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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a $350 million national settlement with Publicis Health to resolve investigations into the global marketing and communications firm’s role in the prescription opioid epidemic. If approved by the court, Illinois will receive $11.4 million under the settlement to help address the continuing opioid crisis. “I am proud of the work that has resulted in this settlement with Publicis Health, which builds upon the important progress we have made in our continued efforts to hold companies accountable for contributing to the opioid epidemic,” Raoul said. “I am committed to ensuring settlement resources are equitably distributed throughout the state to help fund services that help mitigate the ongoing opioid crisis.” Today’s settlement details how Publicis’ work contributed to the opioid crisis by helping Purdue Pharma and other opioid manufacturers market and sell opioids. Court documents detail

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WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Shell of the Month” program at Roxana High School. Students from each grade level are selected each month by members of RHS 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 “Shell of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. January Shell of the Month winners are: Senior- Aidan Briggs & Aubrey Wiegand Junior- Maurice Sparks & Audrey Springman Sophomore- Trenton Hollaway & Alexis McMillian Freshman- Emiliano Sanchez & Elizabeth Clouse. Congratulations to all the recipients Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community for over 89 years. To find out more information about Midwest Members Credit Union and what they are doing in your community, please visit www.midmembers.org

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), today reintroduced the Proprietary Education Oversight Task Force Act, legislation that will establish an interagency committee tasked with improving coordination of federal oversight of for-profit colleges to ensure that students are not scammed out of an education and into a mountain of debt. The bill would require the committee to publish an annual report, detailing enforcement actions taken against for-profit colleges across federal agencies. It also would require the committee to publish a For-Profit College Warning List for potential students to help them make informed decisions about their options for post-secondary education. “Predatory for-profit colleges rake in billions in federal student aid rather than to provide a quality education to students, who are often drowning in debt with

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Earning a spot on Drury University's Dean's List is a significant accomplishment. The recognition means a student earned a grade point average of 3.6 or greater (on a 4-point scale) while carrying a full-time course load of 12 or more semester hours at Drury, a top Midwestern university, according to US News & World Report and The Princeton Review. In the fall semester, the following student(s) made the day school Dean's list: HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, HIGH SCHOOL East Alton, IL Hannah Ritter, Metro East Lutheran HS Edwardsville, IL Max Conrey, Edwardsville Senior HS Tyler Frolik, Edwardsville Senior HS Godfrey, IL Wes Laaker, Alton High School Established in 1873, Drury University stands as the first higher education institution in Springfield, MO. A private, church-related institution, Drury exemplifies a strong spirit of community passionate about student success. Noteworthy is Drury's innovative academic approach, known as Drury Fusion,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville firefighter/paramedic Chris Hartsoe is recognized today as a Difference Maker in his community. Hartsoe is in his fourth year of service with the Edwardsville Fire Department, having been appointed in 2020. Hartsoe came to Edwardsville with experience in the fire service and emergency medical services. He had previously worked as a firefighter/paramedic in Maryville, where he had also been a paid-on-call firefighter. He had also worked EMS at Christian Hospital, Highland EMS, Troy EMS and Staunton EMS. The firefighter/paramedic said he was raised in Collinsville, where he grew up around the fire service. "I’m really happy to serve the Edwardsville community, where I live," Hartsoe said. "I’m also honored to work alongside some of the best in the fire service and to learn from them.” Chris has been married to his wife, Morgan, for five years and they have three children.

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today launched its annual Black History Month campaign, designed to honor and uplift the contributions of Black Illinoisans, business owners and leaders. As part of the month-long celebration, DCEO launched a webpage featuring events and resources, including resources to support Black-owned businesses, a social media toolkit, proclamation and more. The 2024 theme, Knowing the Past Opens Doors for the Future , pays homage to Illinois’ rich Black history and celebrates the economic contributions of Black Illinoisans. “Black-owned businesses are vital to Illinois' economy and building generational wealth,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “When you support Black businesses and entrepreneurs, you help local communities thrive.” “Black-owned businesses are the backbone of so many Illinois communities, contributing both economically and culturally to

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department responded to multiple reports that a person had been shot while at a residence in the 900 block of Highland Avenue in Alton on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. The initial reports came in to Alton Police at 2:55 p.m. on Saturday. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said officers immediately responded to the scene and located a 13-year-old female who had been shot. "Life-saving measures were performed and the Alton Fire Department subsequently transported the victim to a local hospital," Chief Ford said. "The victim was later flown to a St. Louis area hospital. She remains in critical condition." Alton Police Officers were assisted in securing the scene and other areas by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, and other area police agencies. Detectives with the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division are investigating and following up on all available leads. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked

