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WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today paid tribute to President Joe Biden for his service to our nation as the Biden-Harris administration comes to a close. “Over the decades I have known President Joe Biden, he has proven to be one of the finest public servants America has seen. Coming from humble beginnings, he worked hard and put himself in positions to give back to this nation that has given so much to him. When it came to making decisions of consequence on issues that mattered most to the American people, Joe Biden put America first,” Durbin said. “Through immense personal tragedy, through setbacks and obstacles, President Biden has taken the strength and wisdom he learned from his family, held steadfast onto his faith in America, and gave millions of people in the nation reasons for hope.” Durbin continued, “His record—as a Senator, while serving as Vice President under

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – Crime remains on a downward trend in the City of St. Louis under Mayor Tishaura O. Jones’ leadership, with 150 homicides in 2024, the lowest number of homicides in 11 years. Overall, crime was down 15% year-over-year. “While we have seen remarkable progress, 150 homicides in one year are still far too many, and we are committed to using every tool available to us to bring that number down much further,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Our all-hands-on-deck approach, including close coordination with SLMPD, the Circuit Attorney’s Office, and our community partners, remains effective at continuing this downward trend.” Contributing to this progress is Chief Robert Tracy, who was appointed by Mayor Jones in 2022 as the first SLMPD chief from outside the department and has spearheaded a modern, data-driven approach to crime fighting. In 2024, SLMPD revamped its website , making it more user-friendly, while making the weekly CompStat

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ST. LOUIS - The Board of Aldermen’s Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee will discuss and take public comment on the TRANSFORM STL Act (Board Bill 153) on Tuesday, January 14th at 11:00 a.m. A meeting dedicated to public comment is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15th at 5:00 p.m. “We acknowledge that not every resident can make their voice heard in the middle of a work day. The discussion of these funds is critical, and it's important to me that there is a dedicated, accessible hearing where we can hear from as many community members as possible,” said 7th Ward Alderwoman and sponsor of B.B. 153, Alisha Sonnier. The Board of Aldermen engaged in a yearlong process to understand residents’ top funding priorities. That process demonstrated residents’ support in three main categories: infrastructure, development, and people. Informed by those priorities, the TRANSFORM STL Act allocates: $40 million for water system upgrades and $60 million

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has drafted bipartisan legislation in collaboration with AARP Illinois to increase the age at which Illinois drivers must take a behind-the-wheel driving test from 79 to 87 while implementing new procedures to allow immediate relatives to report unsafe drivers. Illinois is currently the only state in the nation that requires a behind-the-wheel driving test for seniors based on age. In addition, Illinois is one of only five states that do not allow immediate family members to report concerns about a relative’s driving ability. Latest statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reveal that in 2023, the crash rate for drivers 75 and older is 24.61 per 1,000 drivers, which is lower than every age range of drivers between 16 and 74 years old. “As Secretary of State, my top priority is ensuring that Illinois roads are safe,” Giannoulias said. “Seniors are among the safest drivers of

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Sheriff’s Office members took part in its Fourth Annual ImpactLife National Blue Blood Drive on Jan. 8, 2025, as part of a broader effort to address blood shortages in the region. The event, organized by ImpactLife, a non-profit community blood center, aims to provide essential blood products to states including Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Iowa. January is recognized as National Blood Donor Month, a designation established over 50 years ago when President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation on Dec. 31, 1969. This month-long observance honors voluntary blood donors and seeks to encourage more individuals to contribute at a time when blood donations are critically needed. “Many variables can impact our blood inventories such as weather, holidays, or tragic events,” a spokesperson from ImpactLife noted. “Every day, patients who need blood are in crisis, and you can help by volunteering to donate.” The need for blood

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EDWARDSVILLE - During the recent Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education work session, the Board learned more about Vision 2030 and priorities for school boards across Illinois. Vision 2030 lays out three priorities for the next ten years in education in Illinois: future-focused learning, shared accountability, and predictable funding. During the meeting on Jan. 13, 2025, Superintendent Dr. Shelton presented the Board with information about each of these priorities. A few months ago, local superintendents Dr. Jill Griffin of Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 and Dr. Brad Skertich of Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 represented Southwestern Illinois in a work group to finalize Vision 2030. Vision 2030 is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Administrators, Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Principals Association, Illinois Association of School Business Officials, Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents

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ALTON - Alton High School has announced its Honor Roll lists for the Fall 2024 semester. "We are extremely proud of these students for their hard work, commitment, and academic accomplishments during the first semester of this school year," Guidance Counselor Secretary Emily Lacy said. Class of 2025 High Honor Roll Semester 1 Molly K. Allen Gage P. Anderson Michael G. Anderson John J. Barnard Madelyn S. Bearley Jamison L. Belcher Adeline I. Bemis Chad M. Betlach Elizabeth H. Blackmon Connor M. Bockholdt Ava M. Boley Elise H. Boyd Logan M. Branham Eric R. Braundmeier Christian A. Brown Connor J. Brown Nevaeh D. Bryant Kameron T. Burnett Keyser A. Butler Madison R. Calame Ayden C. Calvert Emily R. Carter Kristina L. Castelli Joselyn N. Chappee Berlynn J. Clayton Madeline R. Cohill Cameron B. Conwell Victoria K. Copeland Sophia D. Corby Dillan J. Cowan Julia K. Craig Wren Crawford Gentry D. Crocker Wyatt R.

