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SPRINGFIELD – A new law going into effect on Jan. 1 is expected to eliminate the number of food deserts in Illinois’ communities, thanks to State Senator Christopher Belt. “There is no reason why individuals should struggle to find access to fresh food,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We have communities all over the state that have this issue, and it’s time that is addressed.” In 2021, the Illinois Department of Public Health issued a study that found 807 census tracts are considered food deserts, meaning urban residents have to travel more than a half-mile and rural residents must travel more than 10 miles to get to the nearest grocery store. Under the new law, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is required to provide grants and other forms of financial assistance to grocery stores located in or to be located in a food desert. This aims to help mitigate the issue of food deserts across the state. “The Grocery Initiative

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today applauded President Biden for signing into law their bipartisan National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act, which reauthorizes relief for an additional four years for qualifying members of the National Guard and Reserves experiencing financial hardship. The legislation will protect a long-standing bipartisan carveout from means-testing restrictions in Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. The legislation passed the House of Representatives and the Senate earlier this month. The bill was signed into law yesterday. “Declaring bankruptcy is a difficult choice for any American, and that option should be assessed using an accurate depiction of a person’s income and financial standing. Our National Guard members and reservists must not be penalized for any active duty pay

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ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 held a Truth in Taxation hearing before their regular Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Mary Schell, the district’s Director of Financial Services, explained the proposed 2023 tax levy to the Board and community members. “A Truth in Taxation hearing is held to let voters and taxpayers in the community comment on the proposed local property tax levy the district’s making for the current year taxes payable in the following year,” Schell said. “When the district’s proposed aggregate levy is greater than 105% of the prior year's aggregate extension, a Truth in Taxation hearing must be held…In summary, this Truth in Taxation hearing is taking place because the 2023 district aggregate levy, based on 15% increase in , exceeds the 2022 aggregate extension by more than 105%.” Schell explained that the levy is “simply an educated guess” about the projected amount

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GRAFTON - The kids are off from school and you have a few days of vacation before the holidays really start. If you’re looking for something fun to do, the City of Grafton has got you covered this weekend whether you want a family outing, a date night or a relaxing solo afternoon! You can always find good food and drinks at the many eateries, wineries and bars in town. Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, is the final day the famous Oyster Bar will be open until their season resumes in February, so stop by for some good Cajun cuisine and seafood. When you’re ready for dessert, Grafton Fudge and Ice Cream is a sure way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Located at 321 E. Main Street, the shop also has lots of candy for sugary stocking stuffers. Do you still have some last-minute shopping to do? There are plenty of great gift cards available for fun in Grafton, starting off with a super deal on Oyster Bar gift cards where you pay just $35 for a $50 card. Supplies are going

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EDWARDSVILLE — Give the gift of travel this holiday season. “Do you know someone who is in need of a passport?” Madison County Circuit Clerk Tom McRae asked. “If so, the Circuit Clerk’s Office can help.” McRae said he wants to remind the public about passport services offered by the office. “If you know someone who is planning a trip out of the country and doesn’t yet have their passport, consider bringing them to our office to apply for one,” McRae said. “It’s a gift that will keep on giving for the next 10 years.” The Circuit Clerk’s Office offers passport processing, including photo service. “It’s a one-stop for both the photo and the application process,” McRae said. The circuit clerk’s office began offering photo service six months ago after acquiring equipment specifically designed to take pictures for passports. McRae said the federal government routinely rejects passport

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 (ECUSD7) has replaced Dr. Rusti Blount as principal of Lincoln Middle School. Dr. Beth Renth will serve as interim principal until further notice. A spokesperson for the District said they are “unable to comment on personnel issues.” Blount had previously served as a principal with Seagraves School District in Texas and as an education professional on the Houston County Board of Education in Georgia. She took on the role of Lincoln Middle School principal in July 2022. Renth retired from ECUSD7 in December 2022 after serving as the principal of Worden Elementary School for 22 years. During the regular Board of Education meeting on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, Board President Jill Bertels made a motion to amend the meeting agenda to remove action item 9.13 “Approval Resolution to Dismiss and Authorize Notice of Dismissal of a Classified Employee.” The Board unanimously approved the motion.

