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SPRINGFIELD - In recognition of Safer Internet Day, State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is renewing calls to pass bipartisan legislation to protect minors from exposure to harmful and inappropriate content online by implementing age verification requirements in Illinois. The Adult Content Age Verification Act, Senate Bill 2590, would require businesses to put in place “reasonable age verification methods” to ensure that individuals entering pornographic websites are indeed of legal age. “Our youth are incredibly vulnerable on the internet, and they have access to a wide variety of adult content, some of which can be harmful, hurtful, and inappropriate,” said Senator Harriss. “I filed this legislation to help protect children from accessing explicit material intended for adult viewership by requiring more accountability from pornographic websites.” A recent report found that most teens had consumed porn online and first encountered

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School junior Mary Wesley James had what was described by her coach Anna Schuetzenhofer as “an amazing day” at the IHSA State Cheer Championships last weekend. Not only was James a participant on the Edwardsville High team that was second in the Large Schools competition, but she also sang the National Anthem prior to the start of the competition. The coach said she did “an amazing job” and Schuetzenhofer was so proud of her. Mary Wesley sings at her church and has also performed the National Anthem at EHS before, her coach said. She sees her future full of endless possibilities with her vocal talent and other abilities. After her beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, James stepped over with her teammates and performed almost without a break. She was one of the key members of the cheer squad that brought home second place in the state trophy. “It was incredible what she did,” her coach said. “I can onl

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey County voters will see a question on their ballots on March 19, 2024 asking them to consider a local sales tax increase of 0.5% to help maintain several local government facilities, according to a recent letter from the Jersey County Board. A public meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jersey County Government Building to answer any questions from the public. “The Jersey County Board is asking for help from the voters of Jersey County to determine the path in maintaining the courthouse, Sheriff's Department, the government building, and all buildings and grounds owned by Jersey County,” the board wrote. “We have voted to put a public question on the ballot for voter consideration. To pay for public safety purposes, shall Jersey County be authorized to impose an increase on its share of local sales taxes by 0.5%?” The board added that they’ve been identifying needed repairs for the past six years, and

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GODFREY - A motorcyclist was flown to a St. Louis area hospital after a crash with a vehicle on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, on West Delmar Avenue, just west of Pierce Lane in Godfrey. The call to the Madison County Sheriff's Office came in at 11:57 a.m. Madison County Sheriff's Office deputies and members of the Godfrey Fire Department arrived on the scene shortly after the call for first responders. Madison County Sheriff's Office handles calls in the Godfrey vicinity. Marcos Pulido, chief deputy sheriff for Madison County Sheriff's Office, said a preliminary investigation revealed that while the driver of a passenger vehicle was pulling out of a driveway, it pulled into the path of a motorcycle that was traveling westbound on West Delmar Avenue. "As both units collided, the occupant of the motorcycle was ejected," Pulido said. "The driver of the passenger vehicle had to be extricated from the vehicle. "Both the occupant of the motorcycle and the driver of the passenger were transported

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - Unemployment stats remained low year over year from December 2022 to December 2023 in the area. Edwardsville had a 3.1 percent unemployment rate in December 2023 compared to 2.4 percent in 2022, while Alton was 5.4 percent compared to 4.5 percent, Granite City was 4.2 percent compared to 2.9 percent and Belleville 4.6 percent compared to 3.7 percent in December 2022. Collinsville recorded a 4.2 percent rate compared to 3.3 percent in December 2022. As far as counties this was the breakdown: Madison County 4.1 percent compared to 3.1 percent December 2023 to December 2022, Macoupin County 4.2 percent compared to 3.3 percent, Jersey County 3.9 percent compared to 3.0 and Calhoun County was 3.6 percent to 3.7 percent a year ago. Greene County recorded a 4.1 percent rate compared to 3.9 percent a year ago. Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in eight metropolitan areas, decreased in five and was unchanged in one for the year ending December 2023, according

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EAST ALTON – Lincoln Middle School teacher Maggie Dust is changing how her students interact and engage with scientific concepts thanks to a recent grant from the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI). Dust, a partner of the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC sm ) and the Swarovski Foundation, plans to use the grant, along with matching funds from the Swarovski Foundation Waterschool program, to purchase an EnviroScape model for her classroom. "This grant holds immense value for my students and me as it enables us to expand our approach to environmental education,” Dust said. “The EnviroScape model, made possible by this grant, will revolutionize how students engage with scientific concepts.” The hands-on, visual EnviroScape model allows students to understand the interconnectedness of human activities and their environment more tangibly. It will enable them to explore the snowball effect of pollution

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois, will host prospective students and their families for an Open House on Monday, February 19, 2024, beginning at 9:00 AM. The winter event is designed to be an engaging opportunity for prospective first-year and transfer students to gather important information about the college application process. For students who bring their official transcripts, it may be possible to get an instant admission decision and find out immediately if they can attend Blackburn in the fall. Throughout the day, students and families will tour the beautiful 80-acre campus, make personal connections with current students and professors, and get to know what life is like as a Blackburn student. In addition to a complimentary lunch, they will see first-hand Blackburn’s unique approach to education as the only student-managed Work Program in the nation and discover how graduates build full resumes that will give them a four-year head start launching