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EDWARDSVILLE – An initiative from the City’s Tourism Advisory Committee aims to make it easier than ever to find your fun in Edwardsville - whether you’re online planning an outing or already on the go. “Destination Edwardsville” highlights 17 existing local attractions, sharing information about those via a QR code that you scan with your cellphone. The project is being rolled out now; Destination Edwardsville yard signs are in place at various locations in the City. A QR code on each sign directs you to a Destination Edwardsville page on the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau website. All 17 attractions are featured there, offering a helping hand in planning outings in Edwardsville. “Our QR code project consolidates in one location many of the terrific tourist destinations in Edwardsville,” said Rich Walker, a member of the City’s Tourism Advisory Committee. “This is a fun way to make sure you know about all of the places

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GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon’s Olive Garden is set to open on Feb. 26, 2024. Located at 6651 Governors Parkway, Olive Garden is a family-friendly Italian restaurant. A representative from the Village of Glen Carbon said the restaurant plans to train staff in the coming weeks. Community members have been excited for the new business to open. The restaurant has been under construction for several months. In June 2023, the company announced that the restaurant would open in October 2023. But a storm in late June knocked over a main exterior wall, which pushed back the construction timeline as workers rebuilt the structure. Glen Carbon Mayor Bob Marcus said there has been "a tremendous response" from the community about Olive Garden coming to Orchard Town Center. "Olive Garden will officially open Feb. 26," he confirmed. "Olive Garden will make a wonderful addition to the restaurant choices in Glen Carbon." Olive Garden will join several other businesses in the new Orchard

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ALTON - A 19-year-old man from Alton has recently been charged with two felonies including vehicular invasion and robbery, according to recently filed Madison County Court documents. Ashton M. Britt-Dwyer, 19, of Alton, was charged with vehicular invasion and robbery on Jan. 27, 2024. According to court documents, Britt-Dwyer allegedly entered into the interior of a Ford Fusion “by force” while the vehicle was occupied, “with the intent to commit a theft or felony.” He was additionally charged with robbery after taking a wallet and work bag from the same victim by use of force. A petition to deny his pretrial release describes a physical altercation between Britt-Dwyer and the victim, who he allegedly attempted to pull out of their car before stealing their property and later admitting the crime to his mother. “Defendant was identified as the suspect who approached the victim in her motor vehicle and reached through the window, attempting to grab

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GRANITE CITY - A man from Granite City was recently charged with committing armed robbery at the Lam's Garden restaurant in Granite City, as well as illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to recently filed Madison County court documents. Cordarell D. Rogers, 32, of Granite City, was charged with one count of armed robbery and one count of unlawful possession of weapons by a felon. Court documents state that on Jan. 27, 2024, Rogers allegedly stole an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency from a victim “by threatening the imminent use of force, while he carried on or about his person or was otherwise armed with a firearm.” A petition to deny Rogers’ pretrial release describes the armed robbery as follows: “Defendant was identified as the suspect who entered the Lam's Garden restaurant and robbed the clerk of U.S. currency at gunpoint. The defendant was identified by surveillance video of him fleeing in a nearby vehicle. He was arrested

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SPRINGFIELD — The Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) is proud to introduce its new online training academy, now available to State personnel with Illinois.gov email credentials. This overarching resource will offer an array of courses designed to enhance knowledge and promote equity and inclusion within the State's procurement landscape. The inaugural training, titled "CEI's Role in Procurement: A Comprehensive Review," will be hosted on OneNet and is anticipated to revolutionize how State employees engage with essential procurement concepts. By accessing the training here , participants can embark on a journey through the critical facets of CEI's mission, core guiding principles, and responsibilities. This immersive course delves into relevant statutes, provides historical context, and explores CEI's pivotal role in the state's procurement evolution. The training doesn't stop there – it clarifies the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and Veterans Business Program

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HARDIN - A Hardin man has been arrested on a variety of charges after an ongoing methamphetamine and theft investigation. At 7 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2024, law enforcement officials from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Pike County Sheriff's Department and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence on the 500 block of French St., Hardin, Calhoun County. Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Zach Hardin said after the execution of said search warrant; stolen property, firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine and methamphetamine-related drug paraphernalia were located and seized. Jason W. Williams, age 37, of Hardin, was arrested on the following charges: Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine (15-100 Grams), Unlawful Possession of Firearm By Felon (Two Counts), Unlawful Possession of Firearm Ammunition By Felon, Unlawful Possession of Dangerous Weapon By Felon (Two Counts) Unlawful Possession of Dru

