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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chair of the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism, today met with members of FAMM, including more than 20 individuals impacted by the First Step Act ahead of the legislation’s fifth anniversary. During the meeting, Durbin heard stories from formerly incarcerated individuals about how the First Step Act impacted their experience with the criminal justice system. Durbin also reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the First Step Act is properly implemented and that incarcerated individuals are afforded the reforms, programs, and assistance laid out for them in the legislation. “Five years ago, Congress came together to pass the First Step Act , the most important criminal justice reform legislation in a generation. Today, I was able to mark this momentous anniversary by meeting with formerly incarcerated

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator and combat Veteran Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, today responded to U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) finally backing down and allowing many of the more than 450 critical military promotions he has been blocking—with the help of many of his Senate Republican colleagues’ silence—to finally move forward. For almost a year, Senator Tuberville’s reckless and damaging holds have been hurting our military readiness and national security, as well as forcing unnecessary harm on our military families. “This never should have taken so long. If he was going to cave like this, Senator Tuberville could have done it months ago and prevented all of the damage these holds have caused over the last year. And while I’m relieved he finally relented on most of these holds, it’s absurd that he’s still blocking some of our most senior 4-Star promotions even now.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), today reintroduced legislation to ensure struggling student loan borrowers are treated fairly and understand the full range of repayment options and resources available to them. The Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights Act creates consistent servicing and disclosure standards across private and federal student loans and allows the Secretary of Education to adjust those standards for federal servicers through regulation to benefit federal student loan borrowers. More than 43 million Americans hold $1.6 trillion in cumulative student loan debt, preventing Americans from fully participating in our nation’s economy by reducing homeownership, jeopardizing retirement security, and limiting entrepreneurship. “Student loan debt is a crushing weight on the backs of American students

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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker was joined by Dollywood Foundation Executive Director Nora Briggs, United Way of McLean County President and CEO David Taylor, local officials, parents, and community members at the Bloomington Public Library for the statewide launch of Illinois’ partnership with The Dollywood Foundation to provide Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This book gifting program mails free, high-quality, and age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, regardless of the family’s income. Governor Pritzker’s FY24 budget allocates $1.6 million to the program to support early childhood learning in Illinois and instill lifelong reading practice. “Today, I couldn’t be prouder to announce that Illinois is beginning its journey to provide every child under the age of five an opportunity to sign up and have a free book delivered to their house every month,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Research shows that early

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HARDIN - A Greenfield woman has been charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle (theft over $10,000). Laura L. Green, age 46, of Greenfield, Illinois, was arrested and now has been charged. The Calhoun Sheriff's Office said the case unfolded as follows: At 2:03 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2023, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a stolen motor vehicle from the Senior Center on Main Street in Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois. Calhoun County Sheriff's Deputy Nic McCall responded to the area and immediately began an intensive investigation and attempted to locate the stolen vehicle; which was identified as a white 2010 Ford truck. With assistance from the citizens of the village of Hardin, Deputy McCall located and recovered the stolen vehicle, and apprehended a suspect within less than three hours of the initial report. After its recovery and processing, the stolen motor vehicle was returned safely to the owner. Green was arrested without incident and

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Letter The Editor: When I left McDonnell Douglas in the spring of ’92, it was my intention to open Imo’s Pizza in the early summer. With only a small window during which I wouldn’t have health insurance, I didn’t really give it much thought or worry. Playing nine holes of golf at the Muny Golf Course proved me mistaken in my beliefs when I twisted my ankle badly. I reached out to my good friend, Dr. Robert Simpson. Dr. Simpson, who was a retired podiatrist at this time, gave me a quick once over and said he thought my leg was fractured. “But Robert,” I said. “I don’t have health insurance!” He told me not to worry about it, he would see what he could do. The next day, I found myself in the office of Dr. Randy Rogalsky. I started the conversation by immediately blurting out that I had no insurance, but he didn’t seem very concerned with this detail. After taking a set of x-rays, he fitted me with a boot. He assured

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ROXANA - Kinsley Mouser, a 5-foot-7 senior, has stepped up in recent games for the Shells and been a team leader in her guard position. Over the past three games, Roxana head girls coach Addaya Moore said Kinsley "put the team on her back." She also said Mouser is the type of player that gives it 110 percent-plus in both practice and games. Kinsley Mouser is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for Roxana High School. The new head coach said having a solid point guard is so important to the overall success of a girls' basketball team and Kinsley provides that spark for the Shells. "The team follows their point guard," she said. "If a point guard isn't on board, the rest of the girls won't work. It is like a domino effect. I am a new coach and I have never felt any pushback from Kinsley; she has adjusted well to me. She is very coachable." Kinsley is a "definite leader" on the team, her coach said. Moore said she believes Kinsley will continue to have success

