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WASHINGTON – On the first day of Women’s History Month, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, in a speech on the Senate floor discussed this week’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which would enshrine gender equality into the Constitution. “The Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced in 1923—one hundred years ago—and proposed by a leader named Dr. Alice Paul. At the time, she had just won an important victory. She and her fellow suffragists had just led, successfully, the campaign to ratify the 19th Amendment, to give women the right to vote in the United States one hundred years ago,” Durbin said. “Despite this monumental achievement, Dr. Paul recognized that just the right to vote was not enough for gender equality—but it was the right starting point. So she devoted the remaining years of her life to enshrining gender equality in ever

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Colleen Lawless to serve as a District Court Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois: “We are pleased that the Senate has confirmed the nomination of Judge Colleen Lawless to fill a judicial vacancy in the Central District of Illinois. Her experience and qualifications will strengthen our federal bench, and she will be ready to serve Central Illinois on day one.” On May 12, 2022, Judge Sue Myerscough of the Central District of Illinois sent a letter notifying the President that she intended to assume senior status upon confirmation of her successor. In May, the Senators established a screening committee to review applicants to be a Federal District Court Judge in the Central District of Illinois. Their screening committee

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ST. LOUIS - Take part in the largest Earth Day celebration in the Midwest on April 22 and 23, 2023, at the Muny Grounds in Forest Park. Free to the public and running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, earthday365’s annual festival offers ample opportunities to learn about sustainable practices. This year’s theme is "Go Circular!", which places an emphasis on the "Reuse" in Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. “The Festival will inspire attendees to ditch the disposables and design their lives around reuse -- or circularity,” said Dr. Jess Watson, Executive Director of earthday365. “From electric vehicles to sustainable fashion to yoga and bird shows, the Festival is a place to find resources about how to shift towards a more sustainable lifestyle.” The St. Louis Earth Day Festival typically draws around 20,000 attendees, who learn about sustainable practices, organizations, products, and services from 200-plus vendors. The Main Stage will host local music

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Fire Department and several other agencies were dispatched to a fire at the McDonald's/Circle K in Edwardsville and Edwardsville spokesperson Cathie Hensley said everyone inside was able to escape unharmed. After arrival, the firefighters extinguished the blaze in a quick fashion. The call to the Edwardsville Fire Department came in at 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Chief James Whiteford said. Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Wood River Fire Department, and Madison County Emergency Management were visible at the scene. Firefighters continued to battle smoke issues even after the fire was extinguished. The fire remains under investigation, Chief Whiteford said.

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HARDIN - A driver who fled from a traffic stop in Mozier in Calhoun County and law enforcement said reached speeds exceeding 100 mph has been charged. The driver was identified as Theresa Ann Sherfy, age 48, of Hannibal, Mo. This is the report provided by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office: "At 7:20 p.m. on February 19, 2023, Deputy from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s attempted to conduct a traffic stop in Mozier, Calhoun County, on a white 2008 Pontiac G6. As a result of the attempted traffic stop, the driver of the Pontiac fled from law enforcement at speeds exceeding 100 mph. The suspect vehicle traveled northbound on State Highway 96." Calhoun County Sergeant Zach Hardin notified the Pike County Sheriff’s Department and Pleasant Hill Police Department of the fleeing vehicle and Calhoun Deputies coming into their jurisdiction. This was more from the report provided by the Calhoun Sheriff's Office: "Law enforcement officials from the Pike County Sheriff’s Department

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GODFREY - Brian Manns, a long-time postal mail carrier, received a huge show of support from other postal workers that his family and friends will never forget on Wednesday. Postal workers congregated with their vehicles to escort Brian’s hearse from Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton for a funeral mass on Thursday morning. Long-time friend Steve Aimone, also a postal service worker of 27 years, is 52, the same age that Brian was when he died. Brian battled aggressive cancer at the end of his life on Feb. 24, 2023. Aimone said Brian may have been a man of few words at times, but the ones he spoke were always kind and respectful. “He was a very mild-mannered guy, or 'easygoing' maybe is the word,” Aimone said. “In all his years in the Aton Office, I don’t think there ever was an employee he didn't get along with. He also was a carrier you could count on to be there every day, on time, and

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Superintendent Stephanie Cann provided an update on the situation that occurred Wednesday at Granite City High School with more details. "Two altercations, that did not involve weapons, occurred at the same time, requiring additional support," she said. "The situation was resolved quickly due to the response of GCHS teachers, staff, and the Granite City Police Department." Cann said the school system is grateful for these individuals who work tirelessly to keep our schools and community safe. Cann also added that students were kept in their classrooms until dismissal after the incidents as a safety precaution. Granite City Police Called to High School for Incident, Students Kept in Classroom Until Dismissal

