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WASHINGTON – Ahead of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the failures of Big Tech to protect kids from sexual exploitation online, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke on the Senate floor outlining what he hopes to hear from the CEOs of Discord, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter). Durbin also called on his colleagues to support his Strengthening Transparency and Obligations to Protect Children Suffering from Abuse and Mistreatment Act of 2023 (STOP CSAM Act), legislation that supports victims and increases accountability and transparency for online platforms. During his speech, Durbin also detailed the need for Congress to update its outdated laws in the face of an unprecedented wave of technological innovation. “For the first time, the CEOs of five Big Tech companies will testify about the crisis of online child sexual exploitation. This continues our Committee’s bipartisan

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EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt is encouraging local grocers to apply for funding through the Illinois Grocery Initiative for the purchase of updated energy-efficient equipment. “There are many factors that play a part in operating a successful grocery store,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Through the Equipment Upgrades Grant Program, our local grocery stores have the opportunity to receive funding to aid in purchasing necessary, updated equipment.” Rising energy costs lead to outdated equipment, which presents a major expense for small community grocers. Under the Equipment Upgrades Program, eligible grocers can apply for grants to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment; refrigeration units and freezers; lighting systems; and other systems providing significant energy savings. Eligible grocers should apply online by March 25. In order to support the businesses most in-need, grocers must be independently-owned with fewer

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SPRINGFIELD – Nearly $55 million in state grants are being awarded for 111 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities, Gov. JB Pritzker announced today. For the second year in a row, the governor ensured funding was set aside for economically distressed communities, resulting in 32 underserved locations receiving $18.7 million in grants from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development , or OSLAD, program. This is the 37th year for the program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “Since day one as Governor, it’s been my mission to support the health and well-being of Illinoisans,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With funding from the OLSAD program, municipalities across Illinois will have the opportunity to expand and improve local neighborhood parks through sport and recreational space, plants, playgrounds, and more. All across Illinois, we’re

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Court’s Law Librarian and Pro Bono Coordinator, Angela Wille, received some sensational news recently. She was selected as a member of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice's Forms Committee. Wille will serve a three-year term from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027. The Commission on Access to Justice was created in 2012 to expand access to the Courts to all people, particularly those low-income and vulnerable. Through the Commission’s work, the need for standardized statewide forms became apparent and the Forms Committee was established. Today, there are over 350 individual forms that make up 56 form sets. As law librarian, Wille provides these forms to the thousands of yearly patrons who seek the services of the Law Library and Self-Help Center. Wille is a Difference Maker in the region for the constant assistance she provides both patrons and county staff. Her calming presence assists some people in a time when

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GRANITE CITY - Two individuals from Granite City have been charged with fleeing/attempting to elude officers over the past few months, according to recently filed Madison County court documents. Micah J. Clevenger Jr., 33, of Granite City, was charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer. Court documents allege that on Nov. 6, 2023, Clevenger failed to stop her vehicle after being given a visual or audible signal by a police officer to stop. She was also allegedly speeding at least 21 miles per hour over the legal speed limit during her attempt to elude. Clevenger faces a Class 4 felony in the case presented by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Court documents indicate she was released upon her signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Johnathan I. Espinoza, 22, of Granite City, was charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer on Dec. 31, 2023. According to court documents, Espinoza was arrested by the

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EDWARDSVILLE - During the regular Board of Education meeting on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton announced that the district will hold an anti-bullying week in February. From Feb. 26 to March 1, 2024, students will participate in anti-bullying assemblies and activities to promote kindness throughout the school district. Shelton explained that the proceeds from the fall semester’s “Everyone, Every Day, Edwardsville” t-shirt campaign will fund the week’s events. “During that week, we will have an individual providing assemblies in every single one of our schools and then we’ll have two parent events that week,” Shelton said during the Board meeting on Monday. The parent events are scheduled from 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27 and Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Tuesday event is for parents of secondary students and will be held at Liberty Middle School. The

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COLLINSVILLE - A Collinsville man has been charged with two counts of forgery that were allegedly committed just three days apart from each other at the same location, according to recently filed Madison County court documents. In the case presented by the Pontoon Beach Police Department, Smith reportedly delivered a fraudulent check to the manager of a Mobil Gas Station which was “written on the Bank of America Account of Republic Services” on Oct. 20, 2023. Three days later, on Oct. 23, 2023, Smith reportedly delivered another fraudulent check to the same manager of the same gas station, resulting in both counts of forgery. In total, Smith has been charged with two Class 3 felonies. Court documents indicate he was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilt

