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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a multistate coalition of eight attorneys general urging President Biden to fully cancel federal student loan debt owed by every federal student loan borrower in the country. The coalition urges the president to immediately exercise his authority under the Higher Education Act to cancel the more than $1.7 trillion owed to the federal government by student borrowers. “Without action, the student loan crisis will continue to get worse, stifling economic activity and weighing down families with mountains of debt that they cannot afford to repay,” Raoul said. “While long-term reforms to the student loan system are desperately needed, I urge the Biden administration to take action that will provide immediate relief to student loan borrowers.” In their letter , Raoul and the coalition argue that a full cancelation of student debt is necessary to address the sheer enormity of debts owed, systemically

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ALTON - It won’t be long before the new McDonald’s opens its doors at 717 East Broadway in Alton. Construction started in mid-March and has progressed in a quick fashion, Alton Mayor David Goins said. The Bold family owns this McDonald’s and others around the region. Much of the structure is in place with the foundation, plumbing, and more for the new restaurant. The McDonald’s in Alton was destroyed in a terrible fire on June 18, 2021. The next step is simply to finish the inside and install the new equipment. Mayor Goins said he has heard sometime in early summer the restaurant will open to customers. “The construction appears to be going well,” Mayor Goins said. “I am encouraged by all the work being done to bring it back to functionality. “We are encouraged that all the workers will be able to come back to their jobs. It will definitely be a boom in that area once it is up and running again. Many people stop by McDonald’s

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GLEN CARBON - Elena Rybak shows great potential for the spring for the Father McGivney Catholic girls' track and field team. Only a freshman, Elena blazed to a first place in the Indoor State Championships with a time of 5:08. The Griffins’ 4 x 800 relay team placed fourth in the state indoors with a time of 10:15. Elena is a Byron, Carlson Petri & Kalb Female Athlete of the Month. Elena is the ultimate competitor, she drives at a remarkable pace from start to finish. When she starts a race, an onlooker can see her concentration in her eyes. She is on the track to excel and win whenever possible. Her distance coach Jim Helton says Eleana’s potential for the future is simply unlimited. Russ Hart is Elena’s head coach for McGivney track and field and he agreed with Helton's assessment of Elena. Elena started her track and field and running career in fifth grade. “I enjoy running because I love to compete, and the feeling of crossing the line at the end of

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MADISON COUNTY - Madison County Housing Authority (MCHA) will be accepting applications for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8 rental assistance), and other programs, on the dates listed below. Applications for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and other programs, will be accepted at: Bernard Long Elementary School, gymnasium, located at 1003 Farrish St., Madison, IL 62060, on Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Alton Middle School, Annex gymnasium, located at 2200 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002, on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Applications for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and other programs, can be accepted at the MCHA Central Office, located at 2 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234 on Monday, May 23, 2022, through Thursday, June 30 , 2022, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday. There are after-hours application boxes located at the MCHA Central Office. Applications may also be accepted at any MCHA developments locat

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey West Elementary and others in Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 have a focus this week on Teacher Appreciation Week. The Jersey administration had this to say about the school district's teachers: "Jersey 100 teachers dedicate their time and energy every day to helping our students learn and grow. They are dedicated educators, who lead by example, inspire, love, build confidence and shape our students into the best they can be for a bright future! Teachers, we appreciate you for all you are and for all you do for the students of Jersey 100! You are all amazing!" Today, the district recognized Jersey West Elementary faculty and staff, shown in the above photo. Those pictured are: Rose LaTempt, Barb Smith, Adriane Williams, Jamie Jones, Lindsey Becker, Brittany Darr, Mindy Schulte, Sherri Lichtenberger, Mindy Ayres, Joanna Scott, Torrie Gilmore, Monica Eschbach, Ashley Hermens, Lynn Goetten, Melissa Durie, Samantha Hausman, Julie Duggan, Judy Nurnberger,

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College photography and graphic design student Jeannette Angeline Carrington never expected to see her artwork hanging in a gallery, let alone receiving accolades for her craft. At 46 years old, she started attending L&C part-time at the encouragement of her family, and quickly found success. Six of her works were chosen for this year’s 17 th annual Student Art Exhibition, and her photo design piece, “Composite 1,” was awarded first place. “I have always enjoyed creating, whether it be painting, ceramics, graphic design or photography,” Carrington said. “I found myself gravitating toward these things in my personal life. Having complete strangers judge my art and choose mine as the winner is inspiring and confirmation that my decision to pursue graphic design and photography was an excellent choice. I was shocked that I won first place.” Not only did she perform well in the show, but

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JERSEYVILLE – Later this spring, the City of Jerseyville, in partnership with local community donors and the national consulting organization known as the National Fitness Campaign (NFC), will be unveiling the city’s new Fitness Court® at Jerseyville’s Lions Club Park. The construction of this recreational innovation is already underway at the corner of North Jefferson and East Spruce streets and will offer locals and visitors alike with a free-of-charge community resource featuring seven functional training zones as well as a supporting mobile app. The free app, “Fitness Court,” is available for both iOS and Android and affords users with a coach-in-your-pocket style platform adaptable for all fitness levels. When the COVID-19 crisis emerged, communities responded by making local health a top priority, which positively impacted the NFC’s goal to partner with 10,000 communities across the globe by 2030. Jerseyville city leaders were already

