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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) wrote to U.S. Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Lina Khan, U.S. Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Charlotte Burrows, and U.S. Secretary of the Department of Labor (DoL) Martin Walsh to call for a thorough review of how artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms and algorithmic bias might play a role in discriminating against people with disabilities when it comes to employment opportunities and hiring practices. Joining Duckworth in this letter are U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Ed Markey (D-MA). “We write to respectfully request that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Department of Labor (DoL) undergo a thorough review of artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms and algorithmic bias, including but not limited

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Norm and Shirley Halcom are celebrating 67 years of marriage. The two were married in 1955. The family gathered on the two's anniversary on September 3, 2022, for a surprise celebration for Norman & Shirley Halcom's 67th wedding anniversary and Shirley's 90th Birthday later this month. They were married in Meadowbrook by the Justice of the Peace on September 03, 1955. Shirley will be 90 on September 29th.

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MARYVILLE – In partnership with the Illinois Treasurer’s office, State Senator Kris Tharp is bringing the popular I-Cash services to Metro East residents in Granite City and Roxana. “Unclaimed property is commonly intangible and thus more difficult for families to know what is owed to them,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “I encourage any Illinois resident to visit an I-Cash event to check if they have any unclaimed property.” The Treasurer’s office has more than $3.5 billion in unclaimed funds for Illinois residents. To offer families an opportunity to search the database and file a claim, the first event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13 on the second floor of Royal Banks of Granite City, located at 3600 Nameoki Rd. Elevators will be available. The second event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Roxana Public Library, 200 N. Central Ave. “It’s worth the few minutes it takes to stop by an event

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EDWARDSVILLE - This is another in a series of articles of entries in the Edwardsville Art Fair at City Park on September 23-25. Today, Edwardsville, Worden, and Caseyville entries are featured. A rtist Name: Ana Sumner Location: Edwardsville Artist Statement: Ana Sumner's Sew Unique Art merges traditional art and fiber techniques together to portray nature as realism using mixed media fiber art, so that she may convey the textural beauty that is in the world. Artist Name: Annette Cummins Location: Caseyville Artist Statement: "I like road trips! When painting abstracts I am on a road trip with no destination in mind. I don't follow a map but rather my inner guide, excited to see where I may end up!" Artist Name : Deborrah Jones Location : Worden Artist Statement: "Jewelry is a form of intimate self-expression and a symbol of personal meaning. The wearer can use their body as a canvas to express their feelings, desires, and thoughts. I create jewelry

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VENICE - Venice CUSD #3 was awarded $26 million in funding, provided by the Capital Development Board through an emergency school construction grant. In September 2020, Venice Elementary School in Venice, Illinois was condemned due to structural issues. Students and staff attending Venice Elementary vacated the building, attending school virtually for the entire 2020-2021 school year. “It was a difficult year,” stated Superintendent Cynthia Tolbert. “We were not only dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic and virtual learning, but the Board of Education was also trying to locate a temporary school to house students.” For the 2021-2022 school year, Venice Elementary school was in a temporary location at the Melvin Price Depot located in Granite City. Tolbert successfully led the district in the demolition of the condemned elementary school in 2021, located on 300 South 4th Street. Assisted by Venice Board of Education officials, the Venice Unit

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Photographs may be purchased for personal use at: https://www.randymanning.com/Alton-Wine-and-Jazz-Festival ALTON - The Alton Jazz & Wine Festival continues to grow each year and once again Saturday night, it showcased some incredible talent, both from the area and also with some nationally recognized artists. Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater Chair Dan Herkert said you couldn’t have asked for better weather and such a great crowd. “I am an old trumpet player and the Alton Jazz Confluence Band already blows me out of the water," Herkert said. "They are tremendous. “This is the birthplace of Miles Davis and we always hold trumpet players in the highest esteem. The Jazz & Wine Festival has been growing every year. We have some absolutely amazing performers this year. I don’t think there is a better outdoor venue than the Alton Amphitheater. For jazz, it is the best setup I have seen.” Ken Whiteside has been affiliated with the Alton Jazz & Wine Festival

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GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School student Sam Chounarid recently presented a donation check to Gail Marchbanks from Kellsie’s Hope. Sam organized a cornhole tournament on Aug. 13, 2022, to benefit this organization. Kellsie’s Hope was started by Kellsie Marchbanks during her second round of cancer treatment. After her passing in June 2011 of Osteosarcoma, the Marchbanks family formed Kellsie’s Hope Foundation Inc, to celebrate the life of this remarkable young woman and to continue the work she started from her hospital bed. The Kellise's Hope mission is to provide hope to families that have children suffering from cancer by offering support for trips and gifts that might otherwise be unattainable. We are also dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support childhood cancer research and support the education of healthcare providers with an annual nursing scholarship. Kellsie’s Hope Foundation is an exempt organization as described in

