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FAIRMONT CITY — Marleen Menendez Suarez, a local attorney, has seen a surge of clients seeking legal assistance since she offered to prepare guardianship and power of attorney documents for free in response to fears of deportation. Her Facebook post on Jan. 20, 2025, has drawn several individuals to her Fairmont City law office in recent days. Suarez commented: “People are very afraid, and they're very afraid for their children because many of them are U.S. citizens. What they're facing is, if both mom and dad get deported, what happens to their kids, and this is what occurred to me, too. This is why I started doing what I was doing.” Recently the small attorney's office in Fairmont City was filled with women, children, and a few men, many of whom had been waiting for about an hour to finalize their legal documents. The clients often arrived with family members who could assist in translating the legal jargon for their mixed-status families. Located approximately

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CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, today sent a letter to the President and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) urging them to embrace their bipartisan legislation, the Drug-price Transparency for Consumers (DTC) Act, to empower patients and providers and commit to voluntarily disclosing list prices in DTC advertisements. The Senators wrote, “The United States is one of only two developed countries in the world that permits such pharmaceutical commercials. President Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary has expressed interest in outright banning this practice. It would be wise for drug companies to adopt commonsense solutions to address the concerns that have been raised about DTC prescription drug advertising. As you are aware, the United States Senate previously voted unanimously

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is set to take on a key leadership role once again, continuing as the Minority Spokesperson for the Illinois Senate Local Government Committee in the 104th General Assembly. “There are so many committees to serve on, but as a former county board member, I’ve found my experience to be especially useful in this role,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m excited to keep working on the issues that matter to our communities.” The new General Assembly kicked off on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, bringing new leadership roles and committee assignments. This year, Senator Harriss will serve on six different Senate committees: Energy and Public Utilities, Licensed Activities, Local Government (MS), Transportation, Veterans Affairs, and Appropriations – Health and Human Services. “I’m really looking forward to diving into my work on the Transportation and Licensed Activities committees,”

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Duckworth Statement on Trump’s Dangerous Attack on USAID WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—released the following statement after President Donald Trump took several actions to freeze funding and operations at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) this week, an agency that is critical to advancing American interests and supporting millions across the globe: “Donald Trump’s attack on USAID will have devastating, far-reaching consequences at home and abroad. Injecting this deliberate chaos into such a core agency will not only jeopardize the safety and well-being of innocent people around the world who rely on USAID for critical humanitarian assistance, but it will also undermine the United States’ global standing, our interests and national security. “Make no mistake: this short-sighted agenda is yet another illegal

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CHICAGO - Today, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement on Donald Trump signing an executive order that would impose tariffs on trading partners integral to the Illinois economy: “Let’s call these tariffs what they are: Trump’s Taxes on Working Families. If these tariffs remain in place, it will jack up the price of groceries and goods, make gas more expensive, and raise utility bills. While Donald Trump is making millions off his corrupt crypto schemes and memes, working families will pay the price. ? “Trade is an anchor of the Illinois economy. Illinois is the single largest exporting state in the Midwest and fourth largest exporter in the United States. Our jobs and economic success are linked to our top two trading partners, Canada and Mexico, and also China. No other state in the nation imports more goods to Canada than the Land of Lincoln, and Illinois is one of the top five of all 50 states in exports to both Canada and

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EDWARDSVILLE - Most people would agree that there is more to an athlete than what meets the eye, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Josh Wooten , PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Exercise, Sport, and Nutrition Sciences, has been working to quantify that information and parlay it into a more healthy, well-balanced and adept player. The means in which Wooten and his team plan to help reach this goal is through a Performance Survey for SIUE’s women’s volleyball team. In developing the Performance Survey, Wooten realized the volleyball coaching staff wanted to better understand and quantify both psychosocial and physical factors that may influence the performance of their athletes. “Our primary aim was to provide the team’s coaches and support staff with data they need to make decisions that would maximize player readiness and reduce the risk for injury during their competitive season,” said Wooten. “Our hope was

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ALTON – The Alton Square Mall branch of The Hayner Public Library District is temporarily closed due to an obstruction in the sewer line. The line has been repaired. The District is now working with restoration professionals to get all affected areas cleaned, sanitized and restored. It is expected that the library will reopen on Tuesday; however, this is a tentative timeline. Updates will continue to be posted on Hayner’s website and social media pages. The Downtown branch of The Hayner Public Library District continues to remain open during its regular hours. Patrons are encouraged to visit the Downtown Library during the temporary closure of the Alton Square Mall branch. The Genealogy & Local History Library will also remain open during regular hours. According to Kevin Botterbush, president of Hayner’s board of trustees, the main focus now is to ensure that the Alton Square Mall space is cleaned and restored as quickly as possible. “Our first priority is

