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CHICAGO – Illinois continues to lead the country in strengthening reproductive rights. A law that takes effect January 1st prohibits discrimination based on a person’s reproductive health decisions, including fertility care and abortion. “At a time when reproductive rights are under attack across the nation, Illinois is standing strong,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “This law makes it clear: no one should face discrimination for making personal decisions about their reproductive health. Whether it’s fertility care or abortion, your choices are your own, and your rights are protected.” “This legislation is more than a law—it's a declaration of human dignity,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton . “We’re affirming that personal medical decisions belong to individuals, not employers or institutions. Illinois is not just protecting a right; we're championing a fundamental principle of personal autonomy and bodil

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On November 4th, 2024, a press release appeared in local and regional media publications asserting that a non-profit 501(c)(6), commonly referred to as Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau had determined that it would build a $7.2 million dollar, tax-payer funded visitors' center at the mouth of Piasa Creek, with plans to open by the Spring of 2026. The proposed location of the facility is on the former site of Piasa Harbor, now controlled by the Great Rivers' Land Trust. It appears that this proposed location was a second choice after having met with opposition to building it in the downtown Alton area. Additionally, the proposed site itself has an unfortunate story as it was until very recently an excellent boat harbor with a vibrant ecosystem that might have become, had it remained privately operated, a boon to even greater recreational boating and fishing tourism for our region. Instead, today it has the appearance of an abandoned industrial area. Go take a look at it, and decide

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WOOD RIVER - Tamarion Marshall, an East Alton-Wood River junior, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the sport of basketball. Marshall has been involved in the game for as long as he can remember, growing up in a basketball family. His dedication to the sport, along with his academic achievements, has positioned him as a noteworthy athlete at his school. Marshall is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Marshall credits his success to a strong support system, particularly his parents. "My dad shows me tough love and what I need to fix. My mom shows me courage and she's always got my back," he said. He also expressed gratitude for Kevin Gockel, whom he regards as a father figure, and his coaches, acknowledging that many others have played a role in his development as a player. Under the guidance of Coach Eric DeWerff, Marshall has put in significant effort outside of school and practice, consistently working on his skills. "I'

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ST. LOUIS, MO, December 31, 2024 – Mark your calendars for an unforgettable night! Drunken Fish invites you to the 4th Annual Lunar New Year Party, celebrating the Year of the Snake, on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM at the stunning 612North Event Space + Catering. Join us for an evening filled with vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and thrilling entertainment. This cocktail-style event will feature All-You-Can-Eat Asian cuisine, a Chinese Lion Dance, a Live DJ, a Live Sushi Chef, and much more. Guests will savor an exquisite Asian fusion menu, including a mandu, Korean fried chicken and more from Kimchi Guys, assorted sushi, build-your-own-poke bowl, gyoza, appetizers, and more by Drunken Fish, and other fan favorites. For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP ticket holders will enjoy exclusive perks, including a private section with a bar, unlimited beer, wine, and premium offerings that make the night even more special. The Year o

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ALTON - As the countdown to 2025 begins, the Alton Police Department (APD) is reminding residents to celebrate New Year’s Eve safely with a set of practical tips. The advice comes as part of the department's initiative to ensure that festivities remain enjoyable and free of mishaps. In a message shared with the community, APD emphasizes the importance of moderation of those partying with alcohol, urging party-goers to “sip, don’t guzzle” their drinks, whether they are indulging in champagne or sparkling cider. The department notes that pacing oneself can prevent the unwelcome start to the new year that often accompanies a hangover. For those planning to consume alcohol, APD recommends organizing a safe means of transportation. Residents are encouraged to designate a sober driver, utilize rideshare services, or simply walk if conditions permit. The department cautions against relying on friends who may have had a few drinks themselves. Fireworks are a traditional

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GRANITE CITY – The Granite City High School cheerleading program has showcased a mix of talent across its varsity and junior varsity teams this winter, as well as a special group designated for game day support. Granite City placed first recently in the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association state qualifying meet at Highland. The team secured two third-place finishes and qualified two members for ICCA state competition. The girls are Stillwater Senior Living Female Athletes of the Month for the Warriors. Granite City High School cheerleaders showcased a successful performance at the 40th Annual Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic held during winter break. Tiffany Kimmel is the head Granite City cheerleading coach. The cheerleaders are now excited and preparing for the upcoming ICCA state competition. The girls are Stillwater Senior Living Female Athletes of the Month for the Warriors. These are lists of both the Granite City Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleading

