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EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - On Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, 45 East Alton-Wood River (EAWR) High School students became the first high school students in Madison County to be certified as Teen Mental Health First Aiders. The students underwent a six-week course to become certified through the Madison County Mental Health Board, the National Council for Mental Well-Being and the Born This Way Foundation . Under the instruction of the school’s guidance department, they talked about how to identify and support peers in crisis. “The whole process began when there was a strategic plan created and conversations on how we can better support teen mental health,” explained Katie Venvertloh, EAWR student/family interventionist. “And after some other discussions and research, we decided that the Teen Mental Health First Aid curriculum would be awesome to bring to East Alton-Wood River…It really opened up our guidance office and we had a lot of students come to

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ALTON - World War II veteran Art Williams was recognized again Saturday at Alton National Cemetery for his service not only to his country during wartime, but all the years that followed. Williams recently marked his 100th birthday with a variety of celebrations. Williams served in the United States Army from December 1942 to December 1945. He received a plaque for his 17 years of service to the Wreaths Across America program and also released a dove as part of the ceremony. “He is a treasure,” Margaret Hopkins, chair of the Wreaths Across America Program, said. “It is not just us he serves, but he is active in the Alton-Godfrey Rotary and he is still active in the community. It was great to honor his service and the time he has assisted us.” Williams said he believes it is important to recognize the people who sacrificed. "The people who sacrificed their lives in wartime and the others who have served allowed our country to be what it is today," he said.

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ALTON - Each year, one of the most meaningful events in the region is the Alton Wreaths Across America Ceremony coordinated by Margaret Hopkins. This year for the 17th time, Alton marked the special occasion at Alton National Cemetery. An abundance of people attended this year's event and several youth participated in the ceremony. A feature story will appear about the youth participation at Wreaths Across America and also a special interview with 100-year-old World War II Art Williams , who received special recognition this year. Chaplain Bernie Caldwell did the invocation and the USAF - ROTC Color Guard at Alton High posted colors, followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Deborah Maneke. Hopkins said she was very pleased with the overall participation on a cold and rainy day and the attendance showed the importance of the ceremony. “We were so appreciative people came despite the bad weather,” Hopkins said. “I was overwhelmed with the

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DOW - Recent court filings state that a man from Dow was charged with possession of methamphetamine in Jersey County earlier this month. Brian C. Ernst, 52, of Dow, was charged with possession of more than 15 but less than 100 grams of methamphetamine. Court documents allege he committed the offense on or about Dec. 6, 2023. Ernst was charged with a Class 1 felony. Court documents indicate he met the conditions for pretrial release under the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act. He will make his initial court appearance at his preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023 at the Jersey County courthouse in Jerseyville. More information about this case is available here . 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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BRIGHTON - A man from Brighton has been charged with “sexual relations within families,” according to recent Jersey County court filings. Jeffrey M. Hastings, 50, of Brighton, was charged with one count of sexual relations within families on or about Nov. 22, 2023. Court documents allege Hastings “knowingly” had sex with “a family member who was 18 years of age or over when the act was committed.” Hastings was charged with a Class 3 felony and was taken into the custody of the Jersey County Sheriff. However, his case history indicates the state’s petition to detain him was denied and he was released subject to pretrial release conditions and electronic monitoring. His arraignment hearing is set for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023 at the Jersey County Courthouse in Jerseyville. More information about this case is available here . The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt.

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PITTSBURGH - Nippon Steel Corporation, Japan’s largest steel maker, will acquire U.S. Steel in an all-cash transaction for $14.1 billion, plus assumption of debt for a total of $14.9 billion. U.S. Steel stock has soared on the U.S. stock market today. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of both NSC and U.S. Steel. Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson said at this point, city leaders do not know exactly what the purchase of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel will mean for those in his city and the workers. The United Steel Workers Local 1899 was contacted and said a statement may be released later on Monday in reaction to the sale. The Local 1899 issued a notice on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, to union members that a WARN Act notice would be settled by U.S. Steel. In November, U.S. Steel issued WARN Notices (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) that the Granite City facility would be idled indefinitely. Parkinson said at that time that 400 workers

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is proud to announce the launch of its new Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity engineering program offered jointly through the computer science and computer engineering programs in the School of Engineering (SOE). This innovative program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a world increasingly reliant on secure data systems. “This new program is unique in nature in our region since it focuses on providing a holistic education on both hardware and software side of cybersecurity as well as teaching how to design security systems which are now becoming backbone of the platforms used in IT industries,” said Cem Karacal, PhD, dean of the SOE. Cybersecurity engineering is a rapidly growing field and SIUE’s program is designed to bridge the talent gap by producing graduates who are well-prepared to tackle the complex challenges of cybersecurity. The program offers students a comprehensive

