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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today introduced the Securing Our Lands And Resources (SOLAR) Act. This legislation establishes guidelines for solar panel projects on prime and unique farmland funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. It ensures rural communities have a say in the approval process for solar panel projects, while still providing farmers flexibility to utilize their land for renewable energy projects. “We are losing precious and productive farmland that is being gobbled up, acre after acre,” said Bost. "That has a big impact on America's agricultural supply chain, our food security, and our Southern Illinois economies. The worst part is, many local communities aren't allowed to have a say in what land is designated for solar projects. My legislation puts the power back into the hands of the people by allowing them to determine what's best for their area, not bureaucrats in Springfield." The SOLAR Act will require

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Today, the Illinois State Senate confirmed Doug Scott as Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Scott was reappointed to a five-year term by Governor JB Pritzker in January 2024 after serving out the remainder of former Chairman Carrie Zalewski’s term. “States are at the forefront of keeping the country’s clean energy ambitions apace. Three years ago, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) charted Illinois’ path to a 100 percent clean energy economy, and in the years to come, the ICC will continue to play a critical role in steering Illinois toward its decarbonization goals,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As a regulator, Doug Scott understands the importance of balancing reliability, safety, and affordability alongside these goals. Illinois is fortunate to have Chairman Scott at the helm of the ICC.” “I’m grateful to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Senate for their continued support of my leadership at the ICC.

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ALTON – A public meeting to discuss a potential permanent flood wall in downtown Alton will be held in the Alton City Council chambers at City Hall at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. The wall, expected to be approximately 1,050 feet long and up to 5 feet tall, would run along the north end of Broadway from William Street to Piasa Street. The city is seeking public input on the project before it proceeds to the City Council for consideration and approval. The invitation from the city reads as follows: “The City of Alton cordially invites the public to an open house meeting on the planned flood mitigation improvements within the downtown district. The purpose of the open house is to provide citizens with updated information regarding the project scope and proposed timeline.” The flood wall project aims to protect buildings in the city’s downtown business district and industrial corridor. The area includes 45 buildings, 23 residential units, about 25 businesses,

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ALTON - The YWCA’s school board candidate forum has been rescheduled. The forum, previously scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, has been postponed due to the Alton High School girls basketball game. The forum will now be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the YWCA in Alton. Hosted by the YWCA and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the forum invites the community to hear from all of the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education candidates ahead of the April 1, 2025, consolidated election. “YWCA and NCNW are thrilled with the Alton High School Girls Basketball success and do not want to miss tonight's basketball game,” the YWCA and NCNW said in a statement. “To be true to our Redbirds, we have cancelled tonight's Alton School Board Forum and have postponed the date to Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m.” There are four ACUSD11 Board of Education seats up for grabs. Current Board members Christina Milien, Tiana Gipso

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Did you know that nearly 70% of remote workers report feeling lonely, and over 50% struggle with motivation? The shift to remote work has revolutionized our professional lives, offering flexibility and convenience but also presenting a unique set of challenges. As more companies embrace this model, the question of how to maintain motivation while working from home becomes increasingly pressing. The Challenges of Remote Work Working from home can blur the lines between personal and professional life, making it difficult to stay focused and productive. Without the physical separation of an office environment, distractions abound—whether it's household chores, social media, or the allure of a comfortable couch. The absence of structured routines and in-person interactions can leave many feeling isolated and unmotivated. Create a Dedicated Workspace One of the most effective ways to combat the distractions of home is to establish a dedicated workspace. This doesn’t mean

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Welcome to This Day in History! Today, we take a look back at significant events that occurred on February 27th throughout the years. Our journey begins in 1933, a year that marked a crucial turning point in German history. On February 27, the Reichstag building in Berlin was set ablaze in what would later be known as the Reichstag Fire. This catastrophic event is often viewed as a pivotal moment that allowed Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party to consolidate their power. Following the fire, Hitler persuaded President Paul von Hindenburg to sign the Reichstag Fire Decree, which suspended civil liberties and allowed for the arrest of political opponents. This event set the stage for the totalitarian regime that would follow, ultimately leading to World War II and the Holocaust. The implications of the Reichstag Fire continue to resonate in discussions about authoritarianism and civil rights across the globe. Fast forward to 1964, when another significant event took place on February

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ALTON – A section of State Street in Alton is slated for improvements using a combination of local, state, and federal funding. Members of the Alton City Council on Wednesday approved $200,000 in Motor Fuel Tax funds to improve a 0.61-mile section of State Street from Logan Street to West 9th Street. In addition to the $200,000 from the city, engineering services will be funded with Rebuild Illinois Bond funds, though an exact amount was not yet determined – nor was the amount of federal funding anticipated to cover the cost of construction. Planned improvements consist of pavement patching and milling, asphalt resurfacing, sidewalk, curb, and ramp upgrades, and more, according to a resolution for improvement under the Illinois Highway Code. Aldermen also approved a related agreement with Sheppard, Morgan and Schwaab, Inc. (SMS) to complete the previously mentioned project, known as “State Street Phase 3.” According to the resolution, the City of Alton