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WICHITA FALLS, Texas - An Edwardsville student - Stephanie Ann Worley - graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care, magna cum laude - recently at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, in August. MSU Texas awarded degrees to 226 undergraduate and graduate students. Honor graduates receiving bachelor degrees included 30 summa cum laude, 26 magna cum laude, and 17 cum laude. Honor requirements are a grade point average of 3.9-4.0 for summa cum laude, 3.7-3.89 for magna cum laude, and 3.5-3.69 for cum laude.

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According to the National Bullying Prevention Center, one in five students reports being bullied – but the actual number is believed to be even higher, perhaps even one in three kids, as some cases are not reported. Bullying can be verbal, emotional, or physical and can be based on a variety of aspects – from looks and size to academics and athleticism, and more. During the peak of the pandemic, a decline in bullying was seen as so many kids were learning from home. Now, with schools back in full swing and in person, kids are spending more time with classmates than they have since early 2020. Talking to your kids at home each day is important to not only learn more about what is going on in their lives, but it also helps to identify potential bullying. “A good 10 to 15-minute conversation every day about what happened during the day, what was good, what was bad, and what did they struggle with. Use open-ended questions and don’t necessarily try to solve

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SAN DIEGO - Ashtin Linton, a 2022 Civic Memorial High School graduate, recently graduated from Marine Boot Camp, San Diego CA. Ashtin will soon know where he will be stationed once he returns to San Diego to finish up the final camp details after a brief leave. He was a Civic Memorial High football player while at the school. If you have a military accomplishment, e-mail them to news@riverbender.com and include a photo.

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ALTON - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) and the Wood River Police Department will be hosting a drive-through Prescription Drug Drop-Off event in Wood River on Wednesday, September 7 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm. The event collects unwanted or expired prescription drugs and safely disposes of them for FREE. The free Rx drop-off will take place at the Wood River Police Department, located at 550 E. Madison Ave. in Wood River from 11:00 am-1:00 pm on Wednesday, September 7. “Following a successful prescription drug disposal event last year, I am proud to partner up again with the Wood River Police Department in hosting another drop-off event,” said Rep. Elik. “This free service is a good opportunity for people to safely dispose of their expired and unwanted medications as it is unsafe to throw way or flush many medications. Accepted Medications include prescription medications, prescription ointments & patches, pet medications, and vitamins. Prohibited Items

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NATIONAL CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that Eastbound Interstate 70, one mile east of the Stan Musical Veterans Memorial Bridge in St. Clair County will be restricted to one lane beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2022, weather permitting. This work is necessary to complete bridge repairs. This work is expected to be completed by the end of October 2022. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. The contractor on this project is The Kilian Corporation of Mascoutah, Illinois. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - There is something special when a group of high school players lead off a prestigious event - the Alton Jazz and Wine Festival. The Alton Jazz Confluence Band did that this year on Saturday night. The group was a huge hit at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater. The group of Alton High jazz players - Will Hussey, bass, Nik Tuetken, trumpet, Joseph Hicks, keys, Spencer Leonard, saxophone, and Alex Tuetken, drums, bustle with talent and impressed the large crowd once again at the Alton Jazz and Wine Fest. The Jazz and Wine Festival is always a celebration of the great Miles Davis, born in Alton on May 26, 1926. A statue is positioned in Downtown Alton in memory of the jazz legend. The boys are following in his footsteps and will help preserve the Davis legacy as the future unfolds. The boys give Robert Stephan, a former head of the Alton Amphitheater Commission, credit for discovering them and putting them together as a group on stage at the jazz festival first. Ken Whiteside,

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ALTON - The 16th annual Mississippi Earthtones festival is returning to the Alton riverfront in a couple of weeks on September 17. The free, family-friendly event will be held at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater at #1 Riverfront Drive from noon to 10 p.m., with live music acts, artisan craft vendors, local food and drink options, and much more. The live musical entertainment lineup includes Alternative Indie Jazz band Loftys Comet from 12-2 p.m., one-man band Jason “Gordo” Gordon from 2-3 p.m. and 6-7 pm, Nonstop Reggae Band from 3-6 p.m., and Grateful Dead tribute band Jake’s Leg from 7-10 p.m. There will also be more than 50 eco-friendly vendors and educational booths offering everything from hand-made crafts to tips on living more sustainably. “Dozens of local artists and upcyclers will offer their nature-inspired, hand-made, and environmentally-friendly wares, and several agencies will be teaching consumers how to incorporate more sustainable practices

