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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting the federal government’s actions to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour for certain federal contractors. The policy was first enacted by presidential executive order in April 2021, and then implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor in November 2021 in the final rule, “Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contract Workers.” Raoul and the coalition submitted the amicus brief in Texas v. Biden, a case involving a challenge to the executive order and final rule raising the minimum wage for federal contractors. Raoul and the states argue that both the president and the Department of Labor acted well within their authority when implementing the policies to ensure federal contract workers are paid fair living wages. In addition, Raoul and the attorneys general argue that the minimum wage increase is fully supported by empirical evidence and is

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EDWARDSVILLE - Scott Ahart was officially appointed to the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education during their regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. Ahart will finish John McDole’s four-year term. McDole stepped down from the Board in November. The Board put out a call for applications and interviewed applicants in special executive session meetings throughout the month of January. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank the applicants who showed interest in filling the open position on the Board,” said President Jill Bertels. “Each interview proved that these individuals were highly qualified and had the safety and the best interests of our students and our staff as a priority.” At Monday’s Board meeting, Ahart and the other Board members took an oath of office, administered by the Honorable Andrew Carruthers. Ahart then joined the Board for the remainder of the meeting. Ahart has been a vocal criti

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OSHKOSH, Wis. - University of Wisconsin Oshkosh officials have released the names of students who qualified for the Dean's List and Honor Roll in fall 2023 across its three campuses (Fond du Lac, Fox Cities and Oshkosh). The term grade-point average (GPA) requirement for University Honor Roll is 3.3; the term GPA requirement for Dean's List is 3.75 out of a possible 4.0. To qualify, a student must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. There can be no individual grades below a "C" and no incomplete or non-reported grades at the time the process is run. The following area students were honored: Edwardsville Ethan Stukenberg, Honor Roll

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator and pilot Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Chair of the CST Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation—issued the following statement after Boeing confirmed its intent to withdraw its reckless petition requesting an exemption from safety certification standards to prematurely allow its 737 MAX 7 aircraft to enter commercial use before fixing a known safety flaw that could have catastrophic consequences on passenger safety. Boeing’s withdrawal comes after Duckworth personally urged the company’s CEO last week to withdraw its petition and prioritize passenger safety over profits. “While Boeing never should have sought this exemption to put another new aircraft with a known safety defect into service in the first place, I’m both relieved and appreciative that they are putting the flying public’s safety first by withdrawing

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Monday that a Collinsville man convicted of home invasion for twice breaking into the home of a military veteran and robbing him has been sentenced to 42 years in prison – plus another 6 months for contempt of court. Jaleen Gladney, 28, received the sentence during a hearing before Circuit Judge Kyle Napp. Following a trial, a jury in December found Gladney guilty of one count of home invasion causing injury, one count of home invasion while armed with a firearm, one count of attempted residential burglary and one count of possession of weapon by a felon. “This violent offender targeted and preyed upon a member of our community who should be venerated, not victimized,” Haine said. “This was a despicable crime, and I thank the jury and the judge for issuing their verdict and this lengthy prison sentence.” According to testimony and evidence presented at trial by Assistant State’s

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ALTON - The next American Red Cross blood drive at Alton Memorial Hospital will be from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, in the AMH café meeting rooms. To register, go to redcrossblood.org/give or contact Dave Whaley in Communications at Alton Memorial, 618-433-7947 or david.whaley@bjc.org . Everyone who registers for this blood drive will receive a $20 Amazon gift card via email. The Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage. Low donor turnout and blood drive cancellations have led to the blood supply reaching extremely low levels. The Red Cross needs donors of all blood types — particularly type O blood, the blood group hospitals need most — to give blood to help meet daily hospital demands. Each blood donation can be divided into components, including red blood cells, plasma and platelets, and each donation has the potential to save three lives. Red blood cells are given to bleeding patients and used during surgeries. They are used by patients

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and Google Public Sector on Monday to announce the creation of BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation): A Service Access Portal for Illinois Youth. Powered by Google Cloud’s secure, scalable, and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing technology, the new state-of-the-art online portal will provide a user-friendly experience for Illinois families to access behavioral and mental health resources for children. The Division of Mental Health (DMH) at DHS is collaborating with Google Public Sector to deliver this ongoing statewide transformation. “We are doing away with decentralized, difficult-to-navigate behavioral health resources scattered across different agencies, providers, and websites,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Instead, families will have a modern, easy to use online system to guide them through the behavioral health universe.

