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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) led colleagues in urging Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to provide guidance to states on expanding coverage for fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), through their benchmark plans before the end of 2024. In the Senators’ letter, Duckworth and Booker also emphasized the importance of making fertility treatments more accessible and affordable in response to the challenges posed by legal restrictions following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, particularly in states like Alabama, where legal challenges to IVF access have emerged. “Despite significant advances in the medical treatment of infertility, such as IVF, access to and affordability of this care is severely lacking in the U.S. Costs for a single cycle of IVF have recently been estimated to range from $15,000 to $20,000 on average and can exceed $30,000. Unfortunately,

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CHICAGO - New perinatal doula and lactation consultant services are now available to pregnant and postpartum individuals who are enrolled in the Illinois Medicaid program, further expanding maternal and child health coverage, a core priority for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). Certified doulas are trained professionals who provide a range of physical, educational and emotional supports to pregnant and birthing individuals throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience with a goal of improving health outcomes for birthing people and infants. Lactation consultants are healthcare professionals who provide breastfeeding education and support and can assist parents with any questions or challenges with breastfeeding. “Here in Illinois, we're committed to ensuring every mother, regardless of race, income, or zip code, has access to the care they deserve," said Governor JB Pritzker. "By expanding Medicaid to include doula and lactation

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ALTON — The fourth annual gingerbread contest showcased the creative talents of local residents and brought festive cheer to the community. The free event, designed to engage children and adults alike, featured categories for K-5th graders, parents and kids, as well as adults competing individually and in groups. This year’s contest saw participation from three children in the K-5th category, one adult individual, three adult groups, and two parent-child combinations. Will Alford took first place in the K-5th category, followed by Isabella Black in second. In the Kid & Parent Group, Alicia and Roland claimed first place, with Lisa and Stella Black taking second. Dawn Herbst was awarded first place in the Adult Individual category. The Adult Group category saw Barry, Ellen, and Don take first place, with Lynn and Bryan in second, and Hannah and Caleb finishing third. Lyndsey Younger, the interim director of the Alton Park and Rec Department, expressed hope that the gingerbread

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ALTON - Kieley Woods is the first-ever freshman to be recognized as an Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Remarkarkable Redbird of the Month. Woods has made her mark even though her time at Alton High has only been a few short months. She is a member of Upward Bound, a student group that focuses on preparing students for college and helps to give students confidence in public speaking. Kieley has appreciated the efforts of the group and being a part of visits to area colleges such as Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and Harris Stowe University. She said that it has definitely opened her eyes to see different schools. Kieley is also a member of the A-Town Steppers, a Step Team that you will see perform during halftime of home Alton High School boys and girls basketball games. The team consists of 10 girls who practice on Mondays and Wednesdays and perform on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check your Alton High boys and girls basketball schedules for when you may be able to see the A-Tow

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ALTON – The City of Alton and New Frontier Materials wish to provide an update regarding the sinkhole incident that recently occurred in Gordon Moore Park due to mine subsidence. These are the comments submitted by Alton Mayor David Goins: "New Frontier Materials has successfully completed surface core drilling in four designated areas of the park, with three of those sites located directly adjacent to the sinkhole. This essential drilling work was conducted to better understand the subsurface conditions and identify the cause of the sinkhole. "The rock and soil samples collected during the drilling process have been sent to a certified lab for thorough analysis, and we expect to receive the results within this month. The findings will be critical for New Frontier Materials' consultants as they develop a comprehensive final report outlining the cause of the sinkhole, as well as a detailed repair plan. "While we anticipate the completion of the final report by February, we want

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GLEN CARBON - Will Rakers is a sophomore forward for Father McGivney Catholic's boys basketball team, and helps give the Griffins a needed boost when needed, making a positive contribution to the team while on the floor. Rakers scored three points off the bench for McGivney in their 61-38 Gateway Metro Conference loss to Marquette Catholic on Dec. 17, and is currently averaging 1.3 points, and 1.2 rebounds-per-game, adding nine assists and three steals to his stat line for the Griffins. "We started off strong this season, but these past few games have been tough losses, and just tonight is another example of it," Rakers said after the defeat. "We just need to get back up, just get back." As Rakers sees it, there's no other way to get out of the slump except work your way out of it, and it's something his team is ready to do. "Like one of our teammates said, we just can't get used to this feeling," Rakers said. "We've got to get back, practice hard, and just be prepared for each