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River City Council members are proceeding with caution to potentially pursue membership in the Illinois Main Street organization. After lots of questioning and discussion at Monday’s meeting, city officials’ hesitancy seemingly centers around an obligation to provide financial support to the organization for at least three years if they were to join. The agenda item in question concerns “a Letter of Intent with Wood River Business Alliance to pursue Main Street Affiliation and provide partnership and financial support for a minimum of three years.” The city’s financial obligation to the organization upon officially joining would amount to $25,000 per year for three years. The Wood River Business Alliance, formerly known as Wood River Economic Development, is an organization promoting new and existing small businesses in Wood River. Illinois Main Street is part of a larger national organization, Main Street America. According to

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Sheriff’s Department recently announced they have new winter gear to keep warm this winter, thanks to a donation from Mustache March 4PD. The department shared more about the donation on their Facebook page and through their Jersey County Sheriff's Office app. “Thank You to MM4PD,” they wrote. “Yesterday morning it was 18 degrees! Luckily for us, the amazing folks at Mustache March 4PD provided our Sheriff's Office with the generous funds for new winter gear this year. We cannot thank them enough.” Mustache March 4PD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of volunteers who continuously raise funds for local police departments. They recently surprised a few lucky customers at Hit N Run in Alton with over $2,500 worth of free gas , with members of the Alton Police Department pumping the gas and chatting with the community. In addition to raising funds, the organization also aims to "increase the amount of assistance

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ALTON - Outstanding work by an alert Alton Police Sergeant Brian Brenner located a stolen vehicle on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Ford said at 12:28 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2023, Brenner conducted a traffic stop with the vehicle on the Clark Bridge, and with information about the stolen vehicle, suspects were apprehended. "The driver and two passengers were taken into custody and transported to the Alton Jail," Chief Ford said. "The vehicle was reported stolen out of Virden, Illinois." Chief Ford said the investigation was turned over to the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the 7400 block of West Florissant Avenue that resulted in the death of an adult male. At 6:09 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec 20, 2023, City of Country Club Hills police officers responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 7400 block of West Florissant Avenue. Responding officers located an adult male in a parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene. City of Country Club Hills Police requested St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons assume responsibility for the investigation. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward

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CHICAGO – An early holiday gift surprised The Salvation Army of Illinois and will help thousands of people in need. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned $64,500 in I-CASH missing money to The Salvation Army, the charitable organization with a global reach widely known for its iconic Red Kettle Christmas fundraising campaign. The Salvation Army is the largest non-government provider of social services in the United States. “We place a special emphasis on returning missing money to non-profits and groups that help others in their time of need, especially during the holidays,” Frerichs said. “I am grateful that we found these funds for The Salvation Army, its team of volunteers, and the life-saving services it provides throughout the year.” Illinois’ missing money program — also known as I-CASH — is one of the state’s oldest consumer protection initiatives. The State Treasurer is tasked with safeguarding unclaimed

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today filed a consent decree resolving a lawsuit the office filed against a deli meat processing company based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The settlement requires Greenridge Farm Inc. (Greenridge) to pay $3 million in back wages and damages to resolve allegations that Greenridge failed to pay overtime wages to over 282 now-current and former employees. “Any company doing business in the state of Illinois must follow laws that require employees to be fairly paid for the time they work,” Raoul said. “This settlement sends a message that employers cannot get away with evading Illinois law. I appreciate the United States Department of Labor’s collaboration, and I am committed to holding businesses – large and small – accountable for violating laws that safeguard workers and support law-abiding businesses in Illinois.” A joint investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s office and the United

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Chair of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation—today issued the following statement after the Senate passed a short-term extension of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) authorization. “As Chair of the Aviation Safety subcommittee, I’m encouraged that Senate negotiators are close to finalizing a strong, full FAA Reauthorization bill that builds on the existing post-Colgan safety system—including leaving the 1,500 hour rule as-is—supercharges air traffic controller hiring, improves on the technology and equipment needed to prevent near-misses and ensures the FAA has the tools it needs to strengthen pilot training and safety margins. Today’s vote will give us the time we need to do just that.”

