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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), member of the House Committee on Armed Services, are leading 18 of their colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral call to the leadership of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, urging them to retain the House language in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) expanding servicemember eligibility for the Department of Defense (DoD) Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) program. The BNA program provides a monthly allowance to qualified eligible low-income servicemembers with dependents. This allowance addresses food insecurity faced by some military families and improves overall military readiness. The expanded program will address the needs of the growing number of servicemembers who are food insecure and will support long-term efforts in solving military hunger. “Our servicemembers

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CHICAGO - Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that his office filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc. (Meta), the company that owns and operates Facebook and Instagram, for its harmful business practices targeting children. The lawsuit, backed by a broad, bipartisan coalition of 33 states, was filed today in the federal district court for the Northern District of California. In their lawsuit, Raoul and the attorneys general allege that Meta’s business model, which seeks to capture as much user time and attention as possible to sell advertising, has targeted youth, including teenagers and even younger children, in ways that take advantage of them. “Our children are in crisis, and we need to act,” Raoul said. “The addictive features on Meta’s social media platforms interfere with sleep and education, enable cyberbullying, and contribute to depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia and thoughts of self-harm. I believe the action we are

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ALTON - Free family fall fun is coming your way with Falliday at Calvary Baptist Church. Starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, families can enjoy inflatables, carnival games, a petting zoo, a trunk-or-treat and more at the church, located at 1422 Washington Avenue in Alton. Kids can check out a firetruck and police cruiser, and a few good-spirited church members will be available for dunking in a dunk tank. “Come dunk a pastor,” laughed Mike Harrelson, the Calvary Baptist children’s pastor. “It’s going to be a great time for families in our area here to come and just have a good time…We want people to know that we’re here and that God loves them, and this is just a practical way that we can do that.” The Falliday event aims to bring together community members for a fun, safe and free night. Harrelson warns there will be “lots of candy,” but also plenty of ways for kids to work out that energy on the inflatables,

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CARROLLTON - The Greene County Housing Authority has sold its first house, clearing the way for more residents to find affordable housing. The housing authority works with the government to provide affordable housing for people in lower income brackets. The organization maintains these properties and sells them at a lower price while also supporting buyers as they navigate homeownership. “After the first one has been sold, we’re literally blazing the trails going forward,” Wendi Rensing said. “I always say I have the most rewarding job in real estate.” Rensing is a managing broker and homeownership coordinator with CCDC Realty, LLC . She works with housing authorities across Illinois “to offer homeownership to those who normally wouldn’t be able to purchase.” The Greene County Housing Authority works with the Illinois Housing Development Association (IHDA) to secure loans to purchase or build properties. Rensing describes

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GLEN CARBON - The Village of Glen Carbon is getting an upgraded emergency notification and communication system, which could include a free mobile app with notifications, emergency texts, and more. Members of the public will need to sign up for these alerts once the system has been updated. Village trustees unanimously approved a Service Agreement with CivicPlus for the “CivicReady Mass Notification System” on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. Village Administrator Jamie Bowden said at the meeting that the village’s old notification system has become obsolete. “The notification system we currently use is not adequate, it’s not being utilized,” Bowden said. “CivicReady, it’s an encompassing, multi-channel emergency and routine communication system. We will be able to utilize it for notifications for emergencies, et cetera. It will also provide a mobile app for citizens to receive updates … notifications via text. It’s a little

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ROXANA - Being on the offensive line for Roxana, Gabe Smith might not get his hands on the football too often but plays a big role in the Shells’ run-heavy offense. Gabe has been spending his senior season for the Shells opening running lanes for the triumvirate of game-changing running backs Roxana has in the backfield at any given time. Gabe made the move over to Roxana after playing for East Alton-Wood River and said he felt immediately welcomed by his new teammates in Roxana Red and Gold. Gabe joined a big senior group with the Shells. “Going from being the new guy on the block and coming in, everyone was very welcoming,” Gabe said following Roxana’s big win at Marquette to seal their undefeated regular season. “It meant a lot transferring from Wood River.” Gabe went from the Oilers to the Shells at just the right time and got to be a vital part of the Shells front during their undefeated season, their first since 2003. “I

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) today reintroduced bicameral legislation designed to strengthen students’ ability to hold for-profit colleges accountable in court for their misconduct. The Court Legal Access and Student Support (CLASS) Act would enhance accountability for for-profit colleges and safeguard taxpayer dollars by prohibiting an institution of higher education from receiving Title IV federal student aid if the school’s enrollment agreement requires mandatory arbitration or otherwise restricts students’ ability to pursue claims against the school in court. The bill also would ensure that the Federal Arbitration Act , which governs the enforcement of arbitration proceedings, would not apply to student enrollment agreements. Because legitimate non-profit colleges and universities do not include mandatory arbitration clauses in their enrollment agreements, this legislation is

