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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling on the Biden Administration to prioritize discharging student loans of borrowers who attended predatory for-profit colleges. In his remarks, Durbin underscored that the current administration must move to protect students as the Trump Administration has a proven record of disregarding students’ borrower defense claims. Durbin also emphasized the dangers of for-profit colleges, which historically saddle students with crushing debt while offering either no degree or a near worthless degree. “Predatory, higher-education schools deceiving and swindling students and burying them in mountains of debt… They are called for-profit , and they enroll eight percent of all American college students… They account for 30 percent of all federal student loan defaults,” Durbin began his remarks. Durbin then shared the story of two Illinois constituents

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EDWARDSVILLE – Illinois high schools are invited to register for the free Illinois Invent2Prevent(I2P) school safety and prevention program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), running from January to May 2025. The I2P program is managed by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and EdVenture Partners, in partnership with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS). The I2P program empowers students to take an active role in creating safer school environments. This initiative challenges high school students to design and implement peer-developed projects, tools, and strategies aimed at preventing targeted violence and hate within their schools and communities, using approaches that they believe will be most effective. Students will receive mentorship and guidance throughout the project period, culminating in a competition and summit at SIUE, where each participating high school will receive a $1,000

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CARLINVILLE - Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024 at 20733 North Broad, inside the ImpactLife Donor Bus. What: Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics Community Blood Drive When: Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, 20733 North Broad, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Vicki Walker at (217) 854-3141 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60352 to locate the drive. You may also contact ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 to schedule. Appointments are requested. 2801 South 10th Street | Springfield, Illinois | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions

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ALTON - Mr. Darnell Tingle, executive director of United Congregations of Metro East (UCME,) will speak about the role of community organizing in Climate Change and Environmental Justice on Dec. 10, 2024. He has an undergraduate degree in Ethics, History and Policy and M.A. in Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA. Mr. Tingle has organized, directed and consulted for unions such as Denver Classroom Teachers Association, Denver CO and Unite Here, a part of Services Employees International Union. Mr. Tingle will be able to bring his experiences to bear here in this area regarding next steps in organizing for Environmental Justice and update the community on the shared issues of Piasa Palisades Group and UCM relative to Environmental Justice in this area. The program will be held at Old Bakery Beer Co., 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, IL, to begin at 6:30 p.m on Dec. 10, 2024. Come early and place an order for some craft beer and delicious food. If you have questions,

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WOOD RIVER - A federally funded project to build a detention pond near 9th Street in Wood River is making progress after City Council members gave Madison County authority to complete certain steps on their behalf. City Council members on Tuesday unanimously approved an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Wood River and Madison County for environmental review services related to the 9th Street Detention Pond Project. According to the agreement, the city has received federal grant funding for the project, and is responsible for all associated environmental review, decision-making, and action. The city has requested that Madison County act as the “Responsible Entity” to handle these obligations on their behalf. Madison County was reportedly selected “due to its prior experience navigating the environmental review portion of a similar project's process and as a means of expediting the Project for City.” A full recording of the Dec. 2, 2024

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GRAFTON - Cindy Lou Who’s question, “Where are you, Christmas?” was answered with enthusiasm by Grafton on Friday evening, Nov. 29, 2024, at its annual tree lighting in The Grove Memorial Park. The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in this small river town with its decorated and lighted park, hometown friendliness and the brightly lit tree that now sparkles for travelers along its river and highway. Led by Santa and Mrs. Claus, visitors enjoyed hot chocolate and s’mores provided by Mary Jo and Justin Cote’s team from the Grafton Pub. Fire pits toasted marshmallows and warmed fingers and toes, adding to the jolly camaraderie of families, friends and neighbors as Christmas songs and carols by Nicki Brooks filled the air. Candy canes, Santa hats, sleigh bell necklaces and a photo opp with Santa and Mrs. Claus created first Christmas 2024 memories for smallest to tallest. New to the event this year, four Wal Mart gift cards were given away—an early

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CHICAGO – Ahead of Giving Tuesday, Attorney General Kwame Raoul cautioned potential donors today to make wise giving decisions this holiday season. Under Illinois law, fundraisers and charitable organizations are required to register each year with the Attorney General’s office. “I encourage potential donors to review my Charitable Trust Bureau’s tips before making donations for Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season,” Raoul said. “I will continue to offer resources to Illinois residents who give charitable donations to ensure their generous donations are used for the intended purpose.” Attorney General Raoul recommended donors consider the following tips before making charitable donations: Don’t assume that charity recommendations on social media are legitimate and have already been scrutinized. Research the charity yourself. Ask how much of your donation will go to the charity and how much will be used to pay fundraisin

