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VENICE — On Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) visited the former Dow Chemical Company factory to raise awareness around the urgent need for residents to be compensated for health impacts relating to decades long radiation exposure. Budzinski was joined by Venice, Illinois, Mayor Tyrone Echols, Alderman Phillip White, and local activists passionate about this issue. Congresswoman Budzinski speaks to members of the press on the need to reauthorize RECA and expand local eligibility. From the late 1950s to early 1960s, the factory — owned by Dow Chemical Co. at the time—processed uranium and thorium for the nation’s nuclear weapons program. As a result, the site became a 1,400-acre dumping ground for radioactive materials. Despite this, the area has never qualified for assistance through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), leaving residents without necessary support for the lasting effects of exposure. “For decades,

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JERSEYVILLE - A 40-year-old Jerseyville resident remains in custody after grooming a 14-year-old victim and sending them explicit photos of himself. Leif J. Roady, 40, of the 200 block of W. Prairie St. in Jerseyville, was charged on Jan. 10, 2025 with grooming, a Class 4 felony, and distribution of harmful/explicit content to a minor, a Class A misdemeanor. The day prior on Jan. 9, 2025, Leif allegedly sent explicit photos of himself to a 14-year-old child. He also reportedly “attempted to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a minor child, who was 14 years of age, to come to his residence and engage in unlawful sexual conduct,” according to the grooming charge. A petition was filed to deny Roady’s pretrial release, stating his release would pose a “real and present threat” to the community’s safety. Jersey County Sheriff’s Office records indicate he currently remains in custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable

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EDWARDSVILLE - For his impressive and impactful research, teaching and mentoring in the area of enzyme mimetic chemistry, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Yun Lu, PhD , professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry, has been promoted to the rank of Distinguished Research Professor of Chemistry. “I am thrilled to have been awarded the title of Distinguished Research Professor,” said Lu, “My first thought was to share this news with my students, as their dedication and hard work in the laboratory have been instrumental in this achievement. I appreciate their efforts, which have made this honor possible. I believe that this recognition is a testament to their contributions and commitment to our research.” “I am also proud to note that our research group is the first and only one to use solution-based reactions to study the physical aspects of enzyme catalysis,” emphasized Lu. “The role of enzyme’s

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EDWARDSVILLE — A sensor issue triggered fire alarms at Edwardsville High School (EHS) shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, prompting an immediate evacuation of students and staff. Edwardsville School District 7 said: "In line with established safety protocols, all individuals in the building exited as the Edwardsville Fire Department conducted an inspection. The incident concluded without any reported danger to those present. “Please be assured that at no time was there any danger to students or staff. Following the inspection, students and staff were allowed to return to the building." School administrators expressed appreciation for the cooperation and patience of the EHS community during the incident. The administrators noted that students and teachers displayed impressive flexibility and adaptability in maintaining safety throughout the evacuation process.

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BRIGHTON - The Village of Brighton will host its eighth annual Daddy/Daughter Dance. From 5:30–8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Crossroads Community Church in Brighton, father figures and daughters are invited to enjoy dancing, a photo booth, balloon animals, and more. Tickets cost $20 a person and must be purchased ahead of time at the Brighton Municipal Building. “It's a night out for the daddies and daughters,” said John Bramley, Brighton’s Park Chairman. “We’re selling 150 tickets. They will sell out quick, so hopefully everybody gets their tickets this year. We look forward to a beautiful evening.” This year’s theme is “A Night to Remember,” and Bramley said attendees can expect a DJ, finger foods and desserts. He is especially looking forward to the balloon specialist, who will make “all kinds of creations for the girls.” Tickets will not be available at the door. Bramley encourages everyone

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ALTON – Lauren Wilson, current Deputy Clerk for the City of Alton, is excited to announce her candidacy for Alton City Clerk in the upcoming April 1, 2025, election. "With over four years of experience working in the City Clerk’s office, I have developed a deep understanding of the responsibilities and duties required of this important position. During my tenure as Deputy Clerk, I have also served as Acting City Clerk. During my time as Acting City Clerk, approximately a year and a half, I gained invaluable experience in managing city ordinances, filing sensitive data, preparing official reports, and ensuring compliance with local and state regulations. In addition, I prepared and attended Council meetings, Committee meetings, Executive Sessions and staff meetings. "I am running for City Clerk because I believe in Alton’s potential and the value of effective local governance, and I am committed to bringing efficiency, transparency, and exceptional customer service

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BRIGHTON — Robert "Bob" Laverne Watson, an influential attorney and long-serving member of the Lewis and Clark Community College Board, died on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born on Oct. 13, 1937, in Jerseyville. Watson lost his sight at the age of six. He attended the Illinois Braille and Sight Saving School, now known as the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, in Jacksonville. He later graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois. He served as an inspiration for many others in the area who were blind. Watson began his legal career working for the State Department in Washington, D.C., before returning to Illinois to work for the Illinois Attorney General. In 1972, he opened his own law office in Brighton, later establishing a branch in Bunker Hill. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he served as the Village of Brighton’s attorney for 51 years and was a member of the Lewis and Clark Community College Board of Trustees

