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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting the 33rd "Today's Challenge, Tomorrow's Reward" conference on Feb. 21 and 22 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. Hosted by IDOT’s Office of Business and Workforce Diversity, the conference provides female- and minority-owned businesses with opportunities to make connections and develop skills to grow and succeed. “‘Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward’ can open doors that lead to new, exciting paths to grow your business and positively impact your community while helping IDOT make projects more diverse and inclusive,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Under Gov. Pritzker and the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, Illinois is seeing record levels of investment in transportation. Please join us in shaping and modernizing infrastructure for future generations.” “Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward” offers workshops

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and 24 of their Senate colleagues in expressing urgent support for the Administration’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages in tandem with the restoration of a mutual ceasefire agreement in Gaza. “Since the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, in which Hamas abducted more than 200 civilians — including babies, young children, and the elderly — the United States has played a vital leading role in efforts to secure the release of Americans and Israelis held in Gaza,” the Senators wrote. “On November 24th, an agreement brokered with your leadership by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt secured the release of 105 hostages — all women and children

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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today applauded the Biden Administration’s decision to authorize Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Palestinians present in the United States. This authorization offers temporary relief from removal for eighteen months from today for eligible foreign nationals already in the United States who are unable to return safely to their home country. There is no application required for DED, but Palestinians may apply for work authorization if desired. In November, Durbin, along with U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), led 103 of their colleagues in a letter to President Biden calling on his Administration to designate the Palestinian territories for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and/or authorize DED for Palestinians present in the United States. “Today’s welcome announcement by the Biden Administration reaffirms American

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It's a good idea to keep an eye on your heart's health. Everyone. All the time. But Ash Al-Dadah, MD , an interventional cardiologist at OSF HealthCare, estimates that more than half of the patients with advanced heart disease who come through his door also have diabetes, which puts them at greater risk for heart disease and related issues. His bottom-line advice: listen to your body. Risks, symptoms Dr. Al-Dadah says people with diabetes are at a higher risk for blocked arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Blood circulation can even be impaired down into your legs. This can impair wound healing, leading to ulcers. It can also cause pain while walking. Dr. Al-Dadah says a hallmark symptom in people with diabetes is shortness of breath when doing any activity that requires effort. Chest pain is also seen. “There’s a decline in the functional capacity,” Dr. Al-Dadah explains. “You’re doing less than what you did a few months ag

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MARYVILLE - Revolution Dispensary will celebrate its grand opening in Maryville with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. The dispensary will have a soft opening beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15. The grand opening will include Maryville Mayor Craig Short and Charles Bolden, CEO of Bolden Investments I, LLC. “It’s a great thing for the community and I’m just glad that I can be a part of it and the Maryville community,” Bolden said. “Every community has its little different nuances. So we’ll be looking at those things, those niche things that make Maryville special in its own right, and try to assist them and be a voice in the community and an advocate for those who need help or are trying to do something that benefits the whole entire community.” Bolden explained that his company applied for a dispensary license as soon as Illinois’s lottery program started in 2020. They had “one of the

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ALTON - An Alton-area resident spoke up at Wednesday’s Alton City Council meeting to voice their concerns with an ordinance passed in November of 2023 to ban camping on public property within the City of Alton . Connor Shoburn took the podium and asked city officials multiple times what their solution is to address homelessness. “Just recently due to this ordinance, a homeless person set up a camp at Rock Spring Park, as they have very few places to go,” Shoburn said. “A citizen then called the police on them, and then the cops forced the citizen to take down their tent and leave the park, as per my understanding. “This person - where do you plan them to go? They don't have a home to go to, they don't have the ability to camp anywhere, so what is the solution that Alton is going to provide for those who are homeless?” Shoburn went on to say the ordinance seems to be “punishing homeless people for something that is not under thei

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EDWARDSVILLE — On Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine and Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford announced that amended charges of first-degree murder have been filed against five defendants in the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old girl. The five defendants are: • Alvin Perry III, 19, of Alton, charged with First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery With a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Weapon by a Felon and Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons. • Raysean M. Colvin, 19, of Alton, charged with First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery With a Firearm, Unlawful Sale or Delivery of Firearms, Unlawful Possession of Weapon by a Felon and Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons. • Keith A. Sanders, 24, of Alton, charged with First-Degree Murder and Contributing to the Delinquency or Criminal Delinquency of a Minor. • Vito K. Crowder, 16, of Alton, charged with First-Degree Murder and Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons. • Dakota M. Perry,

