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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) today introduced bipartisan legislation that would streamline the path for advanced Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) international graduates who studied at our nation’s universities to remain in the United States. Today, nearly two-thirds of U.S. graduate students in key fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor-related programs were born abroad. “America should be focused on maintaining a strong STEM workforce—to strengthen our economy and enhance our ability to compete on the world stage,” Durbin said. “By denying international students with advanced STEM degrees the opportunity to continue their work in America, we are losing their talents to countries overseas and won’t see the positive impacts of their American education. I thank Senator Rounds for joining me in this commonsense effort.” “Wher

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JERSEYVILLE - Roanna Newton, an incoming 8th grader at Jersey Community High School, attended the Illinois Summer Youth Music (ISYM) program on the campus of University of Illinois this past week. Roanna plays the trumpet and attended the band camp on a full scholarship she received last spring during her participation with the Alton Youth Symphony. During her full week at ISYM on the Urbana-Champaign campus Roanna completed an extensive music program each day that consisted of rehearsals with a full band of her peers and sectional classes with other trumpet players. During the conclusion of her camp she performed in a concert with over 70 other student musicians. Roanna began playing the trumpet in 6th grade under the direction of Waylon Schroeder at Jersey Community Middle School. In the fall of 2022 she joined the Alton Youth Symphony where she had the opportunity to audition for the ISYM camp scholarship. AYS will be auditioning students for the upcoming season starting

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ST. LOUIS - The deceased in a fatal accident in the 10200 block of Halls Ferry Road in St. Louis County has been identified as Devyn Bolden, 18 years of age, of the 1900 block of Keeven Lane in Florissant, Missouri, 63031. St. Louis County Crimes Against Persons detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal crash that occurred in the 10200 block of Halls Ferry Road that resulted in the death of an adult male. On July 13, 2023, at 10:07 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle crash in the 10200 block of Halls Ferry Road. Arriving officers located a motor vehicle involved in a crash with a motorized scooter. Preliminary investigation has revealed a Chevrolet Malibu and the motorized scooter were southbound on Halls Ferry Road when the Malibu struck the scooter. The male driver of the scooter was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and passenger of the Malibu

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ST. LOUIS – Critics are hailing Union Avenue Opera’s Twenty-Ninth Festival Season opener The Turn of the Screw as “creepy and masterful” by a company that “always delivers” and “consistently achieves artistic wonders.” Amidst the excitement the cast of UAO’s production of Don Pasquale have begun staging Donizetti’s bubbly farce that will have audiences rolling in the aisles.The production is helmed by director Jon Truitt and conductor Stephen Hargreaves who previously paired together for last summer’s critically acclaimed Falstaff and 2021’s Il barbiere di Siviglia at the Big Top. “ Don Pasquale is such an appealing and enjoyable comedy,” said Truitt. “It has loads of truly funny moments, delightful arias and small ensembles that we’d expect from Donizetti, and it’s just a joy to experience as an audience member. I think of this opera in the vein of the “screwball

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ALTON - Funky Planet Toys & Gifts will be marking two years in business with a celebration event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, July 22. Funky Planet Co-Founder Sage Macklay discussed everything attendees can expect at the event, as well as the store’s backstory, on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . Local musician, author, and illustrator Steph Plant will be there at noon for a free concert and book reading. Copies of her newest children’s book, “Slithery Snake,” and albums of children’s music will both be for sale at the event. “We’re going to have sales in the store all day, we’re going to have a pop-up shop from Apple Creek Sugar Mill - they make cotton candy with like 50 different flavors,” Macklay said, adding cotton candy will be available starting at 10 a.m. After the Steph Plant concert at noon, Macklay said they’ll be hosting “a free Kids’ Yoga Class” at

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville swimmer Madison Popelar demonstrated great potential during the summer SWISA season for Montclaire and finished with several high places in the meet that concluded the season this past Sunday in Granite City. Madison was third in the 200 free at SWISA (2:50.7), third in the 50 freestyle (32.13), third in the 200-meter medley relay with the rest of the Marlins (2:32.88), and fourth in the 50 butterfly (36.38). She is a Johnston's Law Office Female Athlete of the Month. She had a strong meet for the Marlins in the Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association opener at Summers Port Swim Club in Godfrey, taking the girls 15-18 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:29.95 and finishing second in the 50-yard freestyle, coming in at 28.79 seconds in helping the Marlins win the girls meet. In Montclaire's home opener on June 15 against the Collinsville Swim Club Gators, formerly known as Splash City Swim Club, Popelar enjoyed success in the meet. "I'm feeling great,"

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police announce June 2023 charges granted by the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office (SCCSAO) in cases investigated by ISP Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 6 Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG). There were 25 charges stemming from these cases, 23 felony and 2 misdemeanor. PSEG is a joint effort between the Illinois State Police and the East St. Louis Police Department (ESTLPD) for violent crime investigations within the city of East St. Louis (ESTL). These charges resulted from the following cases. FELONY CHARGES: On January 29, 2023, PSEG agents investigated a case involving 19-year-old Dennis Ross. Ross was taken into custody during an incident in the 1100 block of N 13 th Street in ESTL. On June 15, 2023, Ross was charged with Unlawful Use of Weapon and Possession of a Defaced Firearm. Bond for Ross was set at $35,000. On April 5, 2023, PSEG agents responded to a shots-fired call in the 1300

