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MARYVILLE/TROY - Community members have the chance to win a half-a-million-dollar home while helping local kids. The Home Builders and Remodelers Metro East Association (HBRMEA) is sponsoring a raffle where the grand prize is a new home in Troy, Illinois, or $300,000 cash. Tickets cost $100 and only 20,000 tickets will be sold. All proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Illinois and Make-A-Wish Missouri/Kansas. “Right now in Missouri and Illinois, there are over 2,000 kids waiting for wishes,” said Shannon Stelling with HBRMEA. “This project can make such an impact and cut into that number by a large amount to help these kids get their wishes come true…I encourage everyone to come out and support this project.” The home drawing will take place on April 29, 2025, live on Fox 2. The winner can choose between the new home in Troy or the $300,000. The house, valued at over $500,000, is 1,800 square feet with an unfinished basement. It has three bedrooms,

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While respiratory illness season storms on, one virus continues to be the unfortunate leader of them all. Influenza, or the flu, is dominating the other viruses like COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus, Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and others, according to Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. He adds that the increase in flu cases is “typical and expected” for this time of year. The strain of flu that is circulating is an Influenza A strain, which is also predicted. Flu at highest rate and climbing "Seasonal influenza rates are increasing each week, per the CDC. That refers to the number of positive tests that are being seen at access sites, like (OSF) PromptCare, urgent care, emergency departments and primary care offices," Dr. Kasper says. "The percentage of tests returning positive for influenza is climbing and it's at its highest level for our season." This comes just days after the Chicago Department of Public

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SAINT LOUIS, MO. - Principia School invites middle schoolers and jazz enthusiasts across the Greater St. Louis region to enjoy a jazz clinic and concert at their first annual Principia Middle School Jazz Honors Festival. On Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, middle school jazz musicians from schools across the region can attend a jazz clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Principia School, located at 13201 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Missouri. Emanuel Harrold, a two-time Grammy Award winner and St. Louis-based musician, will lead the clinic. The day concludes with a free concert, open to the public, at 5 p.m. in Ridgway Auditorium. “We want to be a great musical neighbor,” said Keith Evans, percussion instructor. “Come be a part of this. Here's what we have going on on our campus. We’d like this family to grow. Music is the only language that is universal.” The middle school jazz clinic costs $35 and includes lunch and snacks. Evans said students will rehearse and

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Did you know that breakfast eaters tend to consume about 100 fewer calories throughout the day compared to those who skip the morning meal? While many of us may reach for the same familiar toast or cereal each morning, there exists a treasure trove of unique breakfast ideas that not only satisfy hunger but also elevate our mornings into a delightful culinary experience. Embracing variety in breakfast can be the key to starting your day with energy and enthusiasm. Let’s explore some innovative options that can transform your morning routine. Breakfast Bowls: A Canvas of Flavors Breakfast bowls are a wonderful way to combine different flavors and textures into one delicious meal. They encourage creativity and customization based on personal preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Savory Oatmeal Bowl: Instead of the traditional sweet oatmeal, prepare a savory version. Cook steel-cut oats and top them with sautéed spinach, a poached egg, crumbled feta cheese,

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Welcome to January 24, a day that has witnessed a multitude of significant events throughout history, shaping politics, culture, science, and society. In 1984, a groundbreaking event took place that would forever change the landscape of technology and communication. Apple Inc. launched the Macintosh computer, introducing a user-friendly interface that brought personal computing to the masses. This innovative product not only revolutionized the way people interacted with computers but also set the stage for the modern digital age. The Macintosh was notable for its graphical user interface, which was a stark departure from the text-based systems prevalent at the time. This launch marked the beginning of a new era in technology, influencing countless innovations that followed. Fast forward to 1965, when a significant moment in space exploration occurred. The United States launched the first successful test of the Saturn I rocket. This was a groundbreaking achievement for NASA, as th

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BETHALTO — Madison County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a traffic crash in the 1700 block of South Moreland Road Thursday night, Jan. 23, 2025. Preliminary investigations indicate that a northbound vehicle crossed into the opposing traffic lane, resulting in a collision with a southbound vehicle. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage; however, no injuries were reported. Madison County Sheriff's Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Among the New Year’s resolutions worldwide, many people have pledged to find and stick with a healthy diet. But there’s a lot more to it than just grabbing every “reduced fat” item off the grocery store shelf. Karen Whitehorn, MD, an OSF HealthCare internal medicine physician, hears questions all the time about diets. Her first question back is usually: what do you want out of your diet? Do you want to be healthy? Lose weight? Manage a medical condition? Sort through the details, and you’ll find the best option. Exploring the popular options U.S. News and World Report each year consults a panel of medical and nutrition experts to rank the best diets. The Mediterranean diet topped the list. Dr. Whitehorn says this diet is based on the eating habits of people who live near the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a plant-based diet, incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, brown rice and seafood. An added benefit: recent research shows the Mediterranean