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ALTON - SIUE Chancellor Dr. James T. Minor will be the keynote speaker of the Annual NAACP Alton Branch Banquet on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College. This year's theme is "Moving Forward For Change, When We Fight, We Win!" "Your donations will allow several scholarships to be presented to deserving students," Andy Hightower, the NAACP Alton Branch director, said. "The banquet committee has worked diligently in preparing the event. "This year we are looking forward to a tremendous turnout due to the fact it has been two years since we have come together for the annual banquet because of the COVID-19 Pandemic." The deadline for the program book ads and tickets is May 15, 2022. Tickets are $60 each or a table of eight for $480. Ads are full page $150, half-page $100, and quarter of a page $50 and patrons ads are $10. Corporate sponsorships are Platinum $5,000, Gold $2,500, Silver $2,000 and Bronze $1,500. To place an ad, please contact Charlott

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ALTON - With a special grant from Illinois American Water, YWCA is offering a free Diverstory For Educators session from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, at the YWCA. In 2021, YWCA created the Diverstory program to support racial healing and build a bridge towards a more racially equitable community. Through story time programs, we engaged children and their families in building understanding and appreciation for people of all races. Diverstory program involves reading and discussing stories that recognize, celebrate and protect diversity. With the interactive workshop, classroom guest readers and ongoing individualized teacher support, Diverstory for Educators helps educators understand the importance of including books written by and about black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in their daily classroom lessons. This year YWCA is expanding the Diverstory program to include educators and their students too. YWCA hopes to support teachers in presenting books and facilitating

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BRUSSELS - She received a standing ovation. Her family, including her husband, siblings, and children made sure they were there to see it. Every student gave her a hug. That was the scene at St. Mary Catholic School in Brussels after Maureen Tepen, the third/fourth-grade teacher and fifth/sixth-grade language arts teacher in the small, rural school, was announced as the winner of the 2022 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois during a surprise celebration and award presentation at the school May 4. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki presented Tepen with the award. “God is so good, God is so good,” Tepen said, as she fought back tears from the podium during the event. “I decided to be a teacher when I was in first grade, and I had this little seed in my heart that I wanted to teach kids, and to have a spot they knew they could come to be encouraged and grow.” Then, looking at all the students in the room, Tepen said, “I

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COLLINSVILLE - Helping students succeed, keeping them connected, and providing lots of resources were a few things participants praised their program instructors for at their End of the Year and Awards Celebration. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center Collinsville’s Upward Bound Scholars Academy (UBSA) held its concluding ceremony on Thursday, April 28 at Collinsville High School. “We are so proud of each of you for being hardworking and doing your best,” said UBSA Program Director Yvonne Hart. “We try our best to connect with every student. To my seniors, you all were my first class, and now you’re all headed to college.” The night was filled with accolades for all UBSA students, with awards including: Most Improved Engagement Most Improved Academically Honor Roll (3.3 GPA or above) Rising Stars Scholar of the Month A-Team (3.0 GPA, active and engaged) Outstanding Scholars Class of 2022 Ontrack Modules Completer

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ALTON – May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to better understand how important mental health is to your overall health. OSF Healthcare Saint Anthony’s Health Center is calling on the community to recognize the importance of the mind-body connection. Much of what we do physically impacts us mentally; and stressful emotions play a major role in triggering physical illness. Finding the right balance of exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress reduction helps to keep us both physically and mentally fit. “Just as we schedule a visit with our primary care physicians for a regular medical checkup, it’s also important to be attentive to our mental health and emotional wellbeing,” said Staci M. Knox, LCSW, manager of OSF Psychological Services. During the month of May, OSF Saint Anthony’s Psychological Services is providing free, confidential, adult depression and anxiety screenings to the community. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling

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ST. LOUIS – Schnuck Markets, Inc. today announced that, in partnership with Instacart , customers can now order Schnucks Delivers curbside and delivery directly through the Schnucks Rewards app . Previously, customers were redirected outside the app to place a Schnucks Delivers or Curbside Pickup order. Current Instacart Express members can receive discounts on service and delivery fees by linking their Instacart account in the Schnucks Rewards app via the “Account Settings” menu. Customers will still be able to communicate with Instacart shoppers during the shopper's trip through the store to confirm replacement selections or to add items that were forgotten. Customers can also order for the same day or a future scheduled date with delivery and pickup times available usually in two hours or less. Customers will receive text/email reminders throughout all steps of the fulfillment and delivery process. “By adding additional e-commerce options in the Schnucks

