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GODFREY - The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is launching an exciting new free educational series for community learners. The SEED (Sustainable Environments for Education and Discovery) Series will kick off with a “Gearing Up for Gardens” session from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. Lewis and Clark Community College Horticulturist & Garden Designer Katie Piper will share the benefits of native plants and how to incorporate them into participants’ gardens. The event will also feature a native seed swap – every guest will receive a packet of Illinois bundleflower seeds, collected from the Field Station gardens, to take home and grow. “We are thrilled to offer this new educational opportunity to our community,” said Erica Doerr, Environmental Educator. “The SEED Series reflects our commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability. The events will provide people with the tools

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SPRINGFIELD – Starting January 1, 2025, employers in Illinois will be required to provide pay stubs to employees each pay period. The pay stubs must include information on hours worked, pay rates, overtime pay, and deductions from wages. “This law gives employees greater transparency about their earnings, allowing workers to verify their hours, income, and deductions,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. As part of Public Act 103-0953 , 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 copies of their paystubs at least twice in a 12-month period. Questions about Public Act 103-0953 can be sent to DOL.Wages@Illinois.gov and 312-793-2808.

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), and the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) announced the selection of 13 organizations to receive funding through the unprecedented Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Grant Program. The grants, which total $200 million, will fund capital projects addressing health-related social needs and reduce disparities in healthcare in historically underserved communities. “As my administration continues on our mission to expand healthcare access throughout Illinois, we’re focused on investing in historically underserved areas,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This Capital Improvement Grant Program will improve hospitals and care centers with much needed improvements, making it easier for healthcare professionals to serve their communities.” Healthcare Transformation Capital Improvement grants will build on HFS’ equity-driven Healthcare Transformation

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College's Science of Happiness class collaborated with College for Life (CFL) students this fall to write gratitude letters to loved ones and teachers, encouraging meaningful connections. As part of the project, a gratitude portrait wall is on display in Trimpe, featuring photos of CFL students alongside the words of things they are thankful for. “This gratitude project not only helped foster positive emotions but also encouraged students to spread kindness and appreciation to everyone they interact with,” L&C Communications Professor Christina Chapman said. The Science of Happiness students worked with CFL participants, many of whom have disabilities, to help them write gratitude letters. Through these conversations, the two groups shared stories, laughter and reflections, forming bonds based on mutual respect and shared experiences. The project also helped students rethink their ideas about people who are different from them. One

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) in reintroducing bipartisan legislation that would provide Veterans who have service-connected disabilities with expedited screening under the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) PreCheck program. While TSA PreCheck is already offered to active duty, Reserves and National Guard servicemembers at no cost, the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act would expand this program to include Veterans who are amputees, paralyzed or blind who often experience challenges when passing through airport security. “Millions of Veterans have sacrificed a great deal in service to our nation and returned home with service-connected disabilities—for those of us who rely on prosthetics and wheelchairs for mobility, air travel and passing through airport security can be a challenge,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m

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ST. LOUIS - Yesterday, it was announced that there would be a suspension of operations at Homer G. Phillips Memorial Hospital and a sudden furlough of its dedicated healthcare workers. In response, the City of St. Louis Mayor’s Office, Department of Health, and the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) will be collaborating with healthcare leaders across the region to ensure that the impacted workers receive the support they need to find meaningful employment by connecting these individuals with new opportunities, whether through job placement, training programs, or other forms of assistance. “My thoughts are with the workers who were unjustifiably impacted by this sudden closure,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “However, I know thoughts must be matched by action, and I’m proud of the quick coordination happening within our City departments to support these workers. The closure of this hospital right before the holidays represents another

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is expanding the number of ways drivers receive alerts when ISP activity is up ahead and they need to slow down and move over. ISP and the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology, (DoIT) are partnering with HAAS Alert to expand notifications to select Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, RAM, and Volkswagen vehicles. These safety alerts to drivers will be powered by Safety Cloud, HAAS Alert’s solution for delivering digital alerts through leading navigation apps and compatible vehicle infotainment systems. “Move Over crashes are preventable and we’ve had too many troopers killed and injured because of them,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “To keep both ISP troopers and drivers safe, ISP continues to identify new ways to alert people when they need to slow down and move over. Our partnership with HAAS Alert will help us ensure drivers are paying attention and focused on the road ahead.”

