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SPRINGFIELD – While the White House expects a new vaccine for the latest COVID-19 variant to come out sometime next month, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that he doesn't expect more COVID-19 mandates. Pritzker said despite what people read online, there is no discussion of bringing back certain mandates such as school closures or mask mandates as was the case more than three years ago at the onset of the pandemic. In information released in the last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted updated vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax for the latest COVID-19 variants should be released to the public in mid-September. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed a 21.6% increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions in the most recent week with a 21.4% increase in COVID-19 deaths. President Joe Biden approved a proposal for more funding from Congress for a new vaccine. The vaccines will target omicron subvariant XBB.15. The vaccines will still

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Prisoner Review Board William Delgado will serve as a Member on the Prisoner Review Board.* Delgado was initially elected to the Illinois House of Representatives to represent the 3 rd District and served until 2006 when he was appointed as State Senator to represent the 2 nd District. He continued to serve until his retirement from the legislature in 2016. Throughout his tenure in both the House and Senate, Delgado worked on an array of policy areas ranging from the justice system to economic reform. He served on the Special Committee on Prison Reform, served as the House Chair for the Commission on Criminal Law and Human Services, was a Chief Sponsor of the Certificate of Innocence legislation, and cosponsored the repeal of the death penalty. Prior to his elected service, Delgado was a public servant, working in the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Office of the Attorney General. Delgado has been recognized for his legislative work by the Community

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Attorney General Kwame Raoul led a coalition of 23 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 Nebraska v. Su, a case challenging the increase in minimum wage requirements for federal contract workers. 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 practical evidence and is consistent with state and local experiences

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LITCHFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker joined local and state leaders today to announce the grand opening of the South Central Illinois (SCI) Training & Innovation Center – bolstered by $8.6 million in grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The regional training center will provide career and technical training for school districts in Montgomery and Macoupin counties. “It's an exciting time for jobs and economic growth across Downstate Illinois and for the first time, students here in South-Central Illinois will have access to 21st century career paths that can begin upon high school graduation,” said Governor JB Pritzker.“These are the types of strategic investments that build our workers’ skills to take the jobs available right now in high growth industries of the future. And most importantly, this puts Illinois at the forefront of economic progress in the nation.” “The South Central Illinois

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a group of six attorneys general in announcing a settlement with the rental listing platform Roomster Corporation (Roomster) and its owners, John Shriber and Roman Zaks, over allegations the company lured customers seeking affordable housing with fake positive reviews and charged customers for access to phony listings. The agreement will permanently prohibit Roomster Corp. and its owners, John Shriber and Roman Zaks, from buying or offering incentives for consumer reviews. “Consumers rely on accurate information to make decisions that are in their best financial interest. When companies attempt to manipulate the marketplace with misleading claims, consumers suffer and pay the price,” Raoul said. “Today’s settlement will ban Roomster from providing compensation for reviews to lure customers. It will also require Roomster to hold its marketing affiliates accountable.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding waterfowl hunters of key dates and other information regarding the 2023-2024 waterfowl seasons. Season update This is the third year of a five-year waterfowl season plan that was developed in 2020. Early Canada goose and teal hunting will kick off statewide in all zones, with seasons opening Sept. 1 and Sept. 9 respectively. In the north and central zones, the daily bag limit for Canada geese during the September portion of the season is five birds, with 15 in possession. In the south-central and south zones, the daily bag limit for Canada geese during the September portion of the season is two birds, with six in possession. The daily bag limit for teal is six for all teal species combined, with a possession limit of 18. Additionally, rail season (sora and Virginia only) will be open statewide in all zones from Sept. 9 until Nov. 17, with a daily bag limit of 25 and possession limit of 75. Snipe

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JERSEYVILLE - Illinois American Water has lifted the boil water order for: Illinois American Water customers within and near the city limits of Jerseyville. Illinois American Water customers outside the city limits of Jerseyville who are served water directly by the company. Illinois American Water customers in Nutwood. Note: The boil water order continues in the Village of Fieldon. The boil water order was issued Saturday afternoon after a minor flooding issue at the Jerseyville water treatment plant which was quickly resolved.

