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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Office for Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) has successfully completed a four-month-long certification program on how to create mentoring programs, activities and events that are inclusive to youth, volunteers and staff with disabilities. The certification was operated by Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD). The Fall 2024 cohort was the fifth time the certification was offered, and it featured participants from 20 unique mentoring organizations across 13 different U.S. states. Collectively, it is estimated that 7,860 young people will be impacted by these programs that graduated the Disability Mentoring Program Certification. “The Office of ACCESS has remained committed to creating an environment where students with disabilities can do more than just attend college but thrive and succeed beyond graduation,” said ACCESS Director Dominic Dorsey, and president of SIUE’s

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GLEN CARBON - The following area student received degrees during the 2024 Fall semester at Sam Houston State University. Glen Carbon, IL Ryan Hicks, Bachelor of Science, Communication Studies

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HIGHLAND - GRID Solar is prepared for another great season of providing solar energy savings. On a recent episode of “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello , GRID Solar co-owner Ryan Wagner shared how solar systems can benefit customers on both sides of the river. Wagner explained that while every customer has their own goals for their system, and although Illinois and Missouri have different policies and incentives in place, there are still major savings possible when you install a solar system through GRID. “We try to design the most economical version of that system, because whether you’re preparing for Armageddon or you want to save the planet, whichever one, everybody wants to save money,” Wagner said. “We always design our systems with that at the forefront.” Ameren Illinois recently changed their net metering policy , but Ameren Missouri — which, Wagner pointed out, is a completely different company — has

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Defense (DOD), the State Department, and the Department of Treasury requesting they produce all relevant materials related to alleged misconduct by Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to be Director of the FBI, related to the rescue of two Americans held captive by Iranian-backed militants in Yemen. Allegedly, Mr. Patel publicly commented without authorization and prior to the confirmed safe retrieval of the two hostages. If true, Mr. Patel appears to have inappropriately involved himself in a sensitive operation with no regard to the safety of the hostages or the success of the mission. Durbin wrote, “I have recently received highly credible information revealing that while serving in the first Trump Administration’s National Security Council, Kash Patel broke protocol

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies. The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act , co-led by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on the safe handling of breast milk and breastfeeding supplies, baby formula and other related products in consultation with nationally recognized maternal health organizations. This reintroduction comes after the bipartisan legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent late last year in the 118th Congress. “Far too often, traveling moms are mistreated and wrongfully denied access to their breast milk and the breastfeeding equipment they need to pump and feed their babies,” said Senator Duckworth.

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SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and the co-chairs of the Congressional Labor Caucus Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) led 57 lawmakers in a letter calling on REI to bargain in good faith with workers who have been negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with the outdoor sports retailer for three years. “We urge REI to meet its duties as required under the National Labor Relations Act to negotiate and refrain from union-busting tactics such as eliminating bonuses and raises, terminations of union supporters, and unilateral changes to REI’s staffing and scheduling practices,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Chris Carr, Chair of the REI Board of Directors. “Workers have been negotiating with REI for three years and are far from reaching an agreement. Given that it is the policy

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Did you know that by 2030, it is estimated that AI will contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy? This staggering figure reflects not just its financial impact, but also how deeply AI is weaving itself into the fabric of our daily lives, often in ways we may not even recognize. From optimizing our commutes to personalizing our shopping experiences, artificial intelligence is not just a futuristic concept; it is a present-day reality that's enhancing our everyday existence. Understanding AI: More Than Just Technology Before diving into the myriad ways AI is improving our lives, it's crucial to grasp what AI truly is. Artificial Intelligence encompasses a variety of technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics, all designed to simulate human intelligence. These technologies analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns, make predictions, and automate tasks. The result? A more efficient, convenient, and personalized world. Enhanced

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On January 28, 2025, we reflect on significant events that have shaped our world over the years. One of the most impactful global events that occurred on this day took place in 1986, when the Space Shuttle Challenger tragically exploded just 73 seconds after liftoff. The disaster claimed the lives of all seven crew members on board, including schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe, who was set to become the first private citizen in space. This catastrophe shook the nation and prompted a reevaluation of the safety protocols and operational standards of NASA. It also sparked a national conversation about the risks associated with space exploration, leading to significant changes in the American space program. In 1977, January 28 marked the day that President Jimmy Carter lifted the 22-year ban on the export of crude oil from the United States. This decision aimed to stabilize the energy market and encourage domestic oil production, ultimately reshaping the economic landscape during a

