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TULSA, Okla. — Rainn Hoelting, a 15-year-old aspiring Collinsville musician, achieved a dream moment on Dec. 12, 2024, when he performed alongside country star Zach Bryan at the BOK Center in Tulsa. The sold-out venue, which holds 19,000 fans, was electrified as Hoelting joined Bryan for a rendition of “Heading South,” a song that emphasizes perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams. The duet was recorded and has since gone viral, amassing over 2 million views on TikTok. Hoelting, who has been playing guitar for two years and recently began singing, was selected from the audience during the concert. He had prepared a sign asking Bryan if he could join him on stage, but it was confiscated shortly after he held it up. Undeterred, he used his phone to display a message in large letters, asking the same question. His persistence paid off when some nearby fans pointed him out and Bryan acknowledged him and invited him to perform. “It was an amazing experience,”

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Elijah Graham, 21 years of age, of the 5200 block of Plover Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63120, for Murder First Degree, Assault First Degree, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. A booking photo of Graham is attached. Graham is being held without bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: "Officers responded to a report of a shooting. Officer arrived on scene and found Victim 1 with a gunshot wound to the head and Victim 2 with a gunshot wound to the hand. After speaking with Witness, police learned that Defendant, after being involved in a vehicle collision with Witness & Victim 2, fired a shot out of his passenger window at Witness's vehicle. Defendant then stopped in the road ahead of Witness'

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GRANITE CITY — A man sustained critical upper body injuries while working on a vehicle in the 3300 block of Nameoki Road on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2024, the Granite City Police Department said on Thursday. The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m. when the vehicle rolled backward while the subject was underneath it, police said. Emergency services, including the Fire Department and EMS, were dispatched to the scene following the report of the injury. The preliminary investigation suggests that the incident was accidental and not criminal in nature. The injured individual was subsequently transported to a hospital in the St. Louis area for medical treatment. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time, Major Charles Bremer of the Granite City Police Department said.

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BELLEVILLE - A Belleville nursing home has been cited with an AA violation of the Nursing Home Care Act, meaning a condition or occurrence at the facility proximately caused the death of a resident. St. Paul’s Senior Community, located at 1021 W. E. Street in Belleville, was cited with the most severe violation of the Nursing Home Care Act during the third quarter of 2024. The facility was fined $50,000. According to the official report , a resident, nicknamed R2, required two people to assist her during sit to stand transfers. On April 11, 2024, one certified nursing assistant (CNA) was transferring the resident when R2’s weight shifted, which made the CNA fall backwards. A nurse heard shouting and ran to the CNA and resident. R2 was observed “down on one knee and the aide holding her up best she could.” R2 was “immediately” assessed for injuries. The nurse discovered that the left femur seemed to have “a deformity” and the

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites outdoor lovers to start 2025 out right with a First Day Hike at an Illinois state park on Jan. 1, 2025. IDNR is hosting self-guided hikes at 15 state parks across Illinois on New Year’s Day. These free, family-friendly hikes are available to the public. “There’s no better way to clear your head, say goodbye to the stress of the holidays, and welcome a new year than to get outdoors for some fresh air and exercise,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “The trails at Illinois state parks are ready and waiting for you.” The following state parks will have stickers and special photo opportunities for hikers. Visitors are encouraged to sign in and share photos and videos on social media with the hashtags #ILStateParks and #FirstDayHikes. Beall Woods State Park in Wabash County Beaver Dam State Park in Macoupin County Cache River State Natural Area in Johnson County

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SPRINGFIELD – The new year means that some new protections will be taking effect in Illinois workplaces starting Jan. 1, 2025. Workers will be getting a raise as the minimum wage increases by $1 per hour from $14 to $15. The minimum wage for tipped workers will rise to $9 per hour and youth workers (under 18) working fewer than 650 hours per calendar year will see their hourly wage increase to $13 per hour. Job postings made by employers with 15 or more employees on or after Jan. 1, 2025, will now need to include pay scale and benefit information for the posted position. Employers in Illinois will also be required to provide pay stubs to employees each pay period, that include information on hours worked, pay rates, overtime pay, and deductions from wages. Employers must keep a copy of an employee’s pay stub for a period of three years from the date of payment, regardless of whether that person remains employed at the business. An employee or former employee may request

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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE - The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America concluded its holiday concert series this week, bringing festive music to audiences at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville. The series featured performances from various military personnel, highlighting the spirit of the season. The concerts, held throughout December, included participation from high-ranking officials within the Air Mobility Command and the 18th Air Force. Key figures such as General Lamontagne, Lieutenant General Sonkiss, and Brigadier General Simmons were among the hosts, alongside Major General Bolton and Colonel Winstead from the 18th Air Force. A notable moment during the performances occurred when Lieutenant General Sonkiss joined the clarinet section for one of the pieces, showcasing a collaborative spirit within the military community. Famed broadcaster John Ulett served as the emcee for the series, guiding the audience through the holiday-themed events. The band expressed gratitude