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LITCHFIELD - Illinois State Police (ISP) District 18 Commander, Mark Gillock, announces the ISP will conduct Special Traffic Enforcement Patrols (STEP) in Macoupin County during October. These STEPs allow the ISP to focus on these fatal four violations which contribute the greatest to traffic crashes and fatalities: - Driving Under the Influence (DUI); - Safety Belt and Child Restraint use; - Speeding; and, - Distracted Driving. The ISP will increase our daytime and nighttime patrols to ensure the safety of vehicle travelers through enforcement of all traffic safety laws. Impaired driving is a factor in more than 30 percent of traffic deaths in Illinois. Likewise, speeding is a factor in nearly 35 percent of fatal crashes; and, nearly 50 percent of vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes were known to not be buckled up. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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When should I get a flu shot? Every flu season is different, so experts recommend talking to your primary care provider about the vaccine. As we enter fall, the emails from your workplace or pharmacy may start to pop up in your inbox. “It’s time for a flu shot!” But how early is too early to get the yearly jab? It depends, says Jason Kole, MD, director of Emergency Department Services at OSF HealthCare in Danville, Illinois. Dr. Kole says every influenza season is different. When will it peak? What will be the dominant strain of the virus? How effective will the flu vaccine be against that strain? Plus, Dr. Kole says, health care providers are still devoting time to treating COVID-19 patients. “If actually hits the strain of flu that’s prevalent during that season, then the flu season’s going to be relatively mild,” Dr. Kole says. “If it doesn’t hit that strain, then we’re going to have a heavy flu season.” “We’re

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ST. LOUIS - Labor Day marks the end of summer road trips and vacations, however, a new AAA survey shows many people will continue to travel during the autumn months. According to the AAA’s late summer survey, about 32% of Americans will travel for Labor Day weekend. Of those who plan to travel, the vast majority (82%) will go by automobile. According to AAA travel advisors, the top destinations for hotel, cruise and tour bookings for Missourians are: Las Vegas Miami Orlando Alaska Key West Nashville Hawaii Memphis New Orleans Europe “More international destinations are open to travelers without COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements,” said AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria. “Right now, travelers can find some great deals for future travel, especially on cruises. For those who want to travel in the fall, the best advice is to get those plans in place as soon as possible due to the pent up demand, work with a reputable travel advisor who is

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GODFREY – Some new improvements to Robert E. Glazebrook Community Park had a soft opening Saturday morning. A brand new area has been being worked on for quite some time now and is finally open to the public. This new expansion includes a splash pad, a brand new pavilion, and the main draw, eight pickleball courts. Chris Logan, director of Parks and Recreation for the Village of Godfrey, is excited about the new additions. The highlight of this new area is by far the eight pickleball courts. Logan says that the sport is taking over the United States right now. In late July Forbes Magazine said that pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. Logan says people are “going bonkers” over it. The courts were filled Saturday morning with plenty of smiling faces enjoying the sport which can best be described as a mashup of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong according to Forbes. It’s great to see that the nearly $150,000 courts are already getting put

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ALTON - The pictures above might not look like much, just a couple of big patches of rough dirt. But in a week's time, these pits will be flooded to make two perfect mud volleyball courts for hundreds of people to enjoy. That's right, for the first time ever the Alton Sports Tap will be hosting a mud volleyball tournament during the Alton Expo. There have been other mud volleyball tournaments played at the Expo in the past, but this one will be special. The tournament will feature 32 teams in a double-elimination style format on September 10 and 11. Games will be played each day beginning at 11 a.m. The Alton Expo, which is being hosted at the riverfront doesn't typically have volleyball courts. Sports Tap has been working with the City of Alton as well as the amphitheater commission and just had these two courts dug within the last couple of months. They are located right by the marina and are not too far from the water. There aren't typically mud volleyball courts found along Alton'

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that all offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, September 5th in observance of Labor Day. Offices and Driver Services facilities operating on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule will be closed on Saturday, September 3rd, and reopen for business on Tuesday, September 6th. Offices and Driver Services facilities operating on a Monday through Friday schedule will be closed on Monday, September 5th, and reopen for business on Tuesday, September 6th. As a reminder, Secretary White has extended all driver’s license, ID card and learner’s permit expiration dates to December 1, 2022. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL-learner’s permits. In addition, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. Individuals can visit the Secretary of State’s website at ilsos.gov for online services including

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