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When I first went to Springfield two years ago, I promised our veterans I would fight for them. It seemed the state was giving Illinois veterans a raw deal, and I knew we could do better. I haven’t been in Springfield long but wanted to fill you in on what I’ve accomplished so far. I’ve worked to pass legislation to protect veterans from scams (SB 3479), improve the pipeline for sheriff’s offices to hire veterans (SB 2778), and to break down barriers for disabled veterans to improve their homes (SB 2751). While this is a great start, there’s still work to be done. I’ve proposed legislation to give veterans a paid day off for Veteran’s Day (HB 4128), waive vehicle registration fees for active-duty military personnel (HB 1563), and create a Veterans’ Licensure and Workforce Task Force (HB 1217). While we did some good work for veterans, the budget missed the mark. There is no part of Illinois’ budget that provided direct

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GRANITE CITY — On Friday, October 18th, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and State Representative Katie Stuart will visit with the United Steelworkers Local 1899 to discuss the continued failure of Nippon to justify the acquisition of U.S. Steel’s Granite City Works facility and ways to continue to support workers. The meeting will be closed to members of the media, but Budzinski will be available to the press for questions following the visit. During her first term, Congresswoman Budzinski has advocated for Granite City steelworkers – urging U.S. Steel to maintain operations at Granite City Works. Following news of an acquisition by Nippon Steel, Budzinski called on the Biden Administration to ensure a comprehensive regulatory review and has supported President Biden’s decision to block the sale.

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - The Overnight Warming Locations will once again open to support unhoused community members through winter weather. The OWLs are pop-up emergency shelters that activate whenever overnight temperatures drop below 20 degrees. The Alton OWL is located at Deliverance Temple in Alton and the Edwardsville OWL is housed at First Baptist Church in Edwardsville. There are several ways to support the OWLs, from volunteering to stopping by their first annual trivia night on Nov. 2, 2024. “The problem’s not getting any better. We’re seeing more and more people just trying to survive the cold,” said Tyler Dreith, operations director. “We have the privilege of kicking on the thermostat and turning on the heat. It just makes you be mindful of our friends out there.” Last year, Dreith said that between the two OWL locations, they saw 148 unique guests, including 45 people in one night in Alton. They are looking for volunteers, donations

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ALTON - There’s a new mural coming to Alton with a techno twist. Peat Eyez, a famous stencil artist known for their augmented reality murals, is working on a mural of Miles Davis at Hiram’s Bar in Alton. The mural will feature Davis playing the trumpet. On Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, the mural was nearing completion as Eyez painted in a suit. They explained that they tried to dress like Davis, complete with a trumpet and instrument case carrying spray paint. “I normally don’t paint murals wearing a suit, but I thought today this would be very appropriate,” Eyez said. “My medium is stencils. I work in stencils and spray paint. I’m not a graffiti artist. A lot of people think that because I use spray paint, but my motivation is really to beautify, not to vandalize. I’ve always been a huge Miles Davis fan.” Eyez is one of the frontrunners in augmented reality art. They completed the first augmented reality mural in Kansas

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JERSEYVILLE – Starting National Fire Prevention Week (October 7-11), Illinois American Water is repainting more than 500 fire hydrants in its Jerseyville and Hardin service areas this fall. Fire hydrants are being repainted orange by a local union contractor. Painting began last week (October 7) in the City of Jerseyville where 446 fire hydrants are being painted during October and November. Painting in the Village of Hardin will start in November once hydrant painting is completed in Jerseyville. There are 67 fire hydrants in Hardin. Illinois American Water owns and maintains fire hydrants in its direct service communities. The company’s local operation teams work closely with local fire departments to provide reliable, strong fire protection systems. Illinois American Water checks, maintains and flushes all fire hydrants annually.

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GODFREY - State Representative Amy Elik has received the endorsement from several groups who represent first responders. The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, Sheriffs of Illinois PAC, and Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2 have come together to enthusiastically support Elik. These groups represent thousands of first responders across Illinois, and their endorsements recognize Elik’s dedication to the well being of police, firefighters, and other emergency personnel. Her consistent advocacy for public safety resources and support for first responders has made a tangible difference in their ability to protect and serve communities. “I’m honored to receive the endorsements from our first responders for my work in Springfield,” said Elik. “As Chicago politicians try to weaken our police and first responders, I’ve been a constant voice of support. First responders put their lives on the line for us every

