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ALTON - With the 2025 lame duck session set to begin this weekend, State Senator Erica Harriss stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to reflect on the past year. Harriss noted that 2024 was her second year in office, and she said it was “awesome.” With her recent induction to the Women in Technology Task Force and her continued push for a property tax freeze for seniors, she has stayed busy throughout her first term and looks ahead to a positive future. “Really, we had a great, effective year number two,” she said. “It continues to be an honor to be able to represent people in our district. It’s great being in Springfield, but I love being back in the district and just being able to connect with people and groups and organizations and hear what’s important to you.” Harriss emphasized that most of her initiatives come from the people she represents. She pointed to Rusty Wheat as an example, a local ma

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that St. Clair and Washington counties will receive $89.5 million in federal disaster aid to support recovery efforts following mid-July’s string of severe storms and tornadoes. The funding, which was included in December’s end-of-year government spending bill, will be administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “I was proud to support legislation that provides disaster relief to the people of St. Clair and Washington counties following last summer’s devastating storms,” said Bost. “This funding will be critical in rebuilding existing infrastructure and bolstering defenses against future storms and flooding. At a time when folks are working to restore their damaged homes and communities, I’m glad they will have the resources necessary to speed the process along.”

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ST. LOUIS - Taking MetroLink or MetroBus even a day or two a week saves commuters money on gas, maintenance and parking – it also helps them stay active and reduce stress. Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), in partnership with St. Clair County Transit District, has therefore launched a new initiative encouraging area commuters to consider taking transit in the new year. The goal of the “Make Transit Your Ride in 2025” campaign is to connect with those new to the safe, integrated public transit system and show them how they can take advantage of CMT’s FREE Try & Ride program that provides personalized route information, helpful resources and complimentary transit tickets. Registration is available at www.CMT-STL.org . “Transit is a great consideration for those looking to save money, increase exercise and reduce stress in the new year,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “Research shows transit users

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Confidence is not easily acquired but once gained you can continue to embellish it and let the legend grow. For anyone who knows me, Bob Gibson is my hero and the greatest sports star ever born. I always talk about him and these quotes best sum up my thoughts. "Hank Aaron told me never to mess with Bob Gibson," former Astros manager Dusty Baker said. "I was told never to stare at him, talk to, or smile at him. And if he hit you with a pitch, I was told never to charge the mound, because he would beat your ass. "I hated the All-Star Game," Gibson said years after retirement. "I hated having to talk to guys that I spent the rest of the season trying to kick their ass. They were the enemy to me." Gibson was a boxer before he played baseball. He knew what he was capable of and with that confidence, he could be a mentally free man and dominate his opponents. Any sign of retaliation was viewed as motivation for Bob. Reflecting on 2024, confidence has finally remerged in my life. Ephesians

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January 5th has seen a multitude of significant events throughout history, marking it as a day of change, innovation, and reflection. One of the most notable happenings on January 5th was in 1919, when the German Workers' Party, which would later evolve into the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party), held its first public meeting in Munich. This event marked the beginning of a political party that would drastically alter the course of history, leading to World War II and the Holocaust. The implications of this party's rise to power are still felt today, making this day a critical moment in the 20th century. Fast forward to 1959, when the United States launched its first successful satellite, Explorer 1, into orbit. This event was crucial in the context of the Space Race, highlighting the advancements in technology and science during the Cold War. Explorer 1 provided significant data about cosmic rays, marking the beginning of the U.S. space program's commitment

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GRANITE CITY - The Rotary Club of Granite City recognized juniors Kaylee Hobbs and Grace Walker as Students of the Month for December. Students were nominated by teachers, and were chosen on the basis of academics, as well as scholastic, extracurricular and civic honors and awards, and organization membership and leadership. Each honoree will receive a framed certificate and a gift card , and will be recognized at the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast on March 25, 2025. KAYLEE HOBBS Three-year varsity cheerleader ... High Honor Roll ... Secondary Honors ... Saturday Scholars ... Member of Renaissance Club, Spirit Club, Varsity Club and Working Warriors ... GC Little Braves Volunteer Coach ... Peer Tutor ... Wilson Park Trash Clean up volunteer ... Daughter of Tiffany Kimmel. GRACE WALKER Three-year varsity cheerleader ... Secondary Honors ... Member of Foreign Language Club, Photography Club, Spirit Club and Varsity Club ... GC Little Braves Volunteer Coach ... Pee

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that a number of new laws and rules designed to strengthen the public health system will go into effect on New Year's Day, January 1, 2025. “The Illinois Department of Public Health is excited to see new laws and rules go into effect this New Year to improve the health of Illinois’s public,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We appreciate the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois General Assembly and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) in advancing solutions that protect our residents and make our Illinois communities healthier.” One of the key changes taking effect with the new year is a more stringent standard for public health intervention based on the results of testing of blood lead levels in children. Under Illinois law, any child residing in a high-risk ZIP code is to be tested automatically at 12, 24, and 36 months, and all children six years

