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CHICAGO – Democratic Secretary of State candidate Anna Valencia released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion overturning Roe v. Wade: “Many advocates warned this day would come when Donald Trump was elected President and he filled three vacancies on the Court. That’s why I spoke out back then in favor of HB 40, which guarantees access to reproductive healthcare across our state, regardless of what the Supreme Court says, and I remain committed to protecting access to abortion for all Illinoisans. “At this frightening and dangerous time, we need elected leaders in Illinois and at all levels of government who have always protected and advanced reproductive freedom. I am honored to be the only candidate in this campaign who has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood, because they know I have always been and always will be a champion for reproductive rights. The road ahead will no doubt be a difficult one, but I will continue

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Treasurer Chris Slusser says Jennifer Korte is the candidate who will best represent Madison County voters and Madison County values in the race for State Representative in the 112 th District. “What I like about Jennifer Korte is she is authentic,” Slusser said. “She does not just repeat scripted talking points. She is sincere in her beliefs, and she genuinely wants to serve the people of the 112 th District. She got involved in advocating for kids during the pandemic arguing in favor of in-person learning against mask mandates and against woke curriculum in our schools. She has strong family ties to the District. She is one of us fighting for us. Jennifer Korte has my full support. On June 28 th , I urge voters to send a message to corrupt, career politicians in Springfield by voting for my friend Jennifer Korte.” Korte said she is honored to have Slusser’s support. “Chris is a true public servant who takes his

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OMAHA, NEB. – To help drive Scooter’s Coffee's intentional expansion goals, brand excellence, and exceptional franchise support, Joe Thornton has joined the company leadership team as President, a new role at the rapidly growing drive-thru coffee chain. “Scooter's Coffee is expanding rapidly, and we are well on our way to opening over 1,000 stores. By the end of 2022, Scooter's Coffee will have over 600 stores open across 26 states and five distribution centers operating, including our newest in Atlanta. We also have a growing consumer packaged goods and ready-to-drink business with Scooter’s Coffee products in over 1,000 retail locations,” said Todd Graeve, Chief Executive Officer of Scooter’s Coffee. “As we continue to scale a course of rapid growth and deepen connections with our valued customers, we welcome Joe Thornton to our dynamic leadership team at Scooter’s Coffee.” With more than 38 years of experience in operations,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today applauded House passage of the Supporting the Resilience of Our Nation’s Great (STRONG) Veterans Act. This bipartisan legislation gives the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) important new resources to support veterans’ mental health and well-being. “Veterans deserve access to the health resources they need to thrive following their brave service, and the STRONG Veterans Act will help them get it,” said Bost. “This bill will help more veterans connect with crisis services and improve the delivery of mental health support for veterans and military families across the country. I am proud to sponsor the STRONG Veterans Act and look forward to seeing it passed by the Senate and signed into law soon.” If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day,

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GREENVILLE, Il. — Greenville University and St. John’s College of Nursing are pleased to announce that the Higher Learning Commission has approved their partnership offering Greenville University students a four-year path to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on the Greenville campus. Currently, Greenville students complete their pre-nursing courses at Greenville University, then go to St. John’s College of Nursing to complete the final two years of study in Springfield, including clinicals at HSHS St. John’s Hospital. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has now approved a second pathway for Greenville University students allowing them to complete their pre-nursing coursework at Greenville, then enter the St. John’s College of Nursing program on Greenville’s campus. The clinical experiences will take place at HSHS Holy Family Hospital, Greenville, and other HSHS hospitals in the southern part of the state. With this HLC approval,

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) is investigating a homicide in the 1500 block of Baker in East St. Louis. The call to law enforcement about the situation occurred at 7:17 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. The victim, Deangelo T. Johnson, a 27-year-old male of East St. Louis, was fatally injured when he was struck by gunfire. Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has any knowledge of the incident is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 314-725-8477 (TIPS) or PSEG Agents at 618-343-5239. Witnesses can remain anonymous.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, June 21, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Walter Hopson, 39 years of age, of the 2400 block of Mill Valley Drive in Florissant, Missouri 63033, for Robbery First Degree and Stealing from a Financial Institution. A mugshot of Hopson is attached. Hopson is being held on $100,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On May 7, 2022, the Defendant entered the US Bank (11100 Larimore Road) and threatened the clerk by stating that he had a gun while asking for money. The Defendant appropriated approximately $12,000 in that robbery. On May 14, 2022, the Defendant entered First Bank (4090 N Highway 67) and instructed the clerk to fill a bag with US currency. After the clerk complied, the Defendant jumped over the bank counter and instructed the

