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ST. LOUIS - A man from St. Louis has been charged with five separate counts of child pornography in addition to one count of attempted aggravated criminal sexual abuse, according to recently filed Madison County court documents. Terry M. Gerard, 46, of St. Louis, allegedly committed the child pornography offenses on or about Jan. 4, 2024, while the attempted aggravated criminal sexual abuse charge stems from an incident that occurred late last year. According to a petition to deny Gerard’s pretrial release, the underage victim of the attempted aggravated criminal sexual abuse allegedly reported the incident to the Madison County Sheriff’s Department on Dec. 14, 2023. Deputies found evidence of an additional crime after seizing Gerard’s cell phone. “Deputies seized the defendant's cellphone and pursuant to a search warrant conducted a forensic download,” the petition states. “Upon analysis of that download, deputies found the defendant to be

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GRANITE CITY - A GoFundMe has been organized to benefit The August Garden/Revival in Granite City after a fire engulfed and demolished the business at 1300 Niedringhaus Ave., Granite City, on Jan. 19, 2024. August Garden/Revival is a full-service florist, retail home, and gifts, with a charming vintage treasure shop. The business is owned by Judi Knapp and this store is a staple in the community and loved by many. The organizer of the GoFundMe for the business said the fire at the shop has been deemed "a total loss." "Please consider donating to Judi/The August Garden/Revival. Any amount helps — thank you," the GoFundMe organizer Tess Boyer Schenck said. To contribute to the GoFundMe, click here .

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ALTON - Kevin Frakes and Lee Cox are promising to chase the Winter Blues away with TWO special productions in February - with Treats and Sweets, AND delightful productions to be enjoyed by everyone. Lee is producing " Country Love" on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the Dorothy Colonius Foyer; ALT Board members will be creating plates of Chocolate Dreams while guests enjoy Musical Selections from seven local artists who will enhance a program that discusses the journey of loving Country Music. Guests will enjoy FREE Champagne, Hot Chocolate - and the chance to enjoy their favorite country hits performed by Lisa Rosenstock, Kathy Piercy, Margery Handy, James Cummings, Corrine Jones, Shea Maples, and Lorian Warford....and maybe a surprise guest! Up to (50) Tickets will be sold for each performance for $25 (which includes all refreshments and libations). AND attendees will have the chance to " Vote" for their favorite singer/duo

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EDWARDSVILLE - Are your houseplants withering in the winter? Andy Klos with Joe’s Market Basket has some tips to keep your plants perky all year long. Klos noted that “the houseplant industry has really taken off” following the COVID-19 pandemic, with more people purchasing houseplants to keep inside their homes. But many novice gardeners are still developing their green thumb, so he has advice to make caring for your houseplants easier. “I want to say right or wrong, a lot of people want to, we always say, give too much love to their houseplants. Houseplants don’t need your daily attention,” Klos said. “You can still talk to them every day, but maybe just let them do their thing.” This is the most common issue Klos sees. He encourages people to start with less “finicky” houseplants, like peace lilies or snake plants, and to do some research before they choose which plant to bring home. Every plant has different

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County’s Cross-River Crime Task Force has earned a prestigious Unit Award from the Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission and the Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association. Members of the Cross-River Crime Task Force received Unit Award plaques and were honored during the annual awards banquet of SILEC and SIPCA. The banquet was held Thursday, Jan. 18, in Fairview Heights. “The members of the Task Force are truly deserving of this recognition,” said Granite City Police Chief Nick Novacich, who serves as commander of the Cross-River Crime Task Force. “Their tireless efforts, their dedication and their expertise have made this unit a success. As a result, the Cross-River Crime Task Force is having a genuine impact – making our communities and neighborhoods safer for everyone.” Established in 2021, the Cross-River Crime Task Force is comprised of select officers from law enforcement agencies across Madison County. Th

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - The Alton and Edwardsville Overnight Warming Locations (OWLs) will be activated again on Friday night, Jan. 19, 2024. The overnight warming locations are at Deliverance Temple, 1125 Sixth St. in Alton, and First Baptist Church in Edwardsville, 534 St. Louis St. in Edwardsville. "Please make sure your clients and patrons are aware of the forecast that determines our activation. We do not want people to show up when the doors will be locked, so make sure they know where to check: www.riverbender.com/weather or 618-465-4545. If the overnight low temperature is predicted to be: 20 degrees or lower, we will be OPEN 21 degrees or higher, we will be CLOSED." "Thanks for all you are doing to help us serve our neighbors," the OWL lead team said.

