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CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA), and 17 other senators and 151 Members of Congress in filing an amicus brief in opposition to the constitutional challenge to the federal law prohibiting individuals under domestic violence restraining orders from possessing firearms. In a bicameral brief to the Supreme Court in United States v. Rahimi , the members call on the Supreme Court to set a clear standard allowing Congress to pass laws that keep the American people safe. The brief follows a full committee hearing in March, which examined how the new standard set by the Bruen decision is endangering public safety as the country faces a gun violence epidemic. “The Supreme Court’s decision in Bruen has caused chaos in lower courts. The new radical framework established in Bruen has enabled judges to cherry-pick from

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SPRINGFIELD - Beginning Tuesday, August 29 the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) will host 31 international buyers from seven different Latin American countries to enhance existing relationships and increase export sales for the Illinois grain industry. “The Illinois Grain Tour gives Illinois farmers, producers, and retailers the opportunity to showcase their world-class commodities and facilities to foreign investors,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello. “We lead the nation in soybean production and nearly half of the soybeans and corn produced in Illinois are exported, resulting in billions of dollars in direct sales annually.” In 2022, the Grain Tour returned to in-person for the first time since the pandemic and brought in $65 million in projected sales. Participants begin the tour by meeting with representatives from the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The tour will also make stops at: RTS Farm, Aubur GSI, Assumption Farm Progress Show

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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, representatives from the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), and Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) to announce a $1.35 million federal grant to the Illinois Department of Labor. This funding will go towards supporting tradeswomen-led efforts to train and support the entry of more women into infrastructure and construction careers. “Today’s announcement of another grant from the U.S. Department of Labor recognizes what we know to be true: Illinois is a national leader in building pathways for women into infrastructure and construction careers,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By cementing this priority in the implementation of the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the Biden-Harris administration has established a new era in our efforts to diversify an industry that has historically lacked job opportunities for women, and particularly for women of color. We may

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ALTON - There are numerous names, faces and spaces behind the scenes in hospitals that the public never gets a chance to experience. That holds true for two of the newest “Mission Partners” in the Laboratory Department at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton (employees at OSF Saint Anthony’s are called Mission Partners). Their names are “Buzz” and “Woody” – and while those names might indicate they’re actual humans, they’re not. “Buzz” and “Woody” are the monikers Lab Department Mission Partners gave to their two new next-generation lab analyzer machines – the only two that can be found at any hospital in the Riverbend region. “Technology has improved diagnostics in so many ways, including accuracy, speed, and accessibility,” says Dennis Sands, MD, chief medical officer, OSF Saint Anthony’s. “Technology helps medical professionals at all levels with regard

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GODFREY - With a curated garden show and several bronze sculptures dotting their campus, Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC) invites the community to enjoy their Monticello Sculpture Gardens. “Our goal, basically, is to create a world-class learning environment for our students, as well as have a space for community members to come out and enjoy nature,” said Ethan Braasch, who oversees the campus environment and all sustainability initiatives as the horticulture manager. Braasch works closely with garden designer Katie Piper to maintain the gardens. This year, the two were inspired by the theme “Discover the Monticello Sculpture Gardens,” which Braasch characterizes as “a reintroduction of the gardens to the community and to our students and team members.” “We do an annual curated garden show every year with a different theme, generally centered around our bronze sculpture collection,” he explained. “We change

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ALTON - The Alton City Council approved a series of resolutions to fund the installation of decorative LED lighting on the Clark Bridge in an effort to improve its appearance and boost economic activity through tourism. The project totals nearly $1 million and will be funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, an Ameren Illinois incentive program, and more. A total of $995,915.51 in funding was approved from the following sources: $600,000 from the city’s Travel and Tourism funds $243,915.51 from the city’s ARPA funds $152,000 from an intergovernmental agreement with Alton Township The new lighting will also reportedly be more energy efficient than the current lighting, resulting in 73% less energy use. The current lighting draws 165 watts per fixture, whereas the new lighting will consume only 45 watts per fixture. Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau CEO Cory Jobe, Third Ward Alderman Raymond Strebel, and Mayor David Goins have all previously

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CHICAGO – Illinois Lottery players have a chance to win the largest Lotto jackpot of the year tonight - a massive $21.95 million. The last time the Lotto jackpot was more than this was in December 2018, when a single ticket purchased at a gas station in Prospect Heights took home the top prize of $22.5 million. So far this year, three Illinois Lottery players have won $1 million or more playing Lotto. Nearly six million winning Lotto tickets have been sold, and over $24 million in prizes were won in 2023. Lotto is an Illinois-only game that is played three times a week on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Lotto can be played for $2 per line, and tickets can be purchased in-store, online, or on the Illinois Lottery’s mobile app. ### About the Illinois Lottery: Founded in 1974, the Illinois Lottery has contributed over $24 billion (since 1985) to the state’s Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars to the Capital

