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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker signed HB2879 into law today, establishing the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program to expand resources for food bank systems across the state while supporting local farmers. The bill creates mechanisms for acquiring and distributing fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy, and eggs to organizations providing free food for those in need. The program initially began with a pilot in 2021 with grant funding from USDA and is made permanent through this bill. “Illinois farmers are producing some of the finest food in the country, and now that produce, dairy, and meat can go directly to Illinoisans struggling with food insecurity,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “It’s good for our farmers’ bottom line, it’s good for those in need, and it’s good for our state—a win for everyone in Illinois.” The program, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services with a $2 million investment in FY24, seek

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker today was joined by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, members of the Illinois congressional delegation, as well as business and industry leaders to call attention to the Chicago Hub Improvement Program, a proposed series of projects that will invest nearly $1.1 billion in regional rail infrastructure and upgrade Union Station. The funding would improve performance and reduce delays while strengthening the state’s and city’s position as the country’s transportation hub. The effort is supported by $50 million from the Governor’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is the largest and only one in state history that touches all modes of transportation. “The Chicago Hub Improvement Program is an opportunity for new federal infrastructure funding to catalyze the rail system this region deserves,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This proposal would not only make much-needed

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Futures Tournament attracted more fans than ever this year, Director Dave Lipe said on Thursday, despite probably some of the most difficult weather conditions ever for the event. The tourney winner said that it was "amazing for a small little city like Edwardsville to do such a great job with this. Blew my expectations out of the water for this place," Vandecasteele said after taking home the crown. Lipe, who has become renowned for not only success as Edwardsville’s boys and girls varsity tennis coach, but the Futures Tournament and the courts. The courts are exquisite, much above any other high school in the state, if not the nation. There have always been key contributors to the courts and the Pro Wildcard and Futures events. Lipe always mentions those supporters and key volunteers and coordinators and deflects attention from himself. Simply put, he sees the success of Futures as "because of the team of people involved." Lipe is also a

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EDWARDSVILLE — Two local elected officials have been selected among many leaders throughout Illinois to participate in this year’s Edgar Fellows Program. State Senator Erica Harriss and Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine have been chosen for this year’s elite program. Initiated by former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, the leadership program provides chosen up-and-comers in Illinois public policy an opportunity to gain lessons, inspiration, and training in statesmanship and current issues while fostering and nurturing relationships that cross-regional, political, and personal experience boundaries. “It’s an honor to be selected to participate in this distinguished program,” said Sen. Harriss. “I’m eager to join a group of inspiring individuals to learn more about their perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. It’s my hope that I will be able to gain valuable lessons that ultimately make me a better public servant for

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that repairs on the eastbound Interstate 55/70 ramp to Interstate 255 near Collinsville will require intermittent lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 6 a.m., Monday, Aug. 7. The two-lane ramp will be reduced to one lane. All lanes will be open between 3-6 p.m. 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. The closures are expected to last for approximately two weeks. 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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ALTON - Webster Temple Church of God in Christ invites everyone to their Vacation Bible School (VBS) next week from Aug. 10–12. They’ll mark the end of summer with games, crafts, a bookbag giveaway, free haircuts and lessons from the Bible. This year’s theme is “Twist and Turns.” Webster Temple’s VBS will be focusing on Psalms 25:4 with the slogan “Following Jesus changes the game.” “Everybody knows about Webster Temple’s Vacation Bible School. We do it up,” Rosie Brown, the church’s VBS coordinator, said. “It’s all geared towards education and learning and fun.” The church, located at 1100 Highland Avenue in Alton, will offer different groups according to age, including an adult class. Children ages 5 and up are welcome. Brown estimates that there will be approximately 80 kids who participate in the church’s VBS this year. From 6–8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10 and Friday, Aug.

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MARYVILLE - Anderson Hospital has announced its Auxiliary and Medical Staff scholarship winners. This year a total of 13 students earned scholarships worth $1,000 each. Eligible students must be enrolled in hospital-related healthcare fields. The Medical Staff awarded scholarships to: Kennison Adams , Edwardsville University of Missouri- Kansas City Bachelor’s Degree and Doctor of Medicine Ellery Darr , Edwardsville Loyola University Chicago Nursing Program Courtney Garrison , Collinsville Maryville University Family Nurse Practitioner Program Amber Gassmann , Maryville SIUE Bachelor of Science in Nursing Lily Jurgena , Collinsville SIUE Bachelor of Science in Nursing Gracy Levin , Alhambra Southwestern Illinois College Health Sciences Nursing Program Sarah McLaughlin , Maryville SIU School of Medicine Masters of Public Health and Doctor of Medicine Mackenzie Sievers , New Douglas University of Illinois Doctor of Medicine