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The bed is a space to relax and recharge. But not all sleeping positions are created equally. If you’re constantly waking up with neck, back or joint pain, Zeeshan Ahmad, MD , a spine physiatrist in pain management at OSF HealthCare, has some things to try. Primary position The idea, Dr. Ahmad says, is to maintain the body’s natural posture when you sleep. Doctors have found that sleeping on your left side is a good way to accomplish this. “Put a pillow under the neck in a way that the neck is in a neutral position,” Dr. Ahmad says. “We don’t want the pillow to make the neck go up.” Put a pillow between your legs, as well, so your right leg doesn’t pull the spine down. Arms and pillows When sleeping, should your arms be by your side, curled up in a so-called T-Rex position or some other way? Dr. Ahmad says it comes down to comfort. If resting your arms on your midsection doesn’t hurt, go for it. Another option for side

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MARYVILLE - Dan Rojek, Director of Surgical Services, is excited to announce the addition of the Da Vinci 5 robotic surgery system to its cutting-edge surgical technology lineup. The Da Vinci 5 is the most powerful and fully integrated system to date, designed to deliver better patient outcomes while lowering the cost of care. Anderson Hospital plans to launch the new system – which arrived today -- in early 2025. With the third busiest single robot surgery program in Illinois, Anderson Hospital has been at the forefront of minimally invasive procedures, offering advanced care to the communities we serve since September 2010. The addition of the Da Vinci 5 will expand the capabilities of our robotic surgery program, further enhancing our robotic volumes. “This investment in state-of-the-art technology reaffirms our commitment to providing the highest level of care,” said Dan. “The Da Vinci 5 will allow us to continue delivering exceptional results whil

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ST. LOUIS — A second individual has been charged with murder in the shooting death of Colin Brown, a high school hockey player from the O'Fallon area, who was fatally shot while riding in a car with his father on Interstate 55 in St. Louis. Donovan Baucom Jr., 28, was charged on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, with first-degree murder, shooting from a motor vehicle, and several other offenses related to the incident. Baucom was arrested on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, by St. Louis Police, with assistance from the St. Louis County Police Department. He joins Garrett Jordan, who was charged earlier after investigators traced his phone's location data to the crime scene. Jordan is currently being held without bond and has pleaded not guilty, waiving his initial bond hearing. According to court documents, investigators utilized witness testimony, security video, and cell phone location data to connect Jordan to a dark-colored Audi believed to be involved in the shooting. Authorities allege tha

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GLEN CARBON - Caritas Family Solutions is asking for help to make sure the last few children on their list have a merry Christmas. As an organization, Caritas supports kids in the foster care system, adults with developmental disabilities and seniors. They serve 6,300 individuals every year, including 1,400 children in the foster care system. At their Glen Carbon location, there are 15 kids who still need gifts this holiday season. “Christmastime brings it all together,” said Hope Carbonaro, chief program officer with Caritas. “We always consider the fact that children that have experienced trauma in their young lives, abuse and neglect, that while we care for them all year long in various ways, that waking up Christmas morning and feeling a sense of normalcy and feeling a sense of joy and that people love and care about that experience for them is just something that’s hard to explain in words. It’s very meaningful.” Community members ca

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – On Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, U.S. Figure Skating and the St. Louis Sports Commission announced that the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships will be hosted at Enterprise Center in Downtown St. Louis City. Mayor Jones issued the following statement: “St. Louis is America’s first Olympic city, and our legacy as a sports town cannot be denied,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “We can’t wait to welcome America’s Olympic hopefuls and figure skating fans from across the country to our beautiful city. See you in 2026!”

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EDWARDSVILLE - The fourth phase of a project to build a shared use path along part of Highway 157 in Edwardsville is officially underway following City Council approval on Tuesday. The city has been awarded $390,400 in federal CMAQ grant funds to build a shared use path along 0.37 miles of Highway 157 from West Schwarz Street to Enclave Boulevard. Edwardsville City Council members unanimously approved a joint funding agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the project’s construction. Under the terms of the agreement, this phase of the project is set to be completed within five years. Aldermen also approved $97,600 in matching funds which, in addition to the federal grant, brings the project total to $488,000. Warren said the $97,600 is the city’s portion of the project funds, but noted they would be covered by a grant from the Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD). Under a separate agreement to allocate these matching funds,

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COLLINSVILLE — Ashay Hopkins, a student at Collinsville High School, has been named the Student of the Month for December 2024, recognized for her positive influence and dedication to her peers. Hopkins, who is known for greeting her classmates each morning with a warm hello and a smile, has made a significant impact on the school community. “It always helps me get into the same positive frame of mind,” said the individual who nominated her, highlighting her ability to uplift those around her. In addition to her cheerful demeanor, Hopkins is noted for her commitment to academic excellence. “She not only works to get the 'A' but always wants to know how to become a better public speaker,” the nominator remarked. Her dedication extends beyond her own studies, as she dedicates hours each day to tutoring fellow students in subjects such as math, English, and public speaking. Hopkins' support for her classmates is further illustrated by her attentiveness

