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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today sent a letter to U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Director Chiquita Brooks-LaSure expressing their support for Illinois’ application for a Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver. If accepted, the waiver would accelerate efforts in Illinois to use the Medicaid program to address the opioid epidemic, maternal mortality, violence prevention, mental health challenges, homelessness, hunger, and additional interrelated public health challenges. In Illinois, approximately 3.5 million individuals receive health insurance coverage through Medicaid. “The State’s 1115 application builds upon existing efforts to enhance the delivery of targeted services to the most vulnerable populations—which holds the promise of reducing health care costs and improving health care outcomes. The 1115 application also aligns with several legislative, regulatory,

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CHICAGO - Today Governor JB Pritzker announced the appointment of Mary Killough, a lifelong advocate for seniors, as the next director of the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), pending Senate confirmation. Killough currently serves as Vice President of Operations and Government Relations for AccentCare, a national leader in home health and hospice services. She previously served as Deputy Director of IDoA from 2011-2015. Killough, a licensed attorney, has over 30 years of experience serving Illinois’ senior population. “Our seniors deserve the highest level of dignity, respect, and care, and I am confident that Mary Killough will be an exceptional leader for the Illinois Department on Aging as we work to deliver on that promise,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Her years of experience serving seniors perfectly position her to bring Aging into its next era and advance the goal of ensuring aging Illinoisans and their caregivers have the resources they need to

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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee—met with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara to discuss their shared priorities in building on the over 190 years of diplomatic relations between our two nations—an alliance that both have mutually benefitted from militarily, diplomatically, economically and culturally. B-roll of the Senator’s meeting is available at this link and photos of the Senator’s meeting are available at this link. “For over 190 years, the United States and Thailand have helped one another grow and evolve militarily, diplomatically, economically and culturally,” said Duckworth. “As a proud Thai-American, it was a pleasure to welcome Deputy Prime Minister Bahiddha-Nukara to my office and discuss the ways we can build on our powerful, long-standing alliance. Time and again, it’s been

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CHICAGO – Love is in the air as we celebrate one of the most romantic holidays of the year – Valentine’s Day. While not everyone has a special someone to celebrate with, one man is swooning over his own ‘lady luck:’ a $1 million jackpot prize on an Illinois Lottery scratch-off ticket. “After I scratched the winning ticket, I completely panicked,” shared the winner, who has requested to stay anonymous. “I immediately felt my life change. I almost didn’t go to work!” The $1 million winning ticket was a MONOPOLY™ 50X scratch-off ticket from the Illinois Lottery, and was purchased at Walmart at 137 W. North Ave. in Northlake, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. “I’ve been going crazy keeping this million dollar secret,” exclaimed the lucky winner. “I don’t have a special someone to share my big news with because my girlfriend and I broke up three days before I bought

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The 2015 horror film “The Visit” gives the Hollywood treatment to sundowning. An impostor grandmother is seen running the halls, scratching the walls and vomiting, terrorizing two children in the home. A little exaggerated, says Courtney McFarlin, PA , an OSF HealthCare internal medicine provider who specializes in geriatrics. But she says sundowning is an all too real experience for some older adults. What is sundowning? McFarlin explains that sundowning is not a medical condition, but rather a way to describe behavior seen at night. It’s triggered by a disruption in your circadian rhythm. “That’s our body’s natural, 24-hour sleep/wake cycle,” McFarlin says. “It’s regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain. Based on daylight and darkness, it tells our body to be alert during the day. And it helps us settle down in the evening to want to go to sleep.” Many things can disrupt your circadian rhythm, like illness, stress,

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ALTON - The Alton community and the region are "heartbroken" today after the passing of 13-year-old Ra'niya Steward, who was shot and critically wounded in early February in a drive-by shooting on Highland Avenue. The following statement is attributable to Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ra’niya Steward. Our community is heartbroken. The Alton Police Department has kept the State’s Attorney’s Office informed of all developments in the investigation. "As with any case, new developments can result in the State’s Attorney’s Office seeking to amend any pending charges. Our prayers are with the family and loved ones of Ra’niya at this difficult time. In addition, I reiterate my pledge that the State’s Attorney’s Office is committed to securing justice for this innocent victim. At this time, the State’s Attorney’s Office will have no additional comment on this pending case."

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that repairs on eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 16. One lane will always remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 19. 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 Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - Tori Porter has an important role as president of the Alton Branch of the NAACP Youth Council. Porter spends an enormous amount of time mentoring youth to help mold younger people into positive adults with her actions. Following the shooting of a 13-year-old girl in Alton, Porter says those who were involved in this terrible crime were very misguided. Porter said the NAACP Youth Council is recruiting new members from ages 13-24 and encourages those interested to reach out to her. They will be embarking on an abundance of positive community activities as the weather warms and spring and summer arrive. Porter plans to encourage more youth get-togethers at Alton area parks and she said there is a definite need to do something different with Alton area youth in general. “This is a terrible situation with the girl’s shooting and the other shootings,” she said. “We need to try to start preventing violence against each other, it is truthfully ridiculous.