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ALTON - Keith A. Brown, 44, of Edwardsville, was charged by the Alton Police Department with four total counts including unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, unlawful use of weapon, aggravated assault, and resisting a peace officer. Brown received these charges after reportedly pointing a gun toward police officers, fleeing on foot, and more, according to recently filed Madison County court documents. In a case presented by the Alton Police Department, Brown allegedly possessed a Springfield XD 9mm pistol on Jan. 23, 2024 after having previously been convicted of Burglary, a felony. He was additionally charged with unlawful use of the same weapon after reportedly carrying it “on a public way being Broadway St., Alton … within 1,000 feet of real property comprising any school being St. Mary’s Catholic School located at 519 E. 4th Street, Alton.” Brown also pointed the firearm “in the direction of” a police officer while they were engaged

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EDWARDSVILLE - Educators and law enforcement officers gathered for the annual School Safety Summit for Madison County on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. Hosted by Madison County Regional Superintendent of Schools Rob Werden, the summit covered mental health, cyberbullying and grooming in schools. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine, Sheriff Marcos Pulido and Mental Health Board Executive Director Deborah Humphrey also led the discussion. “These issues are often overshadowed by the school shootings, but in reality, they affect more of our students every day across the state and the county,” Werden said. Mental Health and Substance Use in Schools Donna Nahlik, Director of Prevention and Community Education for Chestnut Health Systems, began the summit by talking about mental health and substance use in schools. She noted that Chestnut is already in most of the schools in the county, and they host regular training sessions about vaping, problem gambling, opioid

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GRANITE CITY - Tavarious T. White, 21, of Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful possession of weapons by a felon on Jan. 22, 2024, according to recently filed Madison County court documents. White allegedly possessed a Kimber Ultra Carry II .45-caliber handgun while “knowing it to have been stolen or converted,” according to court documents. White was additionally charged for possessing the stolen firearm as a convicted felon, as he had previously been convicted of aggravated discharge of a firearm. White’s case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. A petition to deny his pretrial release describes the incident as follows: “Officers responded to a residence in to a disturbance. Upon arrival officers were advised that individual involved in fight had a firearm. Officers contacted Defendant who was involved in fight with residents. Officers located firearm Defendant was in possession of. “Defendant

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BLOOMINGTON - Marquette Catholic’s dance team made history this past weekend and the week before by placing 19th in the IHSA State Class 1A Dance Championships on Jan. 27, 2024. The Explorers’ girls squad was third at the IHSA Sectionals on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at Mascoutah High School. The girls qualified for the IHSA Finals with their lyrical routine, “Listen.” The Marquette dance girls are Tucker's Automotive Repair and Tire Female Athletes of the Month for the Explorers. The squad consists of those shown above: front row, Grace Schwegel, Alana Taylor, Kambria Simon, Allison Wooden and Hope Seymour. Back row girls are Jaidyn Moore, Macy Stevenson, Jaelyn Slow, Lexi Stevenson and Grace Stoverink. The coaches of the squad are Marquette Catholic graduates Megan Stevenson and Sarah Harnetiaux.

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EAST ALTON – The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) continues to welcome submissions for its World Water Day Photo Contest. NGRREC invites photographers of all skill levels to capture the essence of the Mississippi River, a symbol of natural beauty, rich heritage and vibrant culture. "This contest offers a fantastic platform for individuals to express their connection to this majestic river and the natural heritage of our region," Environmental Educator Jolena Pang said. The central theme for the contest is "Mississippi River Connections," which highlights the intricate relationship between the river and its surrounding life. This broad theme classifies entries into three distinct categories: Wildlife Connections, Scenic Connections and Cultural Connections. Participants can submit one photograph per category. There is also a dedicated category for young photographers age 16 and under to encourage the next generation of environmental

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ALTON - Abundant Church invites everyone to their upcoming “Super Sunday” event to celebrate the Super Bowl with the church family. On Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, Abundant Church will mark the Super Bowl with games, tailgate food and church services starting at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Pastor Joe Banks explained that the event aims to highlight the church’s atmosphere and provide a fun treat for young families to enjoy. “We have so many young families in our church, which is so awesome, and so what we want to do throughout the year are some fun events for young families to enjoy,” Banks explained. “Really, we just want to capture the momentum of the Super Bowl in our community and all the fun that goes with it, and we want to create an unforgettable experience on Sunday morning that is kind of built around our services.” Families are invited to wear their favorite jerseys and register at the door starting at 8:30 a.m. for the chance to win major