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ALTON - Grace Schwegel, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, is being recognized for her outstanding achievements as a member of the school's dance team. Schwegel has been dancing since the age of 2 and has dedicated 15 years to honing her craft. This year, she has achieved significant milestones, including winning first place with her solo performance at the Nashville regional competition and placing sixth at the state level. Additionally, she received the IDTA Rising Star Award at the Belleville East regional competition. Her team’s jazz and lyrical group dances also secured third place at the IDTA State, qualifying them for the IHSA State competition. Grace is a Tucker's Automotive & Repair Female Athlete Of The Month for Marquette. Schwegel credits her success to her supportive family and dedicated coaches. "My parents, Kelly and Dave, are my biggest supporters. They are always there to watch me and cheer me on," she said. She also expressed gratitude toward her

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Letter To The Editor: Councilman Dettmers has a long history of taking legal action against the city. He undoubtedly spent tens of thousands of dollars of legal fees suing the City of Wood River. The city was forced to spend thousands of taxpayer dollars defending against Councilman Dettmers lawsuits despite soundly defeating his lawsuits in court. After losing those lawsuits and after getting on Wood River City Council he demanded that the City reimburse him for his legal fees for those lost lawsuits. I would hope that the city rejected that ridiculous demand from Councilman Dettmers. Taxpayers should not be on the hook for his lawsuits. Now that he has been on the council for a couple of years it is becoming apparent that he continues to incur tens of thousands in legal fees. The only difference is that taxpayers are footing his legal bills. Councilman Dettmers' crusade is costing Wood River taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. It’s time for folks to say no to Councilman

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ALTON — Alton Memorial Hospital has initiated a significant expansion project aimed at increasing its operating room capacity from eight to ten, while also remodeling existing facilities. The demolition began recently as part of a comprehensive plan to enhance surgical services at the hospital. The project includes enlarging one of the current operating rooms and remodeling all preexisting OR rooms. Additionally, the hospital will be adding Preoperative and Recovery bays to better accommodate the expected increase in surgical activity. This expansion comes at a time when the hospital is focused on providing a broader range of surgical procedures, including DaVinci Robotic Colon surgery, Hysterectomy, and Nephrectomy. Hospital officials have stated that these services will continue uninterrupted throughout the construction period. The remodel will also support other procedures such as Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. The planned upgrades aim to create a modern and aesthetically

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GLEN CARBON - David Carroll, a senior for the Father McGivney Catholic boys basketball team, has made a major contribution to the Griffins this season. Carroll broke a Griffins' boys single-game scoring record on Feb. 17, 2025, with a 39-point outburst. Nolan Keller had the previous mark of 35 points in one game. The Griffins' senior played a key part in McGivney's 49-48 triumph over Bunker Hill in a regional game on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, at McGivney Gym. He led the squad with 18 points against Bunker Hill. Carroll is a Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Male Athlete of the Month for Father McGivney. McGivney, 15-17, plays Calhoun in the Raymond-Lincolnwood Regional semifinal at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Carroll has averaged 11.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game and has been a key for the Griffins throughout the season on the floor as a player and also off the floor with his leadership skills. The IHSA 1A playoffs are this week and it is something Carroll has looked forward

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) today introduced legislation designed to help students manage costs by making high quality textbooks easily accessible to students, professors, and the public for free. The legislation, known as the Affordable College Textbook Act , would authorize a competitive grant program to support the creation and expansion of open college textbooks—textbooks that are available under an open license, allowing professors, students, researchers, and others to freely access the materials. U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) will introduce companion legislation in the House. Textbook costs are one of the most overlooked costs of going to college, but they can be a substantial barrier to pursuing a college education. According to the College Board, the average student at a four-year public institution of higher education spent $1,290

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This weekend offers a delightful variety of events, from creative workshops and live music to community gatherings and culinary experiences, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a full listing of events happening in the area, visit RiverBender Events . Featured Join the community in Edwardsville for the exciting Choco-Lotta-Fun Crawl! This event will showcase local retailers, restaurants, and service providers offering delicious chocolate-themed specials. Enjoy a variety of activities including a Choco-Lotta-Fun Skate Session at R.P. Lumber Center, a special $3 movie at The Wildey Theatre, and special treats at participating businesses. Come indulge in all things chocolate and support local businesses! Experience the ultimate chocolate indulgence at Choco-Lotta-Fun Crawl at EXO . Guests can enjoy a chocolate fountain bar with an assortment of fresh fruits, cookies, and cakes for dipping. Additionally, EXO will feature limited-time services such as the Chocolate-Covered

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WEST ALTON, Mo. – A traffic crash near the Dirt Cheap area on Highway 67 North has led to significant delays for motorists as emergency responders attend to the scene. As of 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, multiple emergency vehicles have been reported in the vicinity, and traffic is being diverted away from the area. Witnesses in the traffic have described the backup as considerable, affecting travel for those attempting to navigate through West Alton. Motorists are advised to avoid the area for the time being. St. Charles County Police have been contacted for additional information regarding the incident, and updates will be provided as they become available.