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ALTON - After learning about a local woman’s ritual of watching the sunset, I had to try it for myself. Jennifer Sillivan goes outside, takes off her shoes and grounds herself in the earth every night as the sun goes down. When we spoke, she told me that it was a peaceful experience, a chance to connect with herself and nature after a busy day. Well, who doesn’t need that? I was completely on board. So last night, I loaded up my lawn chair and trekked out to the abandoned bank near Alton Square Mall, where Sillivan usually sits. One thing to know about me: I am not a super organized person. (If you’re reading this, RiverBender owner John Hentrich, please stop reading right now. I’m telling on myself.) My desk is a mess. My purse is full of old wrappers. My planner is illegible, but hey, I can read it just fine. It’s chaos, but it’s a chaos I understand. All of that is to say that I didn’t check the weather beforehand. We’ve been under

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GODFREY - Today, State Representative Amy Elik announced she is seeking re-election for the 111th State Legislative District. Elik, a Certified Public Accountant first elected in 2020 and overwhelmingly re-elected in 2022, has quickly established herself as a fiscal watchdog in the General Assembly. She serves as the House Republican deputy budgeteer, pushing for a common sense, balanced budget and lower overall tax burden on working families, seniors and job creators. “Families throughout the Metro East are struggling to afford mortgages, gas, groceries, and childcare. In Springfield, I am fighting to lower taxes and make Illinois a safer and more affordable place to live,” said Elik. “Extreme democrats continue to try to force their agenda on us, but I am standing strong for life and the Second Amendment.” In her short time in the legislature, Representative Elik has distinguished herself as a well-respected leader who will work with anyone to pass policies

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SOUTH ROXANA - A young local couple recently brought strong concerns about speeding on their residential street in South Roxana to Mayor T.J. Callahan and Chief of Police Bob Coles. Now, Callahan and Coles have joined forces to address the concern. The couple, proud new parents to their first child, brought this concern to Mayor Callahan's attention after their child was born, worried about the child's future safety. Mayor Callahan consulted Chief Coles, who immediately crafted a sensible solution. "We all understand the rush of everyday life. But let's not allow our haste to create an issue, especially when it comes to our neighborhood's safety," Chief Coles said. "Before our officers start enforcing compliance with citations, we want to try and work with the people to bring attention to their driving habits and obtain voluntary compliance without resulting in fines." The plan is simple but promising: Increase awareness of the impact of driving habits on the neighborhood with a campaign

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EAST ALTON - A motorcycle rear-ended a pickup truck in the 100 block of Airline Drive in East Alton on Monday night. East Alton Police Chief Scott Golike said late Monday that the driver of the motorcycle was taken by helicopter to a St. Louis hospital. Golike said he had no other details about the accident that he could provide at the moment, but East Alton Police continue to investigate the crash. The chief added the motorcyclist was in "serious condition" at the last report.

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BETHALTO - Four days of fun are in store at the Bethalto Homecoming next weekend. From Sept. 1–4, families can enjoy carnival rides, games, live music and plenty of food and craft vendors at 213 N Prairie Street in Bethalto. Proceeds will go to the Bethalto Fire Department, who also organized the event. “We do take great pride in being able to provide something for the community where it’s safe to bring your family and just have a good time,” Chief Brian Buhs said. Buhs added that there will be a few new carnival rides this year. The Bethalto Homecoming kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1; this is a “two-for-one night,” so two people can ride the carnival rides for the price of one. The carnival opens again at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and it will run from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4. Monday is “family bargain day,” so every ride costs one ticket. The Steve Ewing Band is set to play on Friday, followed by Infringement

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officials announce the arrest of 19-year-old Aaron Hartline of Witt, IL., for Dissemination of Child Pornography, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, and Possession of Child Pornography. In February 2023, ISP DCI Zone 4 Agents initiated an investigation after learning a male subject was communicating with a minor, in which the suspect was discussing sexual acts and requesting child pornography. During the investigation, ISP Investigators assigned to the Office of the Illinois Attorney General Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) gathered digital evidence indicating that Aaron C. Hartline was possessing and disseminating child pornography from his residence in Witt, Illinois. Additionally, DCI Zone 4 agents located a minor victim who had been sexually abused by Hartline. On August 10, 2023 the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Hartline with six counts

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GRAFTON - This doesn’t happen in the middle of the Village of Grafton often, but a woman had a serious crash on Friday night and had to be airlifted with multiple injuries from the scene to a St. Louis hospital. Grafton Police Chief Eric Spanton said a woman was alone in her vehicle and eastbound on Illinois Route 100 and initially struck a parked car in front of the Grafton Winery. “The woman bounced off hitting the car in front of the Grafton Winery and hit a parked car in front of the Grafton Pub, which also hit a car in front of them and veered off in front of the Grafton Pub. The woman was seriously injured and is now in critical condition at a St. Louis hospital.” The police chief said he was told some of the woman's injuries include a torn aorta, two collapsed lungs, seven or eight broken ribs, a broken pelvis and ankle injuries. The woman had undergone multiple surgeries, the chief said, and the latest he knew of she was still in critical condition. The chie

