however, arrest Jerald Stilts, 57, early Sunday and he is being held on a charge of Concealment of a Homicidal Death.

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SPRINGFIELD - Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information such as Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers without your permission for their own financial benefit. Fraudsters may open new accounts or take out a loan in your name, steal your card information to make unauthorized purchases and use your information to obtain medical benefits, disability checks or unemployment benefits. “It’s scary to think about someone assuming your identity and potentially wiping out your bank account, ruining your good credit, or getting a fake driver’s license in your name,” said Comptroller Mendoza. “Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself and your wallet.” First, the warning signs: Receiving bills for items you didn’t buy. Your credit report shows accounts you did not open. You receive calls from debt collectors for accounts or purchases you didn’t authorize. You’re denie

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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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