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GRANITE CITY - A Granite City resident has been granted pretrial release from custody after committing domestic battery against an elderly victim. John N. Rushing Jr., 42, of Granite City, was charged on Dec. 27, 2024 with aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony) and domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor). Descriptions of the charges state that on Dec. 22, 2024, Rushing struck the victim, a household or family member, “about the face with a closed fist. He reportedly knew the victim was 60 years of age or older at the time of the incident. Rushing’s criminal history dating back to 2001 includes several prior charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery, burglary, property damage, and much more. Court documents note Rushing is also currently on parole in Illinois. The Granite City Police Department acted as the arresting agency in this case. Rushing was granted pretrial release from custody with additional conditions, including that he have

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COLLINSVILLE – Improvements in the resiliency of its natural gas delivery infrastructure and upgrades to its underground storage capabilities ensure that Ameren Illinois is ready for a blast of arctic temperatures forecast in the Midwest early next week. Natural gas is the primary fuel source used by nearly 1 million Ameren Illinois customers to heat homes and power appliances in the winter. "The investments we have made to strengthen our pipelines, along with having an abundant supply of gas already purchased and available for delivery, ensures that we will be able to meet the expected increase in demand that comes when temperatures drop," said Lenny Singh, Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois. The company owns and operates 12 underground storage fields, capable of safely storing 24.2 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Ameren Illinois also leases an additional 15.3 billion cubic feet of gas from fields located outside of Illinois. The storage fields serve three primary

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GODFREY - Fifteen members of the Godfrey Women’s Club dedicated their afternoon recently to ringing bells for the Salvation Army kettles outside Schnucks in Godfrey. This event for the Godfrey Women's Club is part of the club's ongoing commitment to community service, which includes various projects throughout the year. Among those participating in the photo above on that day were Eileen Aimone, Becky Areford, Sharon Wild, and Tanya Sisk, who joined their fellow club members in raising funds for the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army kettles, a familiar sight during the holiday season, are a key fundraising initiative for the organization, which provides assistance to those in need. The Godfrey Women’s Club, known for its dedication to community betterment, regularly engages in service projects aimed at supporting local initiatives. In a statement, the club said the bell-ringing event is one of many activities the club organizes to contribute positively to the Godfrey

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ALTON - With a cold snap on the horizon, The Salvation Army at 525 Alby Street in Alton will act as a warming center during the day. Captain Cassy Grey explained that The Salvation Army (TSA) will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the upcoming week to support folks who need shelter from the elements. Community members who are experiencing homelessness or who need a warm place to go are encouraged to stop by TSA. “We will have a warm place for our friends to get out of the cold, along with some coffee and, while supplies last, we’ll have some snacks available,” Grey said. “We’re doing the very best we can to wrap around the marginalized.” Grey noted that TSA works with the Overnight Warming Locations to provide shelter during these cold months. The Overnight Warming Locations open when the overnight temperatures are forecasted to drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. On these days, TSA will often stay open until 5 p.m. so folks can spend

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Kidada Miller shared how God has led her through challenges and given her peace. Miller is an entrepreneur, and she serves as the founder and president of K. Miller Foundation and the Midwest Best of Black Awards Gala. In all her work, she tries to give back to the community and support other entrepreneurs and Black business owners. Her faith helps her in this work, and she relies on God’s guidance. “Being seated at His feet is the only place I’ve found peace,” she said. “I’m known to be a little extra. So when people see me, they just see this extra person. But you don’t see me when I’m seated at His feet and my face is fully wet and I’ve got a towel down because I’m just blubbering and crying everywhere. That’s the moment to get that out, and then you put that suit back on and walk outside with the utmost confidence.”

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When a snowstorm strikes, being prepared can make all the difference in keeping you safe and comfortable. Here’s a list of 10 essential items to have on hand to weather the storm with confidence. 1. Non-Perishable Food Stock up on canned goods, dry snacks, and instant meals that don’t require refrigeration. In case of a power outage, these foods will keep you nourished. Don’t forget a manual can opener! 2. Bottled Water Aim for at least one gallon of water per person per day. This covers drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene if pipes freeze or water services are disrupted. 3. Flashlights and Batteries Power outages are common during snowstorms. Keep multiple flashlights ready with spare batteries. Avoid relying solely on candles, as they can pose a fire hazard. 4. Warm Blankets and Clothing Layer up with thermal blankets, heavy-duty sleeping bags, and extra warm clothing like socks, gloves, and hats. This is especially important if your heating system

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GODFREY - The Public Works Department has approximately 150 miles of road and street to clear in a hazardous weather event. Depending on the timing of the event, it may be necessary to have snow removal as quickly as possible. As such, the residents can help the snow removal process by making sure vehicles and other obstructions are off the thoroughfares in a weather event. In the past, crews have not been able to clear a street because vehicles were prohibiting access into the area. Crews will work to clear the passageways as quickly as possible. Please understand that removing piles of snow from mailboxes and driveways is usually not possible. Patience is appreciated…