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office returned nearly $299 million in missing money during 2024, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. Illinois’ missing money program — also known as I-CASH — processed 331,032 claims last year. Preliminary numbers show that $260.6 million in cash and $38 million in securities were returned last year. The average amount of a claim was $902. “Putting money back in people’s pockets helps families and our state’s economy. This money belongs with its rightful owners,” Treasurer Frerichs said. “We have made it easier to file a claim in many cases and streamlined the system with the help of state lawmakers.” I-CASH is one of the state’s oldest consumer protection initiatives. The State Treasurer is tasked with safeguarding unclaimed property, including unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, unused rebate cards and the contents of overlooked

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ALTON - St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will officially welcome Reverend Garron C. Daniels, OCS, as their rector. At 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, a special “seating of the rector” service will install Daniels in his new position at the church. He has served as a priest in charge at St. Paul’s since June 2024, and he noted his eagerness to engage with the people of Alton and share this honor with them. “It’s something really special,” Daniels said. “Being someone who is 27 years old, being as young as I am, to be a rector of such a historic church is so unheard of and just really a blessing for myself and for my wife, and certainly I don’t want to speak for the congregation, but they feel very, very enthusiastic as well about it.” Located at 10 E. 3rd Street in Alton, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will welcome Rt. Rev. Brian Burgess, DD, XII Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield, to lead the service

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= Welcome to January 14, a day that has witnessed an array of significant historical events across the globe. One of the most notable events on January 14 is the launch of the first satellite, Sputnik 1, by the Soviet Union in 1955, marking a significant milestone in the space race. While the actual launch of Sputnik 1 occurred earlier, this date is often celebrated as the start of the space age. The implications of this event were immense, as it not only showcased the technological prowess of the Soviet Union but also ignited a fierce competition between the United States and the USSR. The space race led to numerous advancements in technology and science, ultimately culminating in the moon landing in 1969. Fast forward to 1967, when the first Super Bowl was played in the United States. This championship game between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs not only laid the foundation for what would become one of the most-watched sporting events in the world but also transformed

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ALTON - Due to a number of insurmountable factors, including recent deaths and illnesses of several pre-cast performers in major roles, Alton Little Theater is forced to cancel the plans for the February Studio Series. "It is with great sadness that we do so, and two playwrights and sixteen performers are all grieving about loss in all forms," Lee Cox, of ALT, said. Tickets that have been sold will be refunded or traded in for either of two March or one May Concerts ( 3 choices total), that actually have a greater ticket price. "We are so sorry to announce this February cancellation," Cox said. "The January Comedy, 'THE EXES,' will open on January 24th and run through February 2nd as planned. "

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O'FALLON - The O'Fallon Police Department unveiled its new School Resource Officer (SRO) squad car at O'Fallon Township High School (OTHS) last Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, showcasing a design created in collaboration with local students. The initiative aims to enhance the presence of law enforcement within the school community and foster positive interactions between officers and students. SRO Krug reported that students responded positively to the new vehicle and showed approval of the vehicle's design. The distinctive striping package on the squad car was developed in conjunction with Mr. Cox’s Graphic Arts Classes, highlighting the department's commitment to engaging with students and incorporating their creative input into community initiatives. The O'Fallon Police Department encourages feedback from the community regarding the new squad car. It aims to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and students in the O'Fallon area.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY — An officer-involved shooting near the intersection of West Florissant Avenue and Ferguson Avenue resulted in the death of an adult male on Monday morning, Jan. 13, 2025. The incident is currently under investigation by the St. Louis County Police Department's Crimes Against Persons detectives. At approximately 9:52 a.m., officers from the Country Club Hills Police Department were responding to a report of a motor vehicle crash in the vicinity of West Florissant Avenue and Lucas and Hunt Road in St. Louis County. During their response, officers were informed that the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash was discharging a firearm at passing vehicles. Two St. Louis County police officers arrived to assist and observed a male suspect firing a handgun with an extended magazine while walking westbound on West Florissant Avenue toward Ferguson Avenue. According to police reports, the suspect fired a shot at one of the officers, prompting the officers to return

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MADISON COUNTY — Antonio M. Shaw, a 19-year-old from East Alton, has been charged with felony offenses in connection with a robbery incident that occurred on Jan. 12, 2025, in Wood River. The charges against Shaw include Aggravated Robbery, Robbery, and Theft, according to Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine and the Wood River Police Department. The incident took place around 5:25 p.m. in the 600 block of Whitelaw Avenue, where two individuals were meeting a third person for a property exchange arranged through social media. Upon arrival, the victims were confronted by three individuals who forcibly took the property and fled the scene on foot. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. Shaw was taken into custody shortly after the robbery, thanks to the coordinated efforts of Wood River Police Officers. Two other suspects, both juveniles, are being referred to juvenile court for their involvement in the crime. The investigation received assistance