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ALTON — James Gray, a prominent figure in the Alton community and former long-time president of the Alton Branch of the NAACP, died on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at the age of 90. Gray celebrated his 89th birthday in the spring of 2023, coinciding with the dedication of a street sign in his honor in Alton. The event drew a large gathering of family, friends, and community members who recognized Gray's decades-long contributions to civil rights and youth advocacy. Gray served as the president of the Alton Branch of the NAACP for more than 25 years, during which he was instrumental in various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of impoverished children in the area. Alton Alderwoman Rosetta Brown praised Gray, calling him "a legend in our community," and highlighted his significant impact on youth, civil rights, and local organizations. "Jim Gray has been the consummate servant to the people of Alton," Brown said. "He was front and center on many issues over the years." In additio

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GODFREY/EDWARDSVILLE - Lewis and Clark Community College offers a College for Life program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. College for Life allows adults to continue their education beyond high school with non-credit courses that prioritize engagement, socialization and self-advocacy. Students can take a variety of classes every semester. “College for Life is fun,” said Jay, a College for Life student. “You get to meet lots of friends and learn new things.” Niki, an instructor with College for Life, echoed Jay. She noted that the program is “extremely rewarding” for instructors and students alike, as she gets to watch her students grow through the years. She recently taught a “Harry Potter” class, where students made potions and wrote spell books, and a criminal justice class that encouraged students to solve pretend crimes around campus. Other classes, from sewing to money math, are offered

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SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton released the following statement as Illinois prepares to implement key provisions of the Birth Equity Initiative on January 1, 2025: “Our journey toward the Birth Equity Initiative began by simply listening to the wisdom in the room— midwives, doulas and birth workers in the trenches with Black mothers who have faced unthinkable barriers during their pregnancy and postpartum journeys. Their stories fueled our mission, and their voices shaped this initiative, helping to transform maternal healthcare in Illinois. That future begins now. Starting January 1, Illinois mothers will have coverage for certified professional midwives, perinatal doulas, birth workers and home-visiting services for one year postpartum– the kind of personalized, culturally-aware care that we know makes a difference. These are not just policy changes; they are lifelines for families seeking the care they deserve. I'm grateful to Governor Pritzker

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BELLEVILLE — A shooting incident that occurred on October 5, 2024, has resulted in the death of a 16-year-old victim, Hayden S. Chisholm, who succumbed to his injuries on Monday, Dec. 29, 2024, at a St. Louis hospital, according to the Belleville Police Department. The shooting took place at approximately 6:51 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2024, in the 900 block of North 2nd Street in Belleville. Officers responding to the scene found Chisholm lying in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds. He received immediate first aid from police before being transported to the hospital by MedStar EMS. Belleville Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the shooting followed an altercation over narcotics involving Chisholm and two male suspects. Witnesses described the suspects as Black males in their teens, wearing black clothing, who fled the scene — one on foot and the other on a bicycle. The Belleville Police secured the area and began a crime scene investigation, with assistance

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SPRINGFIELD – As 2024 comes to a close, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to keep roads safe. The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway now through the New Year, focusing on impaired driving, seat belt violations, speeding, distracted driving, and other dangerous behaviors throughout Illinois. “Don’t start 2025 by making a costly and possibly fatal choice of getting behind the wheel impaired,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. ?“Too many families will face this holiday season without a loved one due to a crash. These losses are preventable. One life lost on our roads is one too many.” If you are out celebrating New Year’s Eve, it’s imperative to plan for a sober ride home before the festivities begin. According to provisional data, in

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb today in leading a coalition of 18 attorneys general that filed an amicus brief in support of the state of Maryland in Kipke v. Moore and Novotny v. Moore, two consolidated challenges to Maryland’s restrictions on carrying firearms in various sensitive places. Raoul’s brief urges the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to uphold the constitutionality of Maryland’s Gun Safety Act of 2023 and other firearms regulations, noting that the Supreme Court has consistently recognized that the Second Amendment does not preclude states from enacting reasonable regulations to protect communities from gun violence. “States have the right to enact reasonable restrictions on where firearms can and cannot be carried in public spaces,” Raoul said. “I will continue to advocate with my fellow attorneys general for commonsense solutions that address the scourge

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - As 2024 comes to a close, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) highlighted several key accomplishments she secured over the last year: “From helping almost 2,600 Illinoisans recover more than $11 million the Federal Government owed them to bringing home hundreds of millions of dollars to get the lead out of our children’s drinking water, and from protecting IVF access for hopeful parents across the nation to helping make flying safer and more efficient for traveling Illinoisans and travelers with disabilities, I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished this year,” Duckworth said. “It’s a true honor to continue serving Illinoisans in the United States Senate and while I know the year ahead may look different than many of us hoped it would, I also know there’s still much we can accomplish to help save working families money, end preventable gun violence, invest in communities that have been ignored for too long, advocate