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COLLINSVILLE - Thirty-three members of the Collinsville High School Class of 2025 have been named 2025-26 Illinois State Scholars . IASC ( Illinois Student Assistance Commission ) uses a formula to determine this select group across the state each year. Qualification is based on each student's standardized test scores and performance-based academic data. CHS Class of 2025 Illinois State Scholars Henry Bauer Katelyn Berger Hannah Bolla Cade Braddock Brion Brown Danielle Cary Kaylynn Castens Scarlett Clayton Kaylee Cooper Bailey Demick Kenna Fisher Brody Fister Selah Hart Reznor Hartmann Diana Hernandez Alyssa Huckelberry Naomi Hurst Holiday Johnson James Kline Morgan Laing Emma Miller Molly Piper Charlene Rushing Roselyn Sanchez Jocelyn Scott-Gas Olivia Skertich William Slazanik Canaan Sweitzer Solomon Talbott Sophie Vanmiddendorp Aiden Wiley Ian Yakstis Trevor Zipprich

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GRAFTON — The Grafton City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, opened with a moment of silence to honor Retired Chief of Police Eric Spanton, who died on Dec. 14. Mayor Mike Morrow led the tribute, reflecting the community's respect for Spanton's service. During the meeting, Trebe Bradfisch, along with event coordinators Jessica Hayes and Deseray Hardwick, presented a donation from the fourth annual Witches on the Water event to the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA). This year's event attracted participants from various states, including Texas, Arizona, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, contributing to a donation of $17,201. The amount raised this year marks an increase from previous years, with the total contributions since 2021 reaching $41,422. “Again, the Witches on the Water have surpassed expectations with their generosity and devotion to our veterans and the Grafton Memorial. We are forever grateful,” Mayor Morrow stated during the meeting. The

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BELLEVILLE - The Homebuilders and Remodelers Metro East Association is looking ahead to a great 2025. HBRMEA shared that there are more resources and people interested in the trades than in previous years. They are also preparing for their famous home raffle, where the grand prize is a house valued at over half a million dollars, or $300,000 cash. Shannon Stelling, a representative with HBRMEA, encouraged people to get involved. “We have got a lot of resources right here in the Metro East to support manufacturing, to support trades, to support all the things that can drive commerce in our area,” Stelling said. “I’m hearing from several different facets, everywhere from our trade partners to our builders and our remodelers, that they’re busy.” Stelling shared that the Collinsville Area Vocational Center and Belleville’s Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence are both undergoing renovations that will increase the size and scope

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Fire Department is offering Basic Life Support (BLS) classes for the community, aimed at equipping participants with essential life-saving skills. The courses will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on select Wednesdays at Fire Station One, located at 130 South Clinton Street in Collinsville. The American Heart Association (AHA) outlines that the BLS course is designed to help participants recognize life-threatening emergencies, perform high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations, and utilize an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The curriculum reflects the latest science and education updates from the AHA Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. The BLS classes are particularly beneficial for healthcare professionals and others who may need to perform CPR and basic cardiovascular life support in various settings, both in-facility and pre-hospital. The cost for the class is $25 for Collinsville residents and $50

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) voted to pass the bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act . This package includes many provisions that are priorities for veterans and veterans service organizations (VSOs), such as support for home- and community-based care, improvements to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational and employment programs and assistance for homeless veterans. The legislation will now be sent to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. The package is anchored by the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, which Congresswoman Budzinski cosponsored. This legislation would enable veterans to remain at home, age safely in place and avoid or delay admission to nursing homes and other costly institutional settings of care. “It’s our duty to take care of our veterans who have made immense sacrifices to defend the freedoms we hold dear,” said Congresswoman

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Branch of the NAACP proudly announces the election of its new officers, who will lead the organization into a new chapter of advocacy, unity, and progress. These dedicated leaders bring experience, passion, and a shared commitment to advancing the mission of the NAACP: ensuring the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all people. The newly elected officers are as follows: President: Traci S. Daniels 1st Vice President: Walter Chase 2nd Vice President: Debra J. Pitts 3rd Vice President: Lynette Daniels-Jordan Secretary: Lashawnda Williams Assistant Secretary: Gwen Bumpers Treasurer: Karen Hooks Assistant Treasurer: Charlene Blair President Traci S. Daniels, alongside her team, expressed enthusiasm about the journey ahead. "I am honored to serve as President of the Edwardsville NAACP Branch and look forward to working with our incredible leadership team and community. Together, we will continu

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