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GODFREY - Godfrey is the latest municipality to exempt itself from the Illinois Paid Leave For All Workers Act following unanimous approval from the Village Board of Trustees on Tuesday night. This comes after similar ordinances were tabled last week in Glen Carbon and passed in Jerseyville . Godfrey Trustees voted to expedite the process under a suspension of the rules after Village Attorney Phil Lading advised it was best to have the policy implemented by year’s end. “The state law says if you do not have some form of paid leave, general use leave for part-time employees prior to year end, then you are subject to the new state law that goes into effect on Jan. 1 , and you have to provide 40 hours of paid leave,” Lading said. As stated in a copy of the ordinance, the village already “recognizes the importance of paid leave and currently provides reasonable paid leave benefits to its employees.” The Godfrey Leave Policy already contains

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HARTFORD - Colman’s Country Campers is offering free photos with Santa or the Grinch to anyone who contributes to their food and toy drive. On Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, people can stop by Colman’s at #2 Fun Street in Hartford to pose with a Christmas character. Lucy Lu Photography will be onsite from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to take one photo for every guest who donates a food item or toy. People can also purchase a mini session for $35 in addition to their donation, which gives you five edited digital photos. “We enjoy giving back to the community,” co-owner Matt Diamond said. Diamond and his fellow owner Brian Campbell were convinced by their staff to organize the event as a way to finish the year strong. Diamond noted that the company is “just like a small family,” and they enjoy giving back to the community as much as possible. January 2024 will mark Campbell and Diamond’s fifth anniversary as owners of Colman’s Country Campers.

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WOOD RIVER - A new bakery has opened in Wood River, and the story behind “The Cheesecake Lady Bakery Co.” is just as sweet as the treats they make. Since 2017, Deb Shultis has gained a reputation for the desserts she sells on her The Cheesecake Lady Facebook page . But now The Cheesecake Lady has a storefront at 333 N. Wood River Avenue, and Shultis is excited to share her baking with more people around the Riverbend. “I outgrew my kitchen by far,” Shultis laughed. “We’re looking forward to supporting the community the way they’ve shown us support. We love being here.” Shultis was always a baker, but she never expected it would become her full-time job. She simply enjoyed baking cheesecakes for her family and friends at church functions, bake sales and holidays. When her husband first suggested Shultis should sell her baked goods, she dismissed the idea right away. “It all started with just a simple crème brûlée

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GODFREY - Papa Toodles Hair Salon in Godfrey marked its ninth anniversary of serving customers on Dec. 2, 2023. The business officially opened on Dec. 2, 2014. Wade and James Gibson operate the salon and also have Angie Dennis and David Smith there as hair stylists. The hair business has changed greatly, and the cost of products to do the job in the industry has skyrocketed, the two owners said. "It’s impossible to make the wage to equal the cost," the pair said. "Women did get a weekly appointment 40 years ago to be styled. We see little of that. The COVID-19 pandemic set the industry back, causing some salons to close. We are striving not to let it happen to us. We still love visiting with our long-term people." Many ask how the creative name “Papa Toodles” was formulated. The name comes from Wade and James' grandkids’ name for Wade. James chose a career in the field because he had always enjoyed hair but never had the opportunity to pursue

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BETHALTO - The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 864, based at St. Louis Regional Airport in Bethalto, recently presented some meaningful awards at its annual Christmas Banquet. Chapter 864 consists of pilots and aviation enthusiasts who meet regularly to share knowledge and their love of aviation with each other and the local community. John Harding, president of EAA Chapter 864 at St. Louis Regional Airport, said this year's Gene Helmkamp Award winners were Phil Sisson and Dale Rust. Awards were presented by Charlie Becker, Director of Chapter and Communities from EAA headquarters. Sisson and Rust were recognized for their personal commitment and long-term contributions to civilian and sport aviation. Harding described the two award winners with the following comments: "Phil Sisson was a crop duster, flight instructor and an aviation competition champion," Harding said. "He helped people build their own airplanes and has done a lot to promote and support aviation

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Try these five strategies for reducing stress and boosting joy during this holiday season. Know your time and spending limits Don’t overextend--learn to say no to some invitations. Set realistic spending limits and stick to them. Get creative – find low-and-no-cost ways to show appreciation for the people in your life. Give yourself a break! Practice self-care. Spend a little time on something you love about the season, such as watching a holiday movie, enjoying a cup of cocoa or checking out holiday decorations in your neighborhood. Keep a gratitude journal Keeping a gratitude journal during the holiday season can help you focus on the positive things in your life and improve your mood. The simple act of writing alone may even boost your mental health. Don’t abandon good habits A healthy lifestyle may also help you make it through the holiday craziness. Stick to your normal sleep schedule and exercise routine. Avoid going overboard - eat balanced

