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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senate Majority Whip and Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met today with representatives from March For Our Lives , a youth-led movement against gun violence that began after a 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. During the meeting, Durbin discussed the ongoing Senate negotiations on gun legislation and reiterated his support for “common-sense gun violence prevention solutions like closing gaps in the gun background check system,” according to a press release from Durbin’s office. Earlier this week, Durbin held a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the growing threat of domestic terrorism, which featured testimony from Garnell Whitfield, Jr., whose mother Ruth was murdered in the recent mass shooting in Buffalo, New York. The full text of his testimony can be read here . Durbin mentioned the testimony from victims of both the Buffalo and Uvalde shootings during his meeting with March For Our

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department today posted on its Facebook page a warning to residents to not attempt to rescue fawns. The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area has a heavy deer population and fawns are often visible in a stationary position. The Edwardsville Police said fawns stay very still to conceal themselves until they are old enough to keep up with their mother. The mother will not stand near the fawns for fear of alerting predators to their presence, they said. "Leave fawns alone, and the mother eventually returns," the police said. A wildlife specialist agreed about fawns: "Please leave it alone. Its mother is very likely nearby and will return within about 12 hours. Thousands of healthy fawns are captured each summer and taken from their mothers because people believe them to be abandoned."

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Residents around the region definitely heard or felt the loud boom just after 2 a.m. on Tuesday, June 8. After a series of source calls Tuesday, a definite cause of the noise that shook the area could not be determined. The Madison County Sheriff's Office investigated the situation but could not determine a cause even after an investigation. The Rosewood Heights Fire Department was alerted of the boom but did not have a cause. The National Weather Service in St. Louis did not have any reports about the incident and they did a check that showed there was no earthquake activity in that vicinity said to be the Fosterburg, Rosewood Heights area. The Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery also did not have anything unusual to report at that time of the morning. These are some assorted comments about the loud boom sent to Riverbender.com after the story was published Tuesday afternoon: Kylinn Boyer said the following: "There was what seemed to be a loud explosion in the Godfrey/Alton/Cottage Hills/Rosewoo

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GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney High School announced their Honor Roll and High Honor Roll lists for the 2022 spring semester. High Honor Roll is a weighted GPA of 3.60 and above. Honor Roll is a weighted GPA of 3.0-3.59 Grade 12 High Honor Roll: John Barz, Amelia Beltramea, Lorelai Biegler, Allison Broadwater, Grace Delp, Timothy Evans, Ciara Folkerts, Maria Guehlstorf, Ellie Hamm, Jude Henke, Mary Lorraine Hentz, Elizabeth Hyten, Olivia Jackson, Caroline Kassing, Steven Kraus, Cameron Krause, Asa Kromray, Christopher Landoll, Charlize Luehmann, Isabelle Manning, Jillian Matthews, Emma Noe, Lauren Propes, Zion Ratchford, Anne Schilly, Nathan Sedabres, Devon Silhavy, Macy Smith, Grace Stanhaus, Elizabeth Telthorst, Gregory Venarsky, Sean Vrenick, Bailey Washam, Andrew Wenos, Brennan Zumwalt, Riley Zumwalt Grade 11 High Honor Roll: Elisabeth Antonini, Mary Elizabeth Benware, Wyatt Biermann, Alexis Bond, Emma Bukovac, Madeline Burkart, Madeline Burnett, Samuel Chouinard,

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ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis Story Stitchers youth artists will perform at 4 local Juneteenth events with messages about public health and safety— boosting vaccine confidence and encouraging their peers to take the lead on gun violence prevention. JUNETEENTH EVENTS: June 11, 2022 Juneteenth Celebration East Delmar Loop Delmar at Hamilton 1:00-1:30 Performance 12:00-5:00 Booth June 18, 2022 Juneteenth Celebration Maker District Craft Alliance 5080 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108 12:30-1:00 Performance June 18, 2022 Juneteenth Celebration Old North St. Louis 1307 Montgomery, 63106 2:30-3:00 Performance June 26, 2022 Juneteenth Celebration Ferguson True Vine Missionary Baptist Church 8420 Hill Ave, 63121 1:00-1:30 Performance 11:00-2:00 Booth Acknowledgments Saint Louis Story Stitchers is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. On the web at arts dot gov. Additional support for Story Stitchers youth

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Burning toxic synthetic chemicals will be banned thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Wednesday. “PFAS can harm people and the environment,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This initiative stems from concerns that our neighbors have surrounding the waste incinerator in Sauget, which puts Metro East residents at risk of exposure to these harmful substances.” The new law bans incinerating materials covered under the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Release Inventory that contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. Thermal oxidation for the purposes of pollution control, combustion of gases at landfills, medical waste incinerators and byproducts generated by municipal wastewater treatment facilities are exempted. The Veolia Environmental Services waste incinerator in Sauget will now be prohibited from incinerating firefighting foams, a product