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BREESE — On Feb. 28 and 29, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) will begin a virtual speaker series entitled “I Have a Dream…” to reflect on revealing and embodying racial healing for all people, thanks to a Healing Illinois grant. Healing Illinois is an initiative led by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Field Foundation of Illinois. Statewide, 184 recipients will receive $4.5 million in funding for community-based activities to advance racial healing. In Southern Illinois, this grant is awarded by the Southern Illinois Community Foundation. “At the heart of the HSHS Mission is Christ’s healing love for all people. We seek to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love in each encounter we have with patients, family members, colleagues, and community members,” said Angela Senander, HSHS system director of formation. “We look forward to the opportunity to be in dialogue with scholars and practitioners advocating

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The Batman comic book character has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, particularly with big-budget movie remakes. Fans – especially men – are drawn to one of the secondary characters, the mysterious Batgirl. Christian County can claim a piece of that popular role, as Taylorville native Yvonne Craig played Batgirl in the final season of the ABC television series Batman in 1967-68. It was a signature role for Craig, whose movie and television career spanned five decades. Born in Taylorville on May 16, 1937, Craig spent much of her first fourteen years in Columbus, Ohio, and trained to be a ballerina from the age of ten. As a high school student, she was accepted into the School of American Ballet, but later elected to tour with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. A dispute with that organization ended her ballet career in 1957, when she moved to Los Angeles. Craig landed two minor movie roles in 1957, including The Young Land that resulted in a contract with Columbia.

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A new lawsuit claims a caffeinated drink at Panera contributed to a man's death. Legalities aside, the issue of what people - especially young people - put in their bodies is something to be aware of, says Michael Broman, PhD, MD , an OSF HealthCare cardiologist. In fact, it’s one he thinks about daily. “My children are 8 and 10. I don’t allow them to have caffeine except under my supervision and only in very small doses,” Dr. Broman says. Caffeine basics Dr. Broman says energy drinks, when consumed properly, can provide the desired energy boost. A college student studying for a test, for example. But it’s caffeine consumption that you must be aware of. “Caffeine has clearly been linked to adverse events and toxicity when given at a high enough dose,” Dr. Broman says. The effects of caffeine will vary from person to person. Some will be more sensitive to caffeine due to genetics. Others may be able to break down caffeine more quickly,

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WOOD RIVER - The Easter Bunny stopped by to greet his friends at the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery with a special delivery of goodies they had arranged to be delivered for the South Roxana neighbor's upcoming Easter Egg Hunt which will be at the Dad’s Club at 2 p.m. on March 24. South Roxana officials say thank you to Phillips 66 for contacting the Easter Bunny and contributing to make this event possible in the community for the kids.

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EDWARDSVILLE - A man from Colorado has been charged with child pornography, armed violence and more in Madison County after being stopped by an Illinois State Police trooper during a mysterious road trip across the country which involved a juvenile female, a loaded handgun, cocaine, and more. Travis J. Penman-Keever, 39, of Aurora, Colo., was charged with one count each of child pornography, armed violence, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and possession with intent or delivery of a controlled substance. According to court documents, Penman-Keever was allegedly in possession of child pornography in the form of a photograph depicting a sexual act between an adult male and a 16-year-old female. A .40 caliber Springfield XD handgun and less than 15 grams of cocaine with baggies and a “ledger” were found in his vehicle during the traffic stop, resulting in the additional charges of armed violence, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and possession with intent or delivery

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DES MOINES, Iowa - Edwardsville High grad Brynn Miracle, Zimpleman College of Business, has been named to the Deans' and President's Lists at Drake University. To be eligible for the Deans' List, students must have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher during the Fall 2023 semester at Drake. To be eligible for the President's List, students must have earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during the Fall 2023 semester at Drake. Drake University is a midsize, private university in Des Moines, Iowa, enrolling nearly 3,000 undergraduate and more than 1,800 graduate students. Students choose from over 70 majors, minors, and concentrations and 20 graduate degrees offered through six colleges and schools. Drake students, faculty, and staff take advantage of the wealth of cultural, recreational, and business opportunities found in Iowa's capital city. In return, Drake enriches the city through its own cultural offerings, considerable economic impact, and many service-learning endeavors, which channel the talent

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EAST ALTON - Woody Peterson has seen firsthand the devastating effects of homelessness on community members, including one man who suffered severe frostbite and has undergone multiple amputations. As the leader of local charitable group The Backpack Bandits and a volunteer at his local Overnight Warming Location, Peterson is now running for East Alton Trustee. The Backpack Bandits have previously been involved in community cleanup efforts and providing NARCAN to everyone from unhoused individuals to local police departments . Peterson said they’ve had an incredible year this past year with several other charity events that have taken place throughout the East Alton-Wood River area. Unfortunately, the work Peterson does to help his community sometimes means seeing the worst case scenarios of homelessness up close and personal. He recently told the story on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com of a homeless man in the Alton and East Alton areas known as “Bear”