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SPRINGFIELD – Falling temperatures bring colorful foliage, flannel shirts and pumpkin-flavored treats. Unfortunately, cooler weather also brings stink bugs. These shield-shaped invasive pests – officially named brown marmorated stink bugs – are native to China and first made their debut in the US in the late 90s. They feed on the Midwestern landscape, munching everything from residential landscaping to agriculture like soybeans, apples and pears. “The ‘stink’ is a defense mechanism. So don’t smash them and avoid disturbing them too much,” said Scott Schirmer, Nursery and Northern Field Office Section Manager with the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “They are a nuisance, but stink bugs will not kill indoor plants or harm anything else indoors. Chances are you don’t even notice most of them that make their way inside.” So where do they come from? “In the summer, they are living in and eating many fruits

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – Starting today, small businesses in St. Louis will have a much easier time applying for a liquor license, allowing them to focus on operating and promoting their business rather than going through a lengthy signature-gathering process. Earlier this year, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones signed BB 60, sponsored by Alderman Bret Narayan, which allows the City to streamline the process for restaurant/bars, microbreweries, brewpubs and taproom breweries. Under the new process, which went live today, these establishments can obtain a temporary 90-day license without having to first obtain a large number of signatures from neighborhood property owners, residents, and businesses. “I opened a restaurant in the ‘90s, so I know firsthand how much work it takes to run a small business and how much time we spent going door to door collecting the signatures we needed to get a liquor license. I am thrilled that this new process will stop wasting small business owners’

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CARLINVILLE – Barbara McDaniels, an Optometric Technician at Advanced EyeCare in Carlinville, has been honored with the “Paraoptometric of the Year” award by the Illinois Optometric Association (IOA). The award was presented during an award ceremony at the IOA’s 2024 Annual Meeting and Optometry’s Celebration held on October 4, 2024. The Paraoptometric of the Year award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of optometry, enhancing the experience for patients and the public. McDaniels has dedicated over 30 years to her role at Advanced EyeCare, where she is recognized by her colleagues for her professionalism, compassion, and strong work ethic. “Barb has an exceptional commitment to patient care,” said a representative from Advanced EyeCare. “She treats every patient with the utmost kindness and respect.” Her colleagues describe her as a pillar of the practice, demonstrating unwavering loyalty

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Chocolate lovers around the world rejoice every year on October 28th, a day dedicated to celebrating one of the most beloved treats: chocolate. National Chocolate Day is a perfect occasion to indulge in this delightful confectionery in various forms and flavors. Whether you prefer it in bars, cakes, or hot beverages, this day offers countless ways to enjoy chocolate. In this article, we will explore the history of chocolate, its various forms, and provide a selection of fun and creative treat ideas to make your National Chocolate Day celebrations memorable. The Rich History of Chocolate Before diving into the delicious ways to celebrate National Chocolate Day, it’s worth noting the rich history of chocolate. The story of chocolate dates back over 3,000 years to the ancient Mesoamerican cultures, including the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs. They prepared a bitter drink made from cacao beans, often flavored with spices or honey. Chocolate was so revered that it was used in religious

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Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, is a holiday filled with costumes, candy, and spooky decorations. However, behind the playful masks and carved pumpkins lies a deep-rooted history that spans centuries and blends ancient customs with modern festivities. The origins of Halloween can be traced back to ancient Celtic festivals, early Christian practices, and a mixture of folklore and traditions from across the world. This article explores the rich history and evolution of Halloween, highlighting its key traditions and how they have transformed over time. The Ancient Roots: Samhain The origins of Halloween date back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced "Sow-in"), celebrated in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France. For the Celts, November 1 marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a time associated with death and the supernatural. The night before, October 31, was believed to be a time when the boundary between

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - St. Louis Downtown Airport has been awarded $4,740,328 in funding through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Grant Program to help cover the cost of completing the third phase of construction for its taxiway reconstruction project. The work on Taxiway Bravo will be completed under an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The multi-phased planning, design and reconstruction project is included in the airport’s State and Federal Capital Improvement Plan that supports airport safety, operations, and users. “This funding is a necessary, big win that moves us closer to completing the multi-phased reconstruction project to strengthen airport safety and operations,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multimodal Enterprises at Bi-State Development, which owns and operates the St. Louis Downtown Airport as one of its enterprises. “Our airport serves as an importan

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COLLINSVILLE – Collinsville High School Principal Dr. Daniel Toberman announced that senior Selah Hart was named a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Hart is among 34,000 scholastically talented seniors throughout the nation who are being recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) for exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 (96th percentile) of students who entered the 2025 competition by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). "Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success," commented a spokesperson for NMSC. "These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help

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ALTON - There has been a large police presence in the 3800 block of Horn Avenue in Alton this morning on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. The Madison County Sheriff's Office and Alton Police Department were viewed at the scene. Madison County Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido said the sheriff's office was assisting the Alton Police Department in the investigation. As soon as more information is available about the investigation, Riverbender.com will publish it for viewers.

