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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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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School Principal Tim McChristian announced that 586 students earned Honor Roll accolades for the first semester of the 2024-25 school year. Students who obtained a grade point average of 5.0 or higher during the first semester earned high honors, while students with a 4.2-4.999 GPA with no D earned was named to the honor roll. All GPAs are based on the current semester GPA (not cumulative). To view the complete list of honorees, click below: HIGH HONOR ROLL - 256 honorees HONOR ROLL - 330 honorees For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net . TO READ ONLINE: https://www.gcsd9.net/default-board-post-page/~board/gcsd9/post/gchs-announces-2024-fall-semester-honor-roll

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SPRINGFIELD – Under the leadership of Gov. JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Transportation continued to revitalize and modernize transportation and mobility across the state in 2024. Made possible by the governor’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, projects transformed highways, transit, railroads, airports, waterways and active transportation everywhere Illinois residents call home, creating safer and more reliable travel options while boosting economic opportunity for generations to come. Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing $45 billion in the state's aging infrastructure, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Through Sept. 30, approximately $17.2 billion in improvements were made statewide on 6,791 miles of highway, 711 bridges and 1,031 additional safety improvements, ranging from routine maintenance projects and minor resurfacings to extensive interstate and bridge reconstructions. “Our state's infrastructure ha

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SPRINGFIELD - Lose 10 pounds? Eat healthier? Exercise more? All great New Year’s resolutions – but how about resolving to get control of your finances? “Starting the new year with a fresh commitment to review and better manage your money is a great way to kick off 2025,” says Comptroller Mendoza. “It might be scary to take a hard look at your financial situation, but it’s the only way to get a handle on debt, save for future needs and make the most of your hard-earned dollars.” Here are some tips to get started: Lay it all out there: Be honest about your money habits and get real about what you need to do to meet goals like saving for retirement, college tuition or a big vacation. Review debt and make a plan to pay off things like credit cards and cars. Tackle that debt: This can be as simple as paying a little extra each month, which will help save on interest charges in the long run. Think about what will motivate you…paying

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ALTON — A 58-year-old man from Alton, was killed Sunday evening, Dec. 29, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle while riding his motorized bicycle on Humbert Road. The Madison County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Steven J. Coryell. The incident occurred at approximately 6:26 p.m. on Dec. 29, 2024, when Coryell was riding northbound on Humbert Road, just north of Randolph Street in unincorporated Alton. He was struck from behind by a vehicle. Coroner’s Office Investigator Shelbi Frakes pronounced him dead at the scene at 7:05 p.m. The coroner's office said preliminary findings indicate that Coryell died from blunt head and chest trauma. A final cause of death will be determined following a forensic autopsy examination and routine toxicology tests. The crash is currently under investigation by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Madison County Coroner’s Office. Funeral arrangements for Coryell are pending and are being handled by Paynic Funeral

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ALTON — A 28-year-old man from Alton died after being struck by a train on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Godfrey. Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich identified the victim as David A. Sproull, who was pronounced dead at 9 a.m. that day on the scene. According to the Madison County Coroner's Office, Sproull was walking along the railroad tracks in the 500 block of Big Arch Road when he was hit by the train. The incident was reported to 911 at 8:30 a.m. "Preliminary investigations indicate that the cause of death was blunt head trauma, with a final determination pending the results of routine toxicology tests," the Madison County Coroner's Office said. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Madison County Coroner’s Office are conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Funeral arrangements for Sproull are being handled by Gent Funeral Home in Alton, Illinois.

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GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic High School's girls cross country team has made a significant mark in the sport, with seniors Elena Rybak, Jane Cummins, and Isabella Harris contributing to the program's success. The team has qualified for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) 1A Cross Country State Championships in Peoria for four consecutive years, a feat that head coach Jim Helton attributes to their dedication and talent. In a recent statement, Helton praised the seniors, saying, "Our seniors Elena Rybak, Jane Cummins, and Isabella Harris were part of 4-straight IHSA 1A Cross Country State Championship qualifications; excellence in the making." Cummins, who has been recognized as a Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athlete of the Month for the Griffins, expressed her enthusiasm for the sport in an interview earlier this season. "I always looking forward to running in Peoria," she said, highlighting the excitement surrounding the upcoming competitions. As one

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WOOD RIVER — Isaiah Kolmer recently wrapped up a noteworthy cross-country career with the East Alton-Wood River Oilers, demonstrating resilience and determination following the death of his mother last year. Kolmer achieved a personal record time of 17:36.2 on October 26, 2024, at the IHSA Class 1A Regional Meet held at Trenton Wesclin. His performance in the meet marked a significant highlight in a season that also included a fifth-place finish with a time of 17:46.4 at the East Alton-Wood River Invite and a 21st-place finish at the Cahokia Conference Meet, where he clocked in at 17:42.0. Kolmer is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete Of the Month for the Oilers. He was also the Alton Road Runners' Club Male Runner of the Year for East Alton-Wood River. Russ Colona, the head boys cross-country coach for the Oilers, praised Kolmer's tenacity. "He overcame a lot. It is very tough for a kid to lose their mother when they are so young," Colona said. Although Kolmer narrowly

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater has rescheduled their “Sing in the New Year” concert, and they can’t wait to welcome audiences to the performance in February. At 2 p.m. on Feb. 15, 2025, at ALT, community members can enjoy Broadway hits, from the Golden Age to the contemporary stage. The show will feature local singer Thomas M. Taylor IV. Lee Cox, the theater’s business manager, expressed her excitement to host the concert and share Taylor’s voice with the Riverbend region. “We decided we wanted to ‘Sing in the New Year’ and just really start it out with a bang,” she said. “Of course, the theater has some plumbing issues right now, so we need to sell a lot more tickets.” ALT recently announced that they will be closed for four to six weeks as they work to completely replace their sewer system. They are trying to raise $50,000 to replace the sewer system and make up for lost revenue; you can donate here

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