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department has publicly acknowledged the contributions of Illinois State Representative Amy Elik for her support of law enforcement and her efforts to commemorate the service of K9 Odin. This recognition comes following the passage of House Resolution 886, which honors the K9 officer's dedication and sacrifice. Odin was killed in the line of duty on Aug. 22, 2024. K9 Odin served as a protector and teammate within the Alton Police Department, leaving a lasting impact on both the police force and the community it serves. The resolution was presented to Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford, highlighting Odin's legacy and the essential role that K9 officers play in maintaining public safety. "Through House Resolution 886, Representative Elik has ensured that K9 Odin’s service, loyalty, and sacrifice will never be forgotten," the department stated in a recent communication. This gesture underscores the ongoing partnership between law enforcement and community

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In an era marked by economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and a rapidly changing job market, financial literacy has emerged as a critical skill for individuals and families alike. Understanding how to manage personal finances, invest wisely, and navigate the complexities of the financial world can lead to improved economic stability and enhanced quality of life. This article explores the importance of financial literacy, its key components, and practical strategies for improving financial knowledge. What is Financial Literacy? Financial literacy refers to the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal finance management, budgeting, investing, and understanding financial products. It encompasses a range of knowledge areas, such as how to save, borrow, and plan for the future. A financially literate person is equipped to make informed and effective decisions regarding their financial resources. The Importance of Financial Literacy

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GODFREY - Eclipse Car Wash is set to open in Godfrey in the next two months, and they’re looking for employees. The car wash, located at 2811 Godfrey Road, has been under construction for a few years since Eclipse bought the property in 2021. They plan to open in the next six to eight weeks, and they will be hiring around 20 workers. “We’re excited to be involved in the Godfrey community,” said Alexandra Ricke, general manager of Eclipse. “Preparing to open is obviously super exciting.” Ricke said that Eclipse built a “state-of-the-art facility” that stands out from other car washes. The facility can accommodate dually trucks, which is rare for a car wash, and there are four dedicated lanes with 36 vacuum bays available. With another location in Edwardsville, Eclipse is eager to implement new technology at the Godfrey car wash. Ricke added that owner Jarrett Hanson is passionate about creating the best experience for customers.

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Welcome to our exploration of January 13th, a day that has witnessed some of the most significant events in history. Turning our gaze to the world of politics, January 13, 1986, marked the beginning of the “Dawn of the New Era” in the Philippines. This day was pivotal in the fight against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. Activists and citizens began to mobilize in greater numbers, leading to a series of protests that would culminate in the People Power Revolution in 1986. This peaceful uprising would eventually restore democracy in the Philippines, showcasing the power of collective action and the resilience of the human spirit. On January 13, 2012, a significant event in the world of technology unfolded with the announcement of the first successful demonstration of quantum teleportation of information. Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China achieved this groundbreaking feat, which is considered a major step towards the development of quantu

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WOOD RIVER — Wood River Police responded to a reported robbery on Whitelaw Avenue at approximately 5:25 PM on Sunday. The incident involved two individuals who had arranged to meet another person for an exchange of property, which had been organized through social media. Upon their arrival at the designated location, the two individuals were confronted by three suspects who forcibly took the property before fleeing the scene on foot. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the encounter. Thanks to the rapid response of the Wood River Police, two suspects were apprehended shortly after the incident, with the third taken into custody a short time later. All three suspects are now in police custody. The investigation benefited from the collaboration of several neighboring law enforcement agencies, including East Alton, Hartford, Roxana, South Roxana, and the Alton Police Department K-9 Unit. Authorities have classified this incident as isolated, assuring the communit

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GRANITE CITY - The Granite Cith High girls' volleyball team finished the season with six wins and made tremendous progress and strides during the past four seasons, and senior Noelle Richey is part of the reason why. Coach Grace Hurst has also motivated and trained the girls in the player transformation. The final match of Richey's high school career brought mixed emotions to her. I've grown with this team for four years, and I'm so proud of how much we've grown," she said. "And it's like collectively, we've all changed in so many ways. We have all still pushed through the best we could." Richey is a four-year varsity player for the Warriors and sees a lot of differences between playing as a freshman and playing as a senior. "Playing as a senior, I feel like I almost like an older sister to all of them," Richey said, "and like they always talk to me about everything. I'm there to help them when they need me, and it's just awesome to watch everyone grow that's below me. As

