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MASCOUTAH - After receiving submissions from across the 114th District, Rep. Kevin Schmidt was proud to select Mascoutah Steak House to be his first “Business of the Month.” Rep. Schmidt presented Mascoutah Steak House with an official certificate to honor their recognition and met with the owner and staff. “Mascoutah Steak House embodies everything this program was designed to recognize,” said Rep. Schmidt. “This business has been a staple for years and have shown resilience in the face of adversity during the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges susceptible to the restaurant industry. Throughout its operation, Mascoutah Steak House has employed hundreds of high school and college students, and its employee-first approach reflects some of the longer-tenured employees. It’s a great destination for the whole family and offers a variety of delicious lunch, dinner, and even breakfast on Sundays fit for any budget.” Mascoutah Steak

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BETHALTO - Jack Piening, a 6-foot-1 senior guard at Civic Memorial High School, has established himself as a notable athlete in multiple sports. With his team's strong basketball record of 17 wins and 10 losses last season, Piening has played a critical role in the success. He has performed substantially on the varsity basketball team for three years. Piening is a definite team leader for the Eagles. Jack is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month for the Eagles. According to Head Boys Basketball Coach Lee Green, Piening exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated athlete. "Jack is a great kid. He is so coachable and does everything you ask him to do," Coach Green said. Piening's commitment to the team was evident last year when he played every game as a reserve. In addition to basketball, Piening has also showcased his athleticism in football as a quarterback and in baseball as an infielder and pitcher. His versatility and skill set have made him one of the standout

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COLLINSVILLE - Kevin Young, manager of Ameren Illinois Electric Training and a former line worker, emphasized the evolving landscape of the utility industry during a recent discussion about career opportunities and challenges in the field. Young's visit to Riverbender.com was also especially appropriate with ice and snow conditions predicted for Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in the region. Young highlighted the importance of rigorous training for new linemen, the increasing participation of women in the workforce, and the significant impact of extreme weather on power restoration efforts. In an interview, Young explained that severe weather conditions, particularly ice storms, pose substantial challenges for utility workers. "Ice is the worst; a quarter to half inch of ice can become insurmountable for some lines in our system," he said. He noted that safety is the first priority when assessing damage and restoring power. "We can restore energy as long as lines stay energized,"

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CHICAGO – Gov. Pritzker released the following statement on the suit filed by 22 state attorneys general to prevent unlawful and damaging cuts to federal funding: “I am proud that Illinois and Attorney General Kwame Raoul are leading 22 other states in a suit to hold the Trump Administration accountable for undermining the rule of law. "I am grateful that the courts have already issued a temporary restraining order in response to the suit, recognizing the extraordinary harm to universities and research centers from this unprecedented action. "The cuts to the Department of Human Services and the National Institute of Health are catastrophic for people and programs that provide lifesaving medical and scientific research. The effects of cruel policies like these are immediate and grave. Already, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has announced it will have to shutter its Soybean Innovation Lab and lay off full-time employees as a direct result of these cuts.

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ST. LOUIS - Residents in the St. Louis area can expect a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain starting early Wednesday morning, Feb. 12, 2025, and continuing throughout the day, forecasters predict. This could potentially impact travel conditions during the morning and evening commutes. The National Weather Service in St. Louis forecasts precipitation will begin between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Wednesday, with total accumulations of 1 to 2 inches of sleet and snow expected by the evening hours, around 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Chris Kimble, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in St. Louis, noted that while the primary precipitation will consist of snow and sleet, there is a potential for freezing rain, particularly in areas further south. "Ice is more slick than snow or sleet," Kimble warned, advising residents to prepare for hazardous winter driving conditions on Wednesday. The weather pattern will bring temperatures below freezing on Thursday and Friday, with highs around

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O'FALLON, IL., - The O'Fallon Police Department celebrated its annual awards dinner recently recognizing the contributions of officers and civilian staff for their service in 2024. The event highlighted milestone anniversaries for several members of the department, acknowledging their commitment to the community. During the ceremony, Officer Brett Johnson and Telecommunicator Taylor Carroll were honored for five years of service, while Officers Chris Gottschall and Benjamin Sosa received recognition for a decade of dedication. O'Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman was acknowledged for an impressive 25 years with the department. "We thank these individuals, along with the rest of our team, for your dedication and service to our community," the department said in a statement following the event.