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GODFREY – Godfrey residents may notice a mailing this week from Homefield Energy introducing themselves as the new electric supplier for the area’s electric aggregation program. For those unfamiliar with the program, Godfrey voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum on the ballot back in 2012 to enter into an electric aggregation program with a company called Good Energy. Along with many surrounding communities in southwestern Illinois, Godfrey would benefit from the collective purchasing power of this large consortium. Historically, participating in the program has resulted in significant cost-savings for residents. Over the past two years, however, there has been substantial volatility in the electricity market driven by clean air initiatives and a poor economy, resulting in higher prices. During the last contract period with Good Energy, the supplier was Constellation NewEnergy as the previous supplier, Homefield, couldn’t be competitive in their pricing. As

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - The Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Dental Medicine (SDM) in Alton once again opened its doors to the community on Monday, Oct. 14, for its annual Give Kids a Smile Day (GKAS) clinic, offering free dental care to children in need over the October school holiday. The clinic served 190 children, 40 more than last year, and provided $113,530 worth of dentistry to the community, according to Katie Kosten, DMD, director of Community Dentistry in the SIU SDM. Watch patients interact with the Tooth Fairy and dental students. In attendance were SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, and SIU SDM Dean Saulius Drukteinis, DMD, PhD, who interacted with families and shared the importance of the event. Minor acknowledged the dental students who performed the dental work, which ranged from cleanings and fillings to extractions and imaging. “I spend a lot of time thanking our students for doing this and underscoring how

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GODFREY - Staff members at Alton School District’s Early Childhood Center know how to start the day off right. Every day before the morning and afternoon sessions at the center, teachers and staff members line the hallway to cheer and welcome the students to school. Cynthia Schuenke, the director of the Early Childhood Center, noted the importance of creating a fun environment for kids and teachers. “It really energizes the staff and shows how excited they are to welcome our students each day,” Schuenke said. “The staff at the Early Childhood Center are an amazing group of educators, and we are so fortunate to have them working with our students in our district. This daily cheer shows how much they look forward to working with our students and seeing them at school each day.” The “daily routine” is the norm at the Early Childhood Center. Schuenke said it has a powerful effect on the atmosphere and energy of each school day. She believes

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JERSEYVILLE - Things are getting spooky in Jerseyville as local businesses and vendors welcome the Halloween season with a special “ Nightmare on State Street ” event on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 from 5 to 8 p.m. Throughout the evening, several Jerseyville businesses are joining in on the festive fun with discounts, specialty drinks, local vendors, photo opportunities, and more. The Jersey County Historical Society will host self-guided “Dearly Departed” tours at the Cheney Mansion from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitors can learn more about the funerary, mourning, and embalming customs of the city’s past for just $5 each (payable to a Historical Society volunteer upon arrival). With the rest of the mansion also available to tour, attendees can get an inside look at one of Jerseyville’s most historically significant homes. All proceeds will support the ongoing restoration of the Cheney Mansion. DJ's Pub & Grill will be serving a special fall-festive

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EDWARDSVILLE - During their regular meeting on Oct. 16, 2024, the Madison County Board took a moment to remember Charles “Skip” Schmidt. Schmidt was a board member who died on Oct. 3, 2024. Madison County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler started the Oct. 16 board meeting with a moment of silence to honor Schmidt. “Schmidt was a retired school teacher and coach at the Ferguson Florissant School District for more than 25 years,” Prenzler said. “He coached various sports through the years, to include football, volleyball and tennis. In 1989, Schmidt and his wife Cindy moved to Edwardsville, where he got involved in the community and served on various boards and organizations.” Schmidt served as an Edwardsville Township trustee and a member of the Edwardsville Parks Board. He worked with local organizations like Faith in Action, the Metro East Humane Society, the Edwardsville YMCA, The Wildey and the Edwardsville Rotary Club. He was elected to the Madiso

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LIVINGSTON – Illinois American Water has initiated essential maintenance at its water treatment plant in Livingston, prompting a systemwide boil water order for the Livingston District. The order will take effect at noon on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, as the company works to replace pipe connections and valves. Customers in the Livingston area will receive direct notifications regarding the boil water order. This maintenance effort is part of Illinois American Water’s ongoing commitment to upgrading its water and wastewater systems, aimed at replacing aging infrastructure and ensuring the delivery of clean, safe, and reliable service. Illinois American Water said during the boil water order, residents are advised to bring water to a rolling boil for five minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. However, water can still be used for bathing, washing, and other routine activities. The boil water order is being issued in compliance with regulations from the Illinois Environmenta

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