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement on the Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling on local pension consolidation: “The Illinois Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of this landmark, bi-partisan pension reform law today is confirmation that smart, thoughtful pension reform can be accomplished in Illinois. After 70 years of attempts, my partners in the General Assembly and I were able to accomplish meaningful reform during my first term in office. "We ushered in a new era of responsible fiscal management, one aspect of which has been consolidating over 600 local pension systems to increase returns and lower fees, reducing the burden on taxpayers and keeping another campaign promise. Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a victory for Illinois taxpayers, local governments and first responders.”

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ALTON/ST. LOUIS, MO. - For those who enjoyed the movie “Groundhog Day” starring actor Bill Murray, the weather conditions around the Alton/St. Louis region for Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, and Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, will be very replicative. Meteorologist Alex Elmore with the National Weather Service in St. Louis said today temps will be bitterly cold and almost be absolutely the same on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. He said the National Weather Service in St. Louis has issued a Wind Chill Advisory in effect from 6 p.m. Jan. 19, 2024, to noon on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Forecaster Elmore said right now the region is experiencing a second round of bitterly cold temperatures. "As of about 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19, the temps stand about 16 degrees Fahrenheit," he said. "The wind chills are right around zero degrees and it will drop down to values in the negative 10 to 15 wind chill range. On Saturday, Jan. 20, we will repeat what we experienced today and overnight and again

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School Orchestra Director Victoria Voumard on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, released the list of band, choir and orchestra students from the school that have earned All-State status. EHS Principal Dr. Steve Stuart said the work that the students and teachers do is phenomenal and the long list of students honored shows that dedication. "It is just so impressive and it goes back to not only what they have accomplished here, but it all starts at the elementary level and works its way up to here," he said. "When they get here, they refine their skills and what you see in the final product is almost mind-blowing. I couldn't be prouder of the students and teachers for their work." Voumard congratulated the various students on the tremendous statewide honor. The students will participate in the ILMEA All-State Conference in Peoria on Jan. 25-27, 2024. EHS ILMEA All-State Student List Riley Bryant, tuba, Honors Orchestra Karis Chen, violin Chris Fuller, choir

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Jarvon Conner, 21 years of age, of the 2000 block of Murvale Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63136, for Terrorist Threat First Degree and Harassment First Degree. Conner is being held on a $250,000 cash-only, no 10%, bond. The St. Louis County Police probable cause statement reads: On Friday, January 5, 2024, at approximately 2:48 p.m. Saint Louis County Police responded to Head Start Urban League at 8964 Jennings Station Road in Saint Louis County for a Harassment call. Witnesses were located who indicated a boyfriend of an employee had called and threatened to shoot up the building and kill the employee. "The employee confirmed that her boyfriend, the defendant, Jarvon Conner, was "going crazy", calling her on the phone while she was at work threatening to kill her. The defendant was contacted by the police and admitted to making the calls to his girlfriend

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EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE professors will host a “Building Community Resilience to Radicalization to Violence” community briefing to share information about the current threat of domestic terrorism in southern Illinois and prevention tips that communities can employ. Dr. Suranjan Weeraratne and Dr. Laurie Rice, political science professors at SIUE, will host the briefing from 6–7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, at the Edwardsville Public Library. Weeraratne and Rice will present survey findings that indicate the threat level of violence in our region, followed by strategies to prevent domestic terrorism in southern Illinois. “I think and other federal agencies, they have been clear for a long time that the best way to prevent targeted violence and domestic terrorism in the United States, you support the communities and put local communities front and center. They are the first line of defense,” Weeraratne said. “So they’re really important

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EDWARDSVILLE - Metro-East Lutheran High School announced its second quarter Honor Roll lists. They can be viewed by clicking the link below: Metro-East Lutheran Honor Roll

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after Israeli Prime Minister publicly expressed opposition to a two-state solution in the Middle East : “Frankly, I’m appalled at Prime Minister Netanyahu rejecting a two-state solution in the Middle East, because that means he is effectively ruling out a sustainable, peaceful outcome in the long-term. The only viable path to lasting peace is establishing a Palestinian nation-state alongside Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu is not only out of step with the majority of Israeli citizens, he is also flat-out wrong about what is needed to keep his country safe and secure in the future. I remain committed to doing everything I can to bring about a de-escalation of tensions in the region that ultimately brings about a two-state future that strengthens the safety of Israel, eliminates the threat posed by Hamas, stops the mounting death toll and finally ends the prolonged and continuing sufferin

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost today signed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case that will determine whether former president Donald Trump should remain on the ballot in Colorado. The brief, which was signed by 135 House Republicans, contends the Colorado Supreme Court superseded Congress’ role in removing a president from office. “President Biden talks a big game about defending democracy, but the reality is that the radical liberals are undermining the American people’s right to choose their president,” said Bost. “The Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to remove Donald Trump from the ballot sets a dangerous precedent that could be broadly used by a party in power to weaken the opposition. I am hopeful the U.S. Supreme Court will reverse this decision.” The full amicus brief in the case of Trump v. Anderson is attached .

