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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Five Years of the First Step Act : Reimagining Rehabilitation and Protecting Public Safety.” The law serves as a beacon for “smart on crime” policies, and the hearing examined its successes and impact. Durbin first questioned Matthew Charles, a First Step Act beneficiary after serving over two decades in prison and now a Senior Policy Advisor at FAMM (formerly Families Against Mandatory Minimums), about his personal experience and how Congress can continue to improve and build upon the First Step Act. “There was a moment when your life turned around. Was that all your decision and your experience? Was it something external that made a difference to you that you think could help someone else in the future?” Durbin asked. Mr. Charles responded that he felt

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today took to the Senate floor to deliver a speech on his new bipartisan legislation with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) to reauthorize funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Oral Health program for the next five years. In his remarks, Durbin spoke about the impetus of the Promoting Dental Health Act, hearing stories from across Illinois, including rural and dental shortage areas, where children with tooth decay and other dental conditions faced extensive wait times to access necessary treatment while facing excruciating pain. Durbin began his speech by recognizing the highest enrollment numbers to date for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Durbin recalled his own experience being uninsured when his family faced health complications, and reiterated the importance of ensuring quality, accessible health care options for Americans. “Last week, we

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MITCHELL - A tiny town in Illinois just got some huge news. An Illinois Lottery retailer in Mitchell is celebrating big after selling a winning $1 million Mega Millions ticket. The ticket was purchased for the Tuesday, January 16 drawing at 508 Variety Shop, located at 508 E. Chain of Rocks Road in Mitchell, IL, an unincorporated community located outside of St. Louis with a population of just over 1,000. “This really is huge news for our town,” exclaimed Amber Ronk, owner of 508 Variety Shop. “Mitchell is a very small town - blink and you might miss it. I am so excited for the winner!” When asked if she suspects who the winner might be, Ronk said, “I’m willing to bet the winner is a regular of ours. 90% of our customers are local residents who come in almost every day. I hope I find out who won so we can bask in the joy with them!” Not only is this news big for the winner, but also for the shop owner. “This is exciting news for

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JOLIET – On January 18, 2024, at approximately 4:32 a.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash involving an ISP trooper’s squad car that was hit by a motorist who failed to move over on the ramp of Interstate 55 southbound to Interstate 80 eastbound in Will County. On the above date and time, an ISP Troop 3 trooper’s fully marked squad car was stationary on the ramp with its emergency lights activated responding to a report of a tire in the roadway. A silver Lincoln approaching the area, failed to move over, and struck the rear of the ISP squad car. No injuries were reported. The driver of the Lincoln, 63-year-old Joseph A. Gemini of Bolingbrook, IL, was charged with Move Over Law – Failure to Yield to Stationary Emergency Vehicle. In 2023, ISP had 21 Move Over Law-related crashes. In 2022, ISP had 23 Move Over Law-related crashes where eight Troopers sustained injuries. ISP is reminding the public of the requirements

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Board Executive Committee and State’s Attorney Tom Haine had several questions for County Chairman Kurt Prenzler after a reported ethics violation. While on county property and during work hours, Prenzler allegedly gave a political business card with his phone number handwritten on the card to a vendor. He also gave a card to an assistant state’s attorney in a separate incident. Prenzler was found in violation by Ethics Advisor Bruce Mattea, based on concerns that he was electioneering on county time and property. During the Executive Committee meeting on Jan. 17, 2024, Prenzler answered questions about both incidents. He said he took the card out of his wallet to give the vendor his phone number, not to campaign. He also pointed out that the vendor was not a Madison County voter. “I really didn’t think about it,” Prenzler said. “I just pulled out something to write on, something small that I could give to

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe announced Thursday that the Southern District of Illinois collected $3,414,959.96 in criminal and civil actions in fiscal year 2023. Of this amount, $1,951,689.87 was collected in criminal actions and $1,463,270.09 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, Southern District of Illinois employees worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $4,148,633.35 in jointly pursued cases. Of this amount, $9,266.10 was collected in criminal actions and $4,139,367.25 was collected in civil actions. “Throughout the last fiscal year, federal prosecutors and financial litigation staff worked tirelessly to collect millions of dollars in restitution from individuals charged with fraud and other crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “These funds help support victims regain a sense of normalcy and offer assistance to law enforcement officers with

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey Planning Commission Board approved a proposal 7-0 for a new cannabis dispensary in the old Woody’s Chicken building in Godfrey at a Wednesday meeting. Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said the proposal for the new business will be voted on at the Village Board’s next meeting on Feb. 6, 2024. McCormick said as of right now the village is trying to develop a plan for a special use permit where the tax benefits could benefit residents of all of Godfrey if it is approved.

