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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced his office will host two virtual Technology Procurement Summits within the next month to raise awareness and share information about future opportunities as the office continues its technological transformation. Since taking office a year ago, Giannoulias has made modernization a top priority, laying out a clear vision for overhauling the Secretary of State’s archaic technology systems with the goal of making the office more customer-centric while providing a more efficient, secure technology solution for the State of Illinois. As part of this effort, Giannoulias is seeking vendors and partners to provide technological solutions and assist with the implementation of various technological projects. “We’ve been working hard developing the roadmap to modernize our technology, data, cybersecurity and digital user experience,” Giannoulias said. “Now, we can begin showcasing opportunities

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Normal, Illinois, Mayor Chris Koos to serve on the Amtrak Board of Directors: “Mayor Koos has a long history as a powerful, positive voice in Illinois’ transportation sector. He understands the importance of passenger rail to communities in Illinois, the Midwest, and nationwide. His nomination, which we strongly recommended to President Biden, was well deserved. We voted for his confirmation today with the confidence that he will grow and protect Amtrak’s national network. “We’d also like to commend former Mayor Tom Carper of Macomb, Illinois, for his service on the Amtrak Board of Directors since 2008, including as its Chairman from 2009 to 2013. During his tenure, Mayor Carper ensured that Amtrak was valued as a national passenger rail system that offered valuable connections an

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with leaders and members from United Auto Workers Region 4 following the historic wins UAW secured in their new contracts with the “Big 3” automakers last year—wins that included 25% wage increases, cost-of-living adjustments, $5,000 ratification bonuses and other benefits for workers. Duckworth and the members also discussed the importance of protecting dislocated workers and communities and ensuring they are positioned to benefit from emerging technology as the automotive industry moves away from fossil fuel use. A photo from today’s meeting is available on the Senator’s website . “Last year’s historic agreement showed just how powerful workers can be when they come together and collectively bargain for better wages and benefits, while also proving there’s a roadmap for labor and industry to work together to help modern businesses compete, grow profits and succeed.”

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WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on his colleagues to reach a deal on immigration reform to restore order at the southern border while also enforcing these laws in a humane and fair way. During his remarks, Durbin slammed Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) for his continued inhumane practice when migrants reach the Texas border. Durbin said, “We must restore order at our southern border and enforce our immigration laws in a fair and humane way—that’s why the Senate has been engaged in bipartisan talks on a path forward for weeks. The Republican Governor of Texas takes a different view. He has implemented cruel and ineffective immigration policies that sow chaos, risk lives, and prevent federal border officials from doing their jobs.” Durbin cited various ways the Texas Governor has created chaos around this crisis. Through his Operation Lonestar,

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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 upcoming/current road closures – Jan. 23, 2024 Elm Street is closing to traffic, near the intersection of Hardy Street, on the morning of Wednesday, January 24th, 2024. Please avoid this area and utilize Mather Street to the south E. Delmar Ave to the north for any east-west travel in this area. The work will progress easterly down Elm Street to the intersection of Kohler Street. Safety: These closures are necessary for investments to the wastewater system to be completed in a safe manner. At Illinois American Water our team and our contractors work as quickly as possible to minimize inconvenience to our customers. We do our best to minimize the length of construction, but our #1 priority is safety. At times, road and sidewalk closures may be extended to support our commitment to safety. Contact: Customers should call 800-422-278

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SPRINGFIELD - In a push to ensure that Illinoisans eat safer, healthier food, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) and State Representative Anne Stava-Murray (D-Downers Grove) have initiated legislation to ban harmful chemicals in candy, soda and other ultra-processed, packaged foods sold here. The Illinois Food Safety Act – or Senate Bill 2637 – calls for prohibiting the use of brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, Red Dye No. 3 and titanium dioxide – all of which have been linked to serious health problems, including hyperactivity, nervous system damage, reproductive issues, hormonal damage and increased risk of cancer. Because of health concerns, the use of these chemicals in food items is already prohibited in the European Union and several other countries. Last fall, California enacted a law that banned four of the five additives, which takes effect in 2027, and New York is considering similar legislation

