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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Representative David Trone (D-MD-06) to urge the Biden Administration to more closely scrutinize and oversee over $50 billion in opioid settlement money. State and local governments will receive this money over the next 15 years as a result of settlement agreements with the opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies that fueled this epidemic. This settlement funding includes $26 billion from the 2021 settlement agreement involving Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen. The lawmakers urged the Biden Administration to enhance transparency efforts to ensure that these funds are appropriately distributed to the communities directly harmed by the opioid epidemic. These purposes include initiatives such as expanding access to naloxone, increasing funding for substance use disorder treatment programs, and youth prevention

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GLEN CARBON - Orchard Town Center in Glen Carbon is making steady progress, according to Tim Lowe with The Staenberg Group, who gave a presentation at Tuesday’s Glen Carbon Village Board meeting to update trustees on where the project stands now. With the new Troy Road entrance to Chick-fil-A now open, he said Phase 1 is almost complete as the project transitions into Phase 2. Lowe said bringing “new-to-market” tenants to Glen Carbon was a key priority for the Orchard Town Center project. “We stayed true to what we originally promised, which was new-to-market tenants,” Lowe said. “We didn’t want to recycle tenants, we didn’t want to move people around in Glen Carbon, we didn’t want to steal people from Edwardsville. These are all new-to-market tenants.” He said the Orchard Town Center project was split up into two phases to accommodate the traffic in the area. “Phase 1 had most of the traffic improvements to

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ALTON - Students, staff and community members gathered outside of Alton High School for their annual “Prayer at the Poles” on Wednesday morning. As per the tradition, the group circled the flagpoles in front of the high school and kicked off the school day with a prayer on Sept. 27. They thanked God and prayed for healing, safety and unity in all schools and communities. “It’s really a representation of the kids in our school,” student Bekah Calaway-Habeck said. “There’s over 1,000 kids that go to the school, and so I don’t see most of them most of the day and I don’t know who’s a Christian and who’s not and I don’t feel that impact on a day-to-day basis. So I think when you have a group calling like this and you call them all out here, then I feel like you get to see how many there really are and you can feel that impact.” The morning began at 6:30 a.m. with a “pre-rally unity march” around th

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SPRINGFIELD – The use of unmanned aircraft, or drones, for any aspect of hunting or recovery of wildlife is unlawful, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding the public. “Not only is drone use for hunting unlawful in Illinois, it goes against the spirit of fair chase and widely accepted hunting ethics,” said Jed Whitchurch, director of the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement. “Illinois Conservation Police officers will be monitoring for drone use during the fall and winter hunting seasons. We encourage all hunters to familiarize themselves with the Wildlife Code, abide by the law, and have a safe and successful hunting season.” The fall hunting season kicks into gear on Sunday, Oct. 1 with the opening of archery deer and turkey seasons throughout Illinois. IDNR and Illinois Conservation Police have received several inquiries from the public about the use of drones for scouting and tracking animals. The unlawful use of drones for hunting

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias released a report today that recommends adjusting the age requirement for mandatory driving tests from 75 to 79, making Illinois more consistent with other states. For the past dozen years, Illinois has been the only state in the nation that requires senior drivers to have their behind-the-wheel skills tested on a regular basis. The last two states that mandated driving tests for seniors did away with them in 2011 (New Hampshire) and 2005 (Indiana). “As Secretary of State, road safety is a top priority of mine,” Giannoulias said. “Statistics show that seniors are among the safest drivers of any age category. This change would make Illinois driving standards for senior drivers more consistent compared to other states while keeping Illinois as one of the strictest states for license renewals.” Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) statistics in 2022 included a full year of data relating to the emergenc

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MARION, Ill. - Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health and addiction services, is officially relaunching its Recovery Transitional Housing in Marion, Illinois, on Monday, October 9. Centerstone’s Recovery Transitional Housing (CRTH), located on Main Street next to Centerstone’s Marion Main Street office, offers 16 beds for men and women, age 18 and older, needing additional support in a recovery-based, integrative environment. A transitional living facility for those who are new to recovery and are committed to a full life away from addiction, the CRTH offers treatment for individuals who are medically stable and in need of longer-term recovery housing. “The CRTH has undergone many changes since operations were suspended in early 2023, including redesigning of the extended are program and hiring and training team members dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives,” said Stacy Seitz, Centerstone Statewide Addiction Treatment Service