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EDWARDSVILLE - Sophomore girls wrestler Mackenzie Pratt made history for Edwardsville High on Feb. 25, 2023, as she became the first state champion in the program's short history, winning the 140-pound class by sweeping all four of her matches in the state tournament held at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. Pratt also became the Tigers' third state champion coached by Jon Wagner, who retired as Edwardsville coach at the end of the season, following boys champions Noah Surtin and Luke Odom. It was indeed a history-making weekend for Pratt and the Tigers. Pratt is an iCAN Clinic Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. As Pratt recalled the weekend, she said it was both exciting and a bit worrisome at the same time. "I was happy and excited," Pratt said during an interview. "It just made me realize I had worked so hard to win state and I was relieved that so much pressure was off my shoulders." Pratt qualified for the inaugural state meet in 2022, along with two other Tiger

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City senior guard Ivan Gaston was one of the most important players for the Granite City High boys' basketball team in the 2022-2023 season. He was a defensive standout and his teammates could always count on him to be there for them when and where he was needed. One of the highlights of Gaston's 2022-2023 season occurred in the Jersey Mid-Winter Classic when he dropped a three-ball at the buzzer to beat Edwardsville 51-50 in an upset. Gaston's buzzer-beater was the only lead the Warriors had in the second half. Gaston had nine points in that particular game and three were the game-winner final points. Gaston was one of the hardest workers on the team and a very dependable player, who can be counted on to make the plays when needed. For his efforts both on and off the court, Gaston has been named a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month. At this point, Gaston will be a valuable member of the Granite City boys' track and field team. "Obviously, I

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School senior Jonathan Stump has earned the highly prestigious honor of being named a National Merit Finalist for 2023. Of the 1.5 million eligible students who take the PSAT/NMSQT, only about 50,000 of the highest-scoring students receive program recognition. Students whose scores qualify them for recognition in the National Merit Program are notified through their high schools in September following the test administration. Edwardsville High School Principal Dr. Steve Stuart said he and the others at EHS are "extremely proud" of Jonathan's accomplishments. "This is an honor that very few students across the country receive, and to have a National Merit Finalist at EHS is something that brings us much pride," Dr. Stuart said. The 6-foot-7 Stump was also a key member of the Edwardsville High School boys' basketball team this past season. The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey Community Hospital Foundation Ambulance Association is bringing back its annual Drive-Thru Fish Fry fundraisers for 2023. Fish will be served on the following Fridays: March 3, March 17, and April 7, all from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the JCH Ambulance Garage. Two meal options will be available: a $12 meal including fish fritters, homemade chips, baked beans, and coleslaw, or a $10 option with fish fritters and homemade chips. JCH Foundation Director Charity Roth said she looks forward to the event - and the food - every year. “Our annual Fish Fry is probably our most well-known and most well-anticipated event,” Roth said. “Really, really good food - I always jokingly tell people I don’t even like fish and I eat it, and it’s awesome - so I would say that’s a good testimony.” To get to the JCH Ambulance Garage, Roth said drivers should approach the hospital from County Road and turn onto Wock Lane, proceed behind

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COLLINSVILLE – Today, Ameren Illinois announced key senior leadership changes to support the company's strategic priorities and the retirement of two vice presidents, according to Lenny Singh, Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois. Kristol Simms has been promoted to the newly created position of Vice President of Clean Energy Transition, Economic, Community and Business Development for Ameren Illinois. In this newly created position, the functions responsible for energy efficiency, beneficial electrification, and economic development, and are being re-organized under Simms to optimize the company's grid transformation efforts to support the clean energy transition in Illinois. As Senior Director of Energy Efficiency and Regulatory Policy Implementation, Simms led the implementation of market-leading energy efficiency programs, managing a portfolio of services which have reduced customer energy usage and met aggressive state-mandated energy savings targets. Simms began

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SPRINGFIELD – As the Consul General of Bulgaria visited the state Capitol Thursday to underscore the positive partnership between Illinois and Bulgaria, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, introduced a resolution recognizing this March as Bulgarian American Heritage Month. “Granite City hosts the oldest Bulgarian American community in the country, and we’re thankful for the countless contributions this community has brought to the Metro East,” Hoffman said. “Our countries have a strong relationship that dates back 120 years, a relationship that has only grown stronger in recent years. I appreciate Consul General Stankov’s visit to our capitol, it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our cultures.” Hoffman’s House Resolution 23 congratulates the people of the Republic of Bulgaria as they celebrate their 145th liberation anniversary this month. The resolution highlights the contribution of Bulgarian immigrants in the United States,