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, conferred degrees upon 1593 eligible graduates during fall 2023 commencement exercises, held Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15-16 in the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center. Student speakers took the spotlight. Their reflections and the work of their standout classmates exemplified the readiness of this cohort to follow Minor’s instruction from the podium: “Go forward with confidence and purpose knowing that you have the power to own tomorrow.” Led by Denise Cobb, PhD, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs and respective deans, SIUE’s 132nd commencement celebration began at 2 p.m. Friday with the School of Nursing. Student speaker Mitchel Zurliene completed the accelerated bachelor of science in nursing, after first receiving a bachelor of science in computer science from SIUE. Zurliene was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect.

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ALTON - A few lucky customers were surprised with $20 of free gas on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, courtesy of Mustache March 4PD (MM4PD). MM4PD is a local nonprofit that supports local police departments in honor of late Police Officer Blake Snyder. Every year, they choose a day to surprise customers at Hit N Run with free gas, and they gave away over $2,500 worth of gas on Saturday with the help of Hit N Run owner Dwight Fowler and gas distributor JD Streett/ZX. “Especially this time of year, people take all the help they can get,” said Tina Bennett, vice president of MM4PD. “Our group, Mustache March 4PD, we support all the local police departments…We give away a bunch of freebies just to let people know that the police officers are good guys. We just want that rapport between the community and the police officers to stay positive, and that’s a really good way of doing it, by giving back to the community.” MM4PD gives each person $20 worth of

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HARDIN - The Calhoun Sheriff's Office announced charges against a Medora woman and Jerseyville woman today, Dec. 18, 2023. The pair - Karen A. Bray, 61, of Medora, and Teresa Blanco, 60, of Jerseyville face various drug-related charges below. The Calhoun Sheriff's Office said on Dec. 11, 2023, a Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop at Illinois River Road near Meppen, in Calhoun County, Illinois. After an investigation, the driver, Bray, was arrested for the following offenses: Driving Under the Influence - Drugs Operating with Suspended Registration Operating Uninsured Improper Lane Usage Additionally, a passenger, Blanco, was arrested for the following offenses: Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Bray and Blanco were arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. As is now required under the provisions of the new House Bill 3653, known as the

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WASHINGTON — Nashville hairstylist Susanne Post didn’t come to terms with her own abusive relationship until she confided in another person. “It was when someone said the words, ‘This is abuse,’ that I actually took the time to research and find out what that was outside of the physical signs,” she told NBC News in an interview Wednesday. Knowing first-hand how tight-knit the relationship between cosmetologists and their clients can be, Post turned her trauma into healing and launched Shear Haven, an online course that teaches salon and barber shop workers how to spot signs of domestic abuse. From physical traits of abuse, such as thinning and patchy hair or bruising, to less obvious signs of a controlling partner, she said, stylists are “uniquely positioned” to recognize the warning signs. “It was something that was close to my heart as both a beauty professional and as a survivor of domestic abuse,” Post shared. “I

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced he is joining the NCAA in requesting a federal judge extend his temporary restraining order granted earlier this week prohibiting the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) from enforcing its transfer eligibility rule until at least the end of the academic year. Extending the restraining order would allow collegiate athletes to play sports without concern as to their status with the NCAA. “Collegiate athletes deserve to know that they can play while our lawsuit challenging the transfer eligibility rule continues,” Raoul said. “I filed this lawsuit to bring fairness to collegiate sports and ensure the needs of athletes and their families are prioritized and respected.” The joint motion requesting an extension of the restraining order was filed today in the Northern District of West Virginia. Raoul and a bipartisan coalition of six attorneys general filed their lawsuit on Dec. 7 in the U.S.