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BENTON – A district court judge sentenced two Houston, Texas, men to federal prison for burglarizing pharmacies of controlled substances in Casey, Illinois, and Poplar Bluff, Missouri. McKindley V. Allen, 32, and DaLeon J. Fontennet, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary involving controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and attempted burglary involving controlled substances. Both defendants were sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment. “Damaging and burglarizing locally-owned pharmacies that provide vital healthcare services impair rural communities, and leave residents and employees without reliable support,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The defendants were only concerned with lining their own pockets with controlled substances and drug proceeds and had no regard for the destruction left for the communities to clean up.” According to court documents,

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ALTON — Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford provided more details about a serious traffic crash on Homer Adams Parkway that left one 18-year-old female driver with significant injuries on Thursday morning, December 19, 2024. Alton Police Department officers and the fire department team responded to the incident at approximately 10:48 a.m., following reports of a crash with possible entrapment. Ford said upon arrival, officers discovered that a vehicle had exited the roadway, traveling along a grassy area situated between Wood River Creek and the extension of Homer Adams Parkway. The chief said the vehicle struck a guy wire connected to an electrical pole before rolling down a steep incline and becoming lodged in a dirt embankment adjacent to Wood River Creek. The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was located and subsequently extricated with the assistance of the Alton Fire Department. The chief said after being freed from the wreckage, the driver was transferred to an awaiting

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker, Avina Clean Hydrogen, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced the selection of Southwest Illinois as the location for Avina Clean Hydrogen’s $820 million investment for a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project. The investment will enable Avina Clean Hydrogen Inc., a pioneer in the clean fuels sector, to develop its facility to produce SAF, helping meet Illinois’ clean energy goals and supporting the state’s growing clean energy economy. “Illinois is proud to be a leader in the nation’s clean energy industry, and we’ve seen record growth over the past few years as companies choose to relocate to or expand across our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Avina Clean Hydrogen’s new SAF production facility will support our ambitious goals for a clean energy economy by substantially reducing carbon emissions and creating new jobs for Southwest Illinois.”

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CHICAGO - Yesterday, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved Commonwealth Edison’s refiled multi-year grid plan (2024-2027) with modifications. The Commission approved $1.5 billion in investments and system improvements needed to strengthen power grid reliability and support the ongoing electrification of the state’s power system. The decision cut the utility’s proposed $2.0 billion in spending by approximately 25 percent. The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) required the state’s largest investor-owned electric utilities to file grid plans designed to accelerate progress toward Illinois’ clean energy goals and hold electric companies accountable for their performance. “After extensive review, the Commission is confident that both ComEd and Ameren have the tools necessary to make needed investments to drive the clean energy transition and continue modernizing Illinois’ electric grid. These plans are a key component to meeting

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee—met yesterday with Filipino Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez. In their meeting, the two discussed their shared ongoing priorities as well as some of the ways Senator Duckworth is working to strengthen the alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines while bolstering security in the Indo-Pacific region through the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) , which passed the Senate yesterday and now heads to the President’s desk for his signature. Photos of the meeting can be found on the Senator’s website . “I was glad to meet with Ambassador Romualdez to discuss the different ways we can keep working together to further strengthen the U.S.-Philippine Alliance,” said Senator Duckworth. “During our conversation, I’m glad I had a chance to share

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced a $20 million proposed settlement agreement with Leader Automotive Group (Leader) and its parent company, AutoCanada, to resolve allegations Leader defrauded consumers trying to buy vehicles. In addition to paying $20 million, which will be used to refund harmed consumers, the proposed settlement would require all Leader dealerships in Illinois to make clear disclosures of a car’s offering price, which is the actual price any consumer can pay to buy the car, excluding only required government charges. The settlement also requires the companies to receive consent from buyers for add-on product charges. “This dealership network engaged in bait-and-switch tactics by luring consumers into their dealerships with lower prices only to either require consumers to purchase allegedly pre-installed add-on products or charge consumers for those products without their knowledge

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls were down -3,400 while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.3 percent in November, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The October monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -2,400 to +8,400, while the revised unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, unchanged from the preliminary October unemployment rate. The November payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. In November, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job losses included: Construction (-2,700), Professional and Business Services (-2,400), Manufacturing (-1,400) and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-1,400). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll job increases included: Leisure and Hospitality (+2,000), Other Services (+1,100), and Privat