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CHICAGO – Once again, Mega Millions mania is sweeping all across Illinois as the jackpot balloons to a staggering $1.25 billion for Friday night’s drawing. If won, it would be the fourth-largest Mega Millions Jackpot and the sixth-largest lottery jackpot won in U.S. history. Last July, a whopping $1.337 billion Mega Millions Jackpot was won in Illinois. Two people with one winning ticket in Des Plaines claimed the largest lottery prize ever in Illinois, and at the time, the third-largest lottery prize in U.S. history. To celebrate this Friday’s $1.25 billion jackpot, the Illinois Lottery is hosting a ‘Mega Millions Ticket Grab Challenge’ – giving players a chance to win 1,200 free Mega Millions tickets at one of the top 10 ‘lucky’ lottery stores in Illinois. Players can join in on the fun at Shell Food Mart, located at 210 E. Ogden Ave. in Hinsdale from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm on Friday, August 4.

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GODFREY - Liquor and gaming licenses were the subject of further discussion at the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, August 2. Trustees Sarah Woodman and Mike Fisher are part of a new committee looking into setting rules and regulations on liquor license requests - while Fisher was absent, Woodman asked her fellow trustees how they felt about the subject. “Trustee Fisher and I have met a couple times with some questions and concerns - I think our major concern comes up when we talk about video gaming,” Woodman said. “I myself don’t want more video gaming in Godfrey. I’d hate to see us become a community of gaming machines everywhere you look.” She said she and Fisher have been looking into what some other nearby communities have been doing about liquor/gaming licenses. She noted that while Godfrey charges $500 per year in liquor license fees, the village charges nothing for video terminal licenses - unlike the communities

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WOOD RIVER/EDWARDSVILLE - When Rusty Wheat complained that garbage trucks were losing trash on their routes and asked if they could pick up what they left behind, he was told it wasn’t their problem. So Wheat decided it wasn’t just his problem either, and he was going to let people know about it. A few months later, he has cleaned up thousands of pounds of trash along Illinois Route 143, and Madison County is preparing to implement an adopt-a-highway program largely because of his efforts. The landfill and trucking companies might not have listened to Wheat, but he has created something bigger than them. “I just started picking up trash and trying to call as much attention to this as possible,” Wheat said. “ is the first thing they see when they come into Wood River off of 255, and that’s my stretch of highway. I call it my stretch of highway, it’s everybody’s stretch of highway, but I’ve adopted that road and I take a lot o

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ST. LOUIS - A St. Louis Cardinals super fan named "Rally Runner" was apprehended Wednesday on charges that he was part of a mob rush on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Daniel Donnelly Jr. faces charges after he allegedly used a stolen shield to help rioters attack police officers at the scene. Donnelly donned red paint that day on his face and a red "Keep America Great" hat when he reportedly stormed the capital. The FBI announced that the suspect's name has officially been changed to "Rally Runner." St. Louis baseball fans know "Rally Runner" for running around at Cardinals' games with red face paint and red clothes. He was questioned by authorities in St. Louis about a week after Jan. 6. A total of 1,100 have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol Riot. An estimated 100 police officers were injured in the attack.

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WOOD RIVER - After closing down several years ago, Pizza Hut is back in Wood River and happy to be serving the community once again. Located at 897 East Edwardsville Road, the restaurant opens at 10:30 a.m. every day and closes at 10 p.m. on weeknights or 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. They offer delivery and carry-out. “There’s just a big need in the area for pizza,” Jon Cobb, an area coach for Pizza Hut, said. “We’ve got a product, and people have been dying for us to come back.” He said that the business often sees and receives comments about wanting the store to reopen. The location opened on Tuesday, Aug. 1 and has already seen many customers. “It’s been very well-received,” Cobb added. “We’re doing delivery and carry-outs only here, and it’s going pretty well.” To learn more (or order a pizza), visit Pizza Hut’s official website or call the Wood River location at 618-217-0024.

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GODFREY - Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick again issued a warning to residents to double-check any conversations with solicitors. The mayor said there have been some ongoing complaints that some are still soliciting in the Village of Godfrey without a permit. Some solicitors have also been reported as not taking no for an answer in Godfrey and pressuring residents, McCormick said. “Solicitors need a permit with the Village Clerk’s office,” the mayor said. “They have to give their information to the clerk and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office does a background check on them. The clerk then goes to me before the permit is approved. My advice to people in the village is if someone knocks on their door, ask for their permit.” Presently, Mayor McCormick said only two companies — Clearway Solar Fiber and Solutions Solar Company — have permits in the Village of Godfrey to solicit, and they have four total personnel at this time between them.