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The 2024 election delivered a powerful message to the D.C. swamp: the voters were fed up with leaders who ignored their struggles. They handed President Trump and Republican majorities in both houses of Congress a mandate for change. From factory floors and family farms to Main Streets and mom-and-pop shops, working Americans rejected the status quo that had long ago left them behind. Even traditionally Democrat-leaning states like New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California saw significant shifts toward President Trump, highlighting the growing disconnect between D.C. Democrats and the rest of the country. We should be focusing on illegal immigration and kitchen table issues, like jobs, rising grocery prices, the cost of energy, and fixing supply chain disruptions that lead to empty store shelves. These are the things that matter to working families in Southern Illinois and across America. Now that the contentious November election is over, it’s time to roll up our sleeve

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that he intends to nominate Kash Patel to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): “We already have a FBI Director, Christopher Wray, and his term does not expire until 2027. President-elect Trump knows this, because he nominated Director Wray in 2017 after he fired the previous Director, James Comey, another lifelong Republican who failed Trump’s loyalty test. President Biden kept Director Wray in office because the FBI is supposed to be insulated from partisanship. Now, the President-elect wants to replace his own appointee with an unqualified loyalist. The Senate should reject this unprecedented effort to weaponize the FBI for the campaign of retribution that Donald Trump has promised.” Trump made an announcement about Patel’s appointment

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GENESEO - The Illinois State Police (ISP) Blackhawk Area Task Force (BATF) arrested 27-year-old Vanshpreet Singh from Ontario, Canada, and 36-year-old Manpreet Singh from Ontario, Canada, for Possession of Cocaine (Class X Felony), Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine (Class X Felony), and Cocaine Trafficking (Class X Felony). ? ? On November 29, 2024 at approximately 2:10 p.m., an ISP trooper conducted a commercial motor vehicle inspection on a Volvo truck-tractor semi-trailer combination on Interstate 80 eastbound in Henry County. During the commercial motor vehicle inspection, the trooper observed numerous indicators of criminal activity. A subsequent search revealed suspected cocaine. The total approximate weight of the cocaine located was 1,146 pounds and has an approximate street value of more than $40 million dollars. “ISP’s coordinated focus on trafficking is helping keep dangerous drugs out of our communities,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “From

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EDWARDSVILLE - Over 300 students from 20 local school districts recently gathered at SIUE for the 2024 Future Teachers Conference. On Nov. 15, 2024, high school students who want to work in education could learn from local teachers and speakers. SIUE’s School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) hosted the day-long conference, which highlighted SIUE’s teaching pathways. “There is a teacher shortage,” said Angie White, Director of Field Placements with SEHHB. “It’s very important that we try to get more and more teachers into the pipeline. By offering this conference to all the school districts — and it’s free of charge — we hope to inspire and keep them motivated to go into a teaching profession.” Tron Young, a three-time SIUE alum and assistant superintendent at Alton Community Unit School District #11, served as the keynote speaker. Other speakers included 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year Dr. Rachael

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a busy week ahead, starting with the Local Author Book Fair on Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, community members are invited to Hayner’s Alton Square Mall location for the book fair, where they can meet 25 local authors. Mary Cordes, Hayner’s executive director, noted that it will be a fun day for local writers and readers to connect. “We encourage people to come out, buy some books, and then head inside the library and take a look at all the services that we have,” she said. “People can come out and take a look at us and buy local. Buy local. Support your local writers.” There will be a variety of genres available at the fair, from romance to sci-fi to children’s books. Cordes noted that it’s a great opportunity to do some holiday shopping. Shoppers can get their books autographed by the authors and then wrapped at the Community Service League’s

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O'FALLON - CrimeStoppers has drastically increased the reward for tips that result in an arrest about the recent shooting of a beloved area teen. Colin Brown, a 16-year-old, was fatally shot around 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 23, 2024, while traveling south on Highway 1-55 with his father. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, as authorities have not identified the shooter or the location from which the bullet was fired. To aid in the investigation, the CrimeStoppers Tip Hotline is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for tips that result in a felony arrest related to this homicide. Friends, family, and anonymous donors have contributed to increase this reward. Local police are seeking assistance from the public to gather information that may lead to the apprehension of those responsible for Brown's death. Investigators emphasize that no detail is too minor and encourage anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. "Any information that could help piece together