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CHICAGO - Today Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), state and local leaders at the Will Group to announce $10 million in funding for the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3) Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program to help small businesses achieve sustainable growth, improve efficiency, and create and retain jobs through capital improvements. This grant program is designed around equity to uplift businesses owned by historically underrepresented groups and very small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. “Creating economic opportunity for diverse and small businesses demonstrates our commitment to investing in all of our people and growing the economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “In communities across Illinois, small businesses are sustaining quality jobs, anchoring downtowns and commercial districts, providing vital goods and services, playing an integral role in supply chains,

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (one female student and one male student) that were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship each at the end of the school year. 2024 December’s Eagles of the Month winners: Math - Stephen Henson Visual Arts - Brailey Harrop Social Studies - Kaylea Falk P.E./Health - John Wallace Choir - McKenzie Martin Band - Madeline Wood Science - Bryce McArthur English - Myleigh Erwin C.T.E. - Sawyer Meyer Teacher of the Month winners: Dan Carlson - Physical Education Congratulations to all the Civic Memorial “Eagles of the Month” and the “Teacher of the Month!”

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MADISON COUNTY — A police chase concluded without incident on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, according to East Alton Police Chief Scott Golike. The pursuit, which involved multiple law enforcement jurisdictions, ended on Buchta Road in Madison County, where traffic was temporarily halted. East Alton Chief Golike reported that the chase was traffic-related and noted that the vehicle involved had been in a crash before the pursuit. The damage displayed was not new. As of 4:17 p.m. on Thursday, Buchta Road remained closed while authorities continued their investigation. Chief Golike stated that more information would be released as the situation develops. A subject is in custody.

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GODFREY - St. Ambrose Catholic School has released its second quarter honor roll. 2024-2025 4th Grade High Honor Roll Colton French Sophie Hoefert Hunter Johnson Cayla Kory 4th Grade Honor Roll Chrisley Bechtold Lucas Lacy Leo Noss Reid Pruetzel Ella Schroeder Lily Yemm 5th Grade High Honor Roll Miles Schroeder 5th Grade Honor Roll Elijah Baird Tucker Eberlin James Erwin Holly Franklin Kamryn Hollinger Audrina Klasner Alysa Kochan Jackson Lacy Maizy McCahill William Monahan Eileen Rodriguez-Frias 6th Grade High Honor Roll Danica Dornes Finn Kane Lydia Lara Caroline Morrissey 6th Grade Honor Roll Stella Copple Charles Droste Rylan Estes Charlotte Hendrickson Emma Kory Neal Pichee Liam Rose Finn Stephan Isla Stevenson Thomas Stirnaman Ryan Terry Cameron Weirich 7th Grade High Honor Roll Piper Adams Erin Crawford Kayli Jacobs Leon Kerkemeyer Charlotte Kohl Parker Williams Laken Wong 7th Grade Honor Roll Nata

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ALTON - During their regular meeting on Jan. 21, 2025, the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education recognized Sarah Magary-Burns, the recipient of the Emerson Excellence in Education Award. The Emerson Company recognizes over 100 teachers every year in the St. Louis metropolitan area, from kindergarten teachers to college professors. Alton Superintendent Elaine Kane commended Magary-Burns for the hard work she demonstrates every day. “Let me tell you, Sarah does not like attention. Nothing about what she does is to get attention or recognition,” Kane said. “We’re going to put her on the spot here because she deserves it, and it’s really important because she represents excellence in the profession. We have so many teachers here to celebrate, and she is an excellent representative of the work that we do here in Alton.” Magary-Burns currently teaches second grade at North Elementary School. In the past, she has taught at

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EAST ALTON — A cooking fire on the fifth floor of "The Olin Home" prompted a swift response from the East Alton Fire Department at approximately 2:06 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. Fire crews were dispatched to the location at 310 Smith Ave. following reports of a fire alarm activation. Upon arrival, firefighters from Engine 4311 and WR Truck 4233 found no visible signs of fire from the exterior of the building. However, the building's alarm system indicated multiple activations on the fifth floor. Firefighters quickly located the source of the alarm, identifying a cooking fire in an apartment with significant smoke present. East Alton Fire Chief Tim Quigley said he appreciated the response of his department's firefighters and all the others involved, including the Roxana and Wood River fire departments. He said his firefighters are used to working in high-rise situations because there are two in East Alton. The chief also said he greatly appreciated the assistance of

