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SPRINGFIELD - On Wednesday, the Illinois Auditor General released the results of an audit of the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors and Adults program, which showed that the State of Illinois has already spent over $1.6 billion in taxpayer funds on health benefits for illegal immigrants. Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) called the audit findings shocking and again demanded that the State immediately end the massively expensive program. “As the chief sponsor of House Bill 1456 to end taxpayer-funded health benefits for illegal immigrants, I already knew that this program was running way over the initial cost estimates,” Rep. Davidsmeyer said. “But even I was shocked by audit findings that showed cost overruns of up to 286 percent higher than the Pritzker administration’s initial estimates. At a time when our State is facing a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit, we simply cannot afford to spend over $1.6 billion on this giveaway

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During respiratory illness season there a more graphic, yet shorter-lasting virus making the rounds especially among kids: Norovirus. What is Norovirus? "Norovirus is a viral infection, most people refer to it as the stomach flu. But it's a distinctly different virus than influenza," says Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. "It's acquired by contact, meaning you touch it. Then it gets from outside your body, usually in through your mouth, and then into your GI (gastrointestinal) system." Norovirus symptoms and concerns "Symptoms usually come on very quickly. Roughly a day or two after exposure, the person will notice gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, bloating pain, gas and diarrhea," Dr. Kasper says. "Most people that don't have an immuno-compromised history, the symptoms will pass in 2-3 days. It can be a much bigger problem in people who are chronically ill. It leads to dehydration and low food intake. So, if someone

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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School will join the Cahokia Athletic Conference. During their regular meeting on Feb. 27, 2025, the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education unanimously approved the decision to join the conference, effective for the 2026–2027 school year. Derek Jarman, CM’s incoming athletic director, expressed his excitement about the decision. “I think it’s great for our kids, great for our programs,” he said. “All of our kids and coaches are pretty excited about it.” Jarman gave a presentation explaining the benefits of joining the conference during the Feb. 27 Board of Education meeting. He noted that CM will be in the Mississippi division, alongside Jersey, Waterloo, Freeburg, Breese-Central and Columbia. Civic Memorial will also compete against East Alton-Wood River High School and Roxana High School during the football season. These schools are all comparable in size and academics. Jarman

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Did you know that women hold only about 28% of the computing jobs in the United States, despite accounting for nearly half of the overall workforce? This stark statistic not only highlights a significant gender disparity but also underscores the critical need for greater female representation in a field that shapes virtually every aspect of modern life. As we move further into an era dominated by technology, understanding the vital role women play—and can play—in the tech industry becomes essential. Breaking Barriers: A Historical Perspective The journey of women in technology is woven into the very fabric of the industry’s history. Pioneers like Ada Lovelace, often regarded as the first computer programmer, and Grace Hopper, who developed the first compiler, set the stage for future generations. Despite these early contributions, the tech world has largely been male-dominated, especially during the explosive growth of the industry in the late 20th century. However,

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Welcome to This Day in History! Today, we dive into the remarkable events that have taken place on February 28th throughout the years. **The Most Impactful Global Event: The Signing of the Treaty of Paris (1763)** On this day in 1763, the Treaty of Paris was signed, marking the end of the Seven Years' War, a conflict that involved most of the great powers of the time. The treaty was a monumental moment in history, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of North America and Europe. Great Britain emerged as a dominant colonial power, acquiring Canada from France and Florida from Spain, while France ceded control of Louisiana to Spain. This event not only changed the territorial boundaries but also set the stage for future conflicts and the eventual American Revolution. **A Step Forward in Science: The Discovery of the Structure of DNA (1953)** On February 28, 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick announced their discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, a breakthrough that

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ALTON – Members of the public gathered at Alton City Hall on Thursday night for an open house event on potentially building a permanent flood wall in downtown Alton. Early on, attendees seemed to express confusion as it became apparent there would be no formal presentation – nor any opportunity to vocally express comments or concerns. Instead, poster boards showing various diagrams of the proposed flood wall were put on display in the City Council chambers. Rather than allowing public comments as in a typical city meeting, paper “Public Comment Sheets” were provided for the public to submit written responses. “This is such a waste of time!” one attendee shouted before nearly storming out, then returning to submit a written comment. Despite there being no formal presentation, the Alton Riverfront Advisory Commission prepared a slideshow presentation outlining the scope of the flooding problem and proposed solutions. Their presentation, and many

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On Feb. 18, 1925, Raymond Silkwood received an invitation to visit the home of his (supposed) friend William Clark to get a haircut. Silkwood’s hair was getting a little too long and ragged, so he accepted. Silkwood, a junk wagon driver, lived in a shanty boat on the Hartford riverbank, and Clark lived in a tent next door. Silkwood sat down in a chair in the tent expecting a standard scissor haircut when the “volunteer barber” suddenly reached for a hand axe. He struck Silkwood on the back of the head, rendering him unconscious, and stole 60 cents out of his pockets. Clark’s mother and stepfather were away from home at the time of the haircut but found the injured Silkwood there later. The Wood River police were notified and asked the Alton police to be on the lookout for Clark. The police found Clark in a shanty boat along the willows on the Alton riverfront, arrested him, and took him to the Alton jail. They later transferred him to Wood River police