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced several new laws initiated by his office that will take effect at the start of the new year. The initiatives were passed earlier this year by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law. They include: Combating Distracted Driving Giannoulias drafted this legislation to increase road safety by making it illegal to Zoom, watch or stream videos, or access social media sites while driving. In 2022, more than 24,000 drivers were issued citations for distracted driving in Illinois. Nationwide, distracted driving kills more than 3,000 people annually, or about eight each day, according to the National Safety Council. “We need to take steps to change the culture surrounding distracted driving, which will lead to more responsible drivers and ultimately save lives,” Giannoulias said. “Videoconferencing takes hands, eyes and minds off the focus of driving. Our plan utilizes a combination of increased

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with 19 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit to uphold a lower court ruling against an Arkansas law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth. In their brief , Raoul and the coalition support the blocking of Arkansas’ Act 626 in Brandt et. al v. Griffin because it violates equal protection by prohibiting transgender youth from accessing medical treatment such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers to treat gender dysphoria. “Access to gender affirming care is significant to transgender youth’s physical and mental health. It can even be lifesaving,” Raoul said. “I will continue to work with fellow attorneys general to support the rights of all transgender people and ensure they have access to the care they need without jeopardizing their health and safety.” On April 6, 2021, the Arkansas General Assembly passed Act 626, which bans healthcar

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WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and 36 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to medication abortion. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade , reproductive rights have been increasingly under attack, with more than a dozen states banning or restricting access to abortion care, and anti-abortion extremists attempting to ban medication abortion nationwide. Medication abortion is currently used for over half of all abortions. “As many women across America continue to be understandably afraid that the far-right Supreme Court—one that already threw out 50 years of constitutional rights by overturning Roe—will soon weigh in on the future of Mifepristone and might limit their right to access reproductive care even further, I’m proud to

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 19 attorneys general, urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit to permit the Fearless Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides grant opportunities to Black women entrepreneurs, to continue its philanthropic efforts. “Like thousands of other private organizations around the country, the Fearless Foundation provides crucial support to entrepreneurs and companies that have historically been denied access to capital,” Raoul said. “I am proud to stand with my fellow attorneys general in strong opposition to this cynical attempt to end the Fearless Foundation’s important work by mischaracterizing the intent of a statute enacted to protect the rights of newly free slaves.” The plaintiff in this case, the American Alliance for Equal Rights, is claiming that a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which was enacted in the wake of the Civil War to protect newly free slaves

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MURPHYSBORO, Ill.– U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that his 2024 re-election campaign has been endorsed by a next-generation leader of the conservative movement, U.S. Representative Byron Donalds (R-Fla.). “Mike Bost is the kind of conservative we need in Washington right now. He defends our values and delivers results for the hardworking families of his district,” said Donalds. “I am proud to endorse Mike Bost for re-election and look forward to standing side-by-side with him as we continue our fight against the far left liberals in Congress.” “Byron Donalds is a rising star in the conservative movement and a trusted voice for America-loving patriots across America,” said Bost. “I am proud to have his endorsement and look forward to continuing the shared fight for our conservative values.”

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) welcomed 20 new troopers today from Cadet Class 144 and Cadet Class 145 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The new troopers will report to six different Troops throughout the state on Monday, December 18, 2023. Cadet Class 144 and 145 mark the 16 th and 17 th cadet class graduations under Governor JB Pritzker and ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. The total number of ISP troopers added since 2019 now stands at 503. “As we continue the historic expansion of the Illinois State Police with these newest trooper classes, communities across the state will be safer thanks to the service of these men and women,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Congratulations to the graduates, and we thank you for the commitment you’ve made to Illinois.” “Today is another proud day for ISP as we welcome 20 new troopers to our ranks,” said Director Kelly. “These officers

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GLEN CARBON – State Senator Erica Harriss (56 th -Glen Carbon) is pleased to announce more than $22,000 in state-sponsored library grants have been approved for public school libraries across the 56 th District. “Our school libraries are incredibly important for educational and research opportunities for our students,” said Senator Harriss. “I am thrilled to see schools across the 56 th District receiving grant funding to further expand and modernize local libraries that serve as critical tools for the education of our children.” The grants are awarded once every fiscal year to support students enrolled in kindergarten through 12 th grade. Resources and services provided through the grant include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology, and programs. Libraries in the 56 th Senate District that will receive funds include: Alton CUSD 11 - $4,755.75 Collinsville CUSD 10 - $3,242.07 Edwardsville Communit

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - State Representative Kevin Schmidt has responded to the recent report detailing the public health crisis faced by residents in Cahokia Heights. The investigative report, published on November 13, 2023, sheds light on the dire living conditions experienced by the community, including persistent exposure to sewage and its severe health implications. The report reveals that residents in Cahokia Heights have been exposed to sewage for decades, leading to serious health concerns, including bacterial infections, parasites, viruses, and respiratory issues. Sadly, the state has only released $2.4 million of the promised $15.35 million that the city desperately needs properly to address these critical public health threats that are leaving residents in desperate conditions. State Representative Kevin Schmidt asserts that the lack of intervention from the relevant health agencies is unacceptable and calls for immediate action to address the crisis in Cahokia Heights. H

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