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CHICAGO — As required by Executive Order 2024-01 , the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) submitted to the Governor and the General Assembly its first report from the Advisory Council on Financing and Access to Sickle Cell Disease Treatment and other High-Cost Drugs and Treatment . The report evaluates the success and challenges of various value and outcome-based payment approaches implemented in other states and includes recommendations for financing and increasing equitable access for these drugs in Illinois. In fulfillment of the Executive Order, the advisory council met six times over the past six months, culminating in the production of this report. The full report can be found here . “When I signed the Executive Order to create this council, it was with the clear goal of making life-changing gene and cell therapy treatments affordable and available to every Illinoisan,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These recommendations

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, today applauded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State for the agencies’ decision to designate Romania as a participating country in the U.S. visa waiver program. The decision comes after the Senators introduced legislation in March 2023 that would have granted Romania eligibility within the U.S. visa waiver program. “Senator Shaheen and I introduced legislation in 2023 with the hopes that Romania would be granted eligibility within the U.S. visa waiver program. I am heartened that DHS and the State Department has added Romania to this program, strengthening our ties with this nation that emerged from the ashes of Soviet tyranny to become a thriving member of the transatlantic community of democracies, NATO, and the

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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School has announced the 2024-2025 Semester 1 High Honor Roll and Honor Roll. It is listed below. Seniors - High Honor Roll Alexander Arnold Katelyn Attebery Lauren Bagby Andrey Ballard Elouise Bargiel John Bowker Ryne Breyer Meredith Brueckner Mackayla Byrd Miriam Calixto Amanda Cannon Boe Cato Kaleigh Chester Abigail Clowers Jordyn Coleson Caitlyn Colley Alexis Collins Sylvia Crockett Connor Damm Emma Davis Gabrielle Davis Kayleigh Donahue Eliza Donaldson Austin Droit Kira Eberlin Aubrey Falk Brea Farrell Elliana Fiorino August Frankford Logan Gaertner Layla Gleason Jayna Halley Dawson Hanneken Lauren Hardy Brooke Harris Nathan Herrin Avery Huddleston Taylor Hunter Lela Jackson Kylee Jenkins Ashton Johnsey Izak Johnson Alora Kincade Haley Klaas John Kotzamanis Kyleigh Lowrance Matthew Lyman Bryce McArthur Erica McGaughey Madalynn McKey Gage Meyer Peyton Minner Anna Moore Sydney Moore Kendall Moss-Smith

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Secretary of State‘s office is working to bring IDs in Apple Wallet to Illinois residents in the future with the goal of launching by the end of the year, Secretary Alexi Giannoulias announced today. This capability will enable residents to seamlessly and securely add and present their driver’s licenses and state IDs in person and in apps using their iPhone or Apple Watch. The news follows legislation that took effect at the beginning of the year, which enabled the Secretary of State’s office to begin this work. The plan includes robust testing requirements to ensure the office delivers the most secure and private product for Illinois residents, Giannoulias said. “We’re excited to have kickstarted our work with Apple – a company that shares our commitment to data security – to provide IDs in Apple Wallet that will offer convenience and privacy for Illinoisans,” said Giannoulias, whose office pushed for the legislation

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MARYVILLE — Illinois State Police Troop 8 reported on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, that it responded to a report of shots fired on the Illinois Route 159 exit ramp to I-270 near Maryville at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. The Illinois State Police said upon arrival, troopers found no indications of damage to any vehicles due to gunfire, and no injuries were reported. As of now, no further information is available regarding the incident, ISP said.

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MILWAUKEE, Wisc. - Megan Kalb of Edwardsville, IL, has been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2024 semester at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Kalb is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. To make the Dean's List, students must have earned at least 12 credits for the fall 2024 semester and have no disqualifying grades. The GPA threshold varies by college - for the College of Education and the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, undergraduate students must have at least a 3.7 to be named to the Dean's List. The undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.5 for the following colleges: the Diederich College of Communication, the College of Business Administration, the College of Health Sciences, the Opus College of Engineering and the College of Nursing. All other programs have a 3.75 GPA minimum. Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university that draws over 8,000 undergraduate and 3,700 graduate and professional students from nearly all states and more tha

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ST. LOUIS - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, invites your review and comments regarding the revised draft “Rivers Project Master Plan Update” with accompanying “Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)” and “Environmental Assessment (EA)”. The Rivers Project Master Plan is a conceptual document that guides public use and natural resource management of over 48,000 acres of federal lands for environmental stewardship and recreation-related purposes. The current Master Plan was approved in 2015. The Project area for the Master Plan extends from Mississippi River Mile 0, at Cairo, Illinois; upstream to the tail water of Locks and Dam 22, Mississippi River Mile 301, at Saverton, Missouri. Most the Project’s public lands are upstream of St. Louis, Missouri. The lower 80 miles of the Illinois River is also managed by Rivers Project and is therefore included in the update. This management effort also includes coordination with