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville swim sensation Cohen Osborn concluded his boys summer SWISA season for Montclaire Swim Club with a dynamic performance - three firsts. Cohen was first in the 200 free (2:01.10), 100 medley (1:03.20, and 100 back (1:02.97). Cohen is entering his senior season for the Edwardsville High School boys swim team. He is the first Johnston's Law Firm in Edwardsville Male Athlete of the Month. "I'm feeling pretty good," Osborn said during an interview. "My times have been pretty decent so far this season, and I am glad we had a good year." The summer season is always more relaxed and laid-back than the winter season, where Osborn had a very successful year for the Tigers, qualifying for the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke in the IHSA state meet and also was part of the 200-yard and 400-yard freestyle relay teams that went through to the state meet. "Yeah, this is when we just kind of have fun," Osborn said about summer swim. Osborn also agreed that

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EDWARDSVILLE – For a second year, the Edwardsville Police Department and Eden Church of Edwardsville have teamed up to collect donations to help the Glen-Ed Pantry meet the ongoing need by area residents for food and household supplies. The donation drive will run through Saturday, August 5, 2023, in an effort to stock the Glen-Ed Pantry with some of its most needed items. The nonprofit organization was established more than 40 years ago and assists the communities served by the Edwardsville School District. “We’re happy to be able to support the Glen-Ed Pantry in its mission to help families in need,” Edwardsville Police Chief Michael Fillback said. To make it easy to donate, the Edwardsville Public Safety Building, 333 S. Main Street, will serve as a drop-off site for donations. Needed items can be taken to the building’s lobby between now and Saturday, August 5. Or, items can be delivered to the north parking lot of the Public Safety Building as part

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EDWARDSVILLE - Christopher England, 36, of Edwardsville, the general manager of Peel Wood Fired Pizza at 32 South State Route 157, has been charged with theft in Madison County court. The charge was filed on July 18, 2023, and reads as follows: "Count 1: Theft Over 10,000 (Class 2) in that said defendant knowingly exerted unauthorized control over property of Peel Wood Fired Pizza, being U.S. currency, having a total value in excess of $10,000, but less than $100,000, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the use of the value of the said property, in violation of 720 ILCS 5/16-1(a) (1)." Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas Haine signed the charges. Bail was set at $75,000 for England. The Edwardsville Police Department conducted the investigation in this case.

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BETHALTO - The Human Motion Institute celebrated its successful beginning during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 18. The rehabilitation center offers physical therapy services through Alton Memorial Hospital. While COVID-19 Pandemic delayed an official grand opening, Tuesday’s ceremony recognized the center’s recent expansion and outlined its plans for the future. “We’re just very thrilled and thankful to have this opportunity to serve our community here,” said Sue Walker, the manager of rehabilitation services at Alton Memorial Hospital. “They just do a fantastic job, and our value keeps growing and growing and growing through our rehab services, particularly at this location. Kudos to all of them. A great, great team.” The center, located at 155 E Bethalto Drive, is a part of Alton Memorial Hospital and BJC Healthcare. They have been working with patients since January 2020. As more patients come in, the center recently

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ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District 11 Board has appointed Christopher Ford as the new assistant principal of Alton High School. The board voted unanimously in favor of Ford’s appointment during their meeting on Tuesday, July 18. Board members David Lauschke and Vivian Monckton were absent. “I just want to say thank you to the board for this opportunity,” Ford said after the vote. “I’m excited and ready to go.” Ford added that his teaching career began at Alton High School in 2008 as a student teacher. Since then, he has been employed with the school district as a special education teacher. He has also served as the head coach for the boys JV baseball team and the scholar bowl team. In a conversation after the meeting, Ford said he is excited to take on this new role. He is primarily focused on what he can do to support student success. “I’m just trying to help my students and help our school and all that to be

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EDWARDSVILLE - Kevin C. Douglas was officially sworn in as the latest patrol officer to join the Edwardsville Police Department at the Edwardsville City council meeting on Tuesday, July 18. After being sworn in, Douglas shook hands with each of the City Council members and Mayor Art Risavy before taking a few quick photos with Police Chief Michael Fillback and members of his family. Douglas received lots of applause from attendees, including a standing ovation after taking the official oath. In other Edwardsville personnel news, Robert Ferguson received the Employee Excellence Award. While Ferguson did not attend the meeting, Mayor Risavy said he was nominated for going above and beyond as a Splash Pad monitor and concessions manager for each of the city’s parks. The following appointments and resignations were also approved by the council: Appointment of Kent Weber to the Historic Preservation Commission, with a term ending in 2026 Resignation of Tabitha Crow

