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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that the state’s overall respiratory illness level has moved up from Low to Moderate, meaning that Illinoisans face an increased chance of exposure to seasonal illnesses as families are gathering to celebrate the holidays. IDPH’s Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard indicates that hospital admissions for COVID-19, flu and RSV all ticked up (as a percent of all hospital admissions) in the week ending Dec. 14, 2024. The percentage of emergency department visits due to respiratory illness also increased from 13.8% in the previous week to 14.7%. The state is also continuing to see a rise in ICU admissions due to RSV, driven by children 0-4 years old. “As expected, Illinois is experiencing an increase in seasonal respiratory illnesses as winter arrives,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “As we gather with our loved ones during the holiday season, please use all the tools

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – The United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) Charmaine Chapman Society’s (CCS) Divine 9 members raised over $320,000 through its Divine 9 Challenge, an initiative of UWGSL’s black philanthropy efforts. The challenge among CCS members from Black Fraternities and Sororities in the St. Louis Region provides a friendly fundraising competition. Each CCS member gives an annual donation of $1,000 or more to UWGSL that helps over 160 local nonprofits that United Way funds. “As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of CCS, we are so happy that our local Sororities and Fraternities came together through this fun and exciting Divine 9 Challenge that epitomizes what CCS has always been about – uplifting the community through collective giving,” said Michelle Tucker, President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “This annual friendly competition is a testament of how passionate our CCS members are about giving, and that passion lead

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SPRINGFIELD – This holiday season, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and more than 200 police and sheriff’s departments are joining forces for the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, reminding the public that law enforcement will focus not only on impaired drivers, but also seat belt violations, speeding, distracted driving and other traffic offenses. “The holidays should be a time for celebration and creating memories — not for grief and loss caused by preventable crashes,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Whether you're using alcohol, cannabis or any other impairing substance, the message is the same: If you drive impaired, you risk lives, including your own.” As holiday festivities fill calendars, it’s critical to plan for a sober ride home before celebrations begin. Law enforcement statewide reminds

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St . Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and Accident Reconstruction detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash at North Hanley Road and St. Charles Rock Road that resulted in the death of an adult male. The deceased has been identified as Jordan Faulkner, 31 years of age, of the 7500 block of Mallard Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63133. At 4:03 a.m., St. Louis County police officers from the Central County Precinct responded to a call for service for a vehicle crash at N. Hanley Road and St. Charles Rock Road. Officers located a male inside a vehicle that was on fire. Preliminary investigation revealed the vehicle was traveling in an unknown direction when it struck a pole and overturned. The vehicle then caught on fire. An adult female was able to exit the vehicle and was transported to an area hospital with non life threatening injuries. The adult male was extricated and transported to an area hospital for lifesaving

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ST. LOUIS – The City of St. Louis announced on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, that Jennifer Clemons-Abdullah is no longer serving as the Corrections Commissioner. The decision to separate her employment was effective immediately. “Today, Jennifer Clemons-Abdullah’s employment with the City of St. Louis was separated effective immediately,” said Conner Kerrigan, a spokesperson for the city. “Tammy Ross is currently acting as the Commissioner of Corrections.” Clemons-Abdullah had been on leave from her position since Sept. 19, 2024. She was appointed to the role by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones approximately three years ago. The city did not provide any further details regarding the circumstances of her separation from the Corrections Commission.

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BELLEVILLE — Belleville Police have been investigating a large fight and shots fired incident that occurred on Dec. 13, 2024, in the first block of South 53rd Street over the past week. The altercation involved multiple individuals and vehicles, leading to the discharge of firearms from a black sedan. On Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, Belleville Police Detectives presented their findings to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office, which subsequently issued charges against 19-year-old Dominick W. Eads of Belleville. Eads faces one count of Armed Violence, a Class X Felony; one count of Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, a Class 4 Felony; one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a Class 4 Felony; and one count of Mob Action, a Class 4 Felony. Officers arrived at the scene at approximately 4:04 p.m. on Dec. 13, 2024, and found evidence of a physical altercation. According to witness statements, an argument between two females escalated into a broader fight, during

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ST. LOUIS – Multiple individuals were injured when a vehicle struck them Sunday evening, Dec. 22, 2024, outside the popular Ted Drewes custard stand in south St. Louis. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. in the parking lot near Chippewa Street, resulting in at least one critical injury among the victims, who ranged in age from 12 to the 70s. According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, at least four people were hit by the vehicle. The 19-year-old driver returned to the scene and is currently being interviewed by detectives. Ted Drewes released a statement expressing sympathy for those injured and their families, stating, “Our hearts go out to those who were injured in the incident that occurred last night as well as their families. We look forward to the safety improvements to Chippewa, which the city plans to begin next month. Their quick actions prevented this sad incident from becoming much worse.” St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones also commented