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BETHALTO - Jeremy Spears, missing since last Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, was discovered deceased on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, near I-255 and Culp Lane. The body was found at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, close to the highway near a wooded area. A group of searchers organized and started at approximately 11 a.m. and found the body shortly after. The search team was described as "a great group of people - family, friends, veterans and just others wanting to help. Thankfully, the farmers and landowners were more than willing to allow this happen." Lindsay Greenlee, Jeremy’s sister, made this statement: “Our beloved Jeremy was found today in the search and rescue. He is no longer with us in this world but will be in our hearts forever. We are grateful for all the love and support we have received from so many over the last few days. We had lots of volunteers show up today and this would not have been possible without them. The Madison County Scanner page organized the search

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EDWARDSVILLE – The theatre department from Metro-East Lutheran High School will present an evening of comedy, mystery and more when they perform three one-act plays during their production of “Three Chaotic Comedies.” The unique set of three one-act comedies will begin with the swashbuckling class tale of “Treasure Island” then continue with “Epic Adventures in a Rinky-Dink Art Museum,” in which a group of teens find epic mystery and romance around every corner. The evening will conclude with a disco take on what would happen if Shakespeare characters starred in a reality TV dating show with the one-act play “Shakespeare’s Bachelorette.” “There is something for everybody in this show,” said Judy Brown, director of the MELHS theatre program. “If you like swashbuckling action, we have that. If you like romance, we have that. If you like a little bit of mystery or comedy, we have that. We cover a lot of genres.”

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Saturday, October 21, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Joseph Blalock, 31 years of age, of the 6100 block of Alabama in St. Louis, Missouri 63111, for one count of Knowingly Burning or Exploding. A booking photo of Blalock is attached. Blalock is being held on $50,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: Defendant is on video on Thursday, October 12, 2023 stacking up trash and wood pallets behind Floor & Decor in South County. Defendant is then on video on October 14, 2023, throwing an item onto the pile, which results in a fire. The fire burns a fence owned by Floor & Decor. Defendant is also on video at a nearby gas station smoking a cigarette less than 10 minutes before the fire was started and he admits that it is him in the video. St. Louis County

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WOOD RIVER - This is a Veteran Salute on Wood River's Ernie Maguire. Vet name: Ernie Maguire Hometown: Wood River Years of service: 1942 -1966 Date Of Death: 04-20-1970 1970-04-20 Branch: U.S. Navy rank: Lt. Commander Wars: WWII / Korea Medals honors earned: Naval Air Medal (2) Distinguished Flying Cross Note: Ernie Maguire was a Naval Attack Pilot (Inducted into EAWR High Hall of Fame - 10/21/23) Submitter name: Michael Maguire

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), alongside U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), led 30 Senate colleagues in a bipartisan letter urging the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure over-the-counter birth control is available for servicemembers and their families on military bases, without a copay and without a prescription. In July, the Food and Drug Administration approved Opill as the first daily oral contraceptive available without a prescription. “Access to contraception, as well as education about it, increases readiness and improves quality of life for our servicemembers and their families,” wrote the senators. “We write to urge the Department of Defense (DoD) to expand TRICARE coverage to include OTC contraceptives with no cost-sharing or prescription requirement. We also request the DoD stock OTC contraceptives in military treatment facilities, pharmacies,

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WOOD RIVER - A building in downtown Wood River at 2 W. Ferguson Ave. and Wood River Ave. was being demolished on Tuesday. Wood River Mayor Tom Stalcup said the location is one of the first areas to be viewed as a driver enters the city and said the plan is to use it for green space and bench areas, and that some funds will possibly be raised for a bandstand. “The building has been used for a variety of things from a coffee shop, general offices and much more over the years,” he said. “The building was in bad shape and had gone through a lot. After a study, it was determined it was best to demolish it.” Mayor Stalcup said he and others made trips to other municipalities to see their points of entry, adding first impressions are very important. “We want to make this corner as attractive as possible,” he said. “A lot of traffic goes by that corner. I think the City Administrator Steve Palen has some good plans on what to do with the area. It

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GODFREY - After a lifetime of service to the Village of Godfrey, Bertha “Bert” Roberts was honored with a street dedicated in her memory. On Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, Roberts’s family gathered on Pearl Street in Godfrey for the unveiling of a new sign that declares the street to be “Bert Roberts Memorial Drive.” Roberts, Godfrey’s first Public Works Director, passed away in March 2023 at the age of 94. “Bert was a great lady,” Mayor Mike McCormick said during the dedication ceremony. “Her name will still be out there.” Roberts’s husband, Lloyd “Jack” Roberts, served as the Highway Commissioner of Godfrey Township until his passing in 1986. Roberts filled the remainder of his term and was then reelected. Godfrey Township became a village in 1991, and the Board of Trustees appointed Roberts as the village’s first Public Works Director in 1993. She stayed in this role until her retirement in 1998. Through