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JERSEYVILLE - Keith Norman, executive director of Jersey County Emergency Management, released information from the National Weather Service on Wednesday afternoon about an Excessive Heat Warning through Friday for the region and where those in the county could go in case of a need. "A dangerous heat wave will continue through Friday," the news release from the Weather Service said. "Heat index values of 105-115 degrees are expected with locally higher values possible. This prolonged heat, coupled with little relief due to warm nightly temperatures, will pose health risks to vulnerable groups and those susceptible to heat-related illness." "Relief from the heat remains on track for this weekend, with below-normal temperatures forecast by Sunday." Norman said to Jersey County citizens - Daytime Cooling Centers Due to the dangerous heat that is now predicted to continue through Friday, Jersey County EMA has partnered with the Cities of Jerseyville, Grafton, Elsah, Otterville Baptist

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O’FALLON — When a friend or family member is grieving, it can be difficult to know what to say or do. Many people are afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing, but helping in small ways can be a source of comfort. HSHS Director of Post-Acute Care Amy Frederking, RN, BSN, explained, “What most people need after a loss is comfort and caring from family and friends; it doesn’t take much. Truly listening, acknowledging their feelings, running errands or simply being present for them are some ways you can support a grieving friend or family member.” According to National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), it is important to remember that there is no right way to grieve. Please be careful not to impose your ideas, beliefs and expectations on someone else, no matter how much you think it might help. Understand that the way a person might respond to a loss will reflect the cultural and family traditions that are unique to them. HSHS

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TROY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that bridge repairs on U.S. 40 between Triad Lane and the Illinois 162/U.S. 40 intersection in Madison County will require intermittent lane closures for the two-part project starting, weather permitting, Friday, Aug. 25, at 7 a.m. Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic. This portion of the project is expected to be complete by the end of the day. To complete bridge repairs for the next portion of the project, one lane will be closed on the Silver Creek Bridge beginning Monday, Aug. 28. Temporary traffic signals will maintain two-way traffic for the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of November. 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

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ALTON - Alton Alderman Ray Strebel of the 3rd Ward will present a resolution which would authorize the execution of Ameren Illinois’ Energy Efficient Program Incentive Application and payment release authorization regarding decorative lighting on the Clark Bridge. Also, a resolution authorizing the disbursement of American Rescue Plan Act funds for projects within the City of Alton will be part of the discussion Wednesday night at Council along with a resolution authorization the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Alton and Alton Township. Alderman Strebel said when he was first elected, a close friend of his, Scott Dixon, another local resident, showed him a bridge in Memphis that had its lighting redone and he thought it was amazing. He also said with LED changes, the cost savings to the city would be enormous. “It was a huge project, but I took the idea to Cory Jobe of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, and Cory and I seem to shar

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ALTON - Four hours, 19 food trucks, 5,000 people. This is what you can expect at Alton’s Food Truck Festival from 4–8 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 26 at the Alton Amphitheater. The Food Truck Festival is a favorite for local foodies. Attendees have the chance to try new dishes, support small businesses and enjoy a fun Saturday in Alton. “It’s just great to see so many people having a great time on the riverfront,” Dan Herkert said. “I’m biased, but we’ve got the best riverfront in the country…and it’s only going to get better.” Herkert is the chair of the Alton Amphitheater Committee, which partners with Sauce Magazine to organize the festival. Sauce Magazine promotes restaurants and sponsors food events across the Metro East. Herkert noted that their work has encouraged many food trucks to return to Alton’s festival every year because the event is so successful. There are currently 19 food trucks lined up,

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WOOD RIVER - The Wood River City Council officially voted to rename Old Alton Edwardsville Road to Tyler Timmins Drive during their meeting on Monday, Aug. 21. Tyler Timmins was a Pontoon Beach police officer who grew up in Wood River. He was shot and killed by a suspect in 2021. The shooter was sentenced to life in prison for Timmins’s murder. The road was originally slated to be named “Timmins Drive.” Mayor Tom Stalcup asked for this to be amended to “Tyler Timmins Drive.” The council voted to allow this amendment, and then they voted again to approve the renaming of the street. Both votes were unanimously in favor. Timmins is survived by his wife and daughter. Before the vote, Stalcup recognized the family members who were present at the meeting. He read the following statement in honor of Tyler Timmons: “We are honoring the legacy of Officer Tyler Timmins of the Pontoon Beach, Illinois, Police Department, who was shot and killed in