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COTTAGE HILLS - The Cottage Hills Bar, Grill and Market on West MacArthur Drive in Cottage Hills encountered significant damage in a fire that occurred in the evening of Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. Firefighters had the fire under control about an hour afte r a commercial box alarm was sounded. Cottage Hills was the main fire department on scene, but Bethalto, Wood River, Rosewood Heights and East Alton fire departments and the Madison County Emergency Management team also responded. The cause of the fire has not been released.

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CARROLLTON - The Carrollton Police Department has requested public assistance in locating a missing/runaway juvenile named Rylie. "Rylie has not been heard from since January 3, 2024," the Carrollton Police said. If you have seen Rylie or know where Rylie is, please immediately contact the Carrollton Police Department at (217) 942-3135.

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community High School recently released the full list of all Honor Roll and High Honor Roll students recognized for the second quarter of the 2023-2024 school year. The full lists of both Honor and High Honor Roll students are available below: HIGH HONOR ROLL - SENIORS: Bell, Kyla A. Benner, Elena J. Berghoff, Kennedy E. Bierman, Madison P. Bilyeu, Elizabeth A. Bizaillion, Kennadi F. Bolds, Ryan M. Bowen, Ryan G. Bradshaw, Ella J. Brown, Ashlyn E. Cerentano, Nolan M. Chin, Connor C. Clarkson, Alexia M. Collins, Emily R. Conrad, Kutler R. Crawford, Tessa L. Crowe, Dora A. Crull, Skylar T. Darabcsek, Richard J. Davis, Erica E. Deist, Delaney R. Dial, Anna K. Dong, Vivian. Dougherty, Kathleen L. Drainer, Kaelyn N. Edgell, Aiden C. Edwards, Karlie L. Eschbach, Reese A. Fuse, Emma G. Gettings, Autumn R. Gibson, Madison M. Glass, Sierra L. Goetten, Wade H. Gray, Wyatt M. Griffith, Keegan M

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WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at East Alton-Wood River High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000.00 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. January's winner is Mia Plumb. Mia is a Senior at EAWR and is involved with Basketball, Volleyball, Spirit Club, Big Sisters, Peer Leadership, National Honor Society, Student Council, RiverBend Growth Association Young Adult Committee and Renaissance Program. Mia has received honors for Girl's Basketball and the 2023 Oiler Pride Award. After graduation, Mia plans to attend college at The University of Mississippi. Mia is planning on majoring in Political Science. The University of Mississippi has a program to turn 3 minors into a major and Mia plans

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, released the following statement condemning reported actions by Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s administration that prevented federal officials from aiding migrants in distress at the southwest border: “First and foremost: Governor Abbott’s horrific conduct over the weekend reflects a shameful disregard for human life. It comes as no surprise, sadly, as it’s the latest in a series of actions that he has taken to harm families and disrupt orderly enforcement at the border. His actions are not only dangerous, but unconstitutional. Time and time again, courts have found state interference in the implementation of immigration enforcement to be unlawful. “If he truly believes in ‘law and order,’ the Republican Governor

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WASHINGTON, D.C – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today applauded Wieland for announcing a landmark $500 million capital investment to re-equip, expand and modernize its East Alton, Illinois, manufacturing facility. The project includes improvements that will increase production capacity for copper and copper alloy components, critical for electric vehicles, EV charging infrastructure and renewable energy production, safeguarding an estimated 800 jobs across the state. “Today’s landmark investment from Wieland will be critical in helping revitalize and modernize manufacturing in our state, producing important technology, helping reduce our state’s carbon footprint and protecting and sustaining good-paying jobs in the region,” Duckworth said. “I was proud to support Governor Pritzker’s efforts and champion this project at the federal level, and I’ll keep doing what I can to ensure more projects like this succeed

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ALTON - From grief to anger management, OSF St. Anthony’s has several new support groups available for community members no matter what issues they are facing. Staci M. Knox, LCSW, is the Manager of Psychological Services at OSF. She explained that support groups can be especially beneficial for people when combined with individual therapy. These groups allow people to discuss issues, role-play new behaviors and share what worked for them. “We all are social beings, and we all really benefit from being in an environment where you feel safe and you feel supported,” Knox said. “A therapeutic educational group led by a mental health professional is a perfect place to have these skills introduced — whether we’re talking about conflict resolution or skills for anxiety and depression and bullying — to have these skills introduced for specific conditions and then practice. Or perhaps there might be someone in the group that has had an experience