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker signed HB4434 into law today, expanding the options of professional sports team license plates Illinoisans can choose from at the Secretary of State. The change, which adds the Chicago Fire, the Chicago Sky, and the Chicago Red Stars to the list of options, brings women’s professional sports to the official license plates of Illinois residents for the first time in state history. “Last year, we welcomed the 2021 WNBA National Champions, the Chicago Sky, to our statehouse, and this law is another step toward honoring the joy they and our two professional soccer teams bring to Illinois residents,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinoisans are lucky to have such an incredible roster of sports teams to root for and this law offers them more opportunities to show off their spirit.” The Chicago Fire, the Chicago Sky, and the Chicago Red Stars will join the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Chicago

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Ruben Caraway, 46, described as "the ringleader" of a Houston-based cocaine trafficking operation has been sentenced in the Southern District of Illinois to federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, bringing to a successful close an investigation and prosecution that spanned several states and more than five years. On Tuesday, June 21, 2022, Caraway, 46, was sentenced to 360 months in prison and five years of supervised release for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that resulted in the seizure of $1.2 million dollars in cash, $72,000 in jewelry, and several kilos of cocaine. Caraway was captured in Texas in July 2021, after being a fugitive for more than three and a half years. An indictment filed on January 4, 2018, charged that Caraway was the leader of a Houston-based group responsible for distributing more than $4 million dollars’ worth of cocaine throughout Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia. Caraway and eight co-defendants

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Letter To The Editor: Madison County board began a fiery debate this month in considering lowering food truck license fees that pitted brick-and-mortar restaurants against the food truck arena. The argument being offered is that food trucks are no different than restaurants so there should be no difference in licensing fees. While there are counterpoints to that argument such as food truck operations are normally restricted to daylight hours, trucks are seasonal, and as an outdoor venue, they cannot offer the accommodations of an indoor dining establishment. The reality is that ultimately it does not matter what side of the fence you stand on. Madison’s neighboring counties have already deemed that there is a difference between food trucks and restaurants, and they set food truck licenses at a lower rate. The real argument that needs to be debated is can Madison County compete with its neighbors and ultimately entice food trucks and the revenue that they bring at the current

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, has named Seth Walker as vice chancellor for University Advancement (VCUA) and CEO of the SIUE Foundation. Pending SIU Board of Trustees approval, Walker will assume the role on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022. “As SIUE endeavors to more effectively engage alumni, friends, and donors, I am confident in Seth Walker’s ability to significantly improve advancement efforts to support the mission of the university,” said Minor. “I believe that members of the SIUE community will appreciate his energy, his data-informed approach and his understanding of what we want to accomplish. I look forward to working with him as we define our future and establish new expectations.” As VCUA, Walker will oversee annual giving, financial affairs, major gifts, prospect research, stewardship, planning giving and constituent relations, as well as the SIUE Alumni Association and the SIUE Foundation

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EDWARDSVILLE - One was critically injured in a serious crash on Troy Road Wednesday, June 22. An occupant in one of the vehicles sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to a St. Louis-area hospital by helicopter, which landed in the parking lot at the corner of Governors Parkway and Troy Road. The accident caused a section of Troy Road to be closed for more than three hours. Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford pointed out this is the second t-bone accident in the city this week. The occupant of the other vehicle sustained mild injuries and was treated and released at the scene. The Edwardsville Fire Department reminds residents that all vehicles have blind spots caused by the posts that support a vehicle’s roof and windows. "Always check twice when pulling into cross-traffic whether at a stop light, stop sign, or just pulling onto a road," Chief Whiteford said. "All vehicles have blind spots from the posts that support a vehicle's roof and windows, and when you

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EDWARDSVILLE – The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville welcomes two new Visiting Research Fellows: Colin Buck and Philip Kukielski. Funded by the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, NCERC’s nine-month fellowship program provides training and hands-on experience to prepare the next generation of engineers and scientists for work in mid- to high-skill jobs in the bioeconomy. “NCERC is pleased to announce the hiring of Colin Buck and Philip Kukielski as NCERC’s newest Visiting Research Fellows,” said NCERC Executive Director John Caupert. “NCERC benefits greatly from mentoring recent college graduates who have specialized areas of study in biology, chemistry and engineering. We extend a special thank you to the Illinois Corn Marketing Board for providing the funding necessary to conduct the fellowship program.” Buck earned a bachelor’s in chemical Engineering in May 2022 from Missouri