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ALTON - A woman from East Alton faces multiple felony charges after a series of heated arguments led to her damaging her boyfriend’s home and car before attempting to run him over with her own car. Elyse M. Ruyle, 29, of East Alton, was charged with aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony), two counts of criminal damage to property (both Class 4 felonies), and criminal trespass to residence (a Class A misdemeanor). On Dec. 26, 2024, Ruyle allegedly used a Chevrolet motor vehicle as a deadly weapon by attempting to run over her boyfriend, causing injury to the victim and damage to the car and a nearby concrete pillar. She was also charged with damaging one of the victim’s car tires and one of the windows of his residence, with those damages totaling over $500. A petition to deny Ruyle’s pretrial release describes the circumstances leading up to the incident. The victim in this case reported to authorities that his girlfriend “attempted to run him over wit

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GLEN CARBON — Sophomore Sarah Hyten is making waves in the world of high school golf, showcasing her talent at Father McGivney Catholic High School. Recently, she earned All-State honors after finishing fourth in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) 1A State Finals for 2024. Additionally, Hyten was named to the first-team all-Gateway Conference girls golf squad. She is a Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athlete of the Month for the Griffins. Hyten, a member of the class of 2026, has consistently demonstrated her skills on the course, maintaining a strong academic record with a GPA of 4.32 as an honors student. Her golf prowess is reflected in her current Golf Handicap Index (GHIN) of +1.2 and her impressive rankings: 703 nationally, 193 in her class, and 5th in the state, with the same ranking among her peers in the class of 2026. The young athlete has also qualified for the USGA Women's Amateur Four Ball, further highlighting her competitive edge. During the 2024

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ALTON - Alton Police have charged a Belleville man with theft and a Mascoutah woman with debit/credit card crimes in two separate cases. Charles B. Blount, 35, of Belleville, was charged on Dec. 30, 2024 with one count of retail theft over $300, a Class 3 felony. On Nov. 6, 2024, Blount allegedly stole an EGO commercial backpack blower from the Lowe’s on Homer M. Adams Parkway in Alton. The item had a total value of more than $300. In a separate case, Chelsea Nunn, 30, of Mascoutah, was charged with one count of unlawful use of a credit or debit card, a Class 4 felony. A description of the charge states that from Dec. 19, 2023 to Jan. 4, 2024, Nunn allegedly used someone’s credit or debit card to obtain over $300 from Busey Bank. The Alton Police Department presented both cases against Blount and Nunn. Both were granted pretrial release from custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects

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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior forward Kaylea Lacey, who's been a major part of the Alton high girls basketball team for multiple seasons, is still a key to the Redbirds as they seek to go to the IHSA Class 4A state finals in March in Bloomington-Normal. Lacey played a guiding role in the Redbirds' finish last year at 32-3, losing in the super-sectional game to Aurora Waubonsie Valley and Alton is off to a blazing 13-1 start under head coach Deserea Howard in the 2024-2025 campaign. The Redbirds proved to many observers so far this season that Alton is still a very good girls' team even without all-everything point guard Kiyoko Proctor, who has now returned to the lineup after a knee injury forced her out of action for the first part of the season. Proctor was still on the sidelines in her captain role encouraging and helping all the girls around her. Lacey is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds for her efforts with Alton this year. "We're definitely building chemistry,

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ST. LOUIS - The City of St. Louis is preparing for its first major winter storm of the season as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Storm Watch for the City of St. Louis beginning Saturday, January 4 at 6:00 p.m. City agencies join NWS in urging residents to take precautions and preventive measures to protect themselves and their families during extreme conditions. The City of St. Louis will see heavy mixed precipitation, including a potential total of sleet and snow between five and 10 inches and ice accumulations between two and three-tenths of an inch. Forecasted temperatures will then drop to highs in the teens and 20s and lows in the single digits for the next several days. Residents and visitors should stay informed to make any necessary adjustments to travel plans and follow local media, the City’s website , and City Emergency Management (CEMA) social media alerts for information, resources and updates. Residents should also sign up for the City’s

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O’FALLON — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital proudly welcomed Sevin Le’andre Rucker as the first baby born at the hospital in 2025. He arrived at 4:42 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, weighing 5 pounds, 14.5 ounces and was 19 inches long. Sevin’s proud parents are Deshaun Crockett and Quinton Rucker of Collinsville. In celebration of being the first baby born in 2025 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Sevin and his family were presented with a basket of gifts from the Women and Infants Center including baby blankets, bibs, pacifier holder, socks for mom and sweet treats. For others expecting in 2025, St. Elizabeth’s offers a wide range of services for mothers and infants, including tours, prenatal classes, and recently expanded available services by launching an Obstetric Emergency Department (OB ED) for pregnant patients facing pregnancy concerns or a pregnancy or postpartum-related medical emergency, along with adding an OB/Gyn Hospitalist program.

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