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BETHALTO - Charlie Brown is not a normal teacher. Before he taught culinary arts at Civic Memorial High School, Brown lived in Nashville, where he wrote and recorded songs. You might recognize Brown’s name on Blake Shelton’s “Pure B.S.” album with the song “What I Wouldn’t Give,” also recorded by Lila McCann. When Shelton released the song, Brown knew he had hit it big. And then he did what most people wouldn’t: He came home. “I just wanted to be home,” he said. “I just knew I was a Riverbend guy, so I came back to my roots.” Brown grew up in Wood River, where he and his family listened to music constantly. In college, he saved up enough money to buy a guitar and taught himself how to play. He wanted to be a teacher, but he couldn’t ignore the calling he felt toward music. After a few years teaching at East Alton-Wood River High School, he pulled the trigger and moved to Tennessee. To Brown, Nashvill

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Have you ever noticed how the right space can transform an ordinary experience into something extraordinary? According to studies, our environment significantly influences our mood and productivity. This is especially true when it comes to reading, a pastime that’s both enriching and calming. Imagine curling up with a book that captivates your imagination in a space that enhances the experience, enveloping you in comfort and tranquility. Creating a cozy winter reading nook is not just about aesthetics; it’s an art form that can elevate your reading routine into an immersive experience. Defining Your Space Before diving into the aesthetics of your reading nook, it’s essential to define the space you want to transform. Consider the following: Location : Identify a spot in your home that feels inviting. This could be a corner of your living room, a spare bedroom, or even a section of your home office. Natural light is often desirable, so look for areas near windows

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Imagine a world where your wrist can tell you not just the time, but also how many calories you've burned, how well you slept, and even your current stress levels. As wearable technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, this scenario is rapidly becoming a reality. In fact, a recent study revealed that the global wearable fitness technology market is expected to exceed $62 billion by 2025. This explosion in popularity speaks volumes about how wearable devices are reshaping fitness trends and the way we approach health. The Rise of Wearable Fitness Technology Wearable technology encompasses a broad range of devices that monitor various aspects of health and fitness. From smartwatches and fitness trackers to smart clothing and even advanced biometric sensors, these gadgets have revolutionized how individuals engage with their fitness regimes. The allure of real-time data has captivated millions, making fitness not just a goal, but a quantifiable journey. The increased

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February 3rd has witnessed a multitude of significant historical events that have shaped the course of nations and cultures. One of the most notable events occurred in the year 1959, known as 'The Day the Music Died.' On this fateful day, rock and roll icons Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. 'The Big Bopper' Richardson tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in Iowa. This event not only marked a significant loss in the music industry but also had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of America. The untimely deaths of these artists left a void in the hearts of fans and changed the trajectory of rock music forever. Fast forward to the year 1966, when the Soviet Union achieved an incredible milestone in space exploration. The Luna 9 spacecraft became the first to successfully land on the moon and transmit photographs back to Earth. This monumental accomplishment was a significant step in the space race, proving the capabilities of Soviet technology and marking a new

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BELLEVILLE - On Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, the St. Clair County Drug Tactical Unit, with support from the Belleville Police Code Enforcement Unit, executed multiple search warrants as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. The operation targeted a residence in Swansea and Twinzo’s Smoke Shop located at 6400 West Main St., Belleville. During the execution of the search warrants, authorities seized a substantial quantity of contraband, including 21 pounds of cannabis, 250 packages of THC edibles, 42 THC vape pens, and six digital scales. In addition, police recovered three firearms — one of which was reported stolen — along with 100 rounds of ammunition and $48,129 in cash. Tiyon T. Moore, a 26-year-old resident of Fairview Heights, was arrested in connection with the investigation. He faces multiple charges, including one count of unlawful possession with the intent to deliver cannabis, classified as a Class X felony, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm

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EAST ST. LOUIS – An 18-year-old from O’Fallon, Illinois, has been charged with First Degree Murder in connection with a homicide that took place in December 2024. Ricky T. Clayton was arrested by the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation’s Public Safety Enforcement Group following an investigation into the death of 21-year-old Markela Howliet. The incident occurred on Dec. 22, 2024, outside the Samuel Gomper Homes in the 400 block of North 6th Street in East St. Louis, where Howliet was shot in a parking lot. She was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital. ISP agents were called in to assist the East St. Louis Police Department with the investigation, which culminated in the filing of charges against Clayton on Jan. 31, 2025. St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric reviewed the case before the charges were formally issued. Clayton remains in custody, and no further information has been released regarding the case. T

