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SPRINGFIELD, IL. - In Illinois, we protect the right to bodily autonomy. The sweeping legislation signed into law today is another step we are taking in our mission to ensure people can make medical decisions about their bodies without fear. Reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare are under threat nationwide. In Illinois, we fight back by expanding access to the critical services that help people be their healthy, authentic selves. I commend the advocates, stakeholders, and providers for meeting this moment and working with us for the health and wellbeing of communities throughout Illinois, as well as those seeking this care from other states. Thank you to bill sponsors Rep. Kelly Cassidy and Sen. Celina Villanueva and all the lawmakers in the General Assembly who worked to pass this legislation. And thank you, Governor Pritzker, for signing this bill into law to ensure that our state remains a beacon of hope. May we push forward and keep building the groundwork to create a

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CHICAGO - Governor Pritzker will travel to Davos, Switzerland next week to speak at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting and promote Illinois’ achievements on the world stage. The meeting brings together world leaders across industries to discuss political and social priorities, this year focusing on the theme “Cooperation in a Fragmented World.” The Governor will also visit Germany for business development purposes. “I’m looking forward to meeting with leaders from across various industries, nonprofits, and business over the course of next week to learn from the cutting edge work they’re doing and to share our own advancements here in Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our work on clean energy, our investments in infrastructure, and our dedication to technological innovation and growth are all world-class, and I’m excited to perform my role as Chief Marketing Officer for Illinois on the world stage.” Governor Pritzker

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SPRINGFIELD, IL. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, has been selected to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore and lead budget negotiator for the House Democrats during the 103rd General Assembly. “When we work together, we can do great things for the people of this state,” Gordon-Booth said. “I am appreciative of the faith my colleagues have placed in me, and am looking forward to the work ahead to support Illinois families.” “Leader Gordon-Booth has always been ready to step up and do the work,” House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said. “From improving access to nutritious food in schools to negotiating critically needed public safety laws, Jehan has been able to work to bring everyone to the table and deliver productive outcomes. She understands the challenges facing families across our state, and will be an outstanding budget negotiator for our Caucus.” Gordon-Booth just completed her first term as Speaker Pro

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – Scooter’s Coffee, best known for its amazingly fast drive-thru, specialty coffee, and baked-from-scratch pastries, added a new location at 5709 N. Illinois St, Fairview Heights, IL. A Grand Opening was held on Friday, January 13 . With the app, customers earn three “Smiles” for every dollar spent to collect toward free drinks for their loyalty. For quick and convenient ordering, Mobile Order Ahead is also available. Ordering ahead allows customers to customize their drinks in many ways, pay ahead, and pick up quickly at the drive-thru window. To pay with the app, customers simply need to link a credit card and tap “Pay in Stores” from the home screen. Then, if they choose to tip, they can select a custom amount or percentage prior to scanning their app. Customers also have the option to pay with cash or a gift card and still earn loyalty through the app by using the “Scan to Earn Loyalty” Only QR code. The app is availabl

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CHICAGO – One lucky player in Maine won the massive $1.348 billion Mega Millions jackpot last night - the second-largest prize in Mega Millions history. Across Illinois, lottery players waited in long lines to snatch up tickets and now many will be queuing up to claim their prizes. Seven Illinois Lottery players are celebrating after winning big money from Friday night’s drawing. One lucky player won $1 million after matching all five numbers to win the second top prize. The winning Mega Millions ticket was purchased at 7-Eleven, located at 847 N. Dodge Ave in Evanston, IL. And an iLottery player matched four numbers plus added the game’s Megaplier feature to win $20,000, and five players matched four numbers and the Mega Ball to win $10,000 each. The Mega Millions roll began on October 18, 2022, and in that time, more than 1.2 million winning tickets were sold and over $14 million in prizes were won by Illinois players. Every single Mega Millions win is also

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that all offices and facilities will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Offices and Driver Services facilities operating on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule will be closed on Saturday, January 14. Offices and Driver Services facilities operating on a Monday through Friday schedule will be closed Monday, January 16. All offices and facilities will be open for business on Tuesday, January 17. Individuals can visit the Secretary of State’s website at ilsos.gov for online services including checking eligibility to renew their driver’s license online, applying for a duplicate driver’s license, or renewing license plate stickers. In addition, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 7, 2025.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – At 3:27 p.m. on January 14, 2023, the Illinois State Police Zone 6 Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) responded to the 800 block of North 80th Street to investigate a homicide. The victim, an 18-year-old male of East St. Louis was fatally injured when he was struck by gunfire. Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has any knowledge of the incident is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 314-725-8477 (TIPS) or PSEG Agents at 618-343-5239. Witnesses can remain anonymous.