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is taking action to address one of the most pressing concerns for Illinois families. Standing alongside her colleagues at the Capitol, Senator Harriss emphasized the urgent need for property tax relief and introduced legislation aimed at easing the financial burden on homeowners and seniors. “If you ask my constituents what’s on their minds, the answer is almost always the same—property taxes,” said Senator Harriss. “Families across Illinois are feeling the weight of rising costs, and it’s important that we provide meaningful solutions to help keep people in their homes.” As an advocate for lower taxes, Senator Harriss has filed legislation to bring tax relief to Illinois families. Senate Bill 2086 : this bill raises the income eligibility for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption to $75,000 and ties future increases to inflation. Senate Bill

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services in Alton will be holding its monthly Lymphedema education meeting on Thursday, March 6. Riverbend region residents are invited to join the OSF Lymphedema Therapy Team for this free educational session about Lymphedema and meet other people with Lymphedema. The March Lymphedema education meeting will be held: Thursday, March 6, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services 228 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL Enter the Rehab office from the upper mall parking lot, facing Alby Street, under the "OSF HEALTHCARE" sign Interested individuals should direct questions or requests for additional information to OSF Rehabilitation Services at (618) 463-5171. Lymphedema refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid that is usually drained by the body's lymphatic system. Some Lymphedema facts include: It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but it can also occur in the face, neck, or trunk.

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SPRINGFIELD - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is taking action to strengthen the skilled trade workforce in Illinois. House Bill 3807 creates the Illinois Trades Retention and Development Encouragement (ITRADE) Grant Program. The purpose of the bill is to promote a rewarding career in Illinois by specializing in a skilled trade. Rep. Schmidt says there is high demand for trade workers in Illinois and the state needs to invest more into growing our economy by supporting this legislation. “Many students decide to attend a technical school after graduating high school and this bill promotes the skilled trade industry and helps eligible students receive scholarships funds to pursue a degree or certificate from a qualified technical school in Illinois,” said Rep. Schmidt. “It’s important every student has the opportunity to excel in a career after graduating high school, and this bill is aimed to do just that.” The Illinois Student Assistance

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ALTON - Megan Tyler has always been dedicated to helping the Alton community feel better. Tyler, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. She is the founder of Sacred Spaces of CARE , a nonprofit that combats mental health and substance use disorders by working with unhoused populations, the Alton Police Department, and folks in crisis. “It’s just a moment to be grateful for the fact that I’m allowed to be in this space because of those that came before us,” Tyler said. “Based on my background experience and also individuals that are close to me, family, friends, loved ones who have either had different mental health challenges or struggled with active addiction, suicide, things related to trauma — I decided to launch Sacred and just felt like it was something that was needed in the community.” Before devoting her time to Sacred Spaces

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HARDIN - The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office would like to announce to the community that they have implemented a Body-Worn Camera Program, and all officers are now equipped and utilizing body cameras. Beginning on January 1, 2025, all Law Enforcement Officers in the State of Illinois are mandated to wear body cameras, while on duty and in uniform; which was one of the provisions of House Bill 3656, also known as the SAFE-T Act. The Calhoun Sheriff's Office began preparing for this mandate when the bill became law in 2021, and secured money through a US Department of Justice grant to pay for the program. The sherif's office received our equipment and began training and utilizing them by the end of 2024. The department is utilizing the Axon 4 Body-Worn Camera; which is the latest and most up-to-date camera available. Axon is the nationwide leader in body-worn cameras and tasers. Body cameras are a valuable asset intended to assist officers in the prosecution of offenders by

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Goreville, Illinois man for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor, as well as producing and disseminating child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Anthony Mallet, 37, in Johnson County Circuit Court with two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a minor, two counts of production of child pornography and five counts of dissemination of child pornography, which are all Class X felonies punishable by up to 30 years in prison, Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Mallett is currently detained at the Johnson County Jail, and his next court date is scheduled for April 9. “The trauma experienced by survivors of child exploitation and

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Linda J. Johnson, a 58-year-old woman from Waterloo, was sentenced to 15 months on charges of embezzling over $135,000 from Dupo Community Unit School District #196. The sentencing, which took place in federal court, includes three months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons followed by 12 months in community confinement. Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a federally funded program, which stemmed from her role as an administrative support employee in the superintendent's office from 2016 to 2022. During this time, she was tasked with managing deposits for the district’s activities account, which supported various student programs, including athletics and clubs. Court documents reveal that Johnson embezzled funds by stealing cash donations and money raised for activities such as yearbook production, cheerleading, and science clubs. To hide her actions, she prepared fraudulent deposit slips that misrepresented the actual amounts deposited, ensuring

