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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that a lighting improvement project on Interstate 55/64/70 will require lane restrictions during the weekends beginning, weather permitting, Saturday, Feb. 15. The project start has been moved because of the prediction of inclement weather next week. To complete the work, lane restrictions in both eastbound and westbound directions of I-55/64/70 from the Mississippi River to east of the Interstate 64 (Tri-Level) interchange will start on Saturdays at 5 a.m. and continue until Sundays at 5 p.m. The $8.85 million project, which involves removing the existing light towers and light poles and installing modernized LED streetlights along the interchange, is anticipated to be completed in summer 2026. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined Senate Democrats’ 30-hour protest opposing Project 2025 architect Russell Vought’s nomination to serve as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under President Donald Trump. Holding the floor, Duckworth delivered an impassioned speech slamming Trump and unelected billionaire Elon Musk’s ongoing illegal power grabs—including his unlawful federal grant freeze and his shuttering of USAID—that are inflicting pain on middle-class Americans and endangering our national security. Video of Duckworth’s opening remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube and her full speech can be found on the Senator’s Twitter/X and Facebook . Key quotes: “Decades before I ever considered a career in politics, when I was just starting out in the Army, I raised my right hand and took an oath. I swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United

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ALTON - New Frontiers Home and Garden Furnishings Company is celebrating its 47th anniversary in Alton with a major sale through the month of February. Ed, Barb and Cathie, representatives with New Frontiers, stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to talk about their experience with the store and how they’ve seen it grow over the past several decades. “It’s a testament. After 47 years, you wouldn't get there by not doing all the right things,” said Cathie. “I love what I do. When you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. I don’t go to work. I love my job.” Ed, the New Frontiers owner, explained that he started out by making adirondack chairs in his dad’s garage. He opened the original store on Broadway in Alton in 1978, selling only unfinished wood furniture. New Frontiers eventually broadened their offerings to finished pieces and soft goods like sofas. When they moved to 101

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Imagine walking into your office to find a workspace cluttered with stacks of papers, an array of pens that never seem to work, and a desktop so chaotic it feels like a puzzle. How does that make you feel? Overwhelmed? Distracted? Now, consider this: studies suggest that individuals who maintain organized workspaces can boost their productivity by as much as 30%. The difference between a cluttered desk and a tidy one isn’t just aesthetic; it profoundly impacts our ability to focus and perform. The Psychological Impact of Clutter Clutter can have a significant psychological toll on individuals. The brain processes visual stimuli constantly, and when our workspace is inundated with disorganized items, it becomes harder for us to concentrate on the task at hand. This phenomenon is known as “visual noise,” which can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels. In fact, a study published in the journal “Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin” found tha

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February 7th has witnessed a myriad of significant events throughout history, shaping the world as we know it today. February 7th has been marked by important cultural milestones. On this day in 1964, The Beatles arrived in the United States for the first time, igniting a cultural phenomenon known as 'Beatlemania.' Their arrival not only changed the landscape of music but also influenced fashion, social norms, and youth culture in America and around the world. The Beatles' impact continues to be felt today, as their music remains timeless and influential. Looking back further, in 1940, Walt Disney's animated classic 'Pinocchio' premiered in Los Angeles. The film, based on the Italian children's novel by Carlo Collodi, became an instant classic and is celebrated for its innovative animation techniques and memorable songs. 'Pinocchio' not only entertained audiences but also conveyed important moral lessons, making it a beloved staple in children's entertainment. In the realm of

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) re-introduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for veterans to access the benefits they’ve earned. The Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eliminate overcomplicated language from written communications with veterans. Budzinski introduced the legislation with Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12). Budzinski introduced this legislation last Congress and it successfully passed out of the House. However, it did not receive a vote in the Senate. “Every day, my office hears from veterans who are struggling to access the benefits they’ve earned due to confusing processes and complicated paperwork,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m proud to be working with my new colleague, Congressman Barrett, to streamline the VA’s communication with our veterans

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ALTON — Two juveniles were taken into custody on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, after an Alton Police officer observed them fleeing at the sight of a marked police vehicle in a known area of recent criminal activity. At approximately 9:48 p.m., Alton Police Lt. Jim Siatos was patrolling the vicinity of 9th Street and Hamilton Street when he noticed the two individuals, both with concealed faces, who appeared to be evading the police presence. Earlier, the officer had seen them walking improperly in the roadway, which contributed to his decision to pursue them on foot. During the encounter, one of the juveniles was found to be in possession of a stolen firearm. Both males were identified as juveniles, and under Illinois law, their identities cannot be released. Following the incident, one of the juveniles was taken to the Madison County Juvenile Detention Home, while the other was released to a guardian. The proactive approach taken by Lt. Siatos has been acknowledged by the police