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EAST SAINT LOUIS – State Representative Kevin Schmidt donated his pay raise for the month of December to Press Play x 2 Shinn, in the form of a food donation. Schmidt has donated every month’s pay raise to a different local food pantry or non-profit organization throughout his district since voting against the pay raise for legislators last year. “I’m passionate about fighting food insecurity,” said Schmidt. “When the legislature voted themselves a pay raise last year, I decided to give the amount of the raise each month to a local organization that’s trying to help feed the hungry. Our local food pantries and charities need our help, and I’m going to keep helping the people I represent.” Press Play x 2 Shinn Inc. was founded by Nancy Nixon of East St. Louis following the loss of two of her children. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, she and a group of volunteers prepare the meals in her home kitchen and distribute hot

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JERSEY - Jersey Community High School's wrestling team secured a notable victory at the Chaminade Tournament, held recently, amassing a total of 194.5 points. The event showcased the skills of several athletes from the team, contributing to their overall success. Maddox Williams and Shea Herrera each earned first-place finishes in their respective weight classes, demonstrating exceptional performance throughout the competition. Additionally, Bodey Waltz, Nick Hartley, and Ethan Daniels achieved second-place finishes, while Hunter Hodge, Trevor Tucker, and Nick Woelfel claimed third. Jace Marshal rounded out the team's achievements with a fourth-place finish. The Jersey wrestlers are Sparklight Male Athletes of the Month. The tournament not only highlighted the individual talents of the wrestlers but also underscored the strength of the Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100's wrestling program. Jersey's success at Chaminade reflects the team's hard work and dedication in

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CHICAGO – The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an incredible $944 million for tomorrow night’s drawing, which means Illinois Lottery players have a chance to win big on Christmas Eve. If won, this jackpot would rank as the seventh-largest in Mega Millions history. So far this year, three players have won Mega Millions jackpots this year: In March a player in New Jersey won a life-changing $1.128 billion; In June, an Illinois Lottery player won $552 million playing Mega Millions on the Illinois Lottery mobile app – the largest prize ever won by an online lottery player in the U.S.; And the most recent Mega Millions jackpot won was in September when a player in Texas walked away with a staggering $810 million. With over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the State, Illinois Lottery players can conveniently pick up a ticket at their local store - or they can log on to the Illinois Lottery website or app and purchase a ticket online. Mega Millions

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ALTON — A car fire at approximately 12:32 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, drew a quick response from the Alton Fire Department. The incident occurred at the intersection of Homer Adams Parkway and Alton Square Mall Drive. Alton Police reported that the situation did not involve any criminal elements, and there were no injuries associated with the fire. The Alton Fire Department was the primary agency handling the incident and had the car fire extinguished quickly and the road was also cleared in quick fashion after the incident.

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) fisheries biologists are collecting live Christmas trees to be used as fish habitat in local lakes after the holidays. The collected trees will be bundled together, weighted, and submerged at lakes, providing critical habitat for multiple fish species and promoting algae growth for insects that attract fish for anglers. The trees will naturally decompose over time. Maps and coordinates of the tree habitat locations are available online or from each lake’s biologist. Visit the IDNR Office of Fisheries website for drop-off location information and instructions. Trees should be placed only in the designated area for each site and only during the designated drop-off dates. Trees must be free of stands, lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Wreaths and garlands will not be accepted. Drop-off locations and dates include the following: Clinton County Carlyle Lake Dam East boat ramp Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 Place trees

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ALTON - Once again, Vintage Voices has surpassed previous attendance records with 671 guests in 2024, a testament to its ever-increasing community support and growing popularity. “We are very grateful for the community’s support of this October tradition”, said committee chair Jody Basola. “The unique experience of costumed actors portraying historical characters in the picturesque Alton Cemetery allows guests to connect with and appreciate the rich contributions of these figures to the community's history.” In addition to preserving our history, Vintage Voices is making a positive impact by giving back to the community. This year $4,000 was presented to local organizations. Organizations receiving donations include Alton Cemetery, Boys and Girls Club of Alton, Crisis Food Center, Hayner Genealogy & Local History Library, Oasis Women’s Center, Overnight Warming Locations, Riverbend Head Start & Family Services, The Salvation Army, Wreaths Across