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CHICAGO - In recognition of Safer Internet Day on Feb. 11, 2025, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today encouraged families, educators and other professionals working with children to plan online safety education programs and share best practices for developing effective programs. “Safer Internet Day is an opportunity for parents, educators and caregivers to help children and teens be more aware of their online activity and develop responsible online habits. On Safer Internet Day and every day, families and educators should teach and empower children to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. My office has developed best practices that can help when developing effective education programs,” Raoul said. “I am committed to protecting children from online predators and am proud of the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force’s work to protect children and provide online safety education.” When developing an online safety

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A jury has convicted Nirav B. Patel, a 44-year-old illegal immigrant from India, for his role in a fraudulent scheme that targeted elderly victims across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, defrauding them of more than $400,000. The verdict was reached after a trial that highlighted the complexities of an imposter scam that exploited vulnerable individuals. Patel was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and one count of illegal entry into the United States. The jury's decision was announced in a federal court in East St. Louis. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Patel traveled to victims’ homes to collect cash and assets. He was arrested in April 2023 in Edwardsville while attempting to pick up $35,000 from a retiree. Over the course of the scheme, Patel made six trips to collect or attempt to collect a total of $403,400 from victims. Patel’s illegal presence in the

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Ebony Lewis and Nathan Lewis of Godfrey met on August 18, 2018, and have shared significant milestones, including when they wed on January 17, 2025. In the submission, Ebony Lewis expressed what makes their relationship special, stating, "Our ability to grow together and apart. Realizing that life is short and not fearing the unknown of our future together." The couple also reflected on a cherished memory from their anniversary trip to Orange Beach in 2024, where they became engaged and discovered they were expecting a child during the same weekend.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the bipartisan Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act , which would support financially vulnerable rural hospitals facing risk of closure. The legislation would update Medicare’s “Critical Access Hospital” (CAH) designation so more rural hospitals can qualify for this financial lifeline and continue to serve their communities with quality, affordable health care services. Small and rural hospitals are the backbone of their communities, and often the largest employers, contributing nearly $5 billion in direct spending on payroll, goods, and services in Illinois. Yet more than 135 rural hospitals have closed nationwide in the past dozen years, an estimated 50 percent of rural hospitals ran operating losses last year, and more than 400 hospitals are facing closure risk. “Rural hospitals are the backbone of the communities in Illinois and across

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SPRINGFIELD – Nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow is coming to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Tuesday, August 12 . Crow’s is a career beyond dreams, with songs that defined the third wave of feminism, sweeping the pop charts without losing any edge and enough wide-open Midwestern joy to captivate the world. Her first nine studio albums have sold 35 million copies worldwide; seven charted in the Top 10, and five were certified for Multi-Platinum sales. “Since 1994, Sheryl Crow has been one of the most influential singer-songwriter-musicians in country-rock music,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “Her music lifts people up, brings them together, and we can’t wait for that to happen at the Illinois State Fair.” “We are thrilled to welcome Sheryl Crow back to the Grandstand stage after 29 years,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark . “Her extensive music catalog wil

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Grown, a new program from the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), will make it easier to support local farmers and businesses. The Illinois Grown logo will soon appear on products across the state, signaling that items are either grown in Illinois or contain at least one ingredient sourced from the state. The program is designed to connect consumers with products grown or produced in Illinois. The Illinois Grown logo helps consumers identify local products, supporting the state’s agricultural industry and economy. “The Illinois Grown initiative is not just about food – it’s about supporting local communities,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “Consumers who buy Illinois Grown products can feel good knowing their money is going directly to Illinois farmers and producers.” The program also encourages consumers to pledge to spend $10 of their weekly grocery budget on Illinois Grown items, reinvesting millions

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SPRINGFIELD, IL – Tahlequah, Oklahoma kings of Red Dirt music Turnpike Troubadours will perform at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Sunday, August 17. After releasing five genre-defining albums and building a fiercely loyal fanbase, Turnpike Troubadours took a three-year hiatus beginning in 2019 to find clarity amidst the noise of a red-hot career. After the break, the band returned more popular and stronger than ever with their sixth studio album, A Cat in the Rain. “Turnpike Troubadours perform a unique kind of music that we are happy to have at the Illinois State Fair,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II . “This band will feel right at home here in central Illinois.” Turnpike Troubadours have racked up 1.5 billion streams globally and are selling out arenas and headlining festivals. “We are excited to bring the Turnpike Troubadours to the Grandstand Concert Series,” said Illinois State Fair