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Erica Harriss (56 th -Glen Carbon) is asking for your help in paying tribute to our service men and women this Veterans Day by submitting a photo and story of their loved one to be displayed in the Illinois Capitol Rotunda from November 7 through November 20. “Honoring our veterans is extremely important. Having their photos and stories on display in the capitol rotunda is only fitting given the sacrifices and dedication they’ve made to serve and protect our country and our freedoms,” said Senator Harriss. “I encourage anyone who knows someone who has served to make a submission, and I look forward to seeing the tribute wall in person.” Families are asked to submit a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI

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GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School tennis players Natalie Beck and Kennedi Taylor have made quite a name for themselves with their efforts in post-season play. Both girls are now recognized as Byron Carlson Petri and Kalb Female Athletes of Month for the Griffins. The girls combined for a 3-2 record at the state tennis tournament this past weekend in an outstanding performance. The two are a strong doubles combination. Beck, a sophomore, said she is grateful for the time her coaches provided the squad to help grow the team. “This is only Father McGivney Catholic’s second year of having a tennis program,” she said. “There is also no way I would be here without my dad, who played tennis in college and works with us all the time. My mom is my biggest cheerleader and keeps me positive. And my little sister by seven minutes, Maddie, inspires me so much and is an excellent practice partner.” Callahan Adams, Jim Barenkamp, and Tana DeBouck ar

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EAST ALTON - The East Alton, Alton, Roxana and Wood River fire departments responded to a house fire on Charlene Street in East Alton around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. “The house itself just had some exterior damage,” said East Alton Fire Chief Tim Quigley. “ lost an unattached garage and work equipment in it.” There were no injuries. The fire was ruled accidental. Electric lines in the garage were an added concern, but Quigley said this did not pose further problems. “The electrical was secondary,” he added. “It was actually the overhead lines of the detached garage. It was not the cause of the fire or had anything to do with the fire itself.” Emergency vehicles were on the scene within minutes and the fire was quickly extinguished.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Realtor Lisa Webb with Third Street Realty has plenty of properties for sale on the local market in Godfrey, Fidelity, and more. She discussed the homes she has available on the latest Third On Third segment on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . One such home, located at 3305 Whiteclif Lane in Godfrey at a price of $114,900, has a lot of potential, though Webb noted the margins on it are more suitable for those planning to move in rather than flip it quickly. “If you want to fix it up and live in it and recoup some of that, absolutely. It can be so gorgeous,” Webb said of the Godfrey property. “It could very easily turn into something just really remarkable with the river and everything.” A single-family home in Fidelity listed at $47,900 features three bedrooms, one bathroom, an oversized two-car detached garage, an extra lot, a walk-out basement, and more. Another property in Vandalia listed at just $42,900 has

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GLEN CARBON - Jane Cummins is one of the backbone components of Father McGivney Catholic's exceptional girls' cross-country team this season. McGivney captured a regional championship this past Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 at Trenton-Wesclin, and Cummins was once again a bright spot - running 20:32 for three miles for 10th place in the girls' race. In track and field, Cummins is outstanding. Last year, she ran a 2:29.56 to win the Madison County 800-meter championship and a time of 5:32.80 at the IHSA 1A Girls State Meet for the 1,600 meters. Cummins is a Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalb Female Athlete of the Month for the Griffins. Cummins was part of the McGivney 4 x 800 relay squad that placed second in the IHSA State Meet with a time of 9:35.35. Kaitlyn Hatley, Lily Gilbertson, and Elena Rybak joined her as members of that squad. Cummins said she loves running with all the girls and that Hatley and Rybak push her every day in practice. She also said she has been helped in great fashion

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ALTON - Several bids and demolitions for various properties around Alton were approved by the Committee of the Whole at their meeting on Oct. 23, 2023. A $1,656 bid for 913 Humboldt Ct. was accepted by the committee. The bidder previously stated this property is a lot connected to their backyard. They claimed to have been maintaining the property for 13 years as the city and/or county has been unable to effectively manage the lot’s overgrowth, but the bidder has plans to “beautify” it. “My plans are to continue to keep up with the maintenance and plant native species landscaping to help with the efforts to beautify and support the growth of our wonderful town,” the bidder wrote to the city. A $1,093.78 bid for 225 Hamilton St. was also approved. While the bid was placed by a different individual than 913 Humboldt Ct., they cited similar reasons for the bid - the bidder wrote that 225 Hamilton St. is next to their current property and they also seek

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