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SPRINGFIELD - First-in-the-nation legislation introduced by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias aims to protect the privacy and safety of individuals seeking abortion care by restricting the use of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs). Giannoulias joined the sponsors of House Bill 3326, State Rep. Ann Williams (11th District – Chicago) and State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (6th District – Chicago), along with Jennifer Welch, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois and other supporters today to underscore the importance of this model legislation. House Bill 3326, which passed the Illinois General Assembly last month and awaits the governor’s consideration, would prohibit the use of license plate readers from tracking individuals seeking abortion care or assisting them. No other state specifically prohibits ALPRs from being used to track or penalize individuals seeking abortion care or from criminalizing a person’s immigration status. “No

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ALTON - The June Memorial Service/Scholarship Awards Program of the Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at the Lovejoy Gravesite in Alton City Cemetery. The gravesite is located behind the Lovejoy Monument. The program begins at 4:00 p.m. Bonnie Fox, President of the Lovejoy Memorial will preside and offer the welcome. Minister Elam A. King, III, Associate Minister, Greater St. James Baptist Church will offer the Invocation and Benediction. Vocal soloist is Dr. Rhonda Green. The scholarship awards will be presented by Lovejoy Board members Renee Bauer and Mary Buckley, and President, Bonnie Fox. The highlight of the program will be the presentation of scholarships to six (6) 2023 graduates of Alton High School. The Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial Scholarship was first awarded in 1954. This year it will be presented to Kennedy Stephens. She will receive $25,000 total during the four (4) years of her college education. In 2019 the Lovejoy Memorial established

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MURPHYSBORO – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) formally announced the launch of his reelection campaign at a meet-and-greet with supporters in White County on Saturday. “Joe Biden and the crazy liberals in Congress are attempting to fundamentally change our way of life. Their woke, radical agenda is causing chaos with our economy, confusion in our schools, and a crisis at our southern border," said Bost . "I’m honored to run for reelection because Southern Illinoisans deserve a fighter they know and trust to stand up for constitutional conservative values. We've got enough show horses in Washington as it is; that's why I remain laser focused on serving the people and delivering real results for Southern Illinois, the place I've proudly called home my entire life." During his time in Congress, Bost has compiled a proven, conservative record, previously receiving endorsements from the NRA's Political Victory Fund, Illinois Right to Life, and Illinois

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt championed a new law that will prohibit law enforcement from pulling a driver over for having an object hanging from their rearview mirror. “The number of traffic stops that have occurred just because of a small personal item hanging on their rearview mirror has been excessive,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It’s time we eliminate this reasoning for being pulled over, as it has disproportionately affected specific communities.” Previously, drivers could be pulled over for any objects hanging from the rearview mirror of their car such as decorations, disability placards, rosaries and car fresheners. House Bill 2389 clarifies that vehicles cannot be stopped or searched by a law enforcement officer solely on the basis of this violation. “This law sends a powerful message that we will not tolerate racial profiling or other forms of discrimination in our state,” said Belt. “All drivers have

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, today announced a bipartisan set of settlements worth $17.3 billion as a result of agreements with drug makers Teva and Allergan, and pharmacies CVS and Walgreens. Following successful state sign-on and subdivision sign-on periods, the companies committed to the deals and will start releasing funds to states later this summer. As a result of the settlements negotiated by Raoul’s office, Illinois will receive approximately $518 million over 15 years. National investigations and litigation against the pharmaceutical industry over the opioid crisis have led to more than $50 billion in settlements with Illinois’ share at more than $1.3 billion. “I am proud of the bipartisan work that has resulted in this $17.3 billion set of settlements with Teva, Allergan, CVS and Walgreens. These agreements build upon the important progress we’ve already achieved through previous settlements, as we continue working to hold responsible

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a Washington County judge sentenced an Ashley, Illinois man the Attorney General’s office prosecuted for predatory criminal sexual assault. Joseph Smith, 33, was sentenced to up to 100 years in prison by Washington County Circuit Court Judge Eugene Gross for predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. “Sexual assault and abuse of children can leave lifelong emotional scars, particularly when the abuse is perpetrated by someone in a position of trust,” Raoul said. “I appreciate the judge’s decision, which will prevent the offender from abusing other children. I will continue to ensure predators of innocent children are held accountable for unspeakable abuse.” Raoul’s office prosecuted Smith for allegedly sexually abusing his two stepdaughters who were between the ages of 11 and 12 at the time of the abuse. Smith was arrested and charged on Jan. 7 in Washington