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COLLINSVILLE – A St. Louis man faces multiple felonies after committing armed robbery with a stolen firearm following an automobile accident in Collinsville. Ronald Futon III, 19, of St. Louis, was charged with armed robbery (a Class X felony), unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (a Class 2 felony), and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons (a Class 4 felony). After being involved in a motor vehicle collision on Jan. 27, 2025, Futon allegedly threatened the driver of the other vehicle with a stolen firearm. The incident was outlined in a petition filed to deny Futon’s pretrial release. “Officers responded to a robbery report … provided she was involved in been in a car accident with defendant’s vehicle,” the petition states. “The defendant exited his vehicle and approached the victim. The defendant demanded payment from the victim for the damage to his vehicle. She reported observing the defendant brandish a firearm while making

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ALTON/EAST ALTON – An Illinois appellate court has upheld a Madison County jury’s award of $3.31 million for a former boat worker who developed a life-altering respiratory disability from exposure to unsafe working conditions. In January of 2023 , SCF Lewis and Clark Fleeting, LLC was ordered by a Madison County trial court to pay $3.31 million to former deckhand Kevin Mogensen. The ruling aimed to compensate Mogensen for lost wages, past and future medical costs, and more after a 2018 worksite exposure to corn gluten fertilizer permanently impacted his once-active lifestyle. Mogensen was part of a team tasked with cleaning excess material off the surface of an SCF barge after bulk product and material had been loaded onto the barge via conveyor belt. SCF Safety Manager David Totsch testified that workers cleaned the material off barge surfaces using brooms and leafblowers, and “admitted that employees were not given a mask or respirator as part of their safety

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BELLEVILLE - Mueller Furniture & Mattress is proud to announce the 4th generation family-owned business has completed a $300,000 remodel for its historic Belleville location that opened its doors nearly 100 years ago. The remodel consists of expanding the showroom with new flooring, ceiling, lighting, paint and in-store kiosks. “We are so excited for our customers to see our investment in our store and the Belleville community,” said Owner and President Mark Mueller. “With all of our previous expansions, we know it’s important to not lose sight of our past. We are committed to keeping our original Belleville location on Main Street and committed to the future. We promise this will be a building that continues to provide an amazing shopping experience for decades to come.” Mueller said these renovations are unique because they focus on enhancing the overall customer experience. The new in-store kiosks use technology to help customers design and envision

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CHICAGO – As the State of Illinois celebrates the fifth anniversary of the legalization of adult use cannabis in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that 2024 marked the fourth consecutive year of record-setting sales. Overall, dispensaries report that more than $2 billion of cannabis product was sold in 2024, a 2.5% increase from last year. The $2 billion of product includes a record-setting $1.722 billion in adult use cannabis sales in 2024, with medical cannabis sales exceeding $285 million. Sales taxes collected at Illinois cannabis dispensaries totaled more than $490 million in 2024, per the Illinois Department of Revenue. “The numbers are clear: five years after we legalized adult use cannabis in Illinois, we’re seeing the economic impact of a thriving cannabis industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With $2 billion in record-setting sales and $490 million generated in tax revenue,

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ALTON - Upper Alton Baptist Church and Preschool invite the community to come out for their 27th annual Chocolate Festival. From 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, community members can stop by Upper Alton Baptist Church at 2726 College Avenue for all-you-can eat chocolate treats. A plate or a to-go box cost $7, and kids under age 5 are free. You can also purchase a 15-inch platter for $20. Proceeds from the festival benefit the preschool. “We’re all chocolate connoisseurs,” said Tammi Bramley-Cash, who oversees the preschool. “Every year, there are weirder things that somebody decided to put in chocolate.” Buckeyes and chocolate-covered strawberries are “staples,” but Bramley-Cash also promises chocolate-dipped potato chips, bacon covered in chocolate, a three-layer chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, chocolate pudding, chocolate drinks and plenty more. Reverend Brad Donoho added that the 15-inch platter is the perfect contribution

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued the following statement after a federal judge in Washington granted his motion for a nationwide preliminary injunction in a lawsuit he, with three state attorneys general, filed challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship. “As I have previously indicated, the issue of birthright citizenship is a personal one to me. I am pleased the court has granted our request for a nationwide preliminary injunction and refused to let ‘the beacon of light’ that is the rule of law darken. The 14th Amendment was enshrined in our nation’s Constitution more than 150 years ago, and since then, the right of an individual born in this country to be a citizen of this country has been uniformly recognized. The judge correctly said today, ‘It has become ever more apparent that to our president, the rule of law is but an impediment to his policy goals.’ But despite his actions