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ALTON - Tameter Ward has her fourth annual Black Honors Awards event scheduled for 7 p.m., Feb. 23, 2024, at Deliverance Temple Church Of Christ. Jay'lon Harrison, Bradley Macon, Taylor McCrady, Lailah Price, Demyia Kelly, and Morgan Robinson are the award recipients for the Black Honors Awards commemoration. This year, Ward plans to shed light on the youth. "It brings me great joy to put a smile on someone's face," she said. Ward is a gifted and talented woman who wears many hats. She says she has always had the heart to help and give back to others. "I plan to keep this event going each year during Black History Month for as long as I can," she said. "I am a member of my father's church Living Word Church, with Bishop Jessie Prather and first lady Barbara Prather the pastor. "Again, the Black Honors Awards will be Friday night February 23, 2024, at Deliverance Temple Church of God in Christ at 1125 East Sixth Street Alton. Gregory Harrison is the pastor." Ward said the Black

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EDWARDSVILLE – Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church is proud to announce its Black History Month program, entitled “Honoring Heroes: Recognizing Our Military Legacy.” This program is scheduled for Sunday, February 18, 2024, during the morning worship services at 11 a.m. In a Special Tribute, the Church will recognize active-duty military personnel and veterans for their dedicated service to the nation. The highlight of the program will be the acknowledgment of the church’s oldest living veteran, Mr. Burnest Orr, who will turn 103 on May 6, 2024. “We are honored and pleased to recognize Mr. Orr for his service to his God and Country,” expressed Paul Pitts, Chair of the Church Military Affairs Committee. Mr. Orr, a distinguished veteran, was honorably discharged from the Army Air Corps in 1946. Upon completion of his military service, he relocated to St. Louis Missouri, embarking on a remarkable 42 year-career with McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) as

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From captivating plays and insightful historical exhibitions to thrilling trivia nights and delightful live performances, the diverse range of upcoming events promises something for everyone's tastes and interests. For a comprehensive list of these engaging activities and more, be sure to visit Our Community Calendar and find the perfect event to make your days memorable. Featured Get ready for a nostalgic journey with the Alton Little Theater Presents: THE FOUR POSTER . From February 16th to 25th, the Alton Little Theater will stage a heartfelt story that chronicles the highs and lows of a 35-year marriage, all set within the room that housed their four-poster bed. Witness the laughter, tears, quarrels, and endearments of this couple's life together, and be reminded of the enduring beauty of lifelong love. Step back in time and view a piece of history with the Autographed Abraham Lincoln Letter On Display! On February 17, 2024, between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., the Hayner Genealog

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EAST ST. LOUIS – U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe released information today that a U.S. District judge sentenced two Chinese nationals to more than 12 months imprisonment for their involvement in a gift card scheme directed at Target shoppers across the Midwest, including Belleville. Hongying Wang, 53, and Guangwei Gao, 38, pleaded guilty to one felony count of using and trafficking in a counterfeit access device. The pair have been incarcerated since Jan. 21, 2023, and so have served their full prison time. In January 2023, a Target security officer observed Wang and Gao placing gift cards onto the racks in the Belleville store for customers to purchase. Upon further review, the gift cards were altered with the codes scratched off and covered by stickers to appear untouched. “The defendants placed fake gift cards onto sales racks with the intention of stealing the loaded funds once purchased by patrons,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The investigation

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EDWARDSVILLE/GLEN CARBON - On Feb. 22, 2024, the Autism Clinic at Hope invites you to “play with purpose” and enjoy ten rounds of glow-in-the-dark bingo to help fund the programs sponsored through Hope. With over $1,000 in cash prizes available and a glow hat included with every ticket, the night promises to be a fun way to help out. Jodi Ogilvy, Chief Communications and Development Officer at Hope, explained that the organization is expanding, with plans to offer more programs and clinics in the future. The fundraiser will help them to do this. “Being a nonprofit, it’s difficult to really have the funds to expand as quickly as we need to,” Ogilvy said. “But that’s where some of these fundraising events that we have come into play. It helps us to further our mission more and to meet the needs in the communities that we serve.” Located at the Moose Lodge in Edwardsville, the fundraiser invites attendees to play bingo with

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ALTON - Calling all Broadway fans. The Alton Symphony Orchestra will host a free Afternoon of Musical Pops concert on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, at Hatheway Hall on the Lewis and Clark Community College campus. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. with selections from theater favorites like “Swan Lake,” “The Sound of Music," “Hamilton,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “West Side Story” and more. The senior students from the Alton Youth Symphony will also perform, along with up-and-coming violinist Aiden Moon, the Marie Stillwell Concerto Competition Winner. Shane Williams, the maestro of the Alton Symphony Orchestra (ASO), promises a fun time for all community members who come to listen. “At the Alton Symphony, we want to make the music come alive for all, and that means everybody in the community come and enjoy and just have a great experience,” Williams said. As a performer and conductor, Williams has an impressive musical

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