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CHICAGO — Michael Madigan, the former Illinois House Speaker and longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, was convicted of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in a high-profile corruption trial that has drawn significant attention. A jury found him guilty on 10 counts while acquitting him of seven others, leaving six counts unresolved after more than 10 days of deliberation. Madigan, who held his position for over three decades and once led the Democratic Party of Illinois, was implicated in schemes involving the state’s largest utility, ComEd, and efforts to secure a state board position for a Chicago alderman. The trial, which began in October 2024, featured testimony from over 60 witnesses. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued these comments after the Madigan verdict: “ Trust in public officials is hard-earned. Public service ought to be a high calling for honest people with integrity. And those who violate the public’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE’s Dunham Hall Theater resonated with vibrant sound of jazz as the SIUE Concert Jazz Band welcomed four celebrated alumni for the 2nd Annual SIUE Jazz Alumni Concert on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. The evening brought together past and present Cougars in a dynamic showcase of jazz artistry, featuring a rotation of guest performances from four nationally recognized musicians who got their start at SIUE: Austin Cebulske, '12, saxophonist, Kara Baldus, '03, '05, pianist, Nick Jost, ‘08, ‘12, bassist, and Marty Morrison ‘09, ‘12, percussionist. The evening culminated in the dedication of the inaugural Brett Stamps Jazz Alumni Award, to guitarist Rick Haydon, professor emeritus, in absentia. Under the conduction of Garrett Schmidt, associate professor of jazz studies, the SIUE Concert Jazz Band opened with a roiling arrangement of "Fascinating Rhythm" from George and Ira Gershwin. An eight-piece set followed, featuring compositions from greats

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SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is issuing a 30-day suspension, effective Tuesday, February 11, 2025, on the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets, and auction markets in response to the ongoing threat of H5N1 avian flu. The move is intended to reduce and prevent the spread of the disease, which has been detected in commercial and backyard flocks in Illinois. “Prevention is our most effective tool to mitigate the spread of avian flu. By being proactive in biosecurity and limiting poultry movement and exposure, we are protecting the public as well as the poultry industry,” said Dr. Mark Ernst, IDOA State Veterinarian. Avian flu is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and wild birds (especially waterfowl). Avian flu virus strains are extremely infectious, often fatal to chickens, and can spread rapidly

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DES MOINES, Iowa - The following local students have been named to the Dean's and President's Lists at Drake University. Edwardsville, IL Kenton Ausmer, Arts & Sciences, Dean's List Brynn Miracle, Zimpleman College of Business, Dean's List To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher during the Fall 2024 semester at Drake. To be eligible for the President's List, students must have earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during the Fall 2024 semester at Drake. Drake University is recognized as one of the finest national liberal arts universities. A distinctive and distinguished private university in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake enrolls nearly 3,000 undergraduate and more than 1,800 graduate students. Students choose from more than 70 majors, minors, and concentrations and 20 graduate degrees offered through seven colleges and schools. In addition, Drake offers a range of continuing education programs serving working professionals, community members, and

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) engaged with farm stakeholders during a House Committee on Agriculture hearing, addressing the potential impact of tariffs on Canada and their effect on import prices for farmers. The Committee heard testimony from four figures in the agriculture sector – from California to Illinois – who shared the challenges they are facing. Earlier this month, President Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada, including a 10 percent tariff on energy imports. While the President has since instituted a 30-day pause, it is unclear if tariffs will ultimately be applied. The U.S. imports some four million barrels per day of Canadian oil, 70 percent of which is processed by refiners in the Midwest. In response to Budzinski’s questioning, the witnesses confirmed that the increased input costs caused by tariffs would hinder, rather than help, our farmers’ ability to remain competitive. Budzinski’s

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CHICAGO - Today Governor JB Pritzker joined the Aspen Institute, climate advocates, and business leaders to announce that the 2025 Aspen Ideas: Climate conference will take place in Chicago. Previously, the conference has been held in Miami Beach, Florida each year since its inception in 2022. “Illinois and our Midwestern neighbors are leading the way growing a clean energy economy that supports good-paying jobs and lowers energy costs. ? I can think of no better place to bring together clean energy and climate leaders than Chicago,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our focus on fresh water, electric vehicles, alternate energy sources, and so many other facets of sustainable infrastructure form a regional powerhouse that I’m eager to show off to climate leaders from around the country.” The Aspen Ideas: Climate conference brings together members of the public alongside climate leaders to learn about current climate issues and discuss innovative solutions.