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ALTON - Three Alton High School students were recognized for their contributions to the community through Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) . Throughout the last year, the students completed community projects as a part of FCCLA’s STAR Events program, which encourages leadership and problem-solving skills. Michael Collman and Olesha Holmes received silver medals for their projects, and sophomore Adelia Sandifer won first place in the nation. They were recognized by the Alton School Board during their meeting on July 18. “You have to earn this. It takes a lot of practice, a lot of work, a lot of corrections, a lot of editing to get to this level,” said Regina Birch, who oversees the Alton FCCLA chapter with Jennifer Austin. “It’s very tough.” The STAR (Students Taking Action for Recognition) Events program asks students to conceptualize and complete community-based projects over the course of the school year. The students

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SOUTH ROXANA - T.J. Callahan has been named mayor pro tempore for South Roxana. He shares his plans as he prepares to finish out the current mayoral term. This decision comes after Mayor Barbara Overton announced her resignation due to health concerns on Tuesday, July 18. “First and foremost, we want to keep Barb in our prayers as well as her family,” Callahan said. “I am very blessed to be able to work with some of the most awesome people in the Village, and they all have the same vision. It’s not about politics, it’s about how to make our community better.” Callahan said has received a lot of support from surrounding communities. He thanked the Village Board and recognized his fellow board members for their individual accomplishments. “We’ve got such a great board now to be able to drive that vision, and that’s all I’ve done, is put the best people in those best spots to make the most outstanding benefits for

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) today introduced the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act , which would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) to prohibit the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastic into waterways from facilities and sources that make, use, package, or transport pellets. The pellets are being consumed by fish and marine life—and in turn, humans—and create additional damage to ecosystems. “Only nine percent of all plastics end up being recycled, with some of the waste ending up in landfills or incinerated—and far too much of it finding its way into our rivers, lakes, and oceans,” Durbin said. “The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act is an important step in addressing the plastic problem that is plaguing our nation’s waterways and wildlife.” “Plastic pellets have been found to be one

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ALTON - As July rolls on, the Alton Municipal Band continues its 133rd concert season, featuring the talents of a remarkable young clarinet player. Conductor Jennifer Shenberger will lead the band in “Milestones,” a concert celebrating significant anniversaries through music. Clarinetist Bek Handzic-Smith will dazzle audiences with the jazzy Artie Shaw Clarinet Concerto. Handzic-Smith, a recent graduate of Clayton High School in St. Louis County, is a multi-talented musician, playing the saxophone and flamenco guitar in addition to the clarinet. The concert will take place at the Alton Amphitheater on Thursday, July 20th, at 7:30 p.m. It will repeat at Haskell Park on Sunday, July 23rd, at 7:00 p.m. Alton Municipal Band concerts are free, family-friendly musical entertainment. Established in 1891, the band is comprised of local musicians from across the region. The band’s two-month summer concert series welcomes thousands of listeners each year.

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WOOD RIVER - The City of Wood River plans a ribbon-cutting for a new All-Inclusive Playground and Challenge Course at Central Park. Please join the City of Wood River for a ribbon cutting for the new all-inclusive playground and challenge course on Tuesday July 25, 2023, at 11 a.m. in Central Park. Central Park is located at 633 North Wood River Avenue in Wood River, next to the Wood River Roundhouse. The Wood River Parks and Recreation Department, with funding from the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, installed a new one-of-a-kind all-inclusive playground with poured-in-place rubber surfacing, a fitness challenge course that includes artificial turf and a timing feature, as well as concrete sidewalks and borders. We are excited to have this new amenity, and residents are invited to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday. For more information about upgrades to our parks and programs, please visit www.wrparks.org or www.woodriver.org and follow Wood River Parks an

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College has received a gift of 40 acres of farmland located east of the College’s campus in Carlinville, IL. The property, known to locals as “Rock’s Patch,” was initially owned by John D. “Rock” Rossetti. The College plans to utilize the undeveloped property to enhance classroom studies for Biology students with fieldwork opportunities. The gift may also support Blackburn’s ongoing sustainability efforts, including Bee Program, Bat Program, and walnut tree projects. “Planned gifts and gifts of land are tremendously beneficial to institutions like Blackburn,” said Sarah Koplinski, Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the College. "They allow us to take students to unique environments, further building their skills and experience and setting them apart from other candidates in the job market. They can also provide the means to help make the dream of a transformational college degree

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville City Council voted unanimously to deny a Special Use Permit sought by a Catholic student organization at SIUE for a “religious institution” at 1631 Yellowhammer Crossing. SIUE Chancellor Dr. James Minor, Cougar Catholic representatives, area neighbors, and more offered mixed public comments both opposed and in favor. Council members said both sides presented good cases, but they ultimately couldn’t justify approving the Special Use, citing disapproval from the majority of the neighborhood residents and other factors. The council ultimately denied the Special Use request 7-0. The property in question is a house currently sitting vacant in a residential neighborhood between the SIUE campus and State Route 157. The proposed use was for the campus organization “Cougar Catholic,” or the SIUE Newman Catholic Community , to turn the home into an “office space for the staff and a meeting and worshipping space for

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