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College has announced its Dean's List for the spring 2022 semester. Students named to the Dean's list must earn a grade point average of 3.6 or higher for the semester. Area students include: Alton, IL Vashea Stanford Brighton, IL Jayden Sansone Carrollton, IL Christian Curtner East Alton, IL Dylan Klunk Jerseyville, IL Evan Hopper About Blackburn College: Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, IL. One of only nine federally-recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn has the only program in the nation fully managed by students. Balancing academic rigor and experiential learning, each student at Blackburn gains tangible experience and develops critical skills by contributing to their community, all while building a resume and earning their degree. In their 2020 Best Colleges Rankings, U.S. News & World Report recognized Blackburn College

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced new federal support that will help five Illinois airports improve transit, continue to keep travelers and employees safe and create jobs in their respective regions. These resources from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program will help each hub conduct needed infrastructure projects. “Illinois’s airports are important economic engines for our state and the source of jobs for so many working families,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin in announcing this infusion of federal funding that will help ensure these airports can improve their infrastructure, create good-paying local jobs and make our aviation system safer and more reliable.” “The FAA’s investment in our state’s regional airports will ensure that travelers arrive safely, securely, and efficiently in addition to supporting

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CHICAGO — Governor Pritzker today signed HB 4818, an amendment to the Environmental Protection Act prohibiting the disposal by incineration of any perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). PFAS are a group of approximately 5,000 human-made chemicals that are manufactured for their oil and water-resistant properties. Since the 1940’s, PFAS have been used in a wide range of consumer products, industrial processes, and in AFFF. This has resulted in PFAS being released into the air, water, and soil. While research on the effects of PFAS exposure to human health is ongoing, current scientific studies have identified possible adverse health effects including low infant birth weights, harmful effects on the immune system, cancer, thyroid hormone disruption, liver and kidney toxicity, decreased immune function, developmental disorders, and reproductive harm. “The health and safety of Illinoisans have always been my

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ALTON, IL –After taking a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alton Memorial Hospital School of Nursing alumni are busy planning a much-anticipated return of their reunion. The reunion will be held Saturday, July 16, at Alton’s Best Western Premiere Hotel, with registration starting at 11 a.m. The AMH School of Nursing opened on March 1, 1938. A graduate nursing staff provided instruction across a range of subjects. Students were rated and needed to meet the maximum requirements of the Illinois State Department of Education and Registration. Tuition at the time for three years (RN degree) totaled $150. A total of 626 nurses, including nine men, graduated from the school in its 35-year history. The school’s last graduating class was in 1973. "This event is so important to our classmates," said Carol Noble, a 1964 graduate who then worked more than 40 years at AMH and now serves on the reunion committee. “Some of us have stayed connected over the years,

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AMES, IOWA - Approximately 9,500 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the spring semester 2022 Dean's List. Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work. These six students earned Dean's List and are from the Riverbend area. Alton, IL Jason Taylor Godi, 4, Mechanical Engineering Edwardsville, IL Kurt Jacob Brase, 4, Agricultural Engineering Jacob Daniel Davis, 4, Chemical Engineering Mitchell H. Steinkuehler, 2, Mechanical Engineering Adam Donald Walters, 4, Software Engineering Glen Carbon, IL Jack Francis Raffaelle, 4, Chemical Engineering

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD), in partnership with Citizens for Modern Transit, Metro Transit and AARP in St. Louis, will be hosting Passport to Music on Metro on Saturday, June 25, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m. at both the Belleville and Emerson Park Transit Centers. This music festival will feature four musical acts, two at each venue, and is designed to promote community, encourage ridership and showcase the new amenities offered as part of “Transit Stop Transformation” efforts. The music event is free and open to the public. Food trucks will be onsite for food and drink purchases. MetroLink serves both transit centers and a $5 Metro Day Pass can be purchased for those interested in traveling back-and-forth between the stations. SCCTD bus riders can get to the Emerson Park Transit Center via the 6 Rosemont, 8 Alta Sita and 9 Washington Park routes. The Belleville Transit Center is served by the 1 Main Street-State Street and the 16 St. Clair Square

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CARBONDALE - Haneme Idrizi, MD , has been named associate dean of student affairs and admissions at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She will assume her new role on July 1. The Office of Student Affairs provides a variety of services for SIU learners: career education, mentoring, debt counseling, and more, as its staff seeks opportunities to improve the learning environment for students. Idrizi brings experience as an SIU School of Medicine alumna, practicing physician and award-winning educator. She has served the school in a variety of roles since 2018. Idrizi is a pediatric hospitalist in the Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine and is the Year 4 curriculum director, chair of the Year 4 Curriculum Advisory Committee, and director of the Pediatric Personalized Educational Plan. She also serves as the faculty advisor for the Latino Medical Student Association. Idrizi succeeds Erik Constance, MD, who served as associate dean for 27 years. Idrizi will work closely