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ALTON - Bring your furry friends to the Canine Carnival at the Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market on Saturday, Sept 30 th from 8 a.m. until noon for a morning full of fun just for them. At this free event organized by Alton Main Street and Hope Animal Rescues, there will be many activities to enjoy and pet-related vendor booths to browse. Plus, you can learn about many local animal welfare charities and services for your pets. Rescue agencies will be holding an adopt-a-thon, so if you are looking for a new best friend come meet some loveable dogs who need a good home. Features of the event include a Pet Parade at 10 a.m., and a costume contest which will be voted on via social media. Bring your dog dressed to impress, because the winner of the costume contest will receive a $20 gift certificate to Petco. There will be face painting, balloon animals, and activities for pets and families. Vendors will be selling pet-related products such as handmade dog treats, toys, bandanas,

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ALTON - The Junior League of Greater Alton (JLGA) is looking for women who are interested in growing their leadership potential and making a positive impact in their local communities through volunteerism and service. JLGA’s Retro Recruitment Event will be held from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Alton-Wood River Sportsmen’s Club Trap House event space in Godfrey. The event is free, with appetizers and drinks provided. “Junior League is a great professional organization for women to network, build lasting friendships, and support our local communities,” said 2023-2024 President Beth Wiemers. “We look forward to meeting women who are interested in joining or learning more about our organization.” Attendees will take a trip through 70 years of memorable foods, beverages and milestones with JLGA, which was founded in 1952, and will spend time getting to know some of JLGA’s current members. Women must be at least 21 years old to join

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led a group of six Senate colleagues in introducing the Stop Arming Cartels Act. The bill would stem the “iron river” of firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico, enabled by weak American gun laws and gun industry practices. The deadly stream of firearms trafficking exacerbates violence, enables cartels who smuggle migrants to our southern border, and facilitates the illicit trade of narcotics across the border back into the United States. According to a recent study from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), 70 percent of crime guns recovered from Mexico and submitted for tracing are U.S.-sourced. “At the hands of the NRA and the gun lobby, our country’s lax gun laws have created a deadly, vicious cycle of firearms trafficking that’s riddled with violence, illicit narcotics, and chaos. Our gun laws

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WASHINGTON — U.S Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), today introduced the bicameral Tobacco Tax Equity Act of 2023. The bill would close tax code loopholes for tobacco products by establishing a new federal tax on e-cigarettes, updating the federal cigarette tax rate to restore its public health impact, and harmonizing the tax rate across tobacco products to address gamesmanship by manufacturers. Establishing tax parity will generate significant federal revenue, reduce health care spending, and address one of the greatest public health challenges by lowering tobacco use, especially among youth. According to public health experts, increasing the price of tobacco products is the single most effective way to reduce tobacco use, particularly among children. “We have made historic progress over the years to reduce the suffering from tobacco use. Our most

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Department of Agriculture has confirmed the first detection of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma deliculata) in Illinois. Following a report of a live adult on Sept. 16, state, federal, and local officials coordinated a site visit near the area of the report and identified a moderately populated area of spotted lanternfly (SLF) on Sept. 18. Specimens were collected and submitted for identification, and confirmatory results were received on September 26. The spotted lanternfly does not present any human or animal health concerns. “If there is a silver lining associated with spotted lantern fly in Illinois, it is that we have no reason to believe that widespread plant or tree death will result from its presence,” said Scott Schirmer, Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Nursery and Northern Field Office Section Manager. “This is likely going to be a nuisance pest that interferes with our ability to enjoy outdoor spaces and may have some

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that emergency repairs by the Illinois Central Railroad Company to a crossing on Illinois 13 (South Belt East) between South Jackson Street and South Charles Street will require a full closure starting, weather permitting, Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 6 a.m. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure. The work is expected to be complete by 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. 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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CHICAGO - It’s Life Insurance Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) has already helped life insurance consumers collect more than $8 Million this year from lost or unclaimed policies, using our Life Policy Locator . It’s a free tool available on the IDOI website that anyone may use to find out if they are the beneficiary of a deceased relative’s lost or missing life insurance policy or annuity contract. “Families deserve to receive the benefits that their deceased loved one provided for their financial security,” said IDOI Director Dana Popish Severinghaus. “In Illinois, insurance companies must attempt to find the beneficiaries of deceased policyholders when life insurance or annuity proceeds remain unpaid, and our life policy locator service helps simplify that search process. We urge consumers to follow the instructions available on our website to begin the search for their share of unclaimed insurance benefits.”