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ALTON - Alton Branch of the NAACP President Leon Smallwood has responded to the recent tragic shooting of a 13-year-old girl in Alton that has been devastating to family, friends, and the community. The teen was shot and critically wounded on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Three people are in custody on attempted murder charges of the girl. "Dear Residents of Alton, It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today, deeply troubled by the recent spate of gun violence that has plagued our beloved community. As President of the Alton Branch NAACP, I am compelled to speak out against these senseless acts of violence that have left families shattered and our community in mourning. The recent shooting of a 13-year-old girl, fighting for her life as she lies in critical condition, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action - we cannot idly stand by our youth when their dreams are extinguished by the barrel of a gun. This tragedy, coupled with the loss of several teenagers and youn

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GLEN CARBON - Christin Rigoni of the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon area often has inspiring Facebook posts and this week she told the positive story of a local man named Hank who treated her son, Jack, and other friends to dinner at Applebees. Christin said the story began when Jack and friends went to Applebees in Glen Carbon a couple of months ago and struck up a conversation with an older gentleman about football. “The person said that if the Chiefs ended up winning the Super Bowl, he would treat them all to dinner the night after the big game. He said to show up at 6 p.m. on the Monday after the Super Bowl at Applebees." Hank, a man of his word, was there and he showed an act of kindness and treated the boys to dinner as promised with the Chiefs win. Hank and others like him are Difference Makers in society with their kind gestures, and they exemplify the pay-it-forward principle. Christin continued and said: “The gentleman, Hank, sat and talked with them, gave them

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RIVERBEND - Are you planning to enjoy a fish fry during Lent? We have the ultimate guide of go-to spots in the Riverbend where you can observe Lent and have a great meal with your community. Godfrey Knights of Columbus Where: Knights of Columbus McNicholas Club, 1713 Stamper Lane in Godfrey Time: 4–7 p.m. Dates: Fridays, Feb. 15–March 29 Cost: $14 for adults, $7 for kids 6–12, free for kids under 6 More information: riverbender.com/events/details.cfm?seriesid=44378 Evangelical United Church of Christ Where: 1212 W. Homer M. Adams Parkway in Godfrey Time: 4–7 p.m. Dates: Fridays, Feb. 16–March 22 Cost: $13 for all-you-can-eat, $10 for a fish sandwich and side, $5 for a hot dog and side More information: riverbender.com/events/details.cfm?seriesid=44380 Edwardsville Knights of Columbus Where: 7132 Marine Road in Edwardsville Time: 4:30–7:30 p.m. Dates: Fridays, Feb. 16–March

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GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is excited to announce that the sweetest weekend of the year is here – National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend. If you haven’t gotten your freezers stocked up yet, we have you covered. February 16-18 will be the biggest weekend for the Girl Scout Cookie Program as cookie booths will be held in areas all throughout Southern Illinois. To find a cookie booth near you (for this weekend or any other weekend through March 10) visit gsofsi.org/findcookies or text COOKIES to 59618. While picking up some cookies for yourself, you can also purchase a box or two to donate to our Gift of Caring program. All cookies purchased through Gift of Caring will be donated to H.E.R.O.E.S. Care, an organization that supports our military families. The 2024 national Girl Scout Cookie season theme, Unbox the Future , aims to remove social barriers that often keep girls boxed in. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the world’s largest entrepreneurial

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy announced Tuesday, February 13, 2024, that the City has acquired two parcels of greenspace – one just south of downtown and the other adjacent to Governors’ Parkway – to be preserved as Edwardsville park properties. Community members will have an opportunity later this month to share ideas for how those properties might be used and amenities that could be considered for the two sites. The properties purchased include .34 acres of land at 211 S. Benton Street, an empty lot at the intersection with West Park Street. It is part of the Crocker Gardens neighborhood in the City’s 4th Ward, bordering Ward 3. The other property is 3.42 acres of undeveloped land at the northeast corner of Gerber Road and Governors’ Parkway. It is located in the 7th Ward, bordering Ward 6. Acquisition funding was made possible by the Edwardsville Enhancement Plan, which utilizes revenue from the quarter-percent sales tax increase

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ALTON - If you are looking to replace a bed in your home, now is the time. Alton High School Band is excited to announce they will be hosting the Annual one-day Mattress Fundraiser on Saturday, March 23rd, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For one day only, Alton High School will be transformed into a mattress showroom. For information about the sale, go to bit.ly/beds4alton24 . There will be 25+ mattress styles on display in all sizes in styles for customers to try, priced below retail. Adjustable power bases, premium pillows, bed frames, and mattress protectors will be available as well. The brands include Simmons Beautyrest, come with full factory warranties, are made to order, and will be available 2-3 weeks after the fundraiser. Delivery is available. Best of all, the Alton HS Bands benefit from every purchase. The company, Custom Fundraising Solutions (CFS) first introduced The Mattress Fundraiser to the Cleveland, Ohio market in 2005. The company now has nearly 100 locations and works