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CHICAGO – The last day of Open Enrollment for the Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace is Wednesday, January 15th, 2025. “We encourage all Illinois residents who do not have health insurance coverage to visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov before Open Enrollment ends at midnight on January 15th,” said Get Covered Illinois Director Morgan Winters. “There is still time to access free enrollment assistance and to sign up for a quality, affordable plan that has the protections provided by the Affordable Care Act, such as covering pre-existing conditions and offering free preventative and wellness services.” Financial assistance is available for qualified consumers who buy their health coverage at GetCoveredIllinois.gov. “A majority of consumers can find health plans on the Marketplace for $10 or less a month,” said IDOI Director Ann Gillespie. “The advanced premium tax credits available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

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JERSEYVILLE — The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance in locating Kaila M. Vatole, who has been missing for two years. Vatole was last seen walking away from a residence on Little Piasa Road in rural Dow on Jan. 8, 2023. Despite extensive searches and investigations, authorities have been unable to find any trace of the 40-year-old woman. The sheriff’s office reported that her family continues to experience deep concern for her welfare and whereabouts. Kaila Vatole is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing approximately 110 pounds, with multiple tattoos, including a prominent one on her neck. She has a medical condition that requires a colostomy and has previously faced challenges related to homelessness. The sheriff's office noted that she has lived in various communities, including Carlinville, Wood River, East Alton, and Alton. In an effort to gather more information, the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office has urged farmers and hunters

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College's longest-running trustee, Robert L. Watson, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, surrounded by his family, at the age of 87. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, Illinois. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 15, at Anderson Family Funeral Home, followed by a burial at Brighton Cemetery. Watson, of Brighton, served on the college’s Board of Trustees for 44 years, and as its chairman from 1983-2019. He attended his last meeting as trustee in April 2021. “The entire Lewis and Clark community is saddened by the passing of Mr. Watson,” said L&C President Ken Trzaska. “He was instrumental in the growth and development of not just the college, but our students, team members and the entire community. Lewis and Clark is deeply indebted to Mr. Watson’s leadership. He was an original Trailblazer who exemplified our mission

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ALTON - Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich has identified an Alton male who died on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, after being mauled by a dog inside his residence. The victim is identified as Robert W. Echols, 53, Lovejoy Lane, Alton. Echols resided at the residence with his brother. The coroner said Echols was outside and when he tried to enter the residence, the dog attempted to attack him. The decedent’s brother was able to exit the residence and contacted a neighbor who allowed him to use his phone to call 911 for help. The 911 call was reported at 4:53 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. The coroner said Echols was pronounced deceased at 6:18 p.m., Jan. 10, 2025, by Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Kelsey Jones. "An autopsy examination was conducted, and preliminary findings noted the injuries seen with the body were consistent with animal bites," Novacich said. "A final cause of death will be issued upon completion of a routine toxicology test and further

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ALTON - Chez Marilyn, a well-known establishment in downtown Alton, is set to reopen under new ownership. The announcement was made via the restaurant's Facebook page, where the new owners expressed their enthusiasm for serving the greater Alton area and indicated that new hours and an opening date would be shared soon. Sara McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street, expressed her excitement about the upcoming changes. “We are very excited to learn that there are plans in the works to breathe new life into this wonderful property, which offers one of the best outdoor patios that downtown Alton has to offer,” McGibany said. She noted that Chez Marilyn played a significant role in the downtown area's revival and that its reopening would be a positive development for the district, which will benefit from “great food and live music at 119 W. 3rd Street in Alton once again.” Further details regarding the restaurant's new hours and opening date are anticipated

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EDWARDSVILLE - It might be cold, but that’s not stopping Tropical Sno & Lotus Energy in Edwardsville from sharing their sweet treats with the community. Tropical Sno & Lotus Energy, located at 2323 Plum Street in Edwardsville, sells Tropical Sno snow cones, Lotus Energy drinks, homemade s’mores and, starting sometime in the next few weeks, Dippin’ Dots. David and Melody explained that they love creating new drinks and flavors for their customers to enjoy, and they are looking forward to introducing Dippin’ Dots to their lineup. “I’ve always wanted a big, year-round drink shop,” David said. “We really do have something for everybody.” According to David, the idea behind the shop was to bring together brands and share their products with the Edwardsville community. Tropical Sno and Lotus Energy are national brands, and the shop sells their products in one location. “I don’t want to create brands,” David

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EARTH CITY, MO. - Late last week, ImpactLife facilitated a crucial shipment of blood components to a hospital in California, responding to a request for assistance amid disruptions caused by wildfires in the region. The organization’s IMD team successfully delivered red blood cells and platelets to Los Angeles, marking the second time this year that ImpactLife has provided support to a hospital outside its local area during a crisis. The shipment was prompted by local collection challenges faced by the California hospital due to the ongoing wildfires in southern California. ImpactLife expressed gratitude for its role in aiding patient needs during such emergencies and highlighted the importance of being part of a national network of blood providers. “This effort demonstrates our commitment to supporting healthcare facilities in times of need,” said Murisa Diaz, an account manager at ImpactLife. “We are glad to be able to step forward when called upon.”