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ALTON - Post Commons will host their third annual Wedding Expo for brides and grooms to chat with local vendors. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025, community members are invited to the expo at Post Commons, located at 300 Alby Street in Alton, to browse and shop. Tickets cost $15 and include a free mimosa upon arrival. The coffee bar will also be open, and attendees are encouraged to meet with local vendors and find everything they need to plan their special day. “We’ve had so many brides and vendors tell us how much they love and appreciate it,” said Ashley Bifano, the event organizer. “We grew from the year before to last year, so we’re hoping to continue that trend, to really offer this over on the Illinois side and get a lot of our local vendors out there for people to see.” The event encourages couples to utilize local vendors, such as local photographers and bakeries, when planning their weddings. With nearly 30 vendors

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ALTON - A 73-year old male lifelong Riverbend region resident is the first patient of the Heart Center at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center to receive the CardioMEMS™ HF System, a new implantable, wireless monitoring sensor to manage heart failure (HF). The Abbott CardioMEMS™ HF System is the first and only FDA-approved heart failure monitoring device that has been clinically proven to significantly reduce hospital admissions when used by physicians to manage heart failure. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Heart Failure Society of American (HFSA): 6.5 million adults in the United States have heart failure Approximately 600,000 patients have enhanced heart failure More than 350,000 deaths are attributed to heart failure annually in the United States “Heart failure is a chronic debilitating condition that worsens over time. Typically, heart failure is caused by heart damage from a heart attack, longstanding untreated

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ALTON — Nathan A. Johnson was arrested around 11:45 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, in the 1400 block of Milton Road in Alton, where officers established probable cause for Johnson’s arrest in a traffic stop. During the investigation, the Alton Police Department said officers recovered drugs and a firearm at the scene. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office subsequently reviewed the case and authorized several charges against Johnson: Count I: Possession of a Firearm by a Repeat Felony Offender Count II: Armed Violence Count III: Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance Count IV: Felon in Possession of a Weapon Count V: Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Firearm An arrest warrant was signed by the Honorable Judge Nielsen, and Johnson is currently being held at the Madison County Jail, pending a detention hearing. The Alton Police Department had this statement about the arrest: "This case highlights the exceptional

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COLLINSVILLE – A Collinsville resident was released from custody pending his second domestic battery case in Madison County. Stacey D. Thomason, 57, of Collinsville, was charged on Feb. 18, 2025 with his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. On Feb. 17, 2025, Thomason allegedly struck a household or family member “about the face with his hands, causing pain,” according to court documents. Thomason has previously been convicted of domestic battery in a 2009 criminal case, which was also filed in Madison County. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented the latest domestic battery case against Thomason, who was granted pretrial release with additional conditions. Among the conditions of his release are that he have no contact with the victim and refrain from entering their residence for at least 72 hours upon his release. Thomason was also ordered to surrender any firearms and Firearm Owners Identification Card in his possession

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February 26, 2025 - Craig Ohlau, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus and former student-athlete, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2004 and later earned his master’s degree at SIUE in educational administration in 2014. Ohlau has gone on to make a lasting impact in the Edwardsville community as an educator, award-winning author, and as a highly decorated coach for the Edwardsville High School Baseball team. Dedicating his life to making a lasting impact on and off the field, Ohlau continues to inspire those around him, exemplifying Cougar excellence. During his playing days at SIUE, Ohlau became a true standout player and is still mentioned in the SIUE record books five different times in the following categories: a lifetime on-base percentage of .432, starting 155 games, hitting 43 doubles, collecting 84 walks, and 16 hit-by-pitches. Reflecting on his athletic experience, Ohlau stated, "Playing for SIUE was a defining time in

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EAST ALTON — Fred H. Bright, Jr., a prominent area figure in local law enforcement and politics, died at the age of 82 on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, at his home. Bright's death marks the end of a significant chapter in the Village of East Alton, where he dedicated much of his life to public service. Born on June 24, 1942, in Granite City, Bright served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War before embarking on a lengthy career in law enforcement. He began his career with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department at the County Jail, later joining the Alton Police Department. His tenure culminated in a role as Chief of Police for the Village of East Alton, after which he served as Major with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. Notably, Bright was a graduate of the FBI Academy. Bright also held the office of Mayor of East Alton for five terms, during which he was known for his commitment to the village and its employees. Darren Carlton, the current Mayor of East Alton,

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