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ALTON - Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) was recently appointed to serve as the Assistant House Republican Leader, joining the leadership team chosen by House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna). “I’m ready to take the lead on issues that will help make Illinois a better place to live and work,” said Rep. Amy Elik. “I look forward to serving as the Assistant House Republican Leader to help drive policy beneficial not only for the people I represent in the Metro East, but the entire state as well. I am honored that Leader McCombie has chosen me to serve in this position.” State Representative Amy Elik joins an accomplished group of lawmakers from across the state who help guide the House Republican caucus through the 103rd General Assembly. “I am proud to add Amy to our leadership team and know that her strong background in accounting, as a member of the Audit Commission and as one of our caucus budgeteers will be a great asse

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EDWARDSVILLE – State Senator Erica Harriss (56 th -Glen Carbon) is proud to announce $1 million in grant funding to two communities across the 56 th District as a part of the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development or OSLAD program through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “The Metro East has a rich history of connecting people to nature and it’s exciting to see these new investments in our parks and recreation facilities close to home,” said Senator Harriss. “As a mom especially, I find great pride in finding outdoor spaces for both mental and physical activities.” For this year, $54.9 million in grants were awarded to 111 projects across the entire state. The OSLAD program was established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986 and is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments to help fund land acquisition and development for outdoor recreation. Projects across the 56 th Senate District include:

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WATERLOO – Andy Ambrose, AVP Commercial Loan Officer, First National Bank of Waterloo, Waterloo, IL,. has been selected to participate in the Future Leaders Alliance offered through the Illinois Bankers Association. This 14-month leadership program is dedicated to enhancing the professional development of new and promising bank leaders through three primary components: education, community service and networking. Participants will partake in comprehensive training, which involves educational sessions, completing an advancement strategy project and performing local community service teaching financial literacy. The education sessions cover core topics such as Leadership and Influence, Team Building, Coaching, Service Leadership, Collaboration Skills, Financial Marketing, Personal Branding, Legislative Process, Presentation Skills, Accounting for Bankers, Asset Liability Management, Regulatory Hot Topics, Cyber Security and more. Andy is an active member for numerous organizations

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Arts Center announced today that applications for the 10th Annual Edwardsville Art Fair in September 2024 are open. The event this year will run from Sept. 27 to 29, 2024. Applications close on April 30, 2024. "Edwardsville Art Fair is a juried show that will take place in beautiful City Park in Edwardsville," the Arts Center said in its information release. "We have had nine years of exceptional Art Fairs and look forward to hosting another great year. We hope you'll apply to join us this year." Artist Amenities: $10,000 in Awards Mayor’s Purchase Award Complimentary meals are available for artists throughout the weekend. Artist's partners/helpers can purchase meals for the weekend for an additional fee. Single booth spaces are available. Double and corner spaces by request for an additional fee. Volunteers are available to assist with set-up and loading. Booth sitters and indoor bathrooms are available. Individual electricity is provided

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GRANITE - Recently on Granite City High wrestling team's Senior Night, a trailblazer for the girls' program - Samir Elliot - was recognized. She was the first IHSA state girls wrestling qualifier in history for Granite City. Samir graduated early from Granite City High and is now preparing to enter basic training in the Army. Head Coach John Venne and the entire Granite City administration and student body are exceptionally proud of Samir for her work at Granite City and have hopes for her future. Samir is a Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. Some of Samir’s key performances in 2023 were as follows: IWCOA Girls 2023 Open Championship NCHS Wrestling Girls Invite Joe Bee Memorial Lady Longhorns Roundup IHSA State Wrestling Tournament Third Place In The IHSA Sectional at Peoria Richwoods High School (She defeated Autumn Williams of Bartonville Limestone by fall at 32 seconds in the third-place sectional match). Wrestled at state at 15

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COLLINSVILLE - A man from Collinsville faces criminal charges after allegedly trespassing in someone’s residence and resisting arrest, according to recently filed Madison County court documents. Daniel D. Wilson, 31, of Collinsville, was charged with criminal trespass to a residence and resisting a peace officer on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. Court documents allege Wilson “knowingly and without authority remained within the residence of another … knowing to be present.” Wilson was additionally charged with resisting arrest after pulling away from and placing his arm around a Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy “in an attempt to prevent his lawful arrest,” according to recently filed Madison County court documents. According to a petition to deny Wilson’s pretrial release, he had previously “threatened or perpetrated physical abuse toward the victim in this matter.” “On information and belief, the defendant presents