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ALTON – Marquette Catholic High School will host its annual dinner and Christmas show, Jingle Bell Jukebox, on Saturday, December 7. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with hors d’voeuvres and beverages available, the buffet style dinner will be at 5:30, and the show begins at 6:15 on the Ruth Klaus Stage. According to Principal, Mr. Timothy Harmon, the third annual Christmas-themed program is a celebration of the school’s Catholic identity as well as a festive display of student talent. He said, “This is one of my favorite events of the year. It’s so much fun seeing the students act in a Christmas themed series of skits, singing Christmas songs, and creating that wonderful feeling of seasonal joy. They do a tremendous job and look like they have so much fun as well. I especially enjoyed having my eight-year-old daughter at the show last year. Seeing her enjoy the show and taking in the seasonal joy was a highlight of the season for me.” Ms. Madison

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MADISON COUNTY The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has announced the addition of Deputy Jacob Propes to its Patrol Division, a transition from his previous role in the Corrections Division. This announcement was made recently, highlighting the department's commitment to expanding its law enforcement capabilities. Deputy Propes is set to attend the Police Academy in the near future, which is a necessary step for his new responsibilities in the Patrol Division. The Sheriff’s Office expressed optimism about his contributions to the team, stating, “We look forward to what he will contribute to our office and wish him a safe career.” This move underscores the Sheriff’s Office's ongoing efforts to enhance its personnel and provide comprehensive training for deputies in order to better serve the community.

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District #9 Special Education Program was selected as a recipient of the Books-A-Million Book Drive. The objective of the book drive is to provide schools with much-needed donations from customers and to raise awareness for the sponsored school. Books-A-Million General Manager Trisha Rodamen shared the AWESOME news that the Edwardsville store and their customers donated $10,447 worth of new books to GCSD9 Special Education. Special Education Teachers have been stopping by the Board Office to select books for use in their classes. Thanks to Edwardsville manager Taylor Nichols and staff for the continued support of GCSD9. For more information on Books-A-Million, please visit: https://www.booksamillion.com . TO READ ONLINE: https://www.gcsd9.net/default-board-post-page/~board/gcsd9/post/books-a-million-donates-to-gcsd9-special-education-program

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, announced that lane restrictions will be encountered on westbound I-270 over the Mississippi River the following morning. This is an update: On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the right lane will be closed, and traffic will be reduced to one lane between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., weather permitting. This is to allow IDOT crews to complete inspections scheduled for this structure. All entrance and exit ramps will remain open.

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DU QUOIN – Today Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 7 officers with the assistance of the Du Quoin Police Department arrested 23-year-old Dylan S. Weeks of Du Quoin, IL, for 3 counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Class 2 Felony) and 3 counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Class 4 Felony). The arrest stems from a fatal crash that occurred in Perry County in March of this year. On March 17, 2024, ISP agents, with the assistance of the Du Quoin Police Department and the Perry County Coroner’s Office, investigated a two-vehicle fatal traffic crash on US Route 51, south of Gasplant Road. The driver of Unit 1, Weeks, struck Unit 2 head-on at a high rate of speed. The juvenile passenger in Unit 1 was pronounced deceased on scene. On November 27, 2024, a warrant was issued by a Perry County judge for Weeks’ arrest. Weeks was taken into custody at his residence by ISP Zone 7 and Troop

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GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois alum KayLee Melton from Wood River, Illinois recently attended the Juliette Low Seminar (JLS) at the Sangam World Centre in Pune, India. She was one of only two Americans chosen to participate in the 2024 JLS at Sangam, which included selection criteria of being “willing to undertake new and challenging experiences” as well as a being a “mature and responsible global citizen.” KayLee’s achievements include being a Gold Award Girl Scout, Director of GSofSI Summer Camp, and a college student who is studying to become a teacher and still finds time to lead a Girl Scout troop. The JLS started in April 2024 with virtual events, and participants committed to three months of e-learning courses. Next, in-person conferences in three locations ran from Sept. 29 to Oct 4, 2024. The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts describes the seminar as, “a leadership development programme for Girl

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ST. LOUIS - Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal vehicle crash in St. Louis County as 71-year-old Max Ketchum, who resided on the 2900 block of Caspian Lane in St. Louis. The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at the intersection of South Lindbergh Boulevard and Interstate 55. St. Louis County Police officers from the Affton Southwest Precinct responded to the scene after receiving a call about the crash. Upon arrival, they found Ketchum trapped inside his vehicle. Preliminary investigations indicate that he was traveling in the eastbound lanes of Lindbergh Boulevard when his vehicle veered off the road and collided with a concrete light pole, causing the vehicle to roll over. Ketchum was extricated from the vehicle and transported to a nearby hospital for lifesaving treatment. Unfortunately, he was later pronounced deceased. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities have stated that additional information wil

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