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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that she will continue to serve on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for the 119th Congress. Budzinski served on both committees during her first term. This Congress, she will serve as the new Ranking Member of the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization. “I’m thrilled to be returning to the House Agriculture Committee and House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in a leadership position for my second term,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I plan to build on my previous work on these committees to uplift rural communities and ensure our nation’s veterans have access to their hard-earned benefits. With the new Congress underway, passing a bipartisan Farm Bill is top of my mind. I’m grateful to have a seat at the table to advocate for the policies that Illinois family farmers need in this critical legislation.”

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls increased +8,800 while the unemployment rate fell -0.1 percentage point to 5.2 percent in December, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The November monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -3,400 to -5,400, while the revised unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, unchanged from the preliminary November unemployment rate. The December payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. In December, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job increases included: Financial Activities (+2,900), Private Education and Health Services (+2,600), and Government (+2,000). The industry sectors with monthly payroll job decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-2,100) and Other Services (-1,000). “IDES and its

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Beginner's Guide to Yoga and Its Mental Health Benefits Did you know that a staggering 75% of adults report experiencing physical symptoms caused by stress? Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, many are turning to ancient practices for relief. Yoga, a discipline that harmonizes body and mind, has emerged as a beacon of hope for those seeking not only physical wellness but also mental clarity and emotional stability. This guide is designed for beginners eager to explore the transformative power of yoga and its profound mental health benefits. Understanding Yoga: More Than Just Poses At its core, yoga is much more than a series of physical postures; it’s a holistic practice that encompasses various elements, including breath control, meditation, and ethical principles. Originating in ancient India, yoga integrates the mind, body, and spirit, promoting overall well-being. For beginners, it’s beneficial to recognize that yoga is not a one-size-fits-all approach. I

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – The American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis has been requested to provide assistance by St. Louis City public safety officials following an apartment building fire. The fire occurred this morning in the 8400 block of Halls Ferry. The role of the Red Cross in any disaster is to focus on addressing the immediate needs of those affected. The Red Cross is working closely with public safety officials and the residents who were displaced as a result of the fire to assess their needs, provide appropriate assistance if needed, and ensure everyone has a safe place to stay. How to help: For individuals wishing to assist the Red Cross in responding to community disasters, a financial donation is best. This allows the Red Cross to be flexible in using the funds to directly address the needs of those affected. To donate, call 1-800 RED CROSS or donate online at redcross.org. To volunteer to assist the Red Cross in responding to disasters, go to redcross.org/volunteer.

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MACOUPIN COUNTY - The Macoupin County Coroner’s Office provided an update after discovering a deceased person on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. The Macoupin County Coroner's Office said it responded to a rural residence in Bunker Hill early Sunday, where an individual was pronounced deceased. Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya confirmed the time of death as 1:38 a.m. on Jan. 26, 2025. The coroner's office said an autopsy is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, to determine the cause of death. A press release detailing the findings of the autopsy and the identification of the deceased will be issued thereafter. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is being conducted collaboratively by the Macoupin County Coroner’s Office and the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Division. Further details will be provided as they become available.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Main Street Community Center, a pillar of our senior community for half a century, is thrilled to announce its 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala, underwritten by Harry and Carol Windland. We invite the community to join us as we commemorate this significant milestone on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the LeClaire Room. There are two criteria that Harry and Carol Windland considered as they decided which of the many worthy organizations and institutions in Glen Carbon and Edwardsville to support. First is that they perform outstanding service to their community. Second, is that they are extremely well managed. “Of all the possibilities we considered we found the MSCC managed by Jessica and her staff to be the epitome of such an organization. Main Street Community Center is truly at the top of the many organizations that make the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon area such a special place to live for our active senior citizens. We are delighted to have

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BELLEVILLE - The Home Builders and Remodelers Metro East Association (HBRMEA) is gearing up for their Home Expo in March. On March 7, 8 and 9, 2025, the HBRMEA will host their annual expo with over 150 vendors at the Belle Clair Fairgrounds in Belleville. Consumers are invited to attend to learn more about local products and services that can help them as they build or remodel their homes. The organization expects over 10,000 attendees during the three-day event. “We’ve got experts that are going to be on hand,” said Shannon Stelling with HBRMEA. “If you’re thinking about doing anything to your home, it’s a great environment to come have conversations. Talk to all these experts in all the different areas. You might find somebody that you want to work with or they might help you with a project that you’re doing on your own.” The expo is free to attend. The organization plans to give away over $20,000 in prizes, with drawings