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ALTON - St. Mary's Catholic School has announced its high honor roll and honor roll students for the second quarter. These are the students who have earned the recognition: High Honors: Eighth Grade Avery Conrad Elaina Cowan James Fischer Katherine Fitzgerald Tucker Hamilton Eli Heidschmidt Joseph Henesey Parker Hough Caleb Kasten Kainan Kelly Colette Manns Lucia Pulido Jenna Redman Caden Roth William Roth Caden Shewmake Olivia Smith Claire Stephens William Waters Brendan White Seventh Grade Lauren Elliott Ava Holt Jay Klunk Ryan Lopez Alena Manns Eva Martin Charlie Marshall Brody McLeod Joey Root Connor Von Southen Genevieve Stendeback Leena Walker Sophia Waters Abigail Widman Sixth Grade Wyatt Bennett Reese Curry Daniel Fitzgerald Jaxson Foersterling Jude Frost Kelton Grizzle Adam Jacobs Henley Janek Louie Keller James Klockenkemper Katie O'Neill William Roberts Nolan Strack Stone Walker Isla Woodward Honor Roll Eighth

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CASEYVILLE - The Caseyville Police Department is actively investigating a series of thefts that took place on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Authorities have identified one suspect involved in the incidents but are still seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a second individual captured in surveillance images. The department has urged anyone with information regarding the suspects to contact the Caseyville Police Detectives Division at (618) 344-2151 ext. 142. Individuals can leave a voicemail and remain anonymous. Additionally, tips can be submitted via email at tips@caseyville.org . The investigation is ongoing as police work to gather more information related to the thefts.

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VENICE — On Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) visited the former Dow Chemical Company factory to raise awareness around the urgent need for residents to be compensated for health impacts relating to decades long radiation exposure. Budzinski was joined by Venice, Illinois, Mayor Tyrone Echols, Alderman Phillip White, and local activists passionate about this issue. Congresswoman Budzinski speaks to members of the press on the need to reauthorize RECA and expand local eligibility. From the late 1950s to early 1960s, the factory — owned by Dow Chemical Co. at the time—processed uranium and thorium for the nation’s nuclear weapons program. As a result, the site became a 1,400-acre dumping ground for radioactive materials. Despite this, the area has never qualified for assistance through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), leaving residents without necessary support for the lasting effects of exposure. “For decades,

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JERSEYVILLE - A 40-year-old Jerseyville resident remains in custody after grooming a 14-year-old victim and sending them explicit photos of himself. Leif J. Roady, 40, of the 200 block of W. Prairie St. in Jerseyville, was charged on Jan. 10, 2025 with grooming, a Class 4 felony, and distribution of harmful/explicit content to a minor, a Class A misdemeanor. The day prior on Jan. 9, 2025, Leif allegedly sent explicit photos of himself to a 14-year-old child. He also reportedly “attempted to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a minor child, who was 14 years of age, to come to his residence and engage in unlawful sexual conduct,” according to the grooming charge. A petition was filed to deny Roady’s pretrial release, stating his release would pose a “real and present threat” to the community’s safety. Jersey County Sheriff’s Office records indicate he currently remains in custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable

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EDWARDSVILLE - For his impressive and impactful research, teaching and mentoring in the area of enzyme mimetic chemistry, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Yun Lu, PhD , professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry, has been promoted to the rank of Distinguished Research Professor of Chemistry. “I am thrilled to have been awarded the title of Distinguished Research Professor,” said Lu, “My first thought was to share this news with my students, as their dedication and hard work in the laboratory have been instrumental in this achievement. I appreciate their efforts, which have made this honor possible. I believe that this recognition is a testament to their contributions and commitment to our research.” “I am also proud to note that our research group is the first and only one to use solution-based reactions to study the physical aspects of enzyme catalysis,” emphasized Lu. “The role of enzyme’s

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EDWARDSVILLE — A sensor issue triggered fire alarms at Edwardsville High School (EHS) shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, prompting an immediate evacuation of students and staff. Edwardsville School District 7 said: "In line with established safety protocols, all individuals in the building exited as the Edwardsville Fire Department conducted an inspection. The incident concluded without any reported danger to those present. “Please be assured that at no time was there any danger to students or staff. Following the inspection, students and staff were allowed to return to the building." School administrators expressed appreciation for the cooperation and patience of the EHS community during the incident. The administrators noted that students and teachers displayed impressive flexibility and adaptability in maintaining safety throughout the evacuation process.

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