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GRAFTON - Pere Marquette’s 17th annual Peach Festival invites you to come out and enjoy fresh fruit this Sunday, Aug. 6. The Peach Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center. Vendors, kids’ activities and the beloved Peach Pit contest are just some of the attractions you can check out in between bites. “Obviously, we’re highlighting peaches,” said Arielle Niemeyer, Pere Marquette’s director of marketing and events. “So we’re going to have multiple peach vendors. The majority of them are going to be from Calhoun County, which, you know, they’re known in the nation for their peaches.” Attendees can sample peaches from across the area. Other local produce vendors from Alton and Godfrey will be there, as well as 30 craft vendors spread throughout the lodge and outside. With face painting and other kid-friendly activities, many families are expected to come out and enjoy the day.

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed HB2396, requiring each school board to establish a kindergarten program with full-day attendance, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. Under this bill, every district must also establish a half-day program that is developmentally appropriate and provides opportunities for play-based learning. “Full day kindergarten is an essential step towards getting young Illinoisans off to the best possible start in their education, which has long-lasting positive effects on reading, math, and social skills,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From Smart Start to school funding to early childhood, we’re investing heavily in our state’s youngest residents because we know that every investment we make now is paid back multiple times over by engaged and educated citizens.” “Children across our state deserve the opportunity to reach their full academic potential, starting from their first moments in the

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EDWARDSVILLE – Over 130 students spent the last two weeks in July learning science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related subjects at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Odyssey Science Camp. SIUE’s STEM Center coordinates the camp each summer inspiring and encouraging young science enthusiasts. “Our main goal with the Odyssey Science Camp is to allow students to explore science in a relaxed and informal way to encourage the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” said Emily Wonnacott-Stanley, MS, program coordinator for the Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach. “Campers learned about science concepts through fun, hands-on activities.” Odyssey Science Camp topics and activities included the introduction to scientific principles, building math skills through games, crime scene investigations, building and programming robots, and renewable energy. The camp continues to grow in popularity

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will be hosting a book reading and signing with former SIU President Glenn Poshard for his book, “Son of Southern Illinois: Glenn Poshard’s Life in Politics and Education” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 8 in the Lovejoy Library Friends Corner. The first biography of Glenn Poshard, by Carl Walworth, traces the life of a young man who rose from rural poverty in Southern Illinois to become a United States congressman and president of the SIU System. The profound portrait unveils a life and career dedicated to making higher education affordable and improving the quality of life for the community of Southern Illinois. Books will be available for purchasing and signing at the event. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who seek something greater. A premier metropolitan university, SIUE is creating

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GODFREY - Tonight, the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees is set to vote on a new agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation about a change in funding for the double-roundabout project near Pierce Lane and Route 3. Previously, the village and IDOT were set to share the construction costs for new six-foot-wide sidewalks on the north side of Cook Street, west side of Pierce Lane, and south side of West Delmar Avenue, as well as landscaping costs. Under the new agreement, the village would only be responsible for landscaping costs due to federal funding secured by IDOT . The roundabout project will still move forward whether or not the Village Board approves the agreement. If they do approve it, the center of each roundabout will be filled with landscaping, funded and maintained by the village. If not, the center of each roundabout will be filled with gravel, and any future landscaping would need IDOT approval and installation under traffic. The federal funding covers

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ALTON - The Alton Fire Department has been busy in recent days with three severe fires in eight days. Alton Deputy Fire Chief Matt Fischer reported the last fire was in the 900 block of College Avenue early Monday. He said when Fire Department officials arrived at the two-story house fire, flames were shooting from all sides of the structure. He said the firefighters had to take "a defensive approach" to the fire, and East Alton Fire Department was also contacted to bring their aerial truck. Fischer said he was thankful for the East Alton Fire Department Aerial Truck. He said without it, Alton firefighters may have been at the fire for a lot longer. The home was unoccupied and the State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to investigate. No cause of the fire has been released. Last Thursday, Alton firefighters battled another severe blaze in the 900 block of Union Street in Alton. When they arrived, smoke was coming from the structure and the fire eventually went through the

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GLEN CARBON - Upcoming construction near Glen Carbon will affect traffic on Illinois 162 and Illinois 157, but the Illinois Department of Transportation’s plans for traffic management have been generally well-received. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) hosted a meeting last month to speak with residents about the construction and how it will affect traffic. Cheryl Keplar, a project engineer with IDOT, said the meeting drew over 150 people and went “very well.” IDOT recently released a statement detailing the construction plans. “The project involves the realignment of the west leg of Illinois 162 to tie in with the east leg of Illinois 162 at a proposed traffic signal, thus eliminating the offset intersections of Illinois 162 with stop control,” the statement read. “The project also involves reconstruction of the bridge that carries Illinois 157 over Judy’s Branch, construction of a new bridge to carry Illinois 162

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