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GRANITE CITY - A pedestrian was struck by a freight train early Sunday morning, Jan. 26, 2025, in Granite City address resulting in serious injuries. The incident occurred at the crossing of Maryville Road and Namoeki Road in Granite City. The emergency call came in around 6 a.m. According to scanner traffic, emergency responders received reports that a conductor reported a female pedestrian jumped in front of the train as it approached the crossing. The Illinois State Police, along with the Mitchell Fire Department and Railroad Police, were dispatched to the scene. The victim sustained serious injuries and was initially assessed for transport via helicopter. However, she was ultimately transported by ambulance for medical treatment to save time because a helicopter was not available in the region. Further details regarding her condition have not been disclosed. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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COLLINSVILLE – Authorities arrested three male suspects on Saturday as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of a woman who was shot in her driveway. The incident has drawn the attention of the Major Case Squad Of Greater St. Louis, actively working to gather more information. Portia Rowland, 32, died in the fatal shooting in the driveway outside her Collinsville home. Lt. Eric Owen, deputy commander for the Major Case Squad, confirmed the arrests but did not release the names or ages of the suspects. Additionally, he did not specify their connections to the case. The suspects may face multiple charges, pending a decision from the state’s attorney. The investigation follows the tragic incident that has raised concerns within the community. As the Major Case Squad continues to piece together the circumstances surrounding the woman's death, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

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MACOUPIN COUNTY — Authorities are investigating a homicide that occurred Saturday afternoon at a residence on Shipman Cutoff Road in rural Macoupin County. The incident took place around 4 p.m. The Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that a suspect is in custody, although further details about the circumstances surrounding the crime have not been released. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have indicated that additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Junior forward Miccah Butler had an extraordinary game on Jan. 24 for Edwardsville, scoring 35 points as the Tigers took a 76-48 win over St. Louis Gateway STEM at Lucco-Jackson Gym. It was one of the best individual performances of the season in the St. Louis area, and a season high for Butler, who’s averaging 14.2 points and 4.5 rebounds-per-game, also having 23 assists, 19 steals, and four blocked shots, as the Tigers are now 18-2 on the season, one of the best records in the area. Butler is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete Of The Month for Edwardsville High School. In a postgame interview, Butler felt good about the win and was quick to credit his teammates for their effort in the game as well. "I’m feeling pretty good,” Butler said. “My teammates, we play well together, always trying to find an open guy, and we’re making shots.” Which Butler was certainly doing against the Jaguars, and he felt that getting good open looks

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January 25th has witnessed numerous significant events throughout history that have had lasting impacts on societies across the globe. One of the most notable events on January 25th occurred in 1961, when President John F. Kennedy delivered his inaugural address, famously stating, 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.' This speech came at a pivotal time during the Cold War, reflecting the urgency and hope of a nation facing numerous challenges. Kennedy's call to action inspired a generation to engage in public service and activism, shaping the political landscape in the United States and beyond. Moving back to the year 1858, we remember the day when the first public demonstration of a telephone was held by inventor Alexander Graham Bell. Although Bell is often credited with the invention of the telephone, it was actually his demonstration that brought the concept to the forefront of public consciousness. This day marked the beginning of

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EDWARDSVILLE – Dr. Rachel Glik, EdD, LPC, a licensed professional individual and relationship counselor, is thrilled to announce the launch of her new book, A Soulful Marriage. This book launch event, is free to attend and will be held on February 4th, at 5:00 PM at Glik’s in Edwardsville, IL, 124 S. Buchanan St. Edwardsville, IL 62025. This will be an evening full of engagement, community and insight on how to create a relationship where love lasts and grows. The book launch will kick off with a live reading from A Soulful Marriage , followed by an engaging Q&A session for attendees to gain a deeper insight from Dr. Glik. Afterward, guests will have an opportunity to meet the author during a book signing and enjoy complimentary refreshments. In addition to celebrating the launch, attendees will have a chance to enter a sweepstakes for a romantic date night featuring local businesses. This exciting opportunity encourages couples to explore what the community has t

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites the public to eagle-watching events across the state in January and February. The best time to see the majestic bald eagle in Illinois is during the winter when the raptors seek open water areas for fishing. Illinois has more than 3,000 bald eagles during winter – more than any other state outside of Alaska. Certain Illinois state parks and locations, including Starved Rock State Park and Illinois State Museum’s Dickson Mounds, host eagle-watching programs during this period. “Illinois residents have a unique advantage when it comes to opportunities to catch a glimpse of eagles soaring over our scenic waterways and river bluffs,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie . “I invite everyone to bundle up, grab their binoculars, and head outdoors to one of the many eagle-watching events happening throughout the state this winter.” Visitors can participate in eagle-watches