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education discussed plans for the expansion of the Edwardsville High School (EHS) commons during their work session on Feb. 12, 2024. The commons expansion project will add 8,000 square feet to the existing commons space. This new area will include a grab-and-go “Tiger Bites” area where students can purchase snack options, space for studying and events, and renovated restrooms. Construction will begin on Sept. 9, 2024. The existing restrooms will be renovated starting during spring break 2025. The goal is for the EHS commons project to be substantially completed by Aug. 6, 2025, in time for the 2025–2026 school year. The project will be completed by Holland Construction Services for a total of $6,844,242. “They really are working with us and making sure we’re being as efficient as possible,” said Alex Metzger, the district’s architect. There was a lot of discussion

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic recently honored its Scholar Bowl team seniors who were described as "a very special group." The seniors' loyalty and support have certainly helped Marquette Catholic's efforts toward a successful season. Here are the 2024 Marquette Seniors and their parents: Anna Bridegroom is the daughter of John & Amanda Bridegroom. She has been a member of the Scholar bowl for 2 years. Her future plan is to study Pre-veterinary medicine at undecided college at this time. Her favorite memory is Viking baby clothes and the bus rides. She would like to thank family, friends and Mr. Koehler for taking over Scholar bowl after Dungeon Prairie grass master Ian Edward Caveny left last year. Makaila Irby is the daughter of Nicole McCormick. She has been a member of the Scholar Bowl for 2 years. Her future plan is to attend Central Methodist University and major in Biology and Chemistry. Her favorite memory is the Taylor Swift debate. She would like to thank Mr

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – United Way of Greater St. Louis is excited to welcome seven new leaders to its board of directors, including: Kyle Anderson, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, Executive Director Merri Berry, Missouri AFL-CIO, Secretary/Treasurer Katie Deatheridge, UAW 2250, President Zach Gietl, Edward Jones, Director Jose Gomez, Laborers Local 110, Business Manager Lisa Weingarth, Washington University, Senior Advisor for St. Louis Initiatives Jeremy Williams, Bayer, Head of Climate LLC, Digital Farming and Commercial Ecosystems “The addition of these remarkably talented individuals will continue to expand our reach and impact in the region by incorporating their expertise into our decision-making processes,” said Michelle Tucker, President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “We look forward to collaborating closely with our new board members and the organizations they represent to collectively fuel efforts to empower our neighbors.”

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District will display an Abraham Lincoln Letter at the Genealogy & Local History Library at 401 State St. in Alton on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mary Todd Lincoln’s China will also be on display and a lecture discussing Lincoln’s Alton Connections will be delivered. The letter written by Abraham Lincoln and owned by Hayner Library, will be displayed in the Hayner Genealogy & Local History Library. This letter, written before Lincoln became the sixteenth President of the United States, is addressed to Alton resident Simeon Ryder. Ryder was a sea captain and fisherman who moved to Alton in 1834 and opened a grocery, dry goods, and hardware business. He was also involved with developing the Terre Haute & Alton Railroad. The Ryder Building, now housing My Just Desserts in downtown Alton, was built and owned by Simeon Ryder. “We’re so happy to be able to share this document with our patrons,” say

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today encouraged Illinoisans to be vigilant when dating online to avoid becoming a victim of a romance scam. “Romance scammers take advantage of victims’ openness and trust,” Raoul said. “It is important to be mindful of red flags that could indicate someone is not who they claim they are. If you think you may be a victim of a romance scam, do not let any embarrassment deter you from seeking help or filing a complaint with my office.” With Valentine’s Day approaching, Attorney General Raoul issued the following tips to help prevent individuals from falling victim to online romance scams: Online scammers often create fake profiles or pose as celebrities and may attempt to contact you via social media. You can identify a fake profile by running a reverse image search of the account’s profile photo. If the search turns up different names for the same photo, or if the photo appears in multiple sources

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EDWARDSVILLE - Two SIUE professors hosted a “Building Community Resilience to Radicalization to Violence” community briefing to share information on the threat of violence in southern Illinois and ways to prevent radicalization. Drs. Suranjan Weeraratne and Laurie Rice, political science professors at SIUE, invited students and community members to attend the briefing on Feb. 12, 2024, where they spoke about the ways in which people are radicalized and how communities can prevent domestic terrorism. “The success of a targeted violence and terrorism prevention program depends on dedicated partners from all sectors of society working together,” Rice said. “In other words, it takes all of us to help keep our communities safe from the threat of targeted violence.” Weeraratne and Rice presented findings of a survey they distributed across 41 counties in Illinois. Their work was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s

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