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EDWARDSVILLE - McKenna Vereeke was recognized recently on a high echelon for not only her natural beauty and intellect but her talent as a musician and passion for certain social issues. The Hamel native placed second in the Miss Illinois Scholarship Organization Pageant Competition recently out of 26 qualifiers. The pageant is part of the Miss America Pageant competition. She is a full-time student at the University of Illinois-Springfield. McKenna is the daughter of Dawn and Chris Vereeke. McKenna was a 2020 Edwardsville High School graduate. Her part of the Miss Illinois Scholarship Organization Talent Show was a beautiful violin performance of “Praeludium and Allegro” by Fritz Kreisler. She also presented her social impact initiative “Active Minds: Changing the Conversation About Mental Health" and it was very well received by judges. “I walked in hoping to be in the top 10, and I am 20 and one of the younger participants,” she said. “The oldes

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EDWARDSVILLE - Today County Treasurer Chris Slusser released an extensive list of Republican endorsements for his re-election today, including State Senator Jason Plummer, State Representative Amy Elik, County and Township officials and Republican mayors throughout the county in the June 28 Republican Primary Election. Slusser also received the rare and coveted endorsement of the Madison County Republican Party. “I endorsed Chris Slusser because integrity and character matter. Under his leadership the Madison County Treasurer’s Office is performing better for the taxpayers than ever before,” said State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville). “Chris has shown himself to be a great Treasurer and an even greater person. His honesty and hard work are reasons why I highly recommend voters give him their support and keep him in a job that he is doing with great success,” said Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick. “Chris Slusser is ethical, honest, and sincere,”

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen : “Every day, parents across America are burying children they have lost to gun violence. And yet, as our nation still mourns the horrific massacres in Uvalde and Buffalo, and as we work to combat the daily toll of the gun violence epidemic in cities like Chicago, this decision will make it even easier for guns to flood our streets. “For years, the gun lobby has told us the way to reduce gun violence is not to pass new gun laws, but to enforce the laws already on the books. At the same time, the gun lobby has been arguing in court to strike down those gun laws on the books. Today, they succeeded. This decision makes it all the more important for Congress to take actionable steps to protect our kids and communities from this nation’s

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WASHINGTON — Today, the Postal Service announced it will implement upgraded service standards for its USPS Retail Ground (RG) and Parcel Select Ground (PSG) products effective Aug. 1, 2022. Within the contiguous United States, service standards for these products will be accelerated from two- to eight days to two- to five days for the same affordable price. Items containing hazardous materials or live animals are not eligible for the upgraded service standards. RG is a ground shipping product for packages, thick envelopes, and tubes (with a maximum weight of 70 pounds) that are not required to be mailed via First-Class Mail service and are available only through retail channels. PSG is an economical ground delivery service similar to RG for commercial shippers. The Postal Service is aligning the RG and PSG service standards with the current First-Class Package Service (FCPS) standards within the contiguous US. Processing this mail with FCPS packages will enhance customer service

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) called for swift passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This package contains many of Rep. Kelly’s gun violence prevention priorities. Rep. Kelly is calling for House leadership to quickly bring the bill to the floor for a vote and for the support of her colleagues in passing the bill to save lives. “The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act will bring real progress to communities across America that are impacted by gun violence, like Illinois’ Second Congressional District,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “Imposing stricter penalties for straw purchasing and gun trafficking, investing billions of dollars in our mental health care services, keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and improving the background checks for buyers under 21 years of age – these are all policies and investments that the American people support and that I have worked for many years to achieve. I

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public that along with summer, Mosquito Season is now underway in Illinois and that positive batches of West Nile Virus have been reported in seven counties around the state. The reminder comes as public health officials around the country are highlighting the importance of taking protective action to “Fight the Bite” during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. While no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Illinois so far this year, there were 64 human cases (which are significantly under-reported) and five deaths attributed to the disease in the state in 2021. “West Nile virus is a serious illness, and we want to remind everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites at this time of year when so many of us are spending more time outdoors,” said IDPH Acting Director Amaal Tokars. “The most important things we can do are to wear insect repellent if w

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) and the Village of South Roxana are hosting a ceremony to designate Illinois Route 111 from New Poag Road to Madison Avenue as “The Chief Todd Werner Memorial Highway”. The ceremony is open to the public and will be at the sign location on Highway 111 and Madison Avenue at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 2. Family and guests can park at the back parking lot of Mike’s Inc. at 109 Velma Avenue, South Roxana and walk to the sign location. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the South Roxana Village Hall at 211 Sinclair Avenue, South Roxana. “Chief Werner dedicated his life to public service in Madison County by serving as a first responder. He made a positive impact on the people who were fortunate to call him a friend,” said Rep. Elik. “Dedicating a portion of Route 111 in his honor will serve as a reminder that his selfless commitment to the community will not

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