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EAST ALTON — The East Alton Fire Department responded to an ATV accident on Lakeside Avenue just after 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, where they found an individual with injuries. Upon arrival, firefighters assessed the situation and determined that the injuries warranted additional medical assistance. The ATV accident was a single-vehicle incident. A medical helicopter was subsequently requested to facilitate the patient's transport to a hospital. East Alton Fire Chief Tim Quigley said a male and female were on the ATV at the beginning and the vehicle overturned. The ATV overturned on the male. The 911 call was made and after that East Alton Fire and East Alton Police arrived. The male was transported to the Olin-Winchester parking lot to be airlifted. Quigley said the reports said the man had a hematoma to the head and a possible left arm injury. Air Evac Medical Helicopter landed in the nearby Olin-Winchester parking lot and transported the victim to a hospital i

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is set to connect persons experiencing homelessness this week with services and goods. Madison County will hold its annual Project Homeless Connect event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31 at Riverbend Family Ministries, 144 E. Ferguson Ave, Wood River, which is the day after the county’s Point in Time Count. Madison County Homeless Services Coordinator David Kerr said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires local agencies to conduct a survey every year to determine the number of people experiencing homelessness in each jurisdiction throughout the country. The program counts the number of homeless persons — men, women and children — throughout the county and provides free services. The results from this annual Point in Time Count are also used to help determine grant funding for Community Development and local service providers. The Madison County Partnership to End Homelessness, which

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GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon trustees this week are set to consider a site plan for Dutch Bros Coffee. If approved, the latest Orchard Town Center tenant would make progress towards opening its first-ever Illinois location. On the agenda for Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, is the consideration and approval of a “Site Plan for Dutch Bros,” presented by Community Development Director Erika Heil and Trustee Nekisha Omotola. Heil stated the following in a memo to Mayor Bob Marcus and Village Administrator Jamie Bowden: “Dutch Bros is looking to invest in the Village,” Heil stated. “They would like to create a drive-up coffee and drink facility. No variances are being sought.” She added the project has been presented to and unanimously approved by the village’s Planning and Zoning Commission. The site plan itself includes a 950 square-foot, one-story building with a drive-thru facility. The new coffee spot would be located on Outparcel 12B in Orchard

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GODFREY - St. Ambrose Catholic School will host an open house for prospective families to check out everything the parish has to offer. From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, students and families are invited to stop by St. Ambrose at 822 W. Homer Adams Parkway in Godfrey to meet the teachers and staff, hear about the school’s updated curriculum, and learn more about everything St. Ambrose does in the community. Principal Robert Baird shared that St. Ambrose aims to educate the whole child with a focus on faith, academics and extracurriculars. “We’re preparing people to be people, to be the best versions of themselves they can be, using the Lord and Savior as our example, Jesus Christ,” he said. “But then of course, preparing them for everything else, too. First and foremost, the academics, making them as strong and prepared for their high school and later college experience as they can be. That’s the focus and the mission of

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EDWARDSVILLE — This is a statement of Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, regarding charges filed in the murder of Portia Rowland: "This morning my office filed first-degree murder charges against three individuals for the murder of Portia Rowland. "We believe the evidence at trial will show that this was not a random crime but was a calculated and cold-hearted murder-for-hire scheme based on a personal grievance. As charged, we believe facts at trial will show that: - Gary Johnson, from East St. Louis, shot and killed Portia. - Marty D. Shaw, from Collinsville, was an accomplice to that killing and was the driver. - And Sammy J. Shafer, from Caseyville, solicited and encouraged the killing. "Gary Johnson had previously been convicted of a murder in 1997, and was sentenced to 40 years in prison." These charges stem from the outstanding work of the Collinsville Police Department, the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis and all of th

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EDWARDSVILLE - The following students have been named to the Honor Roll at Metro-East Lutheran High School for the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year: Honor Roll with High Distinction (g.p.a. 4.0) – Grade 9 Abby Ayer, Shiloh Liam Hazelwonder, Godfrey Marion Hemmer, Fairview Heights Claire Houck, Maryville Collin Hudzik, Edwardsville Cole Payne, Edwardsville Calista Stults, Collinsville Ryan Sullivan, New Douglas Lily Walloch, Collinsville Honor Roll with Distinction (g.p.a. 3.75-3.99) – Grade 9 Elijah Ball, Worden Abby Dulaney, O'Fallon Madison Dunn, Edwardsville Oliver Elmer, Edwardsville Charlie Frey, Glen Carbon Noah Gray, Collinsville Caitlyn Hardage, Caseyville Lily Hartzel, Troy Moira Krueger, Glen Carbon Laynie Menard, Glen Carbon Preston Menossi, Edwardsville Rhett Neathery, Wood River Ally Packer, Edwardsville Matthew Redden, Edwardsville Henry Reiseck, Hamel Molly Schulmeister,