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ALTON - From Bluey to Blippi to Mickey Mouse, “We Like to PARTY” has a variety of characters who can make your party even more fun. After Whitney Bilan struggled to find a Peppa Pig costume to celebrate her daughter’s birthday, she decided she would start her own company to provide characters for parties, home visits and other events in the Riverbend area. A few months later, Bilan’s company has grown to include several costumes and hundreds of excited kids who love to hang out with their favorite characters. “It’s just very fulfilling to know that these kids are so excited,” Bilan said. “I want to do something that I enjoy. This is something that I’ve put my heart into. I know how much kids enjoy seeing a character and making them smile. It’s just great.” Bilan’s best friend, nieces and 16-year-old daughter are usually the people in the costumes. She said the business has been a fun way to bring joy

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HARDIN - A Fieldon woman - Loren K. Dale - faces multiple charges after a traffic stop in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Sheriff's report reads as follows: On January 5, 2024, at approximately 9:05 p.m., deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office observed a silver 1999 GMC strike the side of the Joe Page Bridge, and continue eastbound towards Greene County. Calhoun County Deputy Sheriff Austin Phillips and Sergeant Zach Hardin immediately began an attempt to stop the fleeing vehicle, which continued eastbound across the Bridge. "After continuing eastbound, the vehicle turned north onto Sand Ridge Road and finally pulled over." Dale, 54, was arrested for the following offenses: Aggravated Driving Under the Influence (Four or More Previous), Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Fleeing / Attempt to Elude a Peace Officer, Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Dale was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. As is now required under

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A district judge sentenced a semitrailer driver to 12 years in federal prison after he admitted to hauling nearly 40 kilograms of heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine through Southern Illinois. Ledaniel Russell, 50, of Fort Worth, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance: heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine. “Heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine all have a dangerous history of infecting individuals and causing harm in communities due to the war on drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I commend the Illinois State Police for interrupting this drug trafficking operation and having the training to detect semitrailer drivers with illegitimate agendas.” Troopers with the Illinois State Police conducted a traffic stop on a semitrailer driven by Russell along Interstate 70 in Madison County on Sept. 15, 2022. Following a search of Russell’s trailer, troopers located two larg

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GRAFTON - Pere Marquette State Park boasts several new programs in the new year, including a special night hike event planned for Feb. 3, 2024. Lev Smolianski, Pere Marquette’s new Natural Resource Coordinator , explained that the night hike will start at 8 p.m. and run for two hours as the group takes a 2.5-mile hike through the park. “It’s just different at that time of day. It’s the same but different. So I think it really brings people out of their comfort zones,” Smolianski said. “It’s not something that people go out and get to do. When you go hiking, you go from sunrise to sunset. I think that when you go into the woods at night, it’s a completely different ballgame. I think it’s going to be a really unique experience and I think people are going to really enjoy it.” He pointed out that attendees will be able to see different wildlife, including bobcats and raccoons, as well as city lights from St. Louis

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pat McCroy, the national co-chair of No Labels and former governor of North Carolina, recently announced the organization has called for a Department of Justice investigation into threats made against members of No Labels. No Labels recently held a press conference to announce the investigation request, which McCroy explained in further detail on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . “We had the press conference to announce that we’re asking the U.S. Justice Department to investigate groups, coordinated groups that are working we think allegedly in an illegal manner to stop No Labels - and frankly, other groups - from having a chance to give voters an opportunity to have another choice on the ballot,” McCroy said. “We think this is as important as taking away someone’s right to vote … what they’re trying to do is deny access to a ballot verbally and threatening not only people associated with No Labels,

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GRANITE CITY - Joseph J. Nappier, 24, of Granite City, was charged with one count of domestic battery after attacking a household or family member with a knife on Jan. 12, 2024. Nappier has previously been convicted of violating orders of protection, according to Madison County court documents. According to a petition to deny Nappier’s pretrial release, the victim reported Nappier “became intoxicated and aggressive” before he pushed them into a wall, causing them to cut their head. A witness reported “attempting to intervene in the attack and the defendant brandishing a knife. She was cut on the hand trying to stop the defendant from attacking .” The victim in this case also told officers she was concerned Nappier “is going to kill her.” “Bethalto PD reports multiple calls to this residence for OP violations, disorderly conduct and disturbances involving the defendant,” the petition states, adding Nappier is currently on

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Chief Assessment Office is announcing that property tax-saving exemption renewal applications for the 2024 tax year are now available. Chief County Assessment Officer Denise Shores is reminding property owners to fill out their renewal forms, which include: Persons with Disabilities Standard Homestead for Veterans with Disabilities Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. If homeowners are unsure of their existing exemptions, they can check by reviewing their exemption history under the Real Estate Assessment/Tax Information Look-up. The information shows when the property owner requested the exemption, when it was first granted and the renewal date. Applications for those who need to reapply or new homeowners or first-time applicants are available on Madison County’s website at https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/chief_county_assesment_office/available_exemptions.php