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VIRDEN - North Mac High School will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 at 231 W. Fortune St., inside the ImpactLife Donor Bus. What: North Mac High School Community Blood Drive When: Wednesday, January 15, 8:45 am - 1:30 pm Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, 231 West Fortune Street, Virden, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Tina Leonard at (217) 965-4127 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60085 to locate the drive. You may also call ImpactLife to schedule at 800-747-5401. Appointments are requested. 2801 South 10th Street | Springfield, Illinois | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org ) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call

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EDWARDSVILLE - 30 children in foster care will join their forever families when their adoptions are finalized this morning at the Madison County Courthouse in Edwardsville. Similar events took place at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago and the Williamson County Courthouse last month and at hundreds of locations across the country in celebration of National Adoption Day. Madison County 3rd Judicial Circuit Court Judge Amy Maher, Illinois DCFS and private agency staff will come together to make the day memorable for these new families. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and the finalizations will begin at 9 a.m. A celebration, including refreshments, will take place throughout the event. “Adoption Day is a very special day in Madison County, and I look forward to it every year,” said Judge Maher. “It is immensely satisfying to see these children find their forever homes through adoption.” “We have all heard the expression about giving our children ‘roots’

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, alongside a coalition of 20 attorneys general, urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reaffirm that states, in exercising their responsibility to draw voting districts, should be given the first opportunity to redraw legislative maps in response to court orders identifying likely violations of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Raoul and the coalition filed an amicus brief in Louisiana v. Callais supporting Louisiana and a group of Louisiana voters seeking to uphold a congressional map that includes two majority-Black districts. “Everyone deserves the right to vote, regardless of where they live or the color of their skin,” Raoul said. “As demographics shift around the state of Illinois and across the country, states should have the ability to redraw their legislative maps to ensure everyone has equal voting opportunities.” In 2022, a Louisiana federal court found the state’s congressional map likely diluted the votes

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BELLEVILLE - Improvements are on the way for the splash pad area of Bicentennial Park in Belleville. At their last meeting, Belleville City Council members approved two resolutions related to splash pad improvements. Among the items passed was a $217,903 contract with Hemmer Construction LLC for improvements to the Bicentennial Park splash pad. Under the approved contract, new fencing will be installed around the splash pad area. A new shade structure will also be constructed, and the current number of nearby parking spaces will be expanded. Also approved was a separate but related resolution authorizing Gonzales Companies LLC to perform construction management services for the splash pad improvement project. Gonzales is set to work specifically on upgrades related to the parking lot expansion, including construction layout, material testing, site inspection, and more. A total of $21,000 has been allocated to cover the cost of their construction management services, bringing

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As the year comes to a close, the excitement of New Year’s Eve fills the air. Hosting a New Year’s Eve party at home can be a fantastic way to celebrate the past year while ushering in the new one with friends and family. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large bash, creating a memorable experience requires thoughtful planning and organization. This article outlines key steps to ensure your New Year’s Eve party is a success. Setting the Date and Time While New Year’s Eve is traditionally celebrated on December 31, the time you choose to start the festivities can impact the overall vibe of your party. Many hosts opt for an early evening start time, allowing guests to arrive, enjoy food and drinks, and engage in activities before the countdown to midnight. A typical schedule might involve guests arriving around 7 PM with dinner served by 8 PM, leaving ample time for games, conversations, and the all-important countdown. Choosing a Theme

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As we stand at the cusp of a new year, December 31st has been a day of both reflection and transformation throughout history. One of the most significant events that took place on December 31st occurred in 1907 when the first New Year's Eve ball drop took place in Times Square, New York City. This iconic tradition began as a way to celebrate the opening of One Times Square and has since evolved into a global symbol of New Year's celebrations. As the clock strikes midnight, millions gather in the heart of Manhattan to witness the spectacular descent of the illuminated ball, marking the transition into a new year with hope and anticipation. Fast forward to 1946, December 31st marked a pivotal moment in the realm of international relations. The United Nations General Assembly held its first meeting in London. This was a significant step towards fostering global cooperation and peace following the tumultuous events of World War II. The UN was created to prevent future conflicts and

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COLLINSVILLE - Antonio Dean III, who's a junior forward for the boys basketball team at Granite City High School, is emerging as one of the leaders on a young Warriors' team that recently played four games at the 40th Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic tournament. He is showing strong leadership skills and savvy for the Warriors. Antonio is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. In Granite's only win of the tournament, a 52-47 triumph over Mundelein in the consolation quarterfinals, Dean scored 12 points, and helped the Warriors come back from numerous deficits to take the win. For the season, Dean is averaging 6.1 points and 0.9 rebounds-per-game, and also has eight assists and 13 steals as the Warriors are currently 5-10 after the tournament. In a postgame interview that followed the win over the Mustangs, Dean felt solid about his effort and was happy to help the team out in any way he could. "I'm feeling good," Dean said. "We started

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