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Press Release Recap: 5th Annual K Miller Christmas ALTON — K Miller Foundation proudly hosted its Fifth Annual Toy Giveaway event on December 21, 2024, spreading holiday cheer and bringing smiles to the Alton community and surrounding areas. Thanks to our sponsors we were able to give away hundreds of toys to children in our community. This heartwarming event was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and community partners. A Day of Joy and Giving Held at LaMay’s Catering the Toy Giveaway welcomed 50 families who received a wide variety of toys, games, and gifts for children of all ages. The event featured festive decorations, music, hot chocolate stations, life-size snow globe and fun activities, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration for everyone in attendance. Gratitude to Our Sponsors This year’s event would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors: · Walmart

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Crafting during the holiday season is a cherished tradition for many families and individuals. Not only does it provide a creative outlet, but it also allows for the personalization of decorations, gifts, and cards. Whether you’re looking to adorn your home, create heartfelt gifts, or engage in a fun activity with friends and family, holiday-themed crafts can bring joy and warmth to your celebrations. Here’s a guide to help you get started on your crafting journey with practical advice, inspiring examples, and key considerations. Choosing Your Craft Before diving into the world of crafting, it’s essential to choose the type of project that resonates with you. Here are a few popular categories to consider: 1. Decorations Creating your own holiday decorations can infuse your space with a personal touch. Consider making: Wreaths : Use materials like evergreen branches, ribbons, and ornaments. A simple grapevine wreath can be adorned with seasonal flowers or

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As the temperature drops and winter settles in, there's nothing quite like the warmth of a home-cooked meal to fend off the chill. The culinary delights of winter are rich, hearty, and often designed to nourish both body and soul. This article presents a collection of winter recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, ensuring you stay cozy and satisfied throughout the season. Hearty Soups to Soothe the Soul Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Nothing beats a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup on a cold winter day. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and comforting noodles creates a dish that warms from the inside out. Ingredients: 1 whole chicken or 4 chicken breasts 8 cups chicken broth 2 carrots, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups egg noodles Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or dill) Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: In a large pot, combine the chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic,

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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the winter season beckons us to cozy up and find warmth in delightful experiences. For many, a winter getaway is the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, recharge, and embrace the beauty of the season. Whether it's a snowy mountain retreat or a tranquil cabin by the lake, planning a winter vacation involves more than just packing your bags. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you craft an unforgettable winter escape. Choosing Your Destination The first step in planning a cozy winter getaway is selecting the right destination. Consider the type of experience you desire: Mountain Retreats : If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or simply soaking in the majestic views, mountain resorts like Aspen, Colorado, or Whistler, Canada, are excellent choices. These locations offer various winter sports, lodging options, and après-ski activities. Cabin Escapes : For a more rustic experience, look

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As we flip through the pages of history, December 23rd has been a date marked by significant events that have shaped our world in various ways. Let's turn to 1805, where a significant event unfolded: the establishment of the first successful modern insurance company, the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, in New York. This marked a turning point in financial history, creating a foundation for the insurance industry that we know today. Life insurance became more accessible to the general public, providing financial security to families and individuals. This event not only transformed the financial landscape but also played a crucial role in the development of social security systems in many countries. In 1913, the first crossword puzzle was published in the New York World newspaper. Created by Arthur Wynne, this seemingly simple puzzle captured the imagination of the public and sparked a craze that continues to this day. Crosswords have since evolved into a popula

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ALTON — The Alton Firefighters Local 1255 successfully held its 8th Annual Turkey Giveaway on Saturday, providing turkeys and bags of side dishes to community members in need. The event took place at the Alton Fire Department and saw participation from firefighters and their families, who helped distribute the food. Battalion Chief Derrick Richardson highlighted the significance of the event, noting that this year’s giveaway was particularly meaningful as children of Alton Fire Department members took part in the distribution. “Our aim is to spread joy to those who need a little extra joy,” Richardson said. Many recipients expressed gratitude for the assistance, with Richardson stating, “Those who received the turkeys were very thankful and appreciative. This is what it is all about.” The annual tradition continues to foster community spirit and support for those facing challenges during the holiday season.

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GLEN CARBON - Chase Jones, a 6' 5" freshman guard for Marquette Catholic's boys basketball team, is starting to emerge as one of the leaders on the Explorers, and after his performance against Father McGivney Catholic on Dec. 17, 2024, it will be plenty hard to stop him, indeed. Jones was the game's leading scorer with 18 points in Marquette's 61-38 win over the Griffins in the Gateway Metro Conference game, and he also played a role in the Explorer's 45-40 overtime win against St. Louis Priory Catholic. Jones is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete Of The Month for the Explorers. "I am feeling good," Jones said after that game. "Every win counts," Jones said. "Especially heading into the conference and regional play." The Explorers played very well against McGivney, weathering a storm when the Griffins came to within eight at one point in the second half, after Marquette used a big 15-0 first half run to take control of the game. "It was a real defensive effort fro

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