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RIVERBEND - The Riverbend Chapter of Little Black Book: Women in Business is a space for women to network, give back to the community and, this September, dominate at trivia. The Riverbend Chapter will host a music trivia night on Sept. 22 with all proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association . Founding members Lisa Webb, Gail Akeman and Terri Schneider explained that this fundraiser is at the heart of what Little Black Book stands for: giving back to the communities where members live and work. “Something special is that we actually give back to the community in different ways,” said Schneider, who works as an independent financial advisor at Claywell Asset Management in Godfrey. “Being out in the community and connecting with our community, it’s just an additional way to get to know more people.” The music trivia night will take place at The Lodge at the Lovejoy on Sept. 22, with a silent auction, several raffle prizes an

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EDWARDSVILLE - At 3:14 a.m. Monday, the Edwardsville Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a basement fire in a residence on Gerber Woods Drive in Edwardsville. When fire crews arrived, they found a home evacuated by its residents and family dog. "The fire appeared to start on, or near, a battery-powered motorcycle stored in the basement," Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said. "Occupants reported they heard and felt an explosion followed by smoke detectors sounding, which woke them up and allowed them to escape. Pressure from the explosion broke several windows and blew two basement doors off the hinges, but no one was injured." Edwardsville Fire Department was able to quickly douse the flames with help from mutual aid fire departments from Glen Carbon, Collinsville and Troy. Chief Whiteford said the Fire Department has been training on the hazards of rechargeable battery fires. "They are challenging fires. If batteries overheat when charging, they can give off explosive

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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior wide receiver Joey DeMare has made quite a few clutch receptions in his stint with the Edwardsville High varsity football team, and Aug. 25 was no exception, as he hauled in Jake Curry's five-yard pass with 33.5 seconds left that proved to be the winner as the Tigers won over Jackson, Mo. 30-21 in the season opener at Tiger Stadium. Edwardsville sealed the win on the first play after the kickoff when a bad snap from center went into the end zone, where the Indians recovered the ball for a safety and the two points that clinched the game. It was DeMare's catch in the end zone in the final minute that put Edwardsville ahead and after the game, DeMare was very full of emotion. "A lot of emotions, honestly," DeMare said in his postgame interview. "Like, it feels just like last year, even better, because we did it twice. But man, it was like a great team win and I don't think I could describe it right now. I've got to sleep this off, but and describe it tomorrow," h

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ALTON - If there’s anything Marquette Catholic running back Alex McCloud could do differently about his game in the season opener against Civic Memorial, it’s play more. McCloud, a junior running back for Eric Dickerson’s Explorer ball club, made his presence felt offensively when he was on the field. But as was apparent at high school games all across the region, the unforgiving heat led to cramping for McCloud, who had to sit out some game time. “Big time,” Alex McCloud said, when asked if the heat played a factor in Friday’s game. “It was annoying when I was cramping,” said McCloud after the game, a 42-16 loss for his Explorers. “When I was cramping I couldn’t be in the game, but when I was in the game I had a blast.” While not an ideal result for Marquette, Alex McCloud scored a late rushing touchdown to bring the score a bit closer. A 16-yard rush where McCloud broke tackles and made CM defenders miss on his

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the resolution of a multistate federal lawsuit resulting from the final adoption of a robust Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule to protect worker safety. The new rule, which strengthens public reporting of workplace health and safety information, will go into effect in January 2024. As a result, Raoul and the states have asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to dismiss the case. “Having sound data on workplace injuries allows employers to improve safety, which benefits everyone,” Raoul said. “Employees deserve safe working environments. Having better information about potential hazards could also reduce employers’ costs in defending against workers’ compensation claims and potentially prevent costs from being passed on to consumers.” On-the-job injuries and illnesses remain unacceptably high, with American workers experiencing more than 3 million serious

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EDWARDSVILLE - Celebrate the Grand Finale: Edwardsville Municipal Band Concludes Summer Season with "Encore" Concert on Thursday night. The Edwardsville Municipal Band is set to dazzle audiences with their final Thursday evening performance at the Cleaon Etzkorn bandstand in City Park on Thursday, August 31 at 8 p.m. (rescheduled due to excessive heat last week). Under the baton of co-conductor, Dr. Rubén Darío Gómez, the Edwardsville Municipal Band will present its theme, fittingly entitled "Encore." Programming concerts is one of the most challenging tasks for conductors and usually, in groups like the EMB and other symphonic ensembles, it is almost exclusively the conductor's job. However, for this program, the players of the EMB were asked to suggest pieces they would like to perform. The band will play favorites such as “Bugler’s Holiday,” “Shenandoah,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and the always popular “Stars and Stripe

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