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ELDRED - A framed commemorative medallion plaque was presented to members of the Eldred American Legion Post 1135 on Friday, June 2, 2023. The presentation was made by Steve Black, a member of the Carrollton High School Class of 1963, to Jon Baker, Post Commander. The presentation was made on behalf of members of the Class of 1963, and of the Greene County Historical and Genealogical Society, for honorable and faithful services rendered by Post 1135 to organizations throughout a multi-county area in West Central Illinois. The plaque contains an American Flag, a medallion listing the names of the US Marines who planted an American flag on the island of Iwo Jima in World War II, and actual grains of sand recovered from that island. Members and their guests of the Class of 1963 were on hand to participate in the ceremony and celebrate their 60 th Class Reunion. A dozen members of the Class are veterans, and some, including Black, are members of the Eldred Post. In addition, several

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GLEN CARBON - The Village of Glen Carbon has a busy summer schedule ahead, with the town’s Homecoming celebration on Father’s Day Weekend and more events at the Glen Carbon Heritage Museum. Event organizers from various groups around Glen Carbon discussed these events and more on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . The 131st Annual Glen Carbon Homecoming event will be held on June 16 and 17 in downtown Glen Carbon. Shelly Wolfe, chairperson of the Glen Carbon Community Events Committee, said the event is family friendly and a great way to bring community members into downtown. “We’ve got a lot of really great vendors that are coming out … there’s rides for older kids and younger kids available, and we also have ride tickets that are on sale for pre-sale at Village Hall,” Wolfe said. She added that these pre-sale tickets are available for $18 for a sheet of 24 tickets, a discount from their regular price at the

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 4400 block of North Hanley Road which resulted in the death of an adult male. The deceased has been identified as Christopher Gall, 48 years of age, of the 12300 block of Lakepoint Drive in Maryland Heights, Missouri. On June 10, 2023, at 1:57 PM, police officers from the City of Berkeley Police Department responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 4400 block of North Hanley Road. Arriving officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot injury. The male was transported to an area hospital for life saving treatment but later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. City of Berkeley Police requested St. Louis County Police detectives assume responsibility for the investigation. Preliminary investigation has revealed a suspect attempted to rob the male victim. The victim and suspect became involved in an altercation

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CLAYTON, MO. - Teen Set to Compete in National Scholarship Competition This Month Distinguished Young Women program promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership, and talent in high school girls Mobile, Ala. – Summer Barnes of Clayton, Mo. will travel to Mobile, Ala., on Wednesday, June 14, to participate in the 66th Distinguished Young Women National Finals on June 22, 23, and 24 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Barnes is one of 50 representatives competing for $155,000 in cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2023. Following her selection as the Distinguished Young Woman of Missouri, Barnes began preparations for the National Finals competition, which will include five categories of evaluation: scholastics, interview, fitness, talent, and self-expression. During her two weeks in Mobile, Barnes will participate in team-building activities, complete community service projects, interact with the Gulf Coast

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BRIGHTON - As Brighton gears up for the 117th Betsey Ann Picnic, the town’s tradition of Burgoo soup continues. Infamously known as “roadkill soup,” the Burgoo tends to elicit strong emotions, both from people who love it and those who are wary of what it contains. “We like to keep people guessing,” Jody Dwiggins, a Brighton resident who will be logging his third year as a soup chef, said. “It's pretty funny because everybody asks what’s in it. It's not really a secret, but it is.” No one knows for sure how the soup became a Picnic staple, but Brighton resident TJ Hughes — known locally as the Burgoomeister — enjoys both the love and lore that Burgoo elicits. “A lot of people try it and don’t like it, and a lot of people try it and love it,” Hughes said. “It doesn’t look very good, actually, but I would say it’s the taste that counts.” Despite the nickname and jokes around

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ALTON - The Miles Davis Jazz Committee recognized recent Alton High School graduate A’niayah Collins for her academic success and interest in music. Collins completed high school with an impressive academic and extracurricular record. But when she wasn’t busy with national math honor society Mu Alpha Theta or taking on a leading role in the Minority Excellence program, she could be found with her earbuds in and music playing. “Music is like an inspiration to me,” Collins said. “I listen to music every day. It really influences you.” Music plays such a big role in Collins’s life that she can’t pick a favorite genre. She listens to rap, country and pop music regularly, and she has fond memories of seeing both Nelly and Shania Twain live. The Miles Davis Jazz Committee awarded her a $500 scholarship, which she will put toward her education at Tuskegee University where she has already received full tuition. The scholarship will help

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GLEN CARBON – On Friday, bipartisan legislation by State Senator Erica Harriss (56 th -Glen Carbon) and State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) to help victims of human trafficking pursue a normal life after their trauma was signed into law by Governor Pritzker. House Bill 2418 creates a pathway to expunge criminal records for victims of human trafficking as they seek to recover from the trauma they have experienced; human trafficking victims are often forced to participate in unlawful activity by their traffickers. “The signing of this bill now creates a pathway to expunge criminal records for victim survivors of human trafficking as they seek to recover from the trauma they have experienced and seek to pursue a better life,” said Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon). “It’s incredibly important we do more in our state to further protect victims, especially those who have experienced the unimaginable.” “It is so crucial we assist