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the opening of the next round of funding for the Illinois Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program. The General Assembly appropriated up to $14 million to Illinois EPA for the EV Rebate program for the current fiscal year. Rebates will be issued to eligible applicants subject to availability of funds. “Through our nation-leading Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program is making EV ownership more accessible and affordable for Illinoisans,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “A clean energy future depends on ensuring sustainable technology is within reach for everyone, and my administration is committed to making that a reality. From EV rebates to workforce programs that support clean energy jobs, we’re positioning Illinois as a leader in the fight against climate change.” “Through the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebat

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ST. LOUIS, MO. — The American Red Cross encourages donors to give blood or platelets now to help protect the blood supply from the ongoing impact of severe winter weather and wildfires. Donors of all blood types – particularly type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets – are needed to help save lives this month . As dangerous snow and ice continue to sweep across the country, and wildfires in Southern California continue to burn and impact air quality, Red Cross blood drive cancellations have grown into the hundreds. Collectively, this has resulted in about 15,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations in January. More winter storms are forecast for this week − including in areas of the U.S. that do not typically experience significant snowfall − which could further strain the blood supply. Additionally, hazardous weather conditions have the potential to make it tougher to move vital blood products across the Red Cross network,

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CHICAGO – Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) announced today that disaster tax relief will be available for individuals and businesses in southern California affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds that began on Jan 7, 2025. Affected taxpayers now have until October 15, 2025, to file various state individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. "My administration is committed to supporting those communities across southern California as they recover from the extensive damage caused by the wildfires,” said Governor JB Pritzker. "Residents who live or have businesses in the affected areas won't need to worry about incurring penalties and interest on their tax deadlines until October. This additional time will allow them to gather essential paperwork without added stress." IDOR is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) . Currently, individuals and households that reside

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CHICAGO - The State of Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission (ADCRC) announces the fourth stop on its nine-part series of statewide public hearings. ADCRC is hosting public hearings to discuss reparatory actions for Black Americans in Illinois who are descendants of American Chattel Slavery. The next public hearing will take place in Evanston on Saturday, February 8, at Northwestern University. For those unable to attend in person, the hearing will be livestreamed on the ADCRC YouTube page: www.YouTube.com/@IllinoisADCRC . Through these public hearings, the commission aims to gather vital recommendations on reparations from the general public for policymakers and key stakeholders. Featured speakers—including Robin Rue Simmons, Nick Cummings, and Afrika Porter—will present the intergenerational impact of Housing Segregation, Separate and Unequal Education, and Racism in Environment & Infrastructure. Subsequent hearings will occur throughout Illinois

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ALTON - Community members and elected officials gathered at City Hall for the unveiling of a historic painting. On Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, Chair of the Alton Historical Commission Douglas Bader and Third Ward Alderman Ray Strebel unveiled the painting in its new spot on the second floor of City Hall. The painting of the Lucy Haskell Playhouse, done by artist and preservationist Ruth Means, is freshly restored thanks to the help of the Alton community. “It’s amazing because when I found it, I thought it was a death sentence,” Strebel said. “For it to sit on the wall this quick and the support of the community is kind of overwhelming. I’m so happy that it’s done.” A few months ago, Strebel discovered the painting in storage at City Hall. It had four rips in the canvas and the paint was beginning to flake off. He contacted Bader, and the two of them were faced with a decision. “We really had a choice at that point: either stic

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STEVENS POINT, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored more than 2,600 undergraduate students for attaining high grade point averages during the fall semester of the 2024-2025 academic year. Edwardsville's Madison Ruklic earned the Highest Honors recognition for the fall. Full-time undergraduates who earned grade points of 3.90 to 4.0 (4.0 equals straight A) are given the highest honors designation. High honor citations go to those with grade point averages from 3.75 to 3.89 and honor recognition is accorded to those with grade point averages from 3.50 to 3.74. Personalized certificates of scholastic achievement are sent to those who earned highest honors distinction.

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SPRINGFIELD — Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a leading Catholic health ministry with operations in Illinois and Wisconsin, announced today that Leanne M. Yanni, MD, MHCM, FACP, has been named President and CEO of Illinois Physician Enterprise for HSHS. Dr. Yanni will begin March 17. In this role, Dr. Yanni will have strategic and operational responsibility for HSHS Medical Group, Prairie Cardiovascular, Physician Clinical Integration Network, LLC (PCIN), HSHS ACO, LLC, and Prairie Education & Research Cooperative (PERC). Dr. Yanni is a collaborative physician executive with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in navigating change and transformation in matrixed organizations. She comes to HSHS from the Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) system, where she most recently served as the Market Ambulatory Chief Medical Officer for the Bon Secours Richmond Market in Richmond, Virginia, with seven hospitals and 400 employed providers. Concurrently, she has been serving

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