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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate National Labs Caucus, joined U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jim Risch (R-ID), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and John Thune (R-SD), to introduce the bipartisan Testing and Evaluation Systems for Trusted Artificial Intelligence (TEST) AI Act , legislation that would improve the federal government’s capacity to test and evaluate Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to drive innovation, protect national security, and safeguard Americans against risks. The TEST AI Act leverages the unique expertise and resources of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to advance AI innovation and guardrails. NIST’s deep expertise in AI risk management, combined with the technical expertise and computational and data resources provided by DOE’s National Labs will enable the U.S. government to conduct practical and meaningful

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, questioned Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on President Biden’s national security supplemental funding request, which includes emergency funds for Israel, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and humanitarian crises. Durbin, Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, first questioned Secretary Austin about the need to continue to provide Ukraine with financial support from the United States and NATO, referencing a recent talk Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had with members of the U.S. Senate. “But he said without the continued financial support of the United States and NATO, we will lose this war. He was unequivocal. He repeated it—without the financial support of the United States and NATO, we will lose this war. Was he exaggerating?” Durbin asked. Secretary Austin responded that Zelenskyy was not exaggerating.

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JERSEYVILLE - Jerseyville is getting a new gym this weekend when JerseyFit Barbell celebrates its Grand Opening on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be jam-packed with activities, including a bench pressing competition, kids’ competitions, food, and more. Owner Adam Hickson, who is also a JCHS Strength & Conditioning coach, partnered with Nick Bexheti to make JerseyFit Barbell a reality. Bexheti recently announced the Grand Opening, adding their overall vision is to “elevate the sports and wellness offerings in Jerseyville.” “In April, we turned that dream into a reality. Combining our shared vision and passion for sports, we launched JerseyFit Barbell - a gym that provides a functional fitness space catering to all training styles,” Bexheti said. “This wasn't just about starting a gym; we poured our sweat and heart into renovating an old building, transforming it into a top-notch fitness facility.” The

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ALTON - The Alton Halloween Parade sponsored by the East End Improvement Association was a cold one, but once again brought tons of smiles from children and plenty of candy with top-quality floats, East End spokesperson Steve Schwartz said late Tuesday night. This was the 106th Alton Halloween Parade. "I thought the parade went great," he said. "We had a great turnout on a cool night. I thought the floats were great, overall it was one of our best years for floats. There is some real creativity in our floats." Schwartz said several of the floats stood out, but some he mentioned were various winners, Dr. Vest and Company, once again the Commercial Division winner, the Boy Scouts Troop 1 float, and floats by Alton Physical Therapy, Montessori and Home Depot. Schwartz also commended the Alton Police Department and Alton Public Works Department for all their hard work in keeping the parade safe. This year, Schwartz said there were four marching bands - The Marching 100 from Alton High

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EDWARDSVILLE - It was a bone-chilling night, but revelers at the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade didn’t let that dampen their spirits or the once again fantastic event. The parade kicked off at 6:30 p.m. and did not disappoint with an abundance of memorable entries. The float winners will be announced soon and released. The theme this year was “Great American Road Trips.” The Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber said in a statement, they are "always excited for the annual parade” and once again it went off without a hitch despite the cold temps. Edwardsville Police Department was again out in full force to keep the pathways safe for the tight-knight Edwardsville-Glen Carbon communities. The Edwardsville Arts Center had special comments and summed up the feelings of many about the parade: “There were many die-hard Halloween Parade fans out braving the bitter cold. We had so much fun in our first parade! Thank you to

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ALTON - The 106th Alton Halloween Parade is a huge event for the entire Riverbend region, but for Alton Mayor David Goins and his family, the night took on special meaning as they represented Alton and raised awareness for breast cancer. The mayor and his wife, Sheila Goins, worked with their family and friends to create a “Barbies for Breast Cancer Awareness” theme, complete with pink costumes and a car outfitted with Barbie memorabilia and pink ribbons. Sheila rode in the parade with the Goins’ friend Tina Mills, an Alton woman currently undergoing treatment for stage three breast cancer at Alton Memorial Hospital. “It is the last day of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and so we still wanted to give Breast Cancer Awareness Month a nice sendoff and just bring awareness,” Mayor David Goins said. The mayor partnered with Alton Memorial Hospital to share some of their educational materials. While the group had plenty of candy to give

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ALTON - The 106th Alton Halloween Parade combined the creepy and the chilly with over 70 participants and thousands of attendees on Halloween night, 2023. “This is the place ,” Alton Mayor David Goins said. “Cold or whatever, it doesn’t really matter, because people are going to come out for this parade. And so we’re going to be out here, too.” Most of Alton’s population seemed to agree, with a huge audience of all ages turning out to watch one of the longest-running parades in the country. Former Alderman Charlie Brake was honored as the parade marshal. Brake served as an Alton alderman for 26 years before his retirement in June, and he noted that he was “really pleased” to be included in the evening. “It’s kind of a keen way to shut it down,” he said. “This will be one of my last official things to do…I couldn’t believe it when they asked me because normally they give that to well-know