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HARDIN - A Jerseyville woman - 37-year-old Ashley M. Richey - was arrested by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office at a deputy conducted a traffic stop at 5:29 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. A deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Illinois Route 100, near Poor Farm Hollow Road in Hardin, Calhoun County. The Calhoun Sheriff's Office said Richey was arrested for the following offenses: Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The sheriff's office said Richey was arrested without incident and transported to the Jersey County Jail. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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DU QUOIN – Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure safety of parade participants and spectators, the Du Quoin State Fair Parade is canceled for Friday evening, August 25. The decision was reached after consultation with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and working with forecasts from the National Weather Service. The ribbon cutting ceremony will continue as scheduled at 5:30pm. “With forecasts projecting a high of 100 degrees and heat indexes between 111 and 117 degrees, we feel canceling the parade is in the best interest of our parade participants,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II . “This is not to take away from people enjoying the fair safely, but to avoid a clustering of families along the parade route and parade participants in costumes and uniforms from overheating. We are working to ensure the safety of all fairgoers and we encourage all to enjoy the Du Quoin State Fair safely. With the exception of

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced the first Illinois human West Nile virus (WNV)-related death in 2023. Testing by CDC confirmed the case was WNV-related. The individual, who was in their 90’s and lived in suburban Cook County, had an onset of symptoms of WNV in early August and died soon after. IDPH is also reporting 11 non-fatal cases of WNV confirmed to date this year. “We are sad to report the first death of the year from West Nile virus in Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra . “This death and the 11 additional cases are a stark reminder that West Nile virus poses a serious risk, especially to older people and those with weakened immune systems. While the weather is warm and mosquitoes are breeding, we should all take precautions to ‘Fight the Bite’. Please protect yourself and your loved ones by reducing exposures, repelling insects with clothing and repellants, and reporting locations at

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ST. LOUIS - Journalist Ray Hartmann broke the nationally-recognized news story about a Chesterfield man and “Sound of Freedom” crowdfunder who was charged as an accessory to child kidnapping. Hartmann discussed his perspective on the story, as well as the upcoming Republican Presidential Debate and more on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . The “Sound of Freedom” crowdfunder was identified as Fabian Marta of Chesterfield. While Marta was one of thousands of financial contributors to the film, the story caught national media attention due to the contradictory nature of the charges filed against him and the film’s plot about a former government agent rescuing children from human traffickers. Hartmann said he was happy to see his story gain national attention - not because of the charges or the film, but for an entirely different reason concerning Marta’s local reputation. “What I found out with sources is that Mr. Marta was better

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney's Office announced today it has issued charges against an 18-year-old suspect - Amanuel Taylor-Hutt - on Monday, August 21, 2023, of the 3000 block of N. Waterford Drive in Florissant, Missouri 63033, for Murder Second Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. A mugshot of the suspect was not available, police said. The deceased has been identified as Ra’hmello Stewart, 24, of the 11900 block of Iguana Terrace, St. Louis, Missouri, 63138. Preliminary investigation has revealed this homicide occurred as a result of a personal dispute between individuals known to one another. The probable cause statement reads: "On June 29, 2022, at approximately 1:35 a.m., Saint Louis County Police were called to the 11900 block of Iguana Terrace for a reported shooting. Upon responding to the scene, the victim, R.S., is observed to be suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. One 9mm shell casing was found

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ALTON - Members of VFW Post #1308 have given a lot through their military service. Now, it’s time for Alton to give back to them. The Post #1308 building, located at 4445 North Alby Street, will receive a new ceiling next week courtesy of Home Depot and community volunteers. The new tiles will sustain the building and keep it safe for veterans who utilize the VFW’s services. Associates from the Alton Home Depot branch will be out bright and early on Tuesday, Aug. 29 to replace the ceiling tiles. “We’re so thankful that somebody’s thinking about the VFW and trying to help us out,” Bob Myers, a Post #1308 member, said. “Our first goal is to help any and all veterans. This will help out a lot and bring attention that, hey, we’re still here.” VFW Post #1308 provides resources and support for veterans and their families. The Post is also open to the public, with a bar, Queen of Hearts drawings, bands, events and a hall available

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EDWARDSVILLE – Visitors to the Edwardsville Schnucks store this weekend will be able to chat with members of the Edwardsville Police Department and support a great cause: Special Olympics Illinois. Past and present members of the Police Department will volunteer their time on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (August 25-27) at the entrance to Schnucks, 2222 Troy Road. They will be collecting donations and selling special edition Law Enforcement Torch Run T-shirts, hats, pins and raffle tickets. The effort supports Special Olympics Illinois, which provides training and competition for more than 55,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers and other partners in the state. The volunteers will be at Schnucks this Friday from 4-8 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Edwardsville Officer Haylee Doerflein is heading up the local effort and hoping for an enthusiastic response from the community. Doerflein, who is marking her one-year anniversary with the department, said the cause

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