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WOOD RIVER - The Alton Community Service League (ACSL) will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a wine-tasting fundraiser on Feb. 10, 2024. The proceeds will go to organizations in the community supported by ACSL. From 3–5 p.m., attendees can enjoy alcoholic and nonalcoholic wines, a Valentine’s Day gift basket raffle, a Valentine's Cart for kids raffle, a 50/50 drawing and more at the Wood River Moose #1349, located at 730 Wesley Drive in Wood River. Olive Oil Marketplace will also be onsite offering samples, and attendees can try a variety of wines throughout the evening provided by Republic National Distribution Company of Illinois. Tickets cost $20 and all of the money will go toward the ACSL grant program, which benefits local organizations and nonprofits. “The league is all about supporting the community we live in,” said member Cora Miller. “We love it. We enjoy it. We get a lot of gratification out of helping others. Our biggest effort

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JACKSONVILLE - Bethalto's Kylee Marie Golden was named to the Dean's List at Illinois College in Jacksonville. She is a 2023 Civic Memorial graduate. Candidates for the Illinois College Dean's List have to complete at least 14 graded semester hours and post a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

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EAST ST. LOUIS - A woman from East St. Louis has been charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor after allegedly threatening and spitting in the face of a Granite City Police officer, in addition to disorderly conduct, according to Madison County court documents. On Jan. 12, 2024, Henderson allegedly spat in the face of an officer for the Granite City Police Department, and also reportedly conveyed “a statement that she intended to kill and his children.” She also “caused a disturbance” at the Midwest Petroleum located at 3999 Nameoki Rd. in Granite City “by yelling … in such an unreasonable manner as to alarm or disturb another,” according to court documents. A petition to deny her pretrial release describes the incident as follows: “Officers responded to Midwest Petroleum for a disturbance. Officers contacted Defendant and placed her under arrest. Defendant on officer and repeatedly stated that she would kill officers

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that repairs on eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26. One lane will always remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College will honor Martin Luther King, Jr. during its annual MLK Commemoration event at 12:30 p.m., this Thursday, Jan. 25, in the Ahlemeyer Atrium (TR 141) on the college’s Godfrey Campus. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership toward racial justice laid down the framework for what we are still working toward today,” said L&C Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence Mya Lawrence. “He showed us how to speak up during a time when people did not hear his words. His tenacity and contributions to American history is why we continually acknowledge all that he did throughout his life. We invite everyone in the LC community to honor his legacy with us.” This free public event will honor King’s civil rights work by showcasing select signature speeches performed by Lewis and Clark students, live music by the Blancas (led by Brenda Lancaster, of the L&C Music Department), free refreshments,

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Letter To The Editor: The Madison County Board approved lifetime appointments to two individuals at its January monthly meeting. Bob McClellan for the Agricultural Areas Committee and Matt King, a sitting county board member, to the Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission. All lifetime appointments. Lifetime appointments are not only illegal, but they are a relic of nobility and the giving of titles. They are contemptible and go against every value of representative government. Should anyone be given a free pass from public oversight? The concept of lifetime appointments, outside of the US Supreme Court, has been clearly and fully eliminated throughout the nation, except in Madison County, where the law never seems to totally apply. Lastly, county board members with 2- and 4-year terms are making decisions they will not be around to answer for. Everyone should insist on these gentlemen being reappointed with a defined 2- to 4-year term. Douglas Hulme Edwardsville - Madison

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PIASA - Cason Robinson is a freshman who is already having an impact in the varsity boys' basketball ranks. Southwestern has a boisterous student fan backing and often when he scores they chant to the opponents: "He is a freshman." Anyone studying Cason on the court can see he has a love of basketball. Cason is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month. The Piasa Birds' head boys basketball coach Jason Darr believes Cason has unbelievable potential for the future and is glad to see the freshman logging so much varsity time on the court in the 2023-2024 campaign. "Cason doesn't play like a freshman," Coach Darr said. "He is super aggressive and you don't see that a lot out of kid that age. I coached all three of his brothers. There has been a Robinson in the boys' basketball program every year for close to the last 14 years. They are a good family and were all great kids and very coachable." Cason has a great eye for basketball and will likely sink man

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