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ALTON - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, will be celebrating 20 years since the opening of its National Great Rivers Museum. The celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, November 4, and will include informational tables and children’s activities at more than 20 stations, as well as several food trucks. Previous media announcements have outlined the many activities occurring as part of this event, from the volunteer recognition at 9:30 a.m. to the official commemoration of the Museum at 12:00 p.m., to a river recreation public Q&A panel at 1:30 p.m., but more is yet being added to this family-friendly day for the community. “We’re going to have a towboat, open for public tours, all day,” said Allison Rhanor, Natural Resources Specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Director of the National Great Rivers Museum. “It had been our hope all along, but with harvest season underway, compounded by low water conditions

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EDWARDSVILLE – Amid an earlier-than-typical cold weather snap, the Edwardsville Fire Department would like to remind residents to pay attention to weather advisories, avoid safety risks and to take steps to remain warm as the temperatures drop. The following tips can help residents to stay safe when wintry weather is in the forecast: Avoid using ovens and stoves as alternate heating sources; these are potentially dangerous sources of carbon monoxide and fire. If you are using a portable heater, plug it directly into a wall outlet — do not use extension cords or power strips as they can easily start fires. Keep portable heaters away from other items and never set anything on top of a portable heater. Wear appropriate clothing when going outside. Add layers to increase warmth, and be sure to protect your face, ears and hands. Be aware of your vehicle’s fuel level; don’t risk running out of gas. Keep winter supplies such as spare blankets, gloves and hats i

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SPRINGFIELD - Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and their advocates joined State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) at the Illinois Capitol in Springfield on Wednesday to send a message to lawmakers it’s ‘My Work. My Choice’ concerning legislation pending in the legislature that could jeopardize their job. At the state capitol, Rep. Meier was joined by disability advocates who wore t-shirts that said ‘My Work. My Choice.’ According to State Representative Charlie Meier, “We are here to protect the jobs of our residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We want to protect their choice and their job, hence My Work. My Choice. We are opposed to legislation pending in the Illinois House that would put at least 50% of 14c workshop employees with disabilities out of work throughout the state. This number comes from providers who have switched, and some even laid off 70% of their workforce.”

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SPRINGFIELD – There has been an outpouring of support and concern for the condition and recovery of State Trooper Dakotah Chapman Green, who was shot during a traffic stop in the 1600 block of Toronto Road in Springfield. The Illinois State Police (ISP) today provided an update on the condition of Trooper Chapman-Green and the investigation into his shooting. On Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, at 10:47 p.m., ISP Trooper Chapman-Green stopped 37-year-old Cristobal Santana from Chicago in the 1600 block of Toronto Road in Springfield. During the traffic stop, the suspect fired at least 10 gunshots, hitting Trooper Chapman-Green several times, and struck him repeatedly, causing facial fractures, a skull fracture, and a brain bleed. The suspect fled the scene but was taken into custody at 1:58 a.m. on Oct. 25, 2023. Trooper Chapman-Green remains hospitalized. The suspect was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained during the apprehension and remains in the hospital. “By the Grac

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ALTON - When Angel Clark’s little sister Arian announced she wanted to become a real estate agent, both Angel and their mother admitted they had a few doubts. Arian, a 21-year-old realtor on the autism spectrum, is smart and talented but sometimes struggles with communication, which is, as the sisters’ mother Burrae Rocha points out, an important part of real estate. But Burrae and Angel weren’t worried about Arian’s ability as an agent; they were concerned about the society she’d be up against. “Instead of us learning Arian, Arian has to learn how to deal with us,” Burrae explained. “She’s got to learn how to deal with the outside world, and that’s a real challenge. I think that social cues are very hard for her. I guess, from a mom’s perspective, I would love other people just to know: Don’t judge a book by its cover. You know what I’m saying? She’s a very kind person. She’s just very straightforward

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JERSEYVILLE - The former Riverbend Axe Throwing location in Jerseyville is undergoing a rebrand and change in management. “Axe & Ale” Co-Owners Christina and Chris Herren are bringing their vision for Jerseyville’s latest entertainment destination to life with a soft opening later this year and a grand opening next year. Axe & Ale will combine “the thrill of axe throwing with the comfort and camaraderie of a neighborhood pub,” according to a press release from Christina. The duo are transforming the space, striving to create an inviting atmosphere for families, groups, and individuals to have a “memorable experience.” The soft opening of Axe & Ale is scheduled for Nov. 27, 2023. The event will allow the community to “get a taste of what's to come.” The grand opening, set for sometime in January of 2024, will feature “exciting activities, special promotions, and a chance for guests to meet the Herrens and their friendly staff.”