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ALTON - At the Alton City Council meeting on Jan. 11, council members unanimously approved the distribution of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for “emergency priority projects” within the City of Alton, along with several other items. The council awarded two bids at their meeting, including the bid of AC Environmental for asbestos removal at 1130 Harrison St. in the amount of $4,635.00, and of Environmental Operations, Inc., at 1006 Oakwood Ave. in the amount of $ 1,570.00. They also approved the results of the 2023 MFT Street Maintenance Material Proposal Bid. There was a first reading of two ordinances related to signage that the council laid over to their next meeting. These included an ordinance authorizing an honorary street sign to be placed on Silver Street honoring James Gray, as well as an ordinance authorizing “No Parking” signs to be placed on the 700 block of Silver Street. The council unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing permanen

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ALTON - Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis CEO and President Michael P. McMillan will be the keynote speaker with the theme; “Injustice Anywhere Is A Threat To Justice Anywhere” in the Annual NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Day festivities at 3 p.m. Sunday at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Alton. Alton Branch NAACP 2nd Vice President/Alderwoman Rosetta Brown, Alton Branch NAACP President Michael Holliday Sr., Alton NAACP 1st Vice President Leon Smallwood-Bey, and Alton Mayor David Goins are key players in today’s ceremony, along with McMillian. The program for today’s event is as follows: Alton Branch NAACP 2nd Vice President Alderwoman Rosetta Brown, Expeditor Invocation – Elder Marcus Harrison, Deliverance Temple Lift Every Voice and Sing Presentation of Dr. King Wreath – Executive Committee Members, Alton Branch NAACP Welcome – Rev. John Buford, Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church Song by Riverbend Choir Proclamation – Mayor David Goins,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing (SON) recognized 32 nurse anesthesia doctoral candidates during a traditional White Coat Ceremony held Tuesday, Jan. 10. The traditional ceremony symbolizes the transition into the clinical portion of the nurse anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specialization. “The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage symbolizing how hard these students have worked over the past year in the program and how far they have come in such a short time,” said Kevin Stein, DNAP, CRNA, chair of the SON’s Department of Nurse Anesthesiology. “The relationships these students have built with one another will serve as much-needed support network as they continue to navigate the rigors of the program.” The candidates will graduate in 2025 as SON’s eighth cohort of doctorally-prepared nurse anesthesiologists. “We continue to see a strong interest in our nurse anesthesia program across

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today that the CDC is reporting 59 counties in the state are at an elevated level for COVID-19, compared to 73 in the previous week. Of those, three Illinois counties are at a High Community Level , compared to 28 the previous week; and 56 counties are at Medium Level, compared to 45 the previous week. IDPH is reporting 16,602 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois in the week ending January 8, and 113 deaths. “I am encouraged to see COVID-19 community levels once again declining and hospital capacity remaining stable this week,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Thank you to all Illinois residents who have continued to protect themselves and their loved ones from infection. IDPH is closely monitoring the XBB ‘Kraken’ variant which is spreading in the northeastern United States and leading to increased cases and hospitalizations. Although we are currently

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ALTON - Alton Mayor David Goins began the Alton City Council meeting on Jan. 11 by honoring the late James Harrison Killion III, who among many other things, was co-founder and president of the Friends of the 60’s/Alton Black Alumni Association , a Life and Golden Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and a member of Trinity A.M.E. Church in Alton. "During his long and productive life, James has demonstrated countless ways in which his dedication and support to his family, friends, and to the City of Alton has earned him the respect and affection of people from all walks of life and all ages," Goins said. “As the Mayor of the City of Alton, Illinois, we hereby express our deep appreciation for his partnership and service to this community,” he added. “We acknowledge Mr. Killion and may he rest in peace.” Killion was born in Alton in 1944, attended Alton Public Schools, and went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University Carbondale wit

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FREEBURG/BELLEVILLE - On Friday, January 13, 2023, Belleville and Freeburg detectives jointly presented information related to the January 11, 2023, murder investigation originating from a traffic stop in Belleville to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office. The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office has reviewed the case and issued the following charges: Scottie R. Lambert, 33, of Belleville, was charged with one count of First Degree Murder, a Class M Felony; one count of Home Invasion, a Class X Felony; one count of Armed Robbery, a Class X Felony; and one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, a Class 2 Felony. The homicide is the community's first since the 1970s. Authorities discovered the body of 55-year-old Linda Walker during a wellness check in the Deerfield Creek Mobile Home Court just before 8 p.m. Wednesday. Detectives from both agencies continue the investigation. If anyone has information related to this case, please contact

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine on Friday announced the filing of felony charges against a student in connection with threats involving a high school. Spencer T. Hurley, 19, of Glen Carbon has been charged with two counts of falsely making a terrorist threat (class 1 felony) and one count of disorderly conduct (class 4 felony). The offenses are alleged to have taken place on or about Tuesday (Jan 10). Count 1 of falsely making a terrorist threat alleges that the defendant made a threat to commit or cause to be committed a terrorist act, knowing the threat to be false, in that he made a statement that he had a detailed plan to conduct a shooting at Edwardsville High School, and that he would use “a couple grenades” and a large amount of ammunition to cause mass casualties. Count 2 of falsely making a terrorist threat alleges that he made a threat to commit or cause to be committed a catastrophe, knowing the threat to be false, in that