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense (SACD), yesterday sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to warn him against the politicization of the Department of Defense (DoD). Durbin’s letter comes after several thinly-veiled political orders by the Trump Administration related to the nation’s military, including removing protection from former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, using the military for immigration enforcement, and impounding congressional approved DoD funding. “I write to express my concern that President Trump’s personal agenda is counter to defending against our country’s serious national security threats. Since the President’s inauguration less than one month ago, the Trump Administration has pursued several dubious executive actions that threaten our military’s long-standing ethos to remain nonpartisan

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WASHINGTON, DC — Today, House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) delivered the following opening statement at today's full committee hearing titled “Examining the Economic Crisis in Farm Country”: Remarks as prepared for delivery: Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the first hearing of the 119th Congress for the House Committee on Agriculture, Examining the Economic Crisis in Farm Country. And a crisis is exactly what hundreds of thousands of farm families are facing as we speak. Across the board, commodity prices have fallen precipitously while input costs remain at or near record-high levels. For some commodities, returns have been in the red for several years. Producers are burning their hard-earned equity and being forced to have incredibly tough conversations with their lenders to just figure out how to hold on for one more year. Unfortunately for some, there won’t be one more year. In fact, the Agriculture and Food

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Did you know that nearly 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year in the United States alone? With such a staggering number, it’s clear that this holiday is not just about love; it’s about connection and creativity. While adults often focus on romantic gestures, Valentine’s Day is an excellent opportunity for families to bond through fun and engaging crafts. Here, we explore how crafting can deepen relationships, spark creativity, and create lasting memories. The Importance of Family Crafts Crafting isn’t just a pastime; it's a meaningful way to foster connection among family members. Engaging in creative activities together enhances communication, promotes teamwork, and often leads to laughter and joy. According to a study by the American Journal of Play, children who engage in creative activities with family members are more likely to develop strong problem-solving skills and higher self-esteem. Valentine’s Day crafts are not

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February 11th holds a significant place in the annals of history, marked by transformative events across various domains, from politics and social movements to science and culture. Starting with a monumental event in 1990, February 11th saw the release of Nelson Mandela after 27 years of imprisonment. His release was a watershed moment not just for South Africa, but for the world at large. Mandela's long fight against apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, had captivated global attention. His release symbolized hope and the possibility of reconciliation in a nation deeply divided by race. Mandela would go on to become South Africa's first Black president in 1994, leading efforts to dismantle the legacy of apartheid and foster a new, inclusive society. Fast forward to 2011, and we find another significant event on this date: the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. After 18 days of mass protests in Cairo’s Tahrir Square,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) introduced the bipartisan Rural America Health Corps Act. This bill will establish a student loan repayment demonstration program for eligible providers who agree to work for five years in a rural area with a shortage of primary, dental, or mental healthcare providers. Specifically, this bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to pay one-fifth of the principal and interest on a provider's qualifying loans, totaling no more than $200,000. “Every American deserves access to high-quality health care — no matter where they live. But, a shortage of healthcare professionals in rural communities continues to impact folks in Central and Southern Illinois,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m proud to introduce the Rural America Health Corps Act to address this issue. This bipartisan legislation will help rural communities recruit and retain

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WOOD RIVER – Chestnut Health Systems™ has acquired Behavioral Health Alternatives (BHA), expanding access to integrated behavioral health services in Wood River and surrounding communities. Effective February 10, 2025, the transition ensures seamless care while enhancing vital health and wellness resources. “This acquisition aligns with our mission to improve lives through excellence in service,” said David Sharar, Ph.D., CEO, Chestnut. "By integrating Behavioral Health Alternatives into Chestnut, we are expanding access to critical health services and strengthening support for individuals in Wood River and beyond.” As part of this transition, patients will continue receiving care from the same trusted providers while gaining access to expanded resources, including: Integrated behavioral health and primary medical care to support whole-person care. On-site medical laboratories and pharmacies at three nearby locations. Comprehensive wraparound support

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that a jury has returned a guilty verdict in the trial of a Troy man charged in the killing of his mother. The jury found Neil Howard, 46, guilty of first-degree murder following a trial that began last week. The jury found that Howard killed his mother, Norma J. Caraker, 60, by strangling her with a bungee cord in September 2023. The jury deliberated about three hours before returning the verdict. Evidence and testimony presented by Assistant State’s Attorney Luke Yager and Assistant State’s Attorney Ryan Kemper suggested Howard was unhappy about his mother’s dating. The evidence and testimony showed that she was killed shortly after she had a date. Yager, in his closing argument, said Caraker’s dating was making Howard “angrier and angrier and angrier, until he got drunk enough that he couldn’t take it anymore.” Howard resided in the basement of Caraker’s

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