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ROXANA - Roxana freshman runner Gianna Stassi and her senior teammate Raelee Kimbro have a lot to celebrate. Stassi and Kimbro two both qualified for the IHSA State Cross Country Meet. Freshman Stassi led the Shells' qualifiers with a time of 18 minutes, 29.40 seconds on the 2.92-mile course at Benton for 16th place. Kimbro was 24th with a time of 19:30.90. Roxana head girls cross country coach Ben Scamihorn, a previous SIUE cross country and track runner, has developed the girls throughout the season. Gabrielle Woodruff and Riley Doyle were both state qualifiers last year, so Stassi and Kimbro have continued the Shells' tradition. Scamihorn said the Shell's coaches had looked at Stassi's arrival on the high school scene with anticipation, and she did not disappoint in any way. Stassi has been everything the coaches bargained for and more. Stassi and Kimbro are Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athletes of the Month for Roxana High School. Kimbro was already recognized as a Shells'

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My opinion on candy has changed a lot over the years. You see, prior to teaching others about nutrition, I didn’t care one bit about what I ate. Having candy and sweets was a regular day in the life. When it comes to candy, you’re either a chocolate or fruity person – it’s chocolate for me. Snickers has been my favorite for as long as I can remember. There’s something about the salty/sweet combo of peanuts and chocolate in there. I had no control over my sweet tooth. There was candy available on a regular basis at my prior job – especially after Halloween. It was a time of year to get excited about, like an early Christmas gift when co-workers would bring in their leftover candy that didn’t go out to trick-or-treaters. They didn’t want to leave it in their house because they would eat it. However, I was happy to help them with that. As you may be able to guess, though, my opinion on candy changed as I started to dive into nutrition.

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SPRINGFIELD - When we talk about the Lincoln story, we often stop at Abraham Lincoln’s 1865 assassination, but three more generations followed Abraham and Mary. Join Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Lincoln Historian Christian McWhirter, Lincoln Historian at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Museum and author. He will provide a glimpse into the lives of President Lincoln’s descendants and how they dealt with living under his enormous shadow. Looking for Lincoln invites the public to watch and participate in this online program on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 7 pm on the Looking for Lincoln YouTube and Facebook video channels. Viewers can watch and participate in this free live program. Questions can be submitted by viewers for the host to answer at the end of their presentation. The program is recorded for viewing after the premier and is available on the Looking for Lincoln Facebook and YouTube video channels. Reservations are not required, an

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth—member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee—met with leaders of the International Committee of the Red Cross to discuss the organization’s work to respond to the crises in Israel and Gaza caused by Hamas’s terrorist attacks as well as the urgent need to secure a sustained flow of humanitarian aid for the innocent civilians suffering in Gaza. Duckworth, a longtime and steadfast supporter of Israel’s right to defend itself and its people, specifically called for restoration of essential lifesaving services like water as well as the safe, swift return of all of the hostages currently being held by Hamas. Photos of the Senator’s meeting can be found using the link here . “We must work as hard as we can to bring about a tomorrow for both Israelis and Palestinians alike where their skies won’t be marred with missiles and their streets won’t be scarred

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EDWARDSVILLE - Before the first bell of the day, first and second graders at Eastwood Elementary School in East Alton and Ellis Elementary School in Belleville engage in math instruction but with a twist: Math strategies and equations are made to look like fun and games, courtesy of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville elementary education teacher candidates. The project is known as CIED 441 Morning Math Enrichment. “Teacher candidates enrolled in CIED 441 Teaching and Learning Elementary Level Mathematics create hands-on math games to reinforce computation skills,” said SIUE Elementary Education Program Director Barbara Martin, EdD, associate math professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s Department of Teaching and Learning. “The teacher candidates visit either Eastwood Elementary or Ellis Elementary to ‘play’ the games with elementary students before school.” Elementary Education majors Caitlin Foster,

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WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has appointed a coordinator for Cahokia Heights and the Metro East to support progress on the flooding, sewage and drinking water crisis. In August of 2022, Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin announced millions of dollars in federal funding through Congressionally Directed Spending and expanded federal water infrastructure grants that could be used to address the crisis. In April of this year, Congresswoman Budzinski secured a commitment that the EPA would appoint a coordinator to leverage these funds with existing state and local efforts to bring much needed relief to the community. A video of Budzinski requesting and securing the commitment in an exchange with EPA Administrator Michael Regan can be found here . “For decades, residents of Cahokia Heights have suffered from repeated instances

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville recently signed an agreement to purchase up to 5.7 megawatts of energy through the State of Illinois’ Community Solar program . The purchase allowed SIUE to continue plans for a community solar garden, which kickstarts the University’s solar energy commitment by subscribing to multiple planned or under construction solar fields in the state. Craig Holan, Director of Facilities Management at SIUE, stated, “by participating in the Community Solar program as a major user of electricity in the Metro East area, we have not only supported our own and the State of Illinois’ energy sustainability goals, but also received a reduction in our electricity costs as well.” This is considered Phase I of SIUE’s Energy Plan. Phase II, for which plans are already underway, is the construction of up to 40 acres of solar installation on the Edwardsville Campus, which would allow the University

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