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From engaging theatre performances to cozy reading retreats and lively music shows, this weekend is bursting with diverse activities suitable for all tastes and ages. Be sure to check out www.riverbender.com/events/ for the complete list of events in the region! Alton Little Theater and Michael Madden are excited to bring to you THE ACTOR’S STUDIO SERIES: Red Jasper , a compelling drama that tackles the sensitive theme of living with Cancer. This unique and heartfelt play will be showing from January 18-21st, offering a raw look into the struggles and courage of those affected. Don't miss this powerful theatrical experience that promises to enlighten and move audiences. The Actor's Studio Series will run through the end of the month with "An Elephant's Graveyard" January 26th -28th. Join us at the Genealogy & Local History Library as we explore the rich tapestry of African American history in the Riverbend area. Reimagining Places of the Past: Historic Preservation Lecture

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STAUNTON - The Staunton Country Club will host a murder mystery show on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. “Bullets in the Bathtub,” presented by Randy Manning and Jest Mysteries, is a 1920s-themed murder mystery play. The show starts at 6:30 p.m., and the club will serve appetizers in between acts. Tom Allan, the club’s president, said the club has hosted a few shows by Randy Manning and Jest Mysteries, and he hopes this weekend’s play will be just as fun. “We’ve been looking for different, unique events that bring people out, get them to see the country club. We said, ‘Well, this will be a great time,’” Allan said. “In wintertime, there’s not a whole lot going on out there, so we’re going to try it and see. I know it’s a lot of fun. It’s a comedy. It was fun last time, so it should be very good.” Located at 3283 South Country Club Lane in Staunton, the Staunton Country Club is a private club

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BELLEVILLE – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today announced the addition of 5,886 new preschool seats in preschool deserts—areas of the state with too few publicly funded preschool seats to serve 80% of low-income 3- and 4-year-olds in the area. As part of Governor JB Pritzker’s broader Smart Start initiative, ISBE originally aimed to add 5,000 new seats and exceeded the goal by 18%, expanding access to early childhood education to more than 5,800 additional children in preschool deserts statewide. ISBE also expanded services to families with babies and toddlers from birth to age 3, serving 1,130 additional children. View the list of Preschool for All grantees , Preschool for All – Expansion grantees , and Prevention Initiative grantees. “At its core, Smart Start is about making sure parents have the support they need to raise a family and children have the resources they need to succeed—no matter their

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) today introduced new bipartisan legislation, the Promoting Dental Health Act , to reauthorize funding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Oral Health program for the next five years. The Oral Health program receives $20.5 million in annual funding for a range of public health activities to promote oral health. This funding is allocated to 20 states to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other painful and serious conditions, including by supporting dental education, data collection, school-based sealant care for low-income children, state fluoridation efforts, workforce development, and research into gaps in patient care. Currently, Illinois does not receive any of the $20.5 million in direct grants, due to the fact that the Oral Health program is not adequately funded to serve every state. However, 2.8 million Illinoisans live in communities with

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, at Wieland that the company will be making a $500 million capital investment to re-equip, expand and modernize its facility in East Alton was applauded by area officials who helped make the decision possible with their support. Wieland is a leading global supplier of copper and copper alloy solutions and this provides a certainty that Wieland will be in East Alton for many years to come, offering good-paying jobs and economic growth. East Alton Mayor Darren Carlton beamed with pride at the podium as part of the large ceremony on Wednesday in his city. He said he wanted to thank the multitude of partnerships that helped make this come to fruition. "By everyone working together, it provides another opportunity for Weiland to continue what it has done for last 100-plus years helping provide economic growth for the region and opportunities for many to obtain a good job in the workforce," he said. "We now loo

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EAST ALTON – Governor JB Pritzker made a special visit on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, to join members from Wieland Rolled Products North America and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) with other local leaders and partners to announce a new Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement. Wieland announced at the event that it will invest $500 million in modernizing its East Alton facility – one of six across Illinois. The investment, which retains 800 jobs across the state, will enable the company to increase production of critical copper and copper alloy components that are used in electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure and renewable energy production while supporting the state’s clean energy economy. The company investments reinforce its long-term commitment to its facilities and the future of advanced manufacturing in Illinois and, most important to this region, the East Alton operation. The

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