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that road repairs will require lane closures in both directions of Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri starting, weather permitting, Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. One lane will always remain open in each direction. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. 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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OSF HEALTHCARE - Did you know there’s a special health and fitness day for women? It makes total sense, specifically because there are biological differences between men and women – and women have different health needs than men. A healthy diet, daily exercise, and regular doctor visits are essential for maintaining your health, which is true regardless of gender. However, what constitutes a healthy diet, how much exercise, and the type of exercise a person should get can be different for men and women. So, naturally, there are health issues that are unique to women. Wednesday, September 27, is the 14th Annual National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is observed annually on the last Wednesday of September, and it’s a time to promote the importance of health and fitness for women of all ages. Therefore, what are some of the differences between men and women when it comes to health? From a simplistic nutrition standpoint

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at East Alton Wood River (EAWR) High School. A senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000.00 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. September’s winner is Colten Heaten. Colten is a senior at EAWR and is involved with Trebuchet Competitions and enjoys ringing the bells for The Salvation Army. Colten has received honors for Gold Level Renassance (4 years) and High Honor Roll (4 Years). After graduation, Colten plans to go to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Colten is thinking of majoring in engineering or computer science. Congratulations Colten and we all wish you good luck in your future! About Midwest Members Credit Union: Midwest Members Credit Union has bee

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GODFREY - The North Alton Godfrey Business Council is pleased to announce the hosting of the first of the Benjamin Godfrey Entrepreneurial Speakers Series on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023 at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois. John Newby, a nationally known publisher and community consultant, is the featured speaker and will present in two sessions. The first will be a 11:30 a.m. luncheon at The Commons focusing on area businesses both small and large, themed "Building A Stronger and More Viable Community Thru Synergies." The second session will be held in Hathaway Hall on the College campus at 3:00 p.m. and is directed to "Students and Teachers Only" with the theme "What Are You Going To Do With Your Life After Graduation?" Students and teachers from Alton, Bethalto, East Alton Wood River, Marquette and Roxana high schools along with Lewis & Clark, Principia and Southern Illinois University Colleges are invited to this gathering. This event has evolved from the Busines

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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior running back, wide receiver and punt returner Kellen Brnfre has been a strong force for the Tigers this football season. In one of his best games on Sept. 8 against St. Louis Soldan, Brnfre caught a 42-yard pass from quarterback Jake Curry for a touchdown and also ran a punt back 35 yards for another touchdown as the Tigers won over Soldan 47-6. The most important thing for Brnfre was that everyone on the team's roster got to play and pick up experience. Brnfree is a Johnston Law Firm Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. "I'm feeling pretty good," Brnfre said in a postgame interview. "I'm feeling happy." A recent punt return for the touchdown against Soldan was an opportunity that Brnfre felt great about and he thanked those who also blocked for him on the run. "Actually, I was going to fair catch that," Brnfre said, "and just let the clock run out. But then, I just caught the ball and I just saw an open lane. So I took it." It was a play similar to

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JERSEYVILLE - Abby Fraley has been a standout in cross country and soccer for Jersey Community High School for multiple years. She is a strong runner and says cross country "is my favorite sport," although she also loves playing soccer in spring. Overall, she said she felt good about a recent race in the Alton Invite. She recorded a time at the Alton Invite of 24:47.57. Fraley should be one of the Panthers' top runners this season and continue to improve as the season moves ahead. Abby is a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. Fraley started her running career in her freshman year and said it has always been "fun" for her. She also thanked her parents for their support throughout her athletic career. Fraley's work ethic and approach to training have always been positive for her in her cross-country seasons. Abby has also been recognized as one of the Panthers' best female soccer players. Congrats again to Abby Fraley for her recognition as a Sparklight Female

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GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon trustees unanimously approved a site plan for a Dick’s Sporting Goods in the village’s Orchard Town Center. With an estimated open date in spring 2025, Dick’s is the latest tenant to claim their spot in the rapidly developing area. Tim Lowe, senior vice president of Leasing and Development at The Staenberg Group, said Dick’s will bring something new to Orchard Town Center and to the Glen Carbon market in general. “We really felt that Dick’s Sporting Goods was really a niche that was not here in the market - there are no quality sporting goods in this market and Dicks’ does a really great job,” Lowe said. “They’ve done a lot of cool things, they’re putting interactive things in their stores now between golf simulators and batting cages. It’s really the place for higher-end, better quality apparel and sporting goods.” Dick’s normally builds stores in one of three

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