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EDWARDSVILLE - When College of Arts and Sciences senior Samantha Gallatin, of Machesney Park, came to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, she wanted to become a secondary education biology teacher. After joining the GEOPATHS Scholars Program, however, her interests shifted toward geography, and she became inspired in pursuing a career as a researcher and professor at the collegiate level. “My career goal changed, because I want to teach and encourage motivated individuals about the elaborate components of science,” Gallatin said. “Through my courses, involvement as a GEOPATH Scholar and student research opportunities, SIUE has provided the fundamental experience I need.” Gallatin is among 2,356 eligible graduates whose degrees will be conferred during SIUE’s spring 2022 commencement exercises slated for Friday-Saturday, May 6-7. All ceremonies will be streamed live on siue.edu/tv . As a student leader, employee and researcher, Gallatin was heavily

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DECATUR — After a two-year absence due to the pandemic, the Millikin University Athletics Department held its end of the year dinner and awards ceremony at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel on May 3. Individual and team awards were presented for the 2021-22 academic year for student-athletes from all 23 of Millikin’s athletic programs. The winners of the Comeback Player of the Year Award were sophomore women’s volleyball player Reece Brown (Bourbonnais, Bradley Bourbonnais H.S.) and sophomore wrestler Zac Blasioli (Wood River, East Alton H.S.) . The Academic Athlete of the Year Award, recognizing excellence both in the classroom and in competition, was presented to junior softball pitcher Aly Armstrong (Effingham, H.S.) and senior cross country and track runner Ben Kuxmann (Bourbonnais, Bradley Bourbonnais H.S.) The Leadership Award was presented to senior women’s soccer player Maddy Wood (St. Charles, Mo., Francis Howell North H.S.) and senior wrestler

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ALTON - Illinois American Water’s work to separate the Alton combined sewer system and install new sanitary sewers continues. Below is information about this week’s road closures –May 2, 2022 Piasa Valley Area: Pavement restoration is starting 5/3/22 on 6th Street between Alby and George Street, and Alby Street between 6th Street north to 12th Street. During this time, the pavement milling operations will be going on. After the milling operations are completed, the road will be closed to all traffic during paving operations. Local Residents need to plan to park on side streets adjacent to these two roads during that time. 12th Street is closed east to Georg Street. A common detour of using 13th Street and Alton Street will not be allowed, and traffic will need to use Blair Avenue east to Henry Street during this closure on 12th Street. 10th Street is closed between Alby Street and George Street. Brick pavement restoration is currently happening on 8th Street. Pleas

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COLLINSVILLE – Warrior Wrestling announced today that the promotion will make its St. Louis area debut on Saturday, May 28th, 2022 at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville when New Japan Pro Wrestling main event star Will Ospreay defends the Warrior Wrestling Championship against St. Louis resident Davey Richards. Ospreay is widely considered the most talented and accomplished professional wrestler in the world today, with his talents surpassing those of any stars in WWE or AEW. Richards was considered the same in the early 2010s before he left wrestling for several years to study medicine and raise his family. This will be the first time that Ospreay and Richards will compete against one another. It will be truly historic when the “best in the world” of one generation clashes with the best in the world of the next generation for one of the most prized titles in independent wrestling – the Warrior Wrestling Championship. While they have not competed

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ALTON – Patients in Alton and surrounding areas needing cardiovascular care can now benefit from a new strategic affiliation of OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center and SLUCare Physician Group, in partnership with SSM Health. The affiliation better serves patients in the greater Riverbend area by bringing exceptional medical and surgical specialties closer to home with the addition of Sridhar Kumar, MD , a SLUCare cardiologist at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, who is now chief of Cardiology Services at OSF Saint Anthony’s. Under Dr. Kumar’s leadership, patients receive the highest quality of innovative care and expertise needed to treat heart diseases and cardiovascular conditions. This collaboration provides patients of OSF Saint Anthony’s who require a higher level of care access to SLUCare and SSM Health experts and state-of-the-art facilities with the latest technologies and procedures offered in the St. Louis region. “

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ST. LOUIS - Transportation is one of the biggest contributors to air pollution. In conjunction with the start of the St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership’s daily air quality forecasting season, more than half a dozen partners, who collectively provide an array of transportation options that extend beyond driving in single-occupancy vehicles along with resources and incentives for doing so, are joining forces to kick-off a “Don’t Pollute. Switch Up Your Commute.” campaign. With increasing numbers of people heading back to their offices as we move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, this summerlong effort will work to inform people the way they choose to travel impacts the quality of air St. Louis area residents breathe, while motivating them to modify commuting behaviors as often as they are able. “The St. Louis region is no stranger to poor air quality conditions,” said Susannah Fuchs, Director of Clean Air for the American Lung Association in Missouri.

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ALTON - A sidewall of a brick home fell off Monday in the 500 block of Williams Street in Alton. Ameren Illinois was called to the scene around 8 p.m. Monday to turn the electricity and gas off. There were no reports of injuries. The outside home has been taped off and it has been declared off limits until the wall area is repaired. The bricks are shown outside the home in a pile. More information to come.

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