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GODFREY - Claudia Espinoza and her staff are individuals who love their work and epitomize what it takes to be successful with customer service. The popular Happy Hour Barber Stop is marking its fifth anniversary. Claudia has a vivacious personality and she has hired a group of other staff members with the same approach to the hair business, always putting the customer first. The barber shop owner and their staff attempt to make it a "Happy Hour" for customers who visit their business. "We have free arcade games and also have a special first haircut for children," she said. "We also provide complimentary beer, water, and coffee and make it an easy wait for people. "Everybody gets an amazing haircut." The business is described as "a barber shop with a full-service and traditional style. We offer a comfortable atmosphere." On Dec. 2, 2023, Claudia wrote: "Thank you to all our loyal customers, we truly appreciate you! Because of you we will continue to keep our doors open and b

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville congratulates Chris Gordon, PhD, associate dean of the School of Engineering (SOE), on his recent induction into Scott Air Force Base (SAFB) 2025 Class of Honorary Commanders . Gordon is one of 24 St. Louis Metro Area community leaders chosen for this role by the 375th Air Mobility Wing, the host wing of SAFB. “We have an Educational Partnership Agreement with SAFB which we have used to foster collaboration with senior design teams,” said Gordon. “My objective in participating in this program is to continue to strengthen our connection with SAFB.” Gordon is paired with his assigned commander, Colonel James Clark. Clark serves as Commander, Detachment 9, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Clark’s work in installation and mission support affects 70,000 personnel in 17 wings. As Team Scott’s Honorary Commander,

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ST. LOUIS – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chief of Engineers and Commanding General Lt. Gen Scott Spellmon honored employees during the 2023 National Awards Ceremony at the Corps of Engineers headquarters in Washington, D.C., November 29, 2023. Brian Ragsdale, St. Louis District’s Dredge Potter master, was presented with the 2023 Chief of Engineers Operations and Maintenance Castle Award. This award recognizes an outstanding wage grade employee who exemplifies superior public service, technical knowledge and professionalism in support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Operations and Maintenance Program and our vital civil works infrastructure. “In the face of challenges, Brian exemplifies the essence of leadership – his commitment to excellence, safety and unwavering dedication to the dredging mission sets a standard we all aspire to achieve,” Lou Dell’Orco, chief of the St. Louis District’s Operations and Readiness Branch said. Through

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Police announced it has been awarded a Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant to conduct additional traffic safety enforcement efforts. The STEP program focuses on high-visibility enforcement and strategies aimed at saving lives and preventing injuries by reducing traffic crashes. “We’re pleased to receive this grant to step up our road safety efforts with the goal of saving lives,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “Our mission is to make travel safer through directed, proactive patrols and to stop, cite and arrest those who choose to violate traffic laws.” During the STEP grant year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024, the Edwardsville Police will conduct additional enforcement efforts to supplement mandatory and optional campaign enforcement dates scheduled during some of the deadliest times of the year. The additional efforts will focus on the leading contributory

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ALTON – Thanks to a successful grant request, the Women’s Health and Childbirth Center at Alton Memorial Hospital received more than $73,000 this year to help make sure the numerous area pregnant and postpartum women facing health inequities due to social and economic factors receive the help they need. These funds allowed the hospital to hire an additional peer recovery specialist to focus exclusively on the needs of the Women’s Health and Childbirth Center. Most importantly, the funds provide universal screening for Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) such as mental health issues, substance abuse, food insecurity and housing instability. Kathy Alford-Spitze is the peer recovery specialist added for this position. “I want to work with women during their pregnancy and afterwards because it is something that hits close to home for me,” Kathy said. “As a mom of two biological children and three adopted children, there were a lot of times that I

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CHICAGO – Following a thorough review by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) of the Brighton Park environmental report, the State of Illinois will not proceed with an asylum seeker shelter at the 38 th and California site. IEPA cited concerns related to insufficient soil sampling and remediation. Given the significant time required to conduct additional sampling, to process and analyze results, and to implement corresponding further remediation, the State will work with the City to identify alternate shelter options. The State is expediting efforts to launch the previously announced brick-and-mortar shelter site in Little Village with plans to have 200 beds available to families and people with disabilities. Since the City of Chicago selected the Brighton Park site, the State has requested alternate sites from the City as any additional shelter will operate as part of the City’s current shelter system. The State is also working with the Archdiocese

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WOOD RIVER - More sidewalk repairs could be coming in Wood River after City Manager Steve Palen recently suggested using $100,000 in grant funds to repair sidewalks around the city. Palen announced at Monday’s City Council meeting that the city has secured $100,000 in grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through the Build Illinois bond program. He added that he would like to get started on expanding the city’s sidewalk repair efforts. “I just wanted to update the council on the $100,000 DCEO grant, we did get verification finally that we are going to receive that. I kind of wanted to get a head nod, straw poll from the council. “I would like to pursue a larger sidewalk project with that money. If everybody’s okay with that, we’ll start planning for that.” While no council member vocally objected, the item was not up for a vote, just discussion. Future action is likely to eventually

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