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CHICAGO – Several trusted Illinois programs offer free income tax preparation for low-to-moderate income families and older adults who may need assistance in filing their 2024 income taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), American Association of Retired Persons' (AARP) Foundation Tax-Aide Program, and the Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program (TAP), provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in select locations statewide. "It is important for Illinois taxpayers to know they can receive help from qualified volunteers certified by the IRS at various locations statewide," said Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris. "These individuals are ready and willing to assist taxpayers in filing their state and federal tax returns accurately and on time by the Tuesday, April 15 deadline.” How taxpayer assistance is provided and when services are available varies by region, based upon volunteer capacity. “Tax

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that will award grant money to a lead organization to develop a multi-year campaign supporting and promoting the inclusion of community health workers (CHWs) in health teams. Community health workers are trusted members of their communities, who serve as a bridge between health care and social services and the community. IDPH supports CHWs in many ways, including its ongoing work to develop and establish a certification program that will improve the quality and availability of CHW training programs and will open the door for reimbursement of CHW services through the Medicaid program. The grant funding opportunity further supports CHW programs around the state by creating a campaign to improve awareness and understanding of what CHWs do and support the effective integration of CHWs into public health, health care, and human services organizations. The campaign wil

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TROY - Hannah Schlemer is leading a fundraising effort to support the ongoing needs of 6-year-old Ace Waldeck, of Troy, who faces numerous health challenges due to complications from a premature birth. The campaign aims to raise funds for essential items not covered by insurance, including a ramp, a lift, and an accessible van. Ace was born prematurely and, at just 11 days old, suffered a bilateral hemorrhagic stroke that left him quadriplegic and nearly blind. He also lives with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, and in 2022, he developed a blood clot that damaged one of his kidneys, leaving him with only one functioning kidney. Despite his challenges, Ace is described as a happy boy with a vibrant spirit, Schlemer said. "He enjoys listening to books and music, watching shows, and engaging with his siblings," she said. "He's an old soul," noting his ability to communicate discomfort despite being nonverbal. Schlemer expressed gratitude to the community for their generosity in providing

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GODFREY - Two Municipal Clerk candidates spoke about their platforms and their goals for Godfrey at a recent candidate forum. On Feb. 11, 2025, East End Improvement Association hosted a candidate forum for the Godfrey mayoral, trustee and clerk candidates. Current Clerk Susan Robbins and challenger Jacki Clayton had three minutes to introduce themselves and share their reasons for running. Clayton shared that she is a lifelong Riverbend resident and a graduate of Alton High School and Lewis and Clark Community College. She previously worked in the Township Assessor’s office and is currently employed by the Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department. She said customer service is her “top priority” and she enjoys working with people. If elected, she said she would obtain the recommended certifications to fulfill the municipal clerk role. She praised the current administration and Godfrey staff for their work and said she wants to be “a part of that team.”

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Did you know that more than 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year in the United States alone? This staggering figure only scratches the surface of what has become a multi-billion dollar industry centered around love and affection. Yet, beneath the glossy surface of red roses and heart-shaped chocolates lies a tapestry of history woven with ancient customs, cultural shifts, and surprising origins. What if the traditions we hold dear today are not what they seem? The Ancient Roots of Romance To truly understand Valentine’s Day, one must journey back to its early beginnings. The origins of this celebration can be traced to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which took place in mid-February. This ancient festival was a rite of fertility, where young men would draw names from a jar to pair with women for the duration of the festival. Such practices highlight a time when love was seen as a more communal and less romantic affair. As the centuries passed,

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February 12, 2025, marks an extraordinary day in the annals of history, as it commemorates significant events that have shaped the world in various ways. Moving back in time, February 12, 1809, was the birth date of two prominent figures: Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln. While they were born in different parts of the world and would go on to lead vastly different lives, both men would leave indelible marks on history. Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection fundamentally changed the way we understand life on Earth, while Lincoln's leadership during the American Civil War and his commitment to abolishing slavery redefined the values of justice and equality in the United States. Fast forward to February 12, 1947, when the first-ever successful test flight of a jet aircraft took place. The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser took to the skies, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. This event signaled the dawn of a new era in air travel, enabling faster and more

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BUZZ MAGAZINE – If you’re like me, when you want to dine out, your first choice is always a locally owned restaurant, no matter what town you are in. We even look for them when we travel. These culinary gems seem to be fewer and farther between these days but I have some good news. A new, locally owned restaurant has recently opened in downtown Litchfield, and with just a little more than a month under their proverbial belt, customers are giving them rave reviews! “Very good food! Large portions and great prices too. We will definitely be back!!” “Had the fried pickles and taco salad tonight. Everything including the service was great.” “We had the appetizers, loaded fries with bacon & cheese and the mozzarella sticks. They were fabulous! I had the pulled pork baked potato. The food was delicious & the service was great! The server was so super sweet.” Litchfield is Montgomery County’s shopping hub, conveniently located