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CARROLLTON - Several Greene County individuals have been arrested on charges including domestic battery, grooming, “nonconsensual dissemination of private sex images,” and many more according to the latest Greene County Sheriff’s Department Jail Booking Report. Brandon M. King, 18, of Godfrey, was charged with nonconsensual dissemination of private sex images. He was arrested by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department on Feb. 23 and has since been released on bond. Bobby L. Kelley, 27, of Sumter, S.C., was charged with grooming and had a warrant out for his arrest in Greene County. He was arrested by the Carrollton Police Department on Feb. 7 and remains in custody. Steven T. Osterman, 28, of Carrollton, was charged with domestic battery and arrested by the Carrollton Police Department on March 1; he remains in custody. Terry L. Miller, 46, was charged with one count of theft and one count of criminal trespass to vehicles. He was arrested by the White

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, today submitted a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Health Statistics advocating for clear classification of HIV prevention medication to prevent improperly charged medical copays. In the letter , Raoul and the coalition support creating a new diagnostic code for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis ( PrEP ) for HIV prevention in the International Classification of Diseases – Tenth Revision (ICD-10). Raoul and the coalition argue the implementation of a new code will ensure lifesaving access to PrEP and related medical services for populations vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. “Inconsistent and unclear coding should not stand in the way of people from being able to access affordable HIV preventative medication,” Raoul said. “I will continue to advocate for policies that ensure HIV preventative medication is available and covered

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Regional Financial Empowerment Coalition and Money Smart Committee, in partnership with United Way of Greater St. Louis, is hosting its annual Money Smart Kid Essay Contest for sixth through eighth grade students in the St. Louis area. Three winners will be selected to receive scholarships, including a grand prize of $2,000. The second-place winner will receive $1,000, and a third-place finalist will receive $500. Additionally, applicants have the option to select a nonprofit organization or school to receive a $500 award if their essay is selected as one of the finalists. Students must demonstrate their knowledge of basic economic concepts by submitting an essay in 500 words or less that outlines three steps a student can take during their teenage years to help kickstart their financial future. Submissions are due Monday, April 17. The full application and contest guidelines are available at MoneySmartSTL.org. Applications and essays can be submitted vi

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EAST ALTON - Illinois RiverWatch Network will host several training sessions across the state in March and April. The sessions will teach community members how to monitor the health of their local streams. RiverWatch, a community science program, is coordinated by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC sm ) at Lewis and Clark Community College. Each spring, RiverWatch offers workshops where volunteers learn to collect and identify stream macroinvertebrates (water bugs) and describe the physical condition of the stream habitat. Upon completing training and becoming certified, volunteers may adopt a stream site where they can monitor water quality and contribute to a state-wide dataset using RiverWatch survey methods. “Macroinvertebrates are in all of our streams and many people don’t know they are there,” RiverWatch Volunteer Coordinator Hannah Griffis said. “The critters in our streams are impacted by changes in the health of our streams

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CARROLLTON - Drug and alcohol-related charges have been filed against several Greene County individuals over the past few weeks, according to the latest Jail Booking Report from the Greene County Sheriff’s Department. Victor H. Verdeyen, 56, of Effingham, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, wearing a headset while driving, and not having a driver’s license on his person. He was arrested by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department on Feb. 24 and has since been released on his own recognizance. Robert E. Everage, 42, of East Alton, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, unlawful use of weapons, driving on a suspended license, and violating parole. He was arrested on Feb. 16 by the Greenfield Police Department and has since been “transferred,” although where he was transferred to was not noted. Kit W. Schlieper, 66, of Roodhouse, was charged with two counts o

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GREENVILLE - The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded Greenville University a three-year $300,000 grant. The grant is specifically awarded to colleges to focus on reducing sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The program was created by Congress to address the unique issues and challenges that colleges and universities face in preventing and responding to gender-based violence. Kennedy Shuffett serves as Greenville University’s OVW project director in the Office of Community Life. She previously served as the program coordinator for Eden’s Glory—a residential treatment program serving survivors of human trafficking. Shuffett says one of the goals of the grant program is to create an environment where students feel safe to report any incidences of sexual assault. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to bring more awareness about sexual assault to students, faculty, and staff,

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ST. LOUIS - An execution-style shooting of a man who appeared homeless and apparently "begged for his life" in Downtown St. Louis has attracted national attention. Meanwhile, a suspect has been apprehended and charged in the case. The shooting was captured on camera by witnesses in downtown St. Louis and has gone viral throughout the country. Police have arrested suspect Deshawn Thomas, 23, and he faces charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Police identified the deceased victim as David Saldana. Police indicated has stated the man appeared to be homeless. The incident occurred just after 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, outside of 710 North Tucker Boulevard near Lucas Avenue in front of the Globe Building. Police said there was an altercation outside of the Shell gas station across the street before the shooting. A St. Louis city spokesperson issued this statement in response to some of those public concerns after the shooting: “Through a collaboration

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