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January 12th has been a significant date throughout history, marked by a variety of events that have shaped our world in many ways. One of the most profound events that took place on January 12, 1966, was the launch of the first successful satellite to be placed in orbit by the United States, named 'Orbiting Geophysical Observatory 1' (OGO-1). This landmark achievement in space exploration represented a major step forward in our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and the effects of solar winds. The satellite was designed to study the interaction between the Earth's magnetosphere and the solar wind, contributing invaluable data to the field of geophysics. The success of OGO-1 not only marked a triumph for NASA but also set the stage for future explorations of space, enhancing our knowledge of both our planet and the cosmos beyond. Fast forward a few decades to January 12, 1991, when the United States launched Operation Desert Storm, a pivotal military campaign during the Gulf

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CHICAGO - Ahead of the 2025 tax season, the state of Illinois announced its participation in the IRS Direct File program. This will allow millions of eligible Illinoisans to file their taxes directly with the IRS, in a free and simplified system. Sarah Saheb, Director of Economic Security Illinois, an affiliate of Economic Security Project, a leading advocate for IRS Direct File nationally and in Illinois, released the following statement: “Direct File will save eligible Illinoisans up to $725 million and alleviate the stress and complexity of tax season for families across the state. This is a commonsense tool that will make filing taxes easier than ever before and put money back in people’s pockets all while saving the government money. We applaud Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Revenue, and all stakeholders who helped make this possible. As Illinoisans prepare to file their 2025 taxes, we encourage all who are eligible to utilize this completely free

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SPRINGFIELD - In partnership with the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias presented the 2nd annual John Lewis Youth Leadership Award (JLYLA) to 21-year-old Ivoryana Neal and 23-year-old Anthony Ray Wright Jr. “It’s wonderful to honor the impact of the late Congressman Lewis by recognizing two incredible young Illinoisans for their significant service to our communities,” Giannoulias said. “Ivoryana and Anthony are truly carrying out the spirit of Congressman Lewis’ legacy.” Neal, a Bellwood native and a December 2024 graduate of Spelman College, is passionate about criminal justice reform and has helped educate peers on the need for more re-entry support for formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. Neal’s firsthand experiences interning with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office in Atlanta and with the Broadview, Illinois, police department have informed her call

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SPRINGFIELD - A severe ice storm wreaked havoc on large parts of southern Illinois earlier this week, closing schools and leaving thousands without power. In response, Comptroller Susana Mendoza Thursday issued payments totaling more than $17.7 million dollars earlier than originally planned. This comes at the request of Senator Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg who informed the Comptroller of the dire circumstances facing southern Illinois. The bulk of that, $16.7 million, is Illinois State Board of Education mandated categorical grants to elementary and secondary schools in the region. Most schools were forced to close and will not reopen until at least next week. Thursday’s infusion can help the schools with their cash flow as they make repairs. Additionally, 423 vouchers totaling nearly $1.1 million were paid out for things like ambulance services, local electric cooperatives, city and county services, and social service agencies. A full list is available here. “It’s

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ALTON – As the Executive Director of Alton Little Theater (ALT), I am deeply committed to ensuring that our organization remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone who steps through our doors. However, allegations of past misconduct have been brought concerning individuals formerly affiliated with the theater. Let me be clear: we take these allegations with the utmost seriousness. I want to assure the public that under my leadership, ALT will be a space where everyone feels safe to explore their passion for theater. Theater is about creating joy and fostering community and that is exactly what we will do. Eric Sykes Executive Director, Alton Little Theater

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ALTON - The local Piasa Palisades chapter of the Sierra Club will screen a special film at their upcoming monthly meeting. At 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, community members are invited to Old Bakery Beer Co. in Alton for a screening of “Water for Life,” a documentary that tells the story of three Indigenous leaders who fought for water resources in their communities. Christine Favilla, representative with the Sierra Club and a co-coordinator for the Three Rivers Project, emphasized the importance of talking about sustainability and water rights. “It has to do a lot with making that connection with humans and hoping that they see they have a connection to nature,” she explained. “The more people that we have connected to nature, hopefully the more we will be able to see it be sustained and conserved.” Favilla said that the Piasa Palisades chapter of the Sierra Club meets at Old Bakery Beer Co. once a month, but this is the first time

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ST. LOUIS - Law enforcement in Missouri has officially commenced for the Siddens-Bening Hands-Free Law, which prohibits drivers from holding their phones while operating a vehicle. Many from the Alton, Edwardsville and Belleville areas drive across the river to Missouri on a daily basis for work and entertainment. The law, which went into effect in the summer of 2023, transitioned from an educational awareness phase to active enforcement on Jan. 1, 2024. Under the new regulation, officers are permitted to issue tickets to drivers who are found holding their phones. However, the law allows for the use of hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth or Apple Car Play. The Siddens-Bening law operates under secondary enforcement, meaning that drivers can only be ticketed for phone use if they are pulled over for another violation, such as speeding or reckless driving. Since the law's implementation, Missouri has reported a 5% reduction in deaths related to distracted driving, which

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