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BUZZ MAGAZINE – The Negro Leagues have only recently received their due in baseball history, as their story, in a time when blacks were barred from Major League Baseball, was pushed aside. One franchise, however, always found a way to stand out. The Kansas City Monarchs were one of the elite teams of the Negro League era, loaded with talent that went on to star in the majors. Thirteen former Monarchs are in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Until Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, blacks were excluded from the majors, partly due to the influence of dictatorial MLB commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis, who fought to keep baseball all-white. The barrier prevented many of the game’s top players from ever appearing in a Major League game, based on their skin color. Many of these players ended up in the Negro Leagues, a loose confederation of seven baseball associations that dates to 1920. Black baseball, however, traces its roots to 1885 with the Cuban Black Giants, considered

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BUZZ MAGAZINE – This season has brought the usual snow and cold weather to much of Illinois. It’s nothing compared to the Year of the Deep Snow. That fateful winter, also called the “Big Snow,” in 1830-31 was so severe that it became a defining moment in the early history of Illinois. Over 190 years later, it remains a standard by which other winters are judged in the state. “The pioneers who lived through the Deep Snow never forgot the experience,” said Dr. Samuel Wheeler, an acclaimed research historian from Springfield. “It was almost a badge of honor to say you lived through it. They measured time based on that winter.” Remarkably, the fall of 1830 was unseasonably warm, as were several previous winters. But the winter of 1830-31 packed a wallop. On December 20, a cold rain began to fall and lasted for four days, sometimes changing to an icy mix. On Christmas Eve, however, the conditions began to deteriorate. Accounts of that winte

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are advising the public that a winter storm with the potential for several inches of snow is anticipated Wednesday, creating slick and slippery conditions, reduced visibility and longer travel times across much of the state. The team from IDOT will be plowing and treating roads throughout the event, but the public should be prepared and consider adjusting travel plans, especially during the height of the storm in the afternoon and evening.

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GODFREY - Three mayoral candidates addressed the Village of Godfrey’s successes and challenges at a recent candidate forum. On Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick and challengers Beth Johnes and Trustee Craig Lombardi gathered at Lewis and Clark Community College for the forum, hosted by the East End Improvement Association. The three candidates introduced themselves and answered five questions posed by the audience before delivering closing remarks. “We’re doing this to introduce the candidates to the community and then hopefully to increase the voting here in the Godfrey-Alton area,” said Steve Schwartz with the East End Improvement Association. “I invite everyone to go out and vote.” The consolidated election is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Beth Johnes Johnes introduced herself as a lifelong Alton-Godfrey resident. She is a member of St. Mary’s Church and a graduate from Marquette Catholic High School

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GLEN CARBON – The Glen Carbon Road shared use path project is getting closer to construction as the village seeks additional funding for Phase 1. At Tuesday’s Village Board meeting, Public Works Director Scott Slemer said construction may start this summer. “We’re one step closer to getting this built,” Slemer said. “This project is anticipated to bid on the March letting, it should be under construction by June of 2025, and the extents of this phase are Schon Poark to the Lakewood Estates subdivision.” Phase 1 improvements will span 0.28 miles of Glen Carbon Road from Oakdale Lake Drive to Lakewood Drive. The project’s second phase would extend the shared use path from Lakewood Drive to Mark Trail Drive. Once fully completed, the path will connect Schon Park and Route 159. Trustees on Tuesday unanimously approved a joint funding agreement for federally funded construction between the village and IDOT for the project’s first

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EDWARDSVILLE - Sophomore guard Kennedy Gieseking is perhaps the most important player who comes off the bench for the girls' basketball team at Edwardsville, and makes very important contributions to the success of the Tigers. In a game on Feb. 4, 2025, against Collinsville, Gieseking scored seven points off the bench, including a key three, as the Tigers took control in an 18-0 run in the third quarter to defeat the Kahoks 55-26. In an Edwardsville win over East St. Louis two nights later, she scored two points in a 76-36 win over the Flyers and made good contributions to a Tigers win at Granite City on Friday night, making the Tigers' record 16-9. Kennedy is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for Edwardsville. For the season, Gieseking is averaging 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per game, going along with three assists, eight steals, and a blocked shot. She's a very reliable player off the bench for the Tigers, and showed it in the win over the Kahoks, and was very pleased

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department announced it made 1 Driving Under the Influence of Drugs arrest and issued five speeding citations during the recent Super Bowl enforcement campaign. One citation was issued for illegal transportation of alcohol and one citation was issued for illegal transportation of cannabis. Five other citations were issued during the enforcement period. The Super Bowl weekend “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” enforcement efforts ran from Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, through the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. The goal was to keep impaired drivers off the roads and ensure more people buckle up and follow all traffic laws. “Motorists should understand the warning that we are serious about cracking down on impaired drivers and seat belt and other traffic safety law violators. We do it to save lives,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. The recent law enforcement campaign was made possibl

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