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SWANSEA - Swansea police responded to a burglary in progress early Jan. 11, 2025, at a business located in the 1400 block of North Belt West. At approximately 3 a.m., officers arrived and discovered 54-year-old Richard Griffin had barricaded himself in the basement of the establishment. Upon making contact with Griffin, officers instructed him to exit the basement, but he did not comply with their commands. The situation escalated when Griffin indicated that he was armed with a firearm. In response, the St. Clair County Special Response Team (SRT) was dispatched to the scene for assistance. After a tense standoff, Griffin voluntarily surrendered to police at around 5:30 a.m. and was taken into custody without further incident. On Jan. 12, 2025, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office received the case file and subsequently issued felony warrants against Griffin, charging him with burglary and two counts of resisting a peace officer. The Swansea Police Department

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ALTON - Five criminal charges have been filed against a Staunton man accused of driving recklessly through Alton while under the influence and endangering three child passengers. Chad R. Connoyer, 34, of Staunton, was charged with a Class 4 felony count of driving under the influence, three Class A misdemeanor counts of endangering the life or health of a child, and one petty offense for following another car too closely on the road. On Dec. 30, 2024, Connoyer allegedly drove a vehicle under the influence of alcohol on College Avenue in Alton. At the time of this offense, his driver’s license had already been revoked or suspended for a previous DUI. Descriptions of the charges state the three children whose life or health was endangered in this case were ages 4, 5, and 7. All three were passengers in the vehicle Connoyer was driving while under the influence. The Alton Police Department presented the latest DUI case against Connoyer, who was granted pretrial release fro

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EDWARDSVILLE — Ally Suhre, a standout golfer from Metro East Lutheran, showcased her talent at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) girls' state golf tournament held this past fall in the Decatur area. Suhre finished sixth in the Class 1A individual standings, solidifying her reputation as a top competitor. She was an All-State 1A girls golfer with her state performance. Ally is a BJ's Printables Female Athlete of the Month for the Knights. Suhre, who has been playing golf her entire life, has earned recognition as a first-team All-Area and All-State player in Class 1A. Her head coach, Chase Langendorf, praised her dedication to the sport, noting that she "basically runs the course" at Oakbrook. Despite facing challenges this year, including a lack of a full girls' team, Suhre managed to participate in several tournaments, demonstrating her commitment to improving her game. Suhre qualified for the state tournament again this year after finishing third overall in Class

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GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon trustees will consider purchasing two new squad cars for the Glen Carbon Police Department as part of a series of police-related agenda items for their next meeting. On the Village Board agenda for Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, is the purchase of two 2025 Ford Explorer Interceptors for a total of $96,426. Both cars will be sourced from Lou Fusz Ford of Chesterfield, Mo., and will be designated as Units #59 and #60 amongst the department’s fleet. Not included in that estimate is the cost of “upfitting” both vehicles with police equipment. A separate but related resolution, which also appears on Tuesday’s agenda, calls for $35,178 to cover the upfitting costs from VIP Commercial upfitting. This total includes lights, sirens, Axon cameras, and various other police equipment. Stay tuned to Riverbender.com for the latest coverage on this and other items facing consideration from the Glen Carbon Village Board.

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CHICAGO – An Illinois iLottery player was shocked to discover he won a $2.66 million jackpot prize on his Lottery app with the Fast Play game Ultimate Diamond Jackpot. As for what he plans to do with his prize? Without hesitation, the lucky winner nicknamed “Hard-Working Husband” said, “My wife has been hoping to retire for a while now. I immediately told her, ‘It’s time for you to retire.’ I’m so happy we can make her dream come true.” The winner shared the exciting story of the moment he realized he had won. “My wife and I had just sat down to watch one of our favorite TV shows, and I opened my Illinois Lottery app at the same time to play the Fast Play Ultimate Diamond Jackpot game. However, I got distracted by the TV show and didn’t pay much attention to my app. Next thing I knew, I looked at my phone and it said I won the $2,661,339 jackpot!” “When I realized I won the jackpot, my jaw dropped

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GRAFTON - Raging Rivers Waterpark hosted a “Snowball Showdown” this weekend. On Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, community members were invited to come out and join a snowball fight in the Raging Rivers parking lot, located at 100 Palisades Parkway in Grafton. Kids of all ages threw and dodged snowballs as they played in the snow, and even the Raging Rivers mascot, the Mississippi Monster, joined in the fun. “Everybody was smiling,” said Park Manager Jeremy Hayes. “Everybody had a good time. And it was just another way of Raging Rivers giving back to the community a little bit, trying to strengthen community ties, and mainly just keeping Raging Rivers fresh in everyone’s mind that summer is coming and we’re hoping that they come out and enjoy.” Hayes estimates that roughly 40 people participated in the snowball fight. While they didn’t break the record for the largest snowball fight ever recorded — that record belongs to a

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