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GODFREY – Prospective students looking to advance their careers or pursue higher education are invited to explore Lewis and Clark Community College during Discover Day, from 4-6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 19, in The Commons. Discover Day offers future Trailblazers the opportunity to tour campus, engage with academic and financial aid advisors, gain insights into programs and career prospects, and enjoy a taste of student life. "Discover Day is a chance for students in our surrounding communities to understand what sets Lewis and Clark Community College apart," said L&C Recruiter Daniel Nosce. "We'll highlight everything Lewis and Clark has to offer, from programs and departments to student support and other organizations." Discover Day takes place twice a year on Presidents Day and Indigenous Peoples Day (Columbus Day), when many district high schools are closed but the college remains open, allowing students to explore the campus without missing school or work. “The

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers have introduced critical legislation ( SB2839 and HB1634 ) to expand the manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), which will create jobs, spur economic growth, and guarantee clean air benefits for our communities. The legislation includes three standards – Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT), Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus (HDO) and Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) – which establish a necessary foundation to continue Illinois’ leadership in the transition to a clean energy economy. In 2023, exhaust from diesel engines in Illinois led to more than 5,000 asthma attacks, nearly 200 heart attacks, and 416 premature deaths across the state. Trucks in particular have an outsized negative impact. Despite making up only 7% of on-road vehicles, trucks are responsible for 67% of pollution. According to the American Lung Association, electrifying the vehicle fleet in Illinois in concert with CEJA will see nearly $50 billion in public health

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CHICAGO – In recognition of Safer Internet Day Feb. 6, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today encouraged parents and caregivers to talk to children about ways to protect themselves online and what to do if they end up in an unsafe online situation. “Safer Internet Day aims to not only create a safer internet, but also a better internet, where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. Today and everyday is an opportunity to talk to children about safe and healthy online behavior,” Raoul said. “I will continue to advocate for online safety and to help protect children and young adults from the physical and mental health harms that result from dangerous online activity.” Raoul explained parents, caregivers and educators play the largest role in protecting children online and helping them develop healthy online habits. He encouraged parents and guardians to have uncomfortable conversations with youth abou

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Fair has announced that award-winning singer/songwriter Jordan Davis will headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Tuesday, August 13th . Davis recently earned his sixth career #1 with his two-time platinum hit, “Next Thing You Know.” This is the third consecutive #1 from his album, Bluebird Days . The Shreveport, LA native was named Best New Country Artist (2019) at the iHeartRadio Music Awards; Billboard’s Top New Country Artist (2018); and earned back-to-back ACM New Male Vocalist nominations. His songs have been streamed 4 billion times worldwide. “We are excited to bring Jordan Davis to the 2024 Illinois State Fair Grandstand,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark . “His chart-topping hits appeal to a broad range of country music fans, from traditional to contemporary. He’s a crowd favorite.” Joining Jordan Davis is Ashley Cooke , whose debut album, Shot in

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PASADENA, CALIF. - Imagine all your favorite Illinois Route 66 photo ops packed onto one float in the legendary Rose Bowl Parade on January 1, 2024! That's exactly what happened on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California, with Illinois Route 66 icons like the Joliet Prison, Shea's Gas Station Museum, and the World's Largest Catsup Bottle (to name just a few) represented on an amazing float. Here's how it happened. In Pasadena, the theme of “Celebrating a World of Music” was chosen for the 135th Rose Bowl Parade. And in Chicago, the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) team pondered that theme as they thought about the state's rich musical heritage and the legacy of music associated with the greater Chicago area. Those musical thoughts, along with the IOT award-winning marketing campaign of “Middle of Everything” sparked the Enjoy Illinois float theme: “Illinois: The Middle of Beats and Blues.” “The thing is, music is a universal language, and of

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CHICAGO - Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are encouraging Illinoisans to take advantage of savings offered by the newly expanded Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a benefit that helps low to moderate income workers get a tax break. For tax year 2023, coverage has been expanded to include taxpayers with an IRS-issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), as well as workers ages 18 to 24 and over 65 (without qualifying child). In addition to expanded coverage, those claiming Illinois EITC this year will see their amount of tax relief increased to a 20 percent (previously 18 percent) match of the amount given federally. To claim Illinois EITC for tax year 2023 (tax returns due in 2024), taxpayers must file an Illinois income tax return and have: worked and earned income in 2023 under $17,640 ($24,210 if married filing jointly) with no qualifying children, or $56,838 ($63,398 if married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying