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SPRINGFIELD – This month, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) established two new partnerships to address needs and expand training opportunities for cadets across Illinois. To support corrections facilities in the Southern Region, IDOC has signed an intergovernmental agreement with John A. Logan Community College in Carterville to prepare cadets for careers at Big Muddy River, Centralia, Pinckneyville, Menard, Shawnee, and Vienna Correctional Centers. Following that agreement, IDOC signed another intergovernmental agreement with Elementary School District 54 in Morris to support training efforts for cadets in the Northern Region, who will go on to serve at Joliet Treatment Center, Joliet Inpatient Treatment Center, Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center, Pontiac, and Sheridan Correctional Centers. These agreements are a result of collaborative discussions with AFSCME Council 31. “These new partnerships underscore our dedication to meeting the staffing needs of

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BUNKER HILL — Authorities have identified an individual found dead at a rural residence in Bunker Hill on Sunday afternoon. Charles Joseph Parrino, Jr., 45, was pronounced dead on January 26, 2025, according to Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya. Parrino, who worked at the popular Soulard bar Bastille, was known for his reliability. His absence from work over the weekend raised concerns for the bar’s owner, who has stated that Parrino was always early for his shifts. Kravanya stated that the cause of death remains pending as autopsy results are awaited. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Parrino's death is being conducted by the Macoupin County Coroner’s Office and the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Division. The investigation is ongoing. Authorities did however, arrest Jerald Stilts, 57, early Sunday and he is being held on a charge of Concealment of a Homicidal Death.

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SPRINGFIELD - Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information such as Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers without your permission for their own financial benefit. Fraudsters may open new accounts or take out a loan in your name, steal your card information to make unauthorized purchases and use your information to obtain medical benefits, disability checks or unemployment benefits. “It’s scary to think about someone assuming your identity and potentially wiping out your bank account, ruining your good credit, or getting a fake driver’s license in your name,” said Comptroller Mendoza. “Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself and your wallet.” First, the warning signs: Receiving bills for items you didn’t buy. Your credit report shows accounts you did not open. You receive calls from debt collectors for accounts or purchases you didn’t authorize. You’re denie

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), in collaboration with Microsoft, today unveiled Ally-IL, a custom application enabling DCFS caseworkers to connect and engage with youth and support networks virtually using a Microsoft Teams platform. Ally-IL is the first-of-its-kind tool developed to provide a free, real-time collaborative platform. This groundbreaking application offers chat-based tools, enabling DCFS caseworkers, families, children, youth and their trusted circle of alliances—including teachers—to stay connected and streamline communication, all while protecting sensitive information. By fostering secure and timely communication, Ally-IL enhances the support network around every child and family involved. “Through this public-private partnership with Microsoft, we are changing the way our children and youth in care can stay connected to their families and their DCFS caseworkers,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

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CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) announced it will begin accepting and processing 2024 tax returns today, Monday, January 27, the same date the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins accepting federal income tax returns. Illinois will participate in the free IRS Direct File program this year. Eligible Illinois taxpayers can use the program to file their 2024 federal returns directly with the IRS. They will also be able to easily transfer their information into IDOR’s free online account management program, MyTax Illinois , to file their Illinois taxes. Both platforms are fast, secure, easy to use, and mobile-friendly. Direct File eligibility can be confirmed by visiting https://directfile.irs.gov. “IRS Direct File offers a range of benefits for taxpayers, including free federal tax return filing, step-by-step guidance, and real-time online support, explained IDOR Director David Harris . "Eligible taxpayers can then use the verified Direct File

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SPRINGFIELD - National Unclaimed Property Day is coming up and Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is urging people to check the I-CASH missing money website to see if they have money or other unclaimed property waiting for them to claim. “National Unclaimed Property Day on February 1 is a great day for people to visit our I-CASH website , though you certainly don’t have to wait until then,” Frerichs said. “In fact, it’s a good idea to check the website at least a couple of times a year to see if you, your family, or your friends have cash or property to claim.” “We work hard to return missing money and unclaimed property to the rightful owners,” he added. “Putting money back in your warm hands is better than keeping it in our cold bank vaults. Putting money back in the hands of Illinoisans does more good for our state’s economy than it does sitting in our bank account.” “Unclaimed property” typically

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