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Peter Welch (D-VT) to send a letter to Wellpath—the nation’s largest private provider of prison health care—raising concern over reports of inadequate care at federal, state, and local prisons and jails. “Since its creation, Wellpath has been the target of multiple federal investigations and lawsuits, and the company has faced growing public scrutiny,” wrote the lawmakers. “A host of federal investigations, press reports, and reports by incarcerated people have revealed apparent deficiencies in Wellpath’s care.” Wellpath is a private equity-owned, for-profit company and currently operates

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) today introduced bipartisan legislation to support military and foreign service spouses and their families by creating more job flexibility when a servicemember is deployed or transferred. The READINESS Act , which was developed by current and former federally employed military spouses, aims to encourage the retainment of military spouses across the federal government and lower high employee turnover. U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30) introduced the House version of the bill in November. “When the brave members of our military and Foreign Service are relocated or transferred to a new duty station, we should be doing everything we can to support their families who sacrifice so much to go with them—including sometimes having to leave their jobs,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud to join Senator

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SPRINGFIELD – The State Treasurer’s Office has made more than $1.2 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio in 2023, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. That amount includes the $115 million earned in November. Another $891 million in gross investment earnings was earned for cities, villages, school districts, counties and other units of government that take part in the highly rated Illinois Funds local government investment pool operated by the State Treasurer’s Office. That amount includes $86.6 million earned in November. “Every dollar we make through smart, safe investing is a dollar that does not need to be raised in taxes,” Treasurer Frerichs said. “The Treasurer’s Office is part of the solution in Illinois.” Treasurer Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. He is responsible for the state investment portfolio and an investment pool for units of local government

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and 42 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME), urging them to reject any new poison pill policy riders in the fiscal year (FY) 2024 appropriations bills, including the anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion policy provisions that House Republicans inserted into their appropriations bills. “The Senate has had tremendous success both passing bipartisan bills in committee and on the Senate floor because these bills are free of new poison pill riders,” the Senators wrote. “Unfortunately, the House appropriations bills are filled with new highly partisan provisions, including anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ riders, that should be removed from any final appropriations bills.” These extreme, poison pil

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and called for leadership to address the immediate suffering and longer term needs for a two-state solution. During his speech, Durbin also remembered the victims of the October 7 th horrific Hamas terrorist attack and called for all remaining hostages to be released—including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who has ties to Illinois. Durbin repeated his warning that Israel not make the same mistakes in a cloud of rage that the U.S. did after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. He also called on the Israeli government to alleviate the mounting humanitarian toll inflicted on the people of Gaza, a distressing number of them children. “This Hamas attack was a reminder that there are still those who do not recognize Israel’s right to exist and their right to self-defense. But it also raised larger questions about how Israel should defend itself

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ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11) Board of Education voted unanimously to approve Dr. Brian Saenz as the new Alton Middle School principal during the Board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Saenz will replace Dr. Cindy Inman, the current middle school principal, effective July 1, 2024. “It seems like it’s full circle because I started in the middle school and I’m coming back to the middle school, so a lot of the parents I had in middle school, now I have their kids in elementary,” Saenz said during the meeting. “So it’s exciting for me to continue all the initiatives that Dr. Inman has been working on at the middle school. It’s even more exciting for me to see some of the kids that I have coming up through elementary and kids I’ve had in the past, to see them through middle school into high school. So I thank you for the opportunity and appreciate it.” Saenz has worked with

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CHICAGO – Illinois Lottery players have a chance to become a multi-millionaire this holiday as the Powerball jackpot jumps to $572 million for tonight’s drawing. This is the fourth Powerball jackpot to surpass the half-a-billion-dollar mark in 2023. No one has hit the jackpot since October 11, 2023, when a lucky ticket holder in Frazier Park, California claimed the second-biggest jackpot in lottery history - a mouth-watering $1.765 billion. You could be next! With over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the State, lottery players can conveniently pick up a ticket at their local store - or they can login to the Illinois Lottery website or app and purchase a ticket online. Powerball tickets are $2 each, and players have the option to add the Powerplay for an additional $1 for the chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes. Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 9:59 p.m. (CT).

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