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Above are pictures in order that they appear: Caleb Strange, Michael Weight, Adilene Weight, Jane Wisnasky, Claire Spencer, and Maggie Wisnasky. MARYVILLE – Six students from the homeschool community, Classical Conversations Maryville, recently finished months of study by correctly reciting over 400 facts from a variety of subjects as part of the Classical Conversations Memory Master program. The students, ranging in age from 9 to 12 years old, earned the Memory Master award in April when each child spent approximately five hours recalling facts from six subjects, as well as a history timeline. Classical Conversations is an academic homeschool community that follows a classical, Christian model. Memory Master is a program that is available to all elementary-aged Classical Conversations participants nationwide. Currently, there are 3 local campuses in this area: Greenville, Maryville, and Belleville. Besides a chronological timeline of 160 events and people, the students

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SPRINGFIELD - The state executive committee of the Illinois Political Action Committee for Education (IPACE) has recommended five candidates for the Illinois General Assembly. IPACE is recommending Rep. Thaddeus Jones in the Democrat primary for House District 29, Rep. Sam Yingling in the Democrat primary for Senate District 31, Michael Rabbitt in the Democrat primary for House District 15, Laura Faver Dias in the Democrat primary for House District 62 and Sharon Chung in the Democrat primary for House District 91. The following quote can be attributed to Kathi Griffin, IEA president: “We are excited to recommend Rep. Thaddeus Jones, Rep. Sam Yingling, Michael Rabbitt, Laura Faver Dias and Sharon Chung for the Illinois General Assembly. These candidates show a strong understanding of public education issues, and we believe they will support legislation that promotes strong public schools." Griffin said it is important that IEA members have a chance to weigh in on candidates

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GRANITE CITY - Mitchell 4th grade teacher Kim Antonovich-Merz has been named the 2022 Madison County Green Schools Coordinator of the Year for her leadership and creativity in organizing and managing the Green Schools Program at Mitchell 3-4 Education Center. Bailey Lutz from Madison County Building and Zoning presented Antonovich-Merz with a $500 check and a trophy in a small ceremony last week. In addition, Mitchell School received $500 to recognize Antonovich-Merz's recycling efforts. Currently serving as the Green School coordinator at Mitchell, Antonovich-Merz shows her passion for environmental education and her dedication to the efforts of the Green Schools Program. Since starting in the role as Green School Coordinator in 2004, she has worked effortlessly to start a sustainable recycling program. Antonovich-Merz works to hold public recycling days for electronics, shoes and tabs. She is currently overseeing a district-wide summer recycling program for students to help purchase

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker today signed legislation designed to increase access to Illinois’ higher education system, close equity gaps, and improve student protections and operational effectiveness. The bills expand resources available to students and build on the administration’s efforts to expand equitable access to public universities and community colleges. House Bill 4201 helps students at state universities and community colleges access benefits through “benefits navigators.” Each institution is tasked with assigning a benefits navigator for the purpose of guiding students to seek and apply for any federal, state, or local program that provides assistance or benefits for which they are eligible. HB 4201 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023. Senate Bill 3991 amends the Illinois Higher Education Savings Program, also known as the Children’s Savings Program, which was established to start each baby born or adopted in Illinois with a $50 college

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JERSEYVILLE - Downtown Jerseyville will host 2nd evening for this new concert series. This concept, developed by Explore Jerseyville Tourism, brings together a public-private partnership. Each event happening over the remainder of 2022 will bring together different Jerseyville businesses to cover aspects of the evening, showcasing what they provide. The City Council approved the closure of the 100 block of West Pearl Street for Friday, July 2nd at a regular meeting on May 17th. The street is directly in front of JEM Bar, in the Heart of the City Center. Representation from local businesses and community organizations will be present on the grounds with numerous Restaurants, Bars, and Retail Shops Just steps away. Kick off the weekend with drinks on the concert grounds by JEM Bar, Los Tres Amigos moves downtown for an evening with a full nacho/taco bar, Pig on a Wing will also be there with some great options from their food truck, and the U.S Veterans Foundation will be there providin

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SANGAMON COUNTY - Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon announced on Tuesday he has ruled that 2-year-old Jordan Whitaker of Virden died on December 7, 2021, from "abdominal sepsis" at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. The coroner also said he is ruling the Macoupin County toddler’s death in December as a homicide. The coroner said the boy suffered a traumatic rupture of his intestine due to child abuse. The Illinois State Police continue to investigate the 2-year-old's death.

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ST. LOUIS - Alaina Macia, President and CEO of Medical Transportation Management, Inc. (MTM), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, has announced the acquisition of Veyo, a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) company based out of San Diego, California. For more than 25 years, MTM has secured its place as an industry leader, working to develop innovative solutions that help people easily and reliably access NEMT options within their communities. MTM is one of the largest NEMT brokers in the nation, scheduling more than 13 million trips for Medicaid and Medicare members nationwide. As a result of the acquisition, MTM’s total annual revenue will be approximately $1 billion. The organization will now provide 20 million trips each year to 16 million people in 31 states and the District of Columbia. Macia said the partnership will transform the medical transport industry by bringing together two talented organizations that share the goal of making it easier for people to

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