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CHICAGO – Dreaming of a green Christmas? The Mega Millions Jackpot is now a staggering $825 million for tonight’s drawing. If won, it would be the largest prize ever won in December and the seventh largest in Mega Millions history, The Mega Millions jackpot was last won on September 10, 2024. Since then, nearly three million winning Mega Millions tickets have been sold, netting players almost $584 million in prizes in 2024 in Illinois. Every Mega Millions ticket sold in Illinois helps fund K-12 education across the State, and since the current jackpot roll, over $14 million have been returned to education in Illinois. With over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the State, lottery players can conveniently pick up a ticket at their local store - or they can log in to the Illinois Lottery website or app and purchase a ticket online. Mega Millions is played every Tuesday and Friday night. Tickets are $2 each, and players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1

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ALTON - Confluence Wealth Management recently welcomed over 200 guests to their client appreciation Christmas party, where they also raised $7,132 for Crisis Food Center. Confluence Wealth Management, a locally-owned financial planning and wealth management firm affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services, works with Riverbend residents across the community. Co-owners Jack Hoelscher and Robert Diaz were excited to see so many of their clients come together on Dec. 19, 2024, to celebrate and support a good cause. “It's just everybody getting together and having a good time and celebrating what a great year it’s been,” Hoelscher said. “One of the main reasons we got into this business is the people element and the relationships that we’re able to build.” Located at Old Bakery Beer Company, the party invited clients to connect with each other and learn more about Crisis Food Center, a local food pantry in downtown Alton. Clients were encouraged

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As the holiday season approaches, many people look forward to various festivities that bring joy and camaraderie. Among these quirky celebrations is National Ugly Sweater Day, observed on the third Friday of December. This lighthearted occasion encourages individuals and groups to don their most outlandish and garish holiday sweaters, creating a fun and festive atmosphere. In this article, we will explore the origins of this unique celebration, provide creative ideas for participation, and share tips on how to make the most of your National Ugly Sweater Day experience. The Origins of National Ugly Sweater Day National Ugly Sweater Day emerged as a response to the growing trend of wearing garish holiday sweaters during the festive season. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of the day, it is widely believed to have gained popularity in the early 2000s alongside the broader movement of embracing all things quirky and kitschy in fashion. The day serves as a friendly reminde

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December 20, 2024, marks a significant day in history, filled with events that have shaped our world across various dimensions. Turning to 1989, a pivotal year in world history, when the Berlin Wall fell, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era in Europe. On December 20 of that year, East and West Germany began the process of reunification. This monumental shift not only changed the political landscape of Germany but also set the stage for the expansion of the European Union and the promotion of democratic values across the continent. The reunification of Germany remains a powerful symbol of reconciliation and hope for nations divided by ideology. In 1803, December 20 also witnessed the formal transfer of the Louisiana Territory from France to the United States. This acquisition doubled the size of the nation and paved the way for westward expansion. The Louisiana Purchase is often hailed as one of Thomas Jefferson's most significant achievements, as i

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EAST ALTON - The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is now accepting entries for the 2025 World Water Day Photo Contest. This year’s theme is Textures and Tones of the River. The submission deadline is February 14, 2025. Contestants may submit one photo per category. Each participant will have one photo professionally printed (cost covered by entry fees and NGRREC) for a photography exhibition at NGRREC. “This year’s theme highlights textures and tones of our river systems,” Swarovski Foundation – Waterschool USA Program Manager Jolena Pang said. “We’re also maintaining our tried-and-true categories from 2024, such as River Scenery, Wildlife, and Rivers & People.” The $20 entry fee (for adults) covers the cost of three photo submissions (maximum of three photos, one per category) and the professional printing of one image per contestant. Youth participants under 18 can enter free of charge. The overall prize

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ALTON - An Alton resident facing his fifth case of domestic battery has also been charged with reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident. Larry D. Greer Jr., 29, of Alton, was charged with his fifth offense of domestic battery and aggravated domestic battery (both Class 2 felonies). He was also charged with reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident, both Class A misdemeanors. On Sept. 14, 2024, Greer allegedly struck a household or family member with a closed fist, bit them, grabbed them by the neck, and restricted their breathing. Greer had been convicted of domestic battery on four or more prior occasions, each in Madison County. The first such case was filed on April 12, 2017, with two cases filed in March of 2020 and another filed in February of 2022. In this latest case, Greer was also accused of driving in a reckless manner by “weaving and swerving on the road and repeatedly slamming on the brakes” near the intersection of Belle and

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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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