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College has released the lists of full- and part-time honors students for the Fall 2023 semester. Students earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher out of a possible 4.0 are named to the President’s List. Those students earning a grade point average between 3.25 and 3.74 are recognized each semester on the Dean’s List. Further requirements are listed in the college’s online catalog at http://catalog.lc.edu . Questions should be directed to the Enrollment Center at (618) 468-2222. President’s List ALHAMBRA – Allyson L. Kahrhoff; Webb M. Slifka; Cash M. Vereeke; ALTON – Kailyn E. Alexander; Sloane P. Ballard; Chiara Biciocchi; Addisyn C. Boelter, Julian E. Brady; Savanna S. Brown; Payton L. Crane; Eden E. Cudak; Mary A. Curvey; Yahira S. Delgado; Chase T. Dodd; Marian F. Elmendorf; Isabella M. Hall; Gabrielle J. Harlan; Paige K. Heinemeier; Britney L. Holshouser; Ashlynn N.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The soundtrack for musician Sylvester Donald’s life has been interspersed – and at times heavily so – with the “blues.” However, the 63-year-old gladly shares that the chords now in play are ones that are upbeat and uplifting, thanks in part to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Veterans Upward Bound (VUB). “Besides my music, I’m interested in going back to college, which is why I was excited to learn about Veterans Upward Bound at the SIUE East St. Louis Center, and how they could help me,” said the Army veteran. “My life is not over. I want to get a two-year degree and become a counselor for young people.” “I want to help youth find their way, because there are so many of them who need support in what they want to pursue,” added Donald. “Then there are those who don’t know what it is they want to do.” To understand this refrain that has become dominant in the

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GRAFTON - A man from Grafton has been charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated assault and more, according to recent Jersey County court filings. Jeffrey A. Dickinson, 37, of Grafton faces both charges from an incident that took place on or about Jan. 25, 2024. Dickinson allegedly possessed an uncased and loaded Davis Industries firearm, which was “immediately accessible at the time of the offense,” according to court documents. He did not have a valid Concealed Carry license at the time. Dickinson was additionally charged with aggravated assault on the same date after he allegedly pointed a firearm at the victim, placing them “in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery,” according to court documents. According to the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office inmate booking directory, Dickinson was also charged on Jan. 25 with violating an order of protection. In total, Dickinson faces a Class 4 felony for aggravated unlawful use

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ALTON - Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois traveled to the Riverbend on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, to celebrate National Catholic Schools Week. Paprocki led two Mass services for Father McGivney Catholic High School and Marquette Catholic High School students, teachers and administrators. Father McGivney and Marquette Catholic High Schools are two of the 43 Catholic schools in the diocese, which serve a total of 10,244 students. National Catholic Schools Week runs from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, 2024.

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ALTON - An Alton “Vintage Voices” cast recorded what Julie Gvillo described as “a profound performance” on Friday night at an Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE) Convention at the Union Station Ballroom. The cast did a portrayal of the Elijah P. Lovejoy story and the Underground Railroad and Alton’s connection. “Vintage Voices’ performance impacted APCE participants in a way that will not soon be forgotten, Gvillo, local committee chair, said. “Their excellent command of their craft and their intentionality about and faithfulness to the history of our region left us all thirsting for justice.” The Vintage Voices cast consisted of: Debbie Maneke portraying Celia Lovejoy. Jared Hennings portraying William “Scotch” Johnston. Latasha LeFlore-Porter portraying Amanda Chavers. Ron Abraham portraying Thomas Dimmock. Sean Williams portraying Isaac Kelly. Jody Basola, Chair of Vintage Voices, said

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U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinksi (IL-13) recently visited Riverbender.com and appeared on Our Daily Show! with CJ Nasello and an interview with the content director. This is one of a multi-part series about the interview. ALTON - Throughout her time in Congress, U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinksi has proudly held her “Standing With Workers” philosophy. One specific area is her efforts to help offset the recent layoffs by U.S. Steel at the Granite City Works plant. “Too often, companies close down or initiate layoffs without giving their workers or the broader community proper notice,” she said. “Workers and their families deserve better than a last-minute email letting them know they’re losing their jobs. "When U.S. Steel tried to use a legal loophole to avoid providing advance layoff notice to 400 Granite City Works employees, I worked with Governor Pritzker to secure an investigation by the Illinois Department of Labor. After calling the company out for

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CARLINVILLE - Aryanna Harris, a senior sports management major from Springfield, Illinois, is the recipient of Blackburn College’s 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Student Leadership Award. Presented annually, this award honors students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the College. Harris was announced as the award recipient during Blackburn’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation in January. Harris was surprised but honored to be recognized for her leadership on campus. “I am blessed and grateful to have been chosen to receive this award. If it weren’t for those who believed in me and saw me for the person I truly was, I wouldn’t be here today” “ she said. “I believe in everyone, even when they don’t believe in themselves, and as long as I am here, I will continue to make sure that people are as successful as possible. Dreams are never unreachable,

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