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CHICAGO - Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are encouraging Illinoisans to take advantage of savings offered by the newly expanded Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a benefit that helps low to moderate income workers get a tax break. For tax year 2023, coverage has been expanded to include taxpayers with an IRS-issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), as well as workers ages 18 to 24 and over 65 (without qualifying child). In addition to expanded coverage, those claiming Illinois EITC this year will see their amount of tax relief increased to a 20 percent (previously 18 percent) match of the amount given federally. To claim Illinois EITC for tax year 2023 (tax returns due in 2024), taxpayers must file an Illinois income tax return and have: worked and earned income in 2023 under $17,640 ($24,210 if married filing jointly) with no qualifying children, or $56,838 ($63,398 if married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying

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ALTON – Riverbend Head Start & Family Services is proud to announce the agency has earned its status as a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity Seal Holder. After completing a thorough review process, Riverbend Head Start & Family Services has met BBB’s Standards for Charity Accountability. Standards ensure that an organization has: Proper governance and oversight; A method to measure organizational performance & effectiveness; Sound financial stewardship and practices; and Complete and accurate fundraising and informational materials. “By meeting the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability and displaying the BBB’s seal, it gives donors the confidence needed to support Riverbend Head Start & Family Service’s mission,” said Michelle Corey, BBB President & CEO. “Charities that meet these best practices go above and beyond legal requirements, putting them in an elite group.” “We are pleased to continue as a BBB

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ALTON - A local 7-year-old has raised money for the Overnight Warming Location by reading every day in January. Hayden Griffin, a first grader at St. Mary’s, was upset when he learned that some people don’t have homes to return to at night. He decided to read books to raise money for the Overnight Warming Location (OWL) , an organization in Alton and Edwardsville that provides overnight shelter for people when the temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. On Feb. 5, 2024, Hayden toured the OWL in Alton and delivered a check to a representative. “I believe in God,” Hayden said when asked why he decided to help. The idea started when Hayden saw a few unhoused community members at a North Pole attraction in December. His mother, Morgan Griffin, explained to him what it means to be unhoused. That night, when Santa Claus asked what he wanted for Christmas, Hayden said he wanted Santa to help homeless people around the world. While Santa is working

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River is one step closer to getting a Heaterz Hot Chicken location following unanimous approval from the City Council at their meeting on Monday night. City officials have agreed to help fund the renovation of the restaurant’s next home on Ferguson Avenue. City Council members unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the execution of a Redevelopment Agreement with Heaterz Development Company LLC for TIF Financial Assistance at 11 W. Ferguson Ave., as submitted by the city’s TIF Committee. Councilman Bill Dettmers said at the meeting that Heaterz requested $30,000 per year over eight years for a total of $240,000 in TIF assistance from the city. He spoke in support of the agreement due to their strong revenue and employment projections. “I’m going to vote in favor of this tonight,” Dettmers said. “We now have some financial information … it appears that this will provide approximately $34,000 to $66,000

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department issued a reminder today, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, reminding Super Bowl partygoers and football fans that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of impaired driving. The police department said if your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol or cannabis, plan for a ride home with a sober driver. If you’re hosting the party, take care of the designated drivers. Fans don’t let fans drive drunk. “Everyone wants to have a good time on Super Bowl night, so we want our community residents and guests to plan for safe rides home,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “Even one drink or hit can impair judgement. You should never put yourself or others at risk because you made the choice to drive impaired.” Whether you’re attending a party, hosting a small gathering, or going out to a bar, keep safety at the forefront of your thoughts. When it’s time to leave, make sure your designated

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Rotary Club has chosen to honor Edwardsville High School student Abigail Stacy with the Student of the Month Award for the month of January. Abigail Stacy was nominated by Science teachers Melissa Barnett and Amy Burian of Edwardsville High School. Abigail is the daughter of Michelle and Jason Stacy. She is very involved in the music department, specifically band, where she has been a member for four years, a section leader for two years, and has won two “A Game” awards. Additionally, Abigail is a member of the EHS Literary Magazine, Science National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and National Honor Society. She also serves as a voice host for the Tiger Talk Podcast Network, EHS’s official podcast. As well as being very involved in her school and extracurricular activities, she has also been awarded the 2023 AP Scholar Award and is an Illinois State Scholar for the 2024-25 school year. In her free time, Abigail enjoys

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BUNKER HILL – The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) has awarded Bunker Hill CUSD #8 a grant of $49,600 from the Rebuild Illinois Capital Planning Fund for a one-year study about the possibility of refurbishing the gymnasium of the long-vacant Meissner School and transforming it into a functioning community performing arts center. The new community performing arts center would be for those in the Bunker Hill region. With over 100 applications requesting support of $4,500,000, the IAC awarded $500,000 in this highly competitive grant. Decisions were based on the evaluation criteria and priority focus areas as published in the application guidelines. Bunker Hill CUSD #8 is “very pleased that we received this award,” according to Superintendent Todd Dugan. “We are thrilled to put these funds to work to hopefully meet the needs of our community by providing a community school space to celebrate the arts (music, theater, etc.) We believe all students need to feel supported,

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