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville hosts the debut screening of the documentary film “We Bear Witness: The African American Legacy of Hadley Township, MO” at Dunham Theater on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. Veteran journalist and WSIE 88.7 The Sound’s Robin Boyce, associate director of underwriting, will moderate the esteemed panel. The film explores the now obsolete African American community of Hadley Township, which is now only known as a section of Richmond Heights, Mo. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on disappearing African American communities dismantled across the country for economic purposes or gain. Guest panelists include the following: Dr. John A. Wright Sr., notable historian/Fulbright Scholar/author of “St. Louis: Disappearing Black Communities” Gwen Moore, historian/Curator of Urban Landscape and Community Identity of the Missouri History Museum Honorable Mayor Reginald Finney, first African

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February 1st has seen a myriad of significant events throughout history, spanning across politics, social movements, science, and culture. Let's look to February 1, 2003, when the Space Shuttle Columbia tragically disintegrated upon re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts on board. This catastrophic event served as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with space travel. The Columbia disaster brought about significant changes in NASA's safety protocols and led to a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the accident. It also sparked a national conversation about the future of human space exploration and the inherent risks involved. Another notable event occurred on February 1, 1960, when four African American college students initiated a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. This courageous act of civil disobedience became a defining moment in the American civil rights movement. The students, known

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NEW ATHENS – State Representative Kevin Schmidt donated his pay raise for the month of January to Church Emergency Services New Athens (CESNA), in the form of a food donation. Schmidt has donated every month’s pay raise to a different local food pantry or charity organization throughout his district since voting against the pay raise for legislators. “Our local charities need our help,” said Schmidt. “When the legislature voted themselves a pay raise last General Assembly, I promised to give the amount of the raise each month to a local organization that’s trying to help feed the hungry. When I went to Springfield, I didn’t go to serve myself, I went to serve my community.” CESNA is an ecumenical organization made up of churches in New Athens that assists people in need. More information can be found on their Facebook . Local Scouts donated a birthday bag that will be used for one of the recipients who has a birthday in February

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ALTON/GODFREY – Several domestic battery cases have been filed in Madison County in recent weeks, with most involving prior domestic battery offenders. Travis L. Watley, 40, of Alton, was charged with his fourth offense of domestic battery, a Class 3 felony, on Jan. 22, 2025. The day prior on Jan. 21, Watley allegedly struck a household or family member “about the face with a closed fist,” according to court documents. He had previously been convicted of domestic battery on two prior occasions in 2009 and aggravated battery in another prior case from 2005, each in Madison County. The latest domestic battery case against Watley was presented by the Alton Police Department. While he was granted pretrial release from custody, a motion for additional conditions on his release has been filed, citing previous attempts to threaten or perpetrate physical abuse towards the victim from this case. Brandon E. Ford, 39, of Madison, was charged with a Class 2 felony count of

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host storm spotter training on Tuesday, February 4th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Morris University Center (MUC) Oak/Redbud Room. The event is free and open to the public, with free parking available in Lot B starting at 6 p.m. Led by SIUE’s extreme weather expert Alan W. Black, PhD, assistant professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Geography and Geographic Information Sciences (GIS), the training will give students the knowledge needed to identify and report severe weather events. “Spotters provide crucial, real-time information that helps the National Weather Service issue more accurate and timely warnings,” said Black. “Their reports can make the difference in saving lives when seconds count.” Participants will learn about thunderstorm development, storm structure, and how to safely observe and report severe weather. Volunteer storm spotters play a key role

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced it has awarded $4.5 million to 12 groups across the state-funded through Governor JB Pritzker’s 2024 Birth Equity Initiative. The grants, ranging from $100,000 to $700,000, were awarded through a competitive process and are designed to support innovative, community-based efforts that have the potential to reduce inequities in populations historically at higher risk for adverse birth outcomes. The Doula Lab: The Belleville-based, BIPOC-led, non-profit organization will receive $400,000 for improving maternal and reproductive health outcomes for communities in the Metro East area. The project focuses on addressing systemic disparities in maternal health by expanding the doula workforce. “Illinois has one of the most robust birth equity initiatives in the entire nation and today’s announcement brings us closer to a state where every mother – no matter her race, economic status, or ZIP

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SPRINGFIELD - Social Security rules for public safety retirees such as police officers and firefighters have been totally re-written as a result of federal legislation passed and signed on January 5, and a newly-updated guide offers the best way to navigate those changes. The Third Edition of the IPPFA Retirement Guide adds a new section regarding the 2025 Social Security Fairness Act, the latest updates on Illinois fire and police pensions, new savings limits in Section 457 deferred compensation plans, and retirement healthcare funding. “The Social Security Fairness Act increases benefits for fire and police personnel who have pensions from work that is not covered by Social Security, and this affects the majority of downstate Illinois fire and police personnel,” said James McNamee, president of the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association (IPPFA), the guide’s publisher. “The law also repealed the Government Pension Offset that reduced or eliminated

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