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Letter To The Editor: ALTON - I am appalled and shocked by the senseless shootings that have recently occurred in the 1200 block of Central Street, incidents that have put the lives of innocent people in jeopardy. While I am grateful that no one has been hurt or killed during these shootings, we must recognize that this kind of violence cannot be tolerated in our community, and it must stop. These incidents are not random acts of violence; rather, they indicate a troubling trend that undermines the safety and security we cherish in Alton. This kind of senseless behavior is not a way to resolve conflicts or disputes, and it is imperative that we come together as a community to stand against it. I want to assure our residents that the Alton Police Department will use every resource at their disposal to bring these offenders to justice. We are committed to the safety of all residents and visitors who come to Alton. We will not rest until those responsible for these crimes are apprehended

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BETHALTO – Residents of Brighton and Granite City were charged in a Madison County burglary case in which tools were stolen from a residence and listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. On Feb. 18, 2025, Michael D. Skiff, 45, of Brighton and Aaron D. Rowe, 39, of Granite City, were both charged with Class 2 felony counts of burglary in separate but related cases. Both are accused of unlawfully entering a building in the 700 block of Dugger Street in Bethalto with the intent to commit a felony. Petitions were filed to deny both Skiff and Rowe’s pretrial release. According to both petitions, the Bethalto Police Department arrived at the residence in response to a theft. The homeowner, who was working on the house but not living there, told officers that tools and other items worth about $1,810 were stolen from the residence. “A neighbor of the residence saw a maroon Ford F-150 drive by the residence and drive around the block several times,” the petition states.

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ALTON – Two Wood River residents face felony charges for stealing extension cords and allegedly intending to break into an Alton building, while another faces theft and burglary charges in a separate case. Cody L. Harper, 42, and Heather L. Brown, 34, both of Wood River, were each charged on Feb. 21, 2025 with Class 3 felony counts of theft and Class 4 felony counts of possession of burglary tools. The two reportedly stole “several 100-foot extension cords” worth over $500 which were property of BSI Constructors on Nov. 24, 2024. They were also charged with possessing a set of 18-inch bolt cutters, with the intent to break into a property in the 600 Block of East Broadway in Alton. The Alton Police Department presented both cases against Harper and Brown, who were each granted pretrial release from custody. In a similar but unrelated case, Cody L. Harper, 42, also of Wood River, was charged with theft and burglary, both Class 3 felonies. On Jan. 21, 2025, Harper

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EDWARDSVILLE - Kaleb Turney is a junior forward for the Metro-East Lutheran boys basketball team, and he's made very valuable contributions to the Knights this season. Currently, Metro-East stands at 19-11. as the Knights have won their first two IHSA Class 1A playoff games, over Mt. Olive 65-18, and Raymond Lincolnwood 57-34, going into the Lincolnwood regional final on Feb. 28 against Hardin Calhoun. In the first two games, Turney had scored eight and five points, respectively, and for the season, averages 5.2 points and 2.8 rebounds-per-game, going along with 16 assists and 16 steals. He's valuable coming off the bench to help his team with a spark when they need it most. He is a BJ's Printables Male Athlete of the Month for MELHS. After the win over Mt. Olive on Feb. 24, felt very strong about his efforts, and how the team performed, going out to a big lead and not looking back. "I'm feeling good," Turney said. "We came into this game thinking we were going to win, and that's

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A 31-year-old man has been sentenced in U.S. District Court to 20 years in prison for an armed robbery that occurred at a convenience store in East St. Louis. Vernelle E. Hines, who was arrested in Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty to charges of interference with commerce by robbery and carrying and using a firearm during a crime of violence. The incident took place on Oct. 31, 2023, when Hines brandished a firearm at a clerk at the Mega Supermarket. According to court documents, he demanded two bottles of tequila and, upon the clerk's refusal, assaulted the clerk, discharged his firearm into the ceiling, and forcibly took the tequila along with several hundred dollars. Hines was wearing a mask to conceal his identity during the robbery, which resulted in serious and permanent injuries to the store clerk. “This 20-year sentence of a convicted felon who committed a brutal robbery is evidence of the Illinois State Police’s commitment to making communities

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PERE MARQUETTE - The Prairie State Conservation Coalition (PSCC) is set to hold its annual conference at Pere Marquette State Park from March 5 to March 7, 2025, marking the first time the event will take place at this location. The PSCC, an Illinois nonprofit organization comprising various land conservation groups, focuses on protecting and restoring the state's diverse landscapes, which range from lakefronts and river bluffs to prairies and forests. Alley Ringhausen, Executive Director of Great Rivers Land Trust, has been a long-time attendee of the PSCC conference and advocated for the venue change. "I suggested the group come to Southern Illinois and see all the amazing sights and venues we have to offer," Ringhausen said. The event is expected to attract around 150 participants from conservation organizations across the state. In addition to its significance for the conservation community, the conference is anticipated to have positive economic impacts on the local business

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