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GODFREY - The Madison County Highway Department invites community members to share their thoughts on a proposed construction project on Humbert Road that will reduce the number of traffic lanes, create a designated turn lane and add sidewalks. County Engineer Adam Walden explained that the project aims to reduce the number of accidents on Humbert Road. There have been 180 accidents in the past five years, including one fatality. By creating a turn lane and reducing the number of lanes, the Highway Department hopes to “calm traffic.” “We’re trying to serve the public, serve the citizens and ultimately deliver a safe roadway for citizens,” Walden said. “Primarily, people are afraid that traffic’s just not going to work. But that’s why we hired some experts. That’s why we brought CBB on to collect the data, do the modeling and tell us, does it work? And, preliminarily, we think it will.” The County decided to pursue this

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EDWARDSVILLE - A man from Collinsville is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly committing home repair fraud and theft of more than $500 from the same Edwardsville homeowner over the course of nearly a month. Jeffrey C. Koehler, 35, of Collinsville, was charged with one count of home repair fraud and one count of theft over $500 in a case presented by the Edwardsville Police Department. Recently filed Madison County court documents indicate these offenses were committed from about Nov. 7, 2023 to Dec. 1, 2023. Koehler allegedly entered into a written agreement with an Edwardsville homeowner to perform $4,085 worth of home repair work, including “drywall repair, door frame repair, and replacement, repair, and staining of a deck,” according to court documents, which add that he “promised a performance which the defendant did not intend to perform or knew would not be performed.” Koehler was additionally charged with theft over $500 after allegedly

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College will celebrate a leap-year Black History Month this February with a full slate of programming, most of which is free and open to the public. The month will kick off with a Soul Food Luncheon for L&C Students on Feb. 6, giving Trailblazers a taste of traditional soul food favorites. “I am very excited about our programming to celebrate Black History Month,” said Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence Mya Lawrence. “These events, curated by Student Activities Coordinator Jared Hennings, highlight our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, our community's cultural differences, and provides educational opportunities for our students and team members." The college opens many of these experiences to the larger community as well. On Feb. 8, the public is invited to join L&C students and team members for a presentation and performance of “The Blues” by Big George Brock beginning at 10:4

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker today announced that a Chicago-area water innovation hub, Current, has been selected to receive a $160 million innovation grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engine program for their Great Lakes ReNEW initiative. ReNEW, which was backed by six Great Lakes States, is also supported by Argonne National Laboratory, the University of Chicago, and over fifty other partner organizations and focuses on sustainable water innovation solutions. “The Great Lakes are a vital natural resource for the health, wealth, and security of our entire nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why I’m thrilled that Current was selected to receive this federal award that will help transform our Great Lakes region. Thanks to investments like these, our top-tier workforce, and our industrial resources, we’re leading the clean water and energy revolution.” Current, a water innovation nonprofit,

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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial sophomore guard Marley Ogden has stepped up big time for the Eagles this season. After not having much varsity experience, she's now become a key component for CM. Listed as the shortest player on the roster at 5-foot, she makes up for it with her shooting ability, arguably the best on the team this season. She's the team's second leading scorer with 244 points, just behind senior Avery Combes who's racked up 246 points. For her hard work, Marley is a Tom Lane State Farm Athlete of the Month for Civic Memorial. This season Marley's put in 63 3-pointers, the most on her team by a long shot and even up there with the most in the entire St. Louis region. She's one of six Eagles to have played in all 28 games this season, sometimes getting the start, but other times coming in off the bench. Marley is the little sister to Adam Ogden, the leading scorer for the CM boys basketball team. Adam's 46 points shy of 1,000 career points and he's on pace to get there

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting the federal government’s actions to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour for certain federal contractors. The policy was first enacted by presidential executive order in April 2021, and then implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor in November 2021 in the final rule, “Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contract Workers.” Raoul and the coalition submitted the amicus brief in Texas v. Biden, a case involving a challenge to the executive order and final rule raising the minimum wage for federal contractors. Raoul and the states argue that both the president and the Department of Labor acted well within their authority when implementing the policies to ensure federal contract workers are paid fair living wages. In addition, Raoul and the attorneys general argue that the minimum wage increase is fully supported by empirical evidence and is

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EDWARDSVILLE - Scott Ahart was officially appointed to the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education during their regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. Ahart will finish John McDole’s four-year term. McDole stepped down from the Board in November. The Board put out a call for applications and interviewed applicants in special executive session meetings throughout the month of January. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank the applicants who showed interest in filling the open position on the Board,” said President Jill Bertels. “Each interview proved that these individuals were highly qualified and had the safety and the best interests of our students and our staff as a priority.” At Monday’s Board meeting, Ahart and the other Board members took an oath of office, administered by the Honorable Andrew Carruthers. Ahart then joined the Board for the remainder of the meeting. Ahart has been a vocal criti

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