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CHICAGO – An Illinois Lottery player hit the jackpot and has become a multi-millionaire overnight. The lucky player won $10.4 million in last night’s Lotto drawing. The winning ticket was purchased at a Shell gas station, located at 2301 West Touhy Ave. in Park Ridge for the February 1, 2024 drawing. “I am so excited for the winner!” exclaimed Mohammed Menoor, owner of the Shell in Park Ridge. “This morning, I told each customer, ‘Someone won big, check your tickets.’ Sure enough, someone came forward, and you should have seen their face – they were clearly shocked.” The lucky player purchased the winning ticket matching all six numbers in Thursday’s Lotto drawing to score the $10.4 million jackpot prize. The winning numbers were: 12-23-36-39-41-48. For selling the winning ticket, the Shell gas station in Park Ridge will receive a bonus of $104,000, which is one percent of the prize amount. When asked what he plans t

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ALTON - It was a hairy Friday at Marquette Catholic High School as students, faculty and staff shaved their heads for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. On Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, the MCHS student body gathered in the gym to watch as students and staff had their heads shaved by Anderson’s Classic Barber Shop. Participants raised money for St. Baldrick’s, an organization that funds childhood cancer research. They then shaved their heads in support of childhood cancer survivors. “The trophy or whatever you call it isn’t important. The important thing is to help the kids. That’s the important thing,” said MCHS teacher Suzanne Phelps. “It’s worth it. Hair grows back. It’s insignificant.” Phelps was applauded for raising the most money, bringing in a little over $2,600. Other participants raised anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. Everyone had different reasons for participating, but their goal —

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater is preparing for the final installment of their Extra Extra Entertainment Series with the “ Best Of The Best Country Love ” performance being held on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. in the Dorothy Colonius Foyer at ALT. Shortly following is their first regular-season show, "The Four Poster," running from mid-to-late February. The Best of the Best Country Love will feature “a wonderful collaboration from a dozen of the best voices in the area and some wonderful storytelling behind the favorite country hits,” according to ALT. Tickets are still available for $25 each and can be purchased from the ALT website . ALT Executive Director Lee Cox said on the latest Theater Thursday segment on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com that the event will see performers compete for a $500 grand prize, with the winner decided by the audience. “They’re all very different, and they al

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is celebrating National Wear Red Day on February 2 and Heart Health Month throughout February by encouraging Illinoisans to get educated about cardiovascular disease and to take action to start living a heart-healthy lifestyle. IDPH is Going Red in February and urging all Illinoisans to take advantage of programs that focus on cardiac health, including the Department’s Illinois WISEWOMAN (Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation) Program. National Wear Red Day was conceived in 2004 by the American Heart Association to raise awareness that cardiovascular disease was killing far too many women and yet not getting the attention it deserved. The annual observance was added at the beginning of Heart Health Month to empower women to take charge of their cardiovascular health. “With heart disease remaining the number one killer both nationally and in Illinois, Heart Health

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ALTON - Alton City Hall will host a Black History Exhibit starting Feb. 5 and running through Feb. 29, 2024. First Lady Sheila Goins organized the exhibit with the help of local historians. She said she hopes the display will educate people about the prominence of Black history in Alton. “The importance in displaying this is really to help the community to understand that it was Black history that was very instrumental in the vibrance of this city,” Goins said. “And there may not have been a lot of Blacks that receive credit for it, but just the very infrastructure of this community was Black people. It’s just a beautiful thing.” Goins said the display’s history begins in the early 1900s and stretches to the present day. Visitors will learn about some of the Black leaders and community members who helped build Alton. Charlotte Johnson, a well-known historian and genealogist, worked closely with Goins to put together the exhibit. She used

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ALTON - Mark Taylor is known around the Riverbend as a kindhearted, giving person who goes above and beyond to help other people. Now, the community has a chance to help him. From 5–11 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, you can support Taylor at a benefit in his honor at the Alton Owl’s Club. Located at 227 Blair Avenue in Alton, the Owl’s Club will host the event to raise money for Taylor after a bad car accident in November. Attendees can enjoy unlimited draft beers, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction and music by The Stubblefield Band and The Outlaw Opry. All proceeds go to Taylor. “We want to be able to help him, of course, and we want people to show up for him,” said DeAnna Nasello, Taylor’s sister. “We want him to see how many people care, how many people love him, how many people are there supporting him through this incredibly long, terrible journey that he’s had.” Taylor was in a car accident in November that broke

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JERSEY - A school bus collided head-on with a tree on Illinois Route 16 between Cherry Lane and Rangeline in Jersey County on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. The bus was not occupied by any students. The driver was airlifted out as a precautionary measure with an apparent broken ankle. Jersey County Sheriff Nicholas Manns said the female driver was conscious and alert when she was flown out and there were no kids on the school bus. Manns said the road was blocked in that area for about 45 minutes while the woman was transported from that scene. “The bus is likely totaled,” Manns said. “The entire front end of the bus was destroyed. Thankfully no one was on it at the time.” Sheriff Manns thanked the Jerseyville Fire Department, the Jersey Community Hospital Ambulance, the Survival Flight and Jersey Community School District 100 for assisting the Jersey County Sheriff's Office in the crash response.

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