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BRIGHTON – A Brighton resident faces multiple stolen vehicle charges in two separate cases recently filed in Madison County. Bradley W. Crane, 47 of Brighton, was charged with one count of offenses related to motor vehicles on Nov. 6, 2024. In that case, he was charged with unlawful possession of a 2013 Honda motorcycle he allegedly knew had been stolen. In another case, on Dec. 20, 2024, Crane was charged with knowingly possessing a stolen 2017 Ford F-350 pickup truck. He was additionally charged with possession of over 15 grams of methamphetamine. Both cases were presented by the Metro East Auto Theft division of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. In both cases, Crane was granted pretrial release from custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON - There are a few new members of Alton High School’s custodial staff. The school recently introduced two robots, a CenoBot sweeper and scrubber, that will keep the floors of the high school clean. Dave Allison, head of custodial at the high school, explained that the robots are an exciting addition that will make the jobs of the custodial staff a little easier. “It’s really difficult to get the floors of a high school where you want them when you have a high school that is all about their students,” Allison said. “This school never sleeps. There’s always something going on here. From a custodial standpoint, to ensure that the hallways stay clean, it's difficult because there’s always people in the hallways.” The sweeper and scrubber robots can be programmed to travel around the school and clean the floors. They then return to their docking stations on their own to recharge. The sweeper must be manually emptied, but the scrubber

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YORK, Neb. - York University announced an area student to the York University Dean's List for the Fall 2024 term. A total of 151 students were recognized with this distinction at the university. Wood River's Jayden Miles was named to the York University fall list. To be named to the Dean’s List, students must carry 12 or more graded hours and achieve a semester grade point average of at least 3.75 with no incomplete grades and no grade below “C” for the semester.

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ALTON - Dr. Kathie Wuellner has released a new resource to empower parents with essential medical information for their children. The 244-page book titled "The Kids Medical Care Handbook," is designed to help parents navigate common childhood health concerns. The book, featuring graphics and illustrations by Cristina Serafini, is available for purchase on platforms such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, with plans for wider distribution in retail stores. Dr. Wuellner has had a long and storied career as a beloved pediatrician in the Alton area. Many of her families started their children with her at birth and the children often continued with her until adulthood. Dr. Wuellner graduated from Saint Louis University School of Medicine after receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois. The handbook was born out of Wuellner's desire to provide a straightforward, accessible guide for parents, especially given the limited time available during doctor visits. "There are

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ALTON — The Madison County State's Attorney's Office announced on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, that it will not pursue charges related to the death of Roedecker D. Watts, 68, of Alton. The decision comes after a thorough review by the state's attorney's office of the evidence stemming from an investigation initiated by first responders on June 7, 2024. First responders were called to the 200 block of West 19th Street in the early morning hours of June 7, 2024, where they found Watts and another man in the front yard of the residence. Both men were taken to a local hospital with injuries, police reported. Watts was later pronounced dead around 5 a.m. that day. An autopsy conducted by the Madison County Coroner's Office on June 8, 2024, revealed that Watts died from "blunt cervical trauma" complicated by "acute ethanol intoxication." Police reports indicated that there were signs of a physical altercation between Watts and the other man present at the scene. In its statement, the Madison

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ROXANA, — In a triangular wrestling match held Thursday night at Roxana High School, teams from East Alton-Wood River (EAWR), Mascoutah, and Roxana faced off in a series of competitive bouts, with injuries impacting the performance of some wrestlers. In the opening match, EAWR took on Mascoutah, where EAWR managed to secure only two victories out of 13 matches. Tyler Adams won a closely contested match in the 144-pound weight class, finishing with a score of 10-7. Drake Champlin also recorded a win for EAWR, securing a pinfall in the 215-pound weight class. However, the majority of Mascoutah's victories came from forfeits, as EAWR was unable to field a complete team due to injuries. The final score for the match was 70-9 in favor of Mascoutah. Roxana then faced Mascoutah in the second match of the evening. Roxana's wrestlers performed strongly, with Lyndon Thies winning by pinfall in the 175-pound class. Cy Courtney (285 pounds), Ari Walker (120 pounds), and Lleyton Cobine also

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