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PEORIA – Today, Governor JB Pritzker highlighted the more than 5,800 preschool seats created in the first year of Smart Start Illinois. The Governor visited Rochester Elementary School and Peoria Heights Grade School, and yesterday visited Ellis Elementary School to highlight the program’s successes . Smart Start is Governor Pritzker’s transformative plan for early childhood education and care that represents the State’s ongoing commitment to children, families, teachers, and childcare providers. “As a longtime advocate for early childhood education and as a father, I know this work begins long before a child steps foot into a grade school classroom,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Quality early childhood care and education are vital for both working parents and their young children. That’s why my administration launched Smart Start, ensuring that every child in Illinois is set up for a lifetime of success.” “Every child

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Recognizing the role small businesses play in the community, State Senator Christopher Belt is hosting a small business town hall Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Ed Campus. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and it’s important their voices are heard,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “By working together, we can explore solutions that will contribute to the continued success of these businesses.” The town hall will be held Jan. 24 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Ed Campus, Building D in the multipurpose room, located at 601 James R. Thompson Blvd. in East St. Louis. The event is in partnership with Woodstock Institute, Small Business Majority, Community Organization and Family Issues, and United Congregations of the Metro East. There will be presentations, conversation regarding access to credit and consumer protections and time for questions. Refreshments will be provided. For more information,

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WASHINGTON - Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at protecting access to infertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization, amid growing concern that anti-abortion bills may threaten access in some states. On Thursday, Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Pennsylvania Rep. Susan Wild plan to introduce the Access to Family Building Act, which would make it a statutory right for patients to access assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization or IVF, continue treatments and retain authority over how sperm or egg cells are used during such treatments. “It will be in federal code that you have this right,” said Duckworth, who has been outspoken about her own experience using IVF to grow her family. IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology in which eggs are fertilized by sperm cells in a lab and the resulting embryos transferred into a person’s uterus in hopes of leading to pregnancy. The new bill could supersede states’

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today met with Judge Carlton Reeves, Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, to discuss policy priorities for the upcoming sentencing guideline amendment cycle. During their meeting, Durbin encouraged the Commission to consider an amendment to the Guidelines Manual that would prohibit the use of acquitted conduct in applying sentencing guidelines. This potential amendment would align with Durbin’s bipartisan Prohibiting Punishment for Acquitted Conduct Act , which would preclude any federal court from considering acquitted conduct at sentencing, except for the purposes of mitigation. Durbin and Judge Reeves also discussed reframing provisions used for sentencing youth, including by strengthening the existing downward departure at sentencing on the basis of an individual’s age at the time of the offense. “The U.S. Sentencing Commission is tasked with the

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GRANITE CITY – The Granite City Police Department has something to express pride about today as it announces a remarkable 15-percent decrease in overall crime rates. Granite City Chief of Police Nick Novacich said this positive trend is a testament to the dedicated efforts of law enforcement officers and collaborative initiatives within the community. The latest statistics reveal a substantial decline in various categories of criminal activity, reflecting the commitment of the police force to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. Specifically, crimes such as Burglary are down over 27%, Larceny and other theft-related offenses are down over 23%, and Drug/Narcotic violations saw a decline of over 23% this past year. During this same time frame, arrests for Weapons Violations and Animal Cruelty have increased, which is a direct correlation to the commitment of this department to reduce violent crimes and crimes against animals. The concerted efforts of officers, communit

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GODFREY - Phase 1 of the F.E. Widman bike/pedestrian trail project in Godfrey is officially moving forward after the Village Board at their meeting this week unanimously approved advertising the project for bids. Juneau Associates Inc., the village’s project consultant, has finally received formal direction on tree removal/mitigation for the project after waiting for a Natural Resources Review for nearly three years, according to a memorandum from the Village Engineering Department. Now, the next step is for the village to seek bids for the project. The estimated construction cost for the F.E. Widman Trail Project is approximately $1.3 Million. Approximately 46% of the construction costs will be reimbursed by various grants, saving the village $600,000 and lowering the final cost to the village to $700,000. According to the village’s invitation for bids , “the scope of work for this project involves construction of a bike trail on a new alignment including

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