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MOUNT OLIVE - Friday, June 2, 2023, officially marked the first time in ninety three years that an Irish flag flew over the grave of Mother Jones, located at the intersection of Mt. Olive Road and Reservoir Road in Mount Olive. Mother Jones was a prominent advocate and organizer for workers, particularly miners. The Mother Jones Museum explains why Mother Jones is buried in Mount Olive on their website : “Mary Harris ‘Mother’ Jones wrote a special request to the miners of Mt. Olive in 1923 asking to be buried in the Union Miners Cemetery in, ‘the same clay that shelters the miners who gave up their lives on the hills of Virden.’ Her request was granted.” The Union Miners Cemetery Perpetual Care Committee and Friends of Mother Jones Museum in Mt. Olive decided to fly the Irish flag over the gravesite to indicate Jones’ Irish Heritage. On April 30, the twelve mid-state Irish Consulate General Kevin Byrne visited the gravesite, and

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District Launches Monthly Pop-Up Library in Foster Township Event Takes Place the Second Wednesday of the Month from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Foster Township Museum. Hayner Library is taking its library services on the road— the form of a pop-up library in Foster Township. From 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, Hayner Library staff will take library books, DVDs, audiobooks, children's materials, and other library items to the Foster Township Museum at 4810 Fosterburg Road, Alton. Patrons who visit the pop-up library can check out and return library materials. Library staff will register eligible patrons for Hayner Library cards. The library will also bring a hotspot for Wi-Fi access to assist patrons with Cloud Library, Libby, and Biblio+, the library's e-book, audiobook, and streaming video services. The library hopes to promote its services, programs, and collections to new patrons and make it convenient for current

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This is the Father McGivney Catholic spring high honor roll and honor roll. High Honor Roll is a weighted GPA of 3.60 and above. Honor Roll is a weighted GPA of 3.0-3.59 Grade 12 High Honor Roll: Elisabeth Antonini, Christopher Apotheker, Callie Barks, Mary Elizabeth Benware, Wyatt Biermann, Alexis Bond, Emma Bukovac, Madeline Burkart, Madeline Burnett, Samuel Chouinard, Keira Cope, Mallori Dempsey, Caroline Foppe, Tanner Garner, Daniel Gierer, Katie Gilbertson, Olivia Gray, Taylor Haerr, Aislin Hall, Katherine Hand, Mary Harkins, Jacob Huber, Autumn Hutson, Amelia Hylla, Sophia Ivnik, Ava Jackson, Megan Jamruk, Lauren Jones, Reece Kleinschmidt, Margaret Klusas, David Lowe, Abigail Madura, Emma Martinez, Ashton Mersinger, Kaleigh Pekarik, Abigail Piechocinski, Jackson Rodgers, Ellie Ronzo, Abigail Root, Evan Rybak, Gretchen Rybolt, Evan Schrage, Abigail Shearer, Ainsley Siekmann, Melinda Smith, Adelyn Speight, Claire Stanhaus, Julia Stobie, Riley Strack, Alyssa Terhaar, Sophia Tutt,

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The City's Water Division has lifted its precautionary boil water advisory issued following Friday's break at Chippewa and Donovan in St. Louis. Repairs on the 20" main were completed Saturday afternoon.

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DEKALB - Edwardsville student Calvin Soldan and Glen Carbon student Joseph Somner have been named to Northern Illinois University's spring 2023 Dean's List. To earn this distinction, students must meet a minimum semester grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology or a minimum of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale in the colleges of Business, Education, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. Calvin Soldan, Soldan is a Chemistry-Biochemistry major from EHS and Sommer is a Mechanical Engineering major, who also graduated from EHS.

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that road repairs in both directions of Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, June 9. One lane in each direction will remain open at all times. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, June 12. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. 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 construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Associate Judge Reappointments Chief Judge Stephen Stobbs announced today that, pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 39(c), the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts have tabulated the results of the reappointment ballots for associate judges of the Third Judicial Circuit for the term commencing July 1, 2023. It has been certified that at least three-fifths of the judges voting on the question have voted in favor of reappointment of the following associate judges who are, therefore, declared reappointed for a term ending June 30, 2027. Veronica L. Armouti Ronald S. Motil Andrew K. Carruthers Emily J. Nielsen Angela P. Donohoo Neil T. Schroeder Ronald J. Foster, Jr. Maureen Schuette Janet R. Heflin Ronald R. Slemer Anthony Ryan Jumper Justin Zimmerman Martin J. Mengarelli. Judge Stobbs stated, “On behalf of the Circuit Judges, we congratulate all of our Associate Judges on their re-appointment to a new four-year term. "We are very proud of the work

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