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SPRINGFIELD - An early holiday gift to The Salvation Army will help people in need. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs on Wednesday returned $27,100 in I-CASH missing money to The Salvation Army, the charitable organization widely known for its iconic Red Kettle Christmas fundraising campaign. The Salvation Army is the largest non-governmental provider of social services in the world. “We make an extra effort at this time of year to return money to nonprofits and groups that helps others in need,” said Frerichs, who returned the money at The Salvation Army Central Territory headquarters in Hoffman Estates. “I am grateful we found this money for an organization that provides people life-saving services throughout the year. The Salvation Army makes the holiday season brighter for people who might be going through a challenging time.” According to The Salvation Army Central Territorial Commander, Commissioner Evie Diaz, “We’re very thankful

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Adult Education program presented certificates to 16 students who completed the Solar Workforce Training program, which is among the workforce and economic development programs outlined by the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). It is the goal of the CEJA to put Illinois on track to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. According to Solar Photovoltaic Instructor Kyle Barber, the legislation creates an automatic demand for trained workers statewide. “Students will be trained to work in the sale, design and installation of solar energy systems,” he said. “The training will help them find employment anywhere renewable energy is being built.” Both Alton Mayor David Goins and 111th District Representative Amy Elik were on hand to offer their congratulations. Graduate Brooke Bennett of Alton learned about the program through other family members attending class at L&C’s

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ALTON - An 18-year-old female was seriously injured in a single-car accident that occurred on the North Broadway Extension near Alton on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024. The incident occurred when her vehicle missed a guard rail, left the roadway and traveled through weeds before going down a levee, ultimately coming to rest on its wheels, authorities who were at the scene said. Emergency services responded promptly, with Alton Police, Fire Department, and East Alton Police Department and Fire units on the scene. The severity of the female's injuries necessitated the use of an ARCH Helicopter for transport to St. Louis University Hospital. The call to Alton first responders occurred at 10:49 a.m. on Thursday. Alton Fire Department Battalion Chief Tom House reported significant damage to the vehicle, which required extrication efforts to remove the driver. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation, and authorities have not released further details about the crash

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SPRINGFIELD - As we get ready to say goodbye to 2024, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is looking back at some of the highlights in her office over the past year. “We’ve made such incredible strides in Illinois, and I enjoy reflecting each year on some of our top moments,” says Comptroller Mendoza. “I’m so proud of the work my office does to help the state maintain financial stability and serve the taxpayers.” We’ll be counting down to New Year’s Eve with some of the Illinois Office of Comptroller’s highlights: #10 Giving back: For the 8th straight year, Comptroller Mendoza and staff partnered with local human service agencies and laborers in the deep southern Illinois community of Cairo to give away 150 turkeys and other Thanksgiving fixings. “I always enjoy this event and want the people of Cairo to know we love them and want to help,” said Comptroller Mendoza. “The fight local residents have for their cit

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BELLEVILLE - Next spring, Belleville is saying goodbye to a locally beloved bar as the owners behind Big Daddy’s 618 prepare to retire after 20 years in business. The closure marks a new chapter for the building itself, as the City Council recently approved an agreement to remodel it before a new business moves in. The owners of Big Daddy’s 618 announced last May that after two successful decades, their doors at 313 E. Main St. will officially close on March 31, 2025. “After two decades of business in Downtown Belleville, the owners of Big Daddy’s 618 are announcing retirement plans, with a year-long celebration,” they announced on May 13, 2024. “Big Daddy’s 618 will remain open for one more year, and plan to shut the doors on March 31, 2025.” They noted that the region’s other Big Daddy’s locations, including the original in Soulard and the Edwardsville location - will “continue to crank without interruption.”

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that repairs to eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require one lane to be closed starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - On December 22, 1924, a Walnut Grove Dairy ad in the Alton Evening Telegraph informed readers that individual servings of Santa-Claus ice cream and Turkey ice cream were available for sale at their 809 Broadway store. This wasn’t just a one-time offering, either. There are ads for both of these flavors in December 1925 (also Corn and Husk or Horn of Plenty), and 1926 (also Candlestick), but nowhere does it actually describe the flavors of Santa-Claus, Turkey, Corn and Husk, Horn of Plenty, or Candlestick. A 1927 Thanksgiving ad even mentions the flavor Football. They were apparently not popular enough to be sold in brick form like their standard vanilla, hazelnut and vanilla, cranberry ice, or rainbow, but local citizens clearly looked forward to these specialty flavors. The ice cream must have been excellent because it even influenced local politics. In 1928, an Alton Evening Telegraph article mentioned that the East End Improvement Association elected Emil Schrimpf

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