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Friday that a 30-year-old Alton man has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting. At the conclusion of a bench trial, Circuit Judge Kyle Napp found Charlton K. Merchant guilty Thursday of first-degree murder for fatally shooting Terence J. Hicks on Oct. 11, 2020, during a dispute in Alton. The judge also found Merchant guilty of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. “This was a senseless crime that took an innocent life and terrified the community,” said Haine. “At least with this conviction another violent criminal is taken off the streets so he can’t harm others. We also hope it gives some closure to the family of T.J. Hicks, who have faced such loss. They were present in the courtroom throughout the trial, and we continue to pray for their healing.” Merchant claimed that he fired in self-defense at Hicks, who was 34 and a resident of

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COLLINSVILLE - Hope Animal Rescues, a nonprofit and no-kill animal rescue, is hosting a trivia fundraising event with a “Beach Party” theme on Saturday, Jan. 21. Prizes will be awarded to the “best dressed” people and teams, and the trivia questions will all be related to beach fun. Doors open at 6 p.m. with trivia and other games starting at 7 p.m. The event will be held at the Madison County Fireman’s Hall, located at 9510 Collinsville Road in Collinsville. The cost is $20 per person or $200 for a team of six to 10 people. Jackie Spiker, the co-founder of Hope Animal Rescues, said the event is a fun way to spend a Saturday evening. “We hope that many readers who are looking for something fun to do on a Saturday join us for our trivia,” she said. “It is a great way to meet new people, laugh, and win some prizes!” Outside food is allowed, but not outside alcohol - there will be an open bar at the event, and the team fee

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CHICAGO - The last day of the Open Enrollment Period for the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace is Sunday, January 15, 2023. An extra month was added again this year, allowing people more time to purchase health insurance coverage. Federal CMS enrollment numbers show that 332,460 Illinoisians have selected ACA Marketplace plans since the start of Open Enrollment on November 1, and the total number of Americans who signed up for coverage is nearly 15.9 million. * “This year, the Illinois enrollment numbers for the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace increased by nearly 10,000 compared to last year’s Open Enrollment Period, and we still have a few days left until the deadline,” said IDOI Director Dana Popish Severinghaus. “So, if you need coverage, I encourage you to visit Getcoveredillinois.gov where you can get free enrollment assistance and find out if you may qualify for financial help. We’re here to help guide you through your health coverage journey.”

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River’s Downtown area and extensions beyond are undergoing some dramatic changes in recent months. Chief of Police and Building and Zoning Administrator Brad Wells, City Administrator/Public Works Director Steve Palen, and Mayor Tom Stalcup visited Riverbender.com this week to discuss some of the interesting economic changes in the community. Wells said there has been a move toward transforming the Downtown Wood River area. “A lot of Downtown businesses closed previously over the year and there wasn’t anything to enforce zoning codes,” he said. “We have made several changes. Some of the buildings have been demolished and we are trying to bring a good atmosphere to the downtown area with stores and eateries where people can eat and drink and spend their dollars. I think Wood River is having one big awakening.” Wells said he believes the awakening started in strong fashion during COVID-19 and there was a downtown group Halloween

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Illinois Lottery players' dreams of striking it rich are still alive. The Mega Millions jackpot is at a whopping $1.35 billion for Friday night’s drawing on January 13 And the Powerball jackpot is $404 million for Saturday night’s drawing on Wednesday, January 14 If won, it would be the second largest jackpot in Mega Millions history MM WINNING If the winner chooses to take a lump sum cash payment, it will be about $707.9 million Or the winner can choose to take the total prize amount in annual payments over 30 years The odds of winning Mega Millions: Jackpot odds 1 in 302 million, but it only takes one ticket to win. Odds of winning a prize 1 in 24 HOW TO PLAY Mega Millions tickets are $2 each, and players have the option to add the Megaplier for an additional $1 for the chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes ? Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 9:59 p.m. (CT) 1 MM IN ILLINOIS ? Six months ago, a Mega Millions ticket bought in Illinois

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ALTON - PGA golfer Brian Cooper was on Riverbender.com's 'Our Daily Show!' hosted by CJ Nasello last week to talk about his personal golf journey and his plans for the 2023 season. While on the show, Cooper discussed how he overcame a stint of depression after having shoulder surgery, sidelining him from the sport. His inspiring story began to make international headlines and he shared that story with Nasello on the show. Cooper, now 55 years old, talked about his comeback and highlight finish at the PGA TOUR Champions Qualifying Tournament. Through four rounds he shot 13-under which was good enough to finish in a three-way tie for third at TPC Scottsdale's Champions Course. This amazing turnaround happened a little more than a month ago. Cooper talked about how making the PGA TOUR is one of the hardest things to do in sports and how he's constantly trying to improve. "I've always wanted to be better, I've always known I can be better," he said. "Now I have that chance, so I have

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