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SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) secured a $7 million USDA grant to launch I-COVER, the Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystem Resilience Program, which offers cost-share/financial incentives to producers and landowners who are new adopters of cover crops or who utilize new techniques for earlier establishment of cover crops. The multi-state USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grant between Illinois, Indiana and Iowa establishes a three-year program for cover crops planted in 2025, 2026 and 2027. "Research shows that cover crops improve soil health, reduce erosion, increase drought resistance, and reduce pests, weeds and diseases," said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Director of Agriculture . “Illinois is home to some of the most fertile soil in the world, and I encourage farmers to participate in this important new program to conserve and protect it.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to help modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available successfully passed the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST). The bipartisan She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act would help enhance passenger vehicle safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures. The bill is estimated to help save more than 1,300 lives while saving billions of dollars in economic impact from preventing and mitigating deaths and tens of thousands of injuries. “We can be doing so much more to improve roadway safety and make sure visiting a family member or a routine trip to the grocery store doesn’t end in tragedy,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud our bipartisan legislation passed through committee

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ALTON — YWCA Southwestern Illinois and the Alton Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) invite all voters in the Alton School District to attend a School Board Candidates’ Forum on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the YWCA Gym, located at 304 E. Third St., Alton, IL. With six candidates vying for four four-year seats on the Board of Education in the April 1 election, this forum offers voters a vital opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to shape the future of local education. The candidates are Jack Cox, Jr., Tiana Gipson, Jason Harrison, Barry Macias, Christina Milien, and Aline Russell. The event will begin with each candidate providing a brief introduction, followed by a structured Q&A session using prepared questions. If time allows, audience members will have the chance to submit questions. "School board elections directly impact our children’s education and the future of our community," said Dorothy Hummel, Executive Director, YWC

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WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement on Musk’s efforts to overhaul the federal government. Budzinski also joined over 150 Members of Congress in a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, expressing concern regarding recent reports that he granted Elon Musk and his team access to the federal government’s payments system. Since the Trump Administration began, Musk has led efforts to shutter key government agencies and push federal workers to resign. "Right now, millions of Americans are scared that their livelihoods are at the whim of an unelected billionaire. Elon Musk may have joined the Trump Administration with promises to improve efficiency, but from day one, all we’ve seen is chaos. There’s nothing efficient about illegally accessing confidential information, slashing funding for essential programs like SNAP and Head Start or offering illegal buyouts to thousands of dedicated federal

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Co-Chairs of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, met today with Baltic Foreign Ministers and their ambassadors. During the meeting, they discussed the increase in Russian hybrid attacks in the Baltics and across Europe, and the need to maintain allied support for Ukraine and NATO. The meeting comes not long after Finland seized a Russian shadow fleet ship suspected of destroying an energy cable linking Estonia and Finland, and growing evidence of Russian arson, assassination, malign cyber activities, and sabotage on NATO soil. In addition to Durbin and Grassley, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) also attended. The Senators met with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys and Ambassador Audra Plepyte; Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and Ambassador Elita Kuzma; an

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BELLEVILLE — A 17-year-old from East St. Louis has been charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree murder, in connection with the shooting death of Dirico V. Washington. Joseph P. Flagg was taken into custody by Belleville detectives on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, following an investigation into the incident. The Belleville Police Department presented evidence to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, leading to the charges against Flagg. He faces serious allegations, including first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a handgun under the age of 18, among others. The complete list of charges includes: First Degree Murder, Class M Felony First Degree Murder in the Commission of a Forcible Felony, Class M Felony Unlawful Sale or Delivery of a Firearm, Class 2 Felony Attempt Unlawful Sale or Delivery of Firearm, Class 3 Felony Unlawful Possession of Handgun Under 18 Years Old, Class 4 Felony Unlawful Delivery

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GRANITE CITY - Monica Cooper, of Granite City, a beloved mother and friend, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, after a brief battle with pneumonia. She was 42 years old. Cooper is remembered for her vibrant personality and infectious laughter. Described as a dynamic and fun-loving individual, she touched the lives of many with her honesty, warmth, and generosity. "Her ‘shoot from the hip’ honesty, tempered with humor, and her warm smile will be deeply missed by all who knew her," her family shared in a heartfelt statement. She is survived by her children, Justin and Samantha Clark, and Casie and Jeremy Wright, along with her grandchildren, Emma and Miley. Cooper was the daughter of Vernon Gale Cooper and Linda Lentz, and she leaves behind siblings Tommy and Peggy Cooper, Kevin Cooper, and Michelle and Toby Wallace. In light of Cooper's passing, her family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and other unforeseen costs, as she did not

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