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CHICAGO - It’s the first day of Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace, and Illinoisans will once again have an additional month to enroll in a health plan through January 15, 2024. The Illinois Department of Insurance also released health insurance rates for the 2024 Plan Year, announcing that there are now twelve issuers offering ACA Marketplace health plans in Illinois. “Our list of health insurance carriers continues to grow, and this year Aetna Life Insurance Company will join that list, offering ACA Marketplace plans in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties,” said IDOI Director Dana Popish Severinghaus. “Just three years ago, there were five carriers offering plans throughout the state, and now that number has more than doubled to twelve.” Director Popish Severinghaus said that Illinoisans will have many coverage options to choose from, “We know that having affordable health insurance to help

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) announced today that 10 Southern Illinois counties will receive a combined $1.2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to fortify rural energy. "Biofuels and renewable energy are key components to ensuring America's energy independence," said Bost. "Farmers in Southern Illinois have experienced increased uncertainty over the last two years, but grants like these are a crucial step in ensuring that biofuels remain a part of America's fuel supply. I support an 'all-of-the-above' approach to meeting our energy needs and will continue to fight for energy resilience and reliability in Southern Illinois." Bost authored a letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture in support of robust funding for rural energy programs, helping secure more than double the funding from the previous year for the REAP program. This increase will continue to help small businesses

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ALTON - Positive. Diligent. Passionate. These are just some of the words that describe the nurses of OSF HealthCare. They go above and beyond every day in service to patients, and that’s why many of them were recently recognized with I Am an OSF Nurse Excellence and Legacy Awards during OSF HealthCare’s annual “I am an OSF Nurse" Symposium. Locally, Shannon Vitali, RN, Pre-operative & Post-operative Services, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center, was one of two direct care nurses from across the entire organization to receive the prestigious Nurse Legacy Award. This award, sponsored by the OSF Clinical Nursing Executive Council, is given annually to recognize/celebrate an individual who has demonstrated our founding Sisters' attributes. In addition, individuals considered for this distinction will have demonstrated a commitment to others through avenues such as: Fundraising/philanthropy Giving the gift of time or service to family, friends, community or

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and 21 Senate Democrats today in calling on Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan, urging FTC to investigate two newly-proposed mergers by the two largest oil companies in the United States. In the letter, the Senators also are urging FTC to oppose the mergers proposed by ExxonMobil and Chevron if any anticompetitive harms are discovered. ExxonMobil’s proposed $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources and Chevron’s proposed $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation are two of the largest petroleum deals in American history. These proposed acquisitions could be disastrous for American consumers–greatly reducing competition and driving up gas prices at the pump. “Exxon’s and Chevron’s operations downstream would enable them to redirect Pioneer’s and Hess’s crude supply to themselves, away from (and possibly to th

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are encouraging additional income-eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support with utility bill assistance for natural gas, propane, and electricity. Applications expanded today, November 1, to include income-eligible households that are disconnected or facing imminent disconnection. “With temperatures dropping and the winter season just weeks away, my administration is ensuring that every family has the assistance they need to keep the lights and the heat on,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With DCEO’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, we are providing utility bill support to thousands of income-eligible families—and I urge those who are disconnected or facing imminent disconnection to apply. Here in Illinois, we look out for our neighbors, and that’s exactly what LIHEAP is all about.”

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2023 . This bipartisan legislation will reauthorize key federal grant programs to provide states with funding to help thousands of homeless young people nationwide. “This legislation is an investment in the future of our nation and a promise not to give up on any child,” said Durbin. “It will help us empower our youth—especially those in underserved communities—to realize their dreams for a better and brighter future, regardless of the traumatic experiences they may have faced.” “Having a caring and safe place to sleep, eat, grow, and study is crucial for any young person’s development,” said Collins. “Our bipartisan legislation would support young people who run away, are forced out of their homes, o

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GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School, a coed Catholic college preparatory high school, held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the expansion of its campus today. The new addition will be a 3,550 sq. ft. facility called the “Commons Building”. The new addition, once complete, is slated to provide an indoor gathering space to support the school’s growing student body. The student body along with staff members, donors, parents, and supporters gathered today to celebrate All Saints Day with an all-school mass followed by the Groundbreaking Ceremony. The new Commons space is part of a four phase expansion. The addition of the Commons will be the first phase of the McG Master Plan, the remaining plans will include a larger gym with locker rooms and offices, a beautiful chapel, dedicated space for fine arts performances, a band and chorus room, and completion of the athletic complex with an all-weather track and tennis courts. The funds necessary to build the new

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ALTON – Simmons Hanly Conroy , one of the nation's largest mass torts firms and a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, is pleased to announce that the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms® (formerly known as U.S. News – Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms”) has awarded the firm with a Tier 1 national ranking in the practice area of Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs. In addition, the firm received 10 metropolitan rankings in Tier 1 (the highest recognition level) and three additional metropolitan rankings across its offices. Now in its 14th year and compiled by the legal peer review publication company Best Lawyers, the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms includes rankings in 75 national practice areas and 127 practice areas across metropolitan regions. Best Law Firms rankings are based on client/professional reference feedback, information provided by firms through the formal submission process,

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced today that his office charged a Franklin County man with possession of child pornography. The Benton, Illinois resident is also facing separate federal child pornography charges. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child pornography online. Austin W. Lee, 29, was charged today in a Franklin County Circuit Court with 10 counts of possession of child pornography, Class 2 felonies, each punishable by up to seven years in prison; and five counts of sexual contact/sexual conduct with an animal, Class 4 felonies, each punishable by up to three years in prison. He is currently detained at the Franklin County Jail and his next court date is Nov. 15. “Child pornography is a horrific crime that can leave life-long scars on victims and their families, and we

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that bridge repairs will require a weekend closure of southbound/westbound Interstate 55/70 between Illinois 203 and Exchange Avenue starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3. A posted detour will be in place to direct motorists to I-255 and I-64. The work is expected to be complete by 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 6. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and all detour signs prior to the work zone, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. 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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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 19 attorneys general, today supported a Maryland board of education’s efforts to create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ children and students. The amicus brief, filed in Mahmoud v. McKnight, supports the Montgomery County Board of Education (MCBE) in a challenge to its policy of providing LGBTQ+ inclusive reading materials in its language arts curriculum. “Inclusive classroom environments ensure all students feel valued and respected and allow everyone to thrive,” Raoul said. “I will continue to work with my fellow attorneys general to push back against coordinated efforts to attack LGBTQ+ youth and ensure all students are supported in the classroom.” In their brief filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, Raoul and the coalition explain the importance of providing safe and inclusive school environments for all children and argue that policies such

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GRAFTON - Get your boots and hats ready for Grafton’s first annual Country Music Festival, which is quickly approaching from Friday, Nov. 3 to Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, at several venues around Grafton. With a full lineup of live musical acts, the festival will also feature a cowboy hat contest, dance contest, karaoke, and much more. Free live music will be performed by several acts throughout the weekend. The festivities will kick off with three bands at three different venues around Grafton on Friday evening from 6 to 11 p.m., with the Best Cowboy Hat Contest being held that night at 9 p.m. at the Grafton Pub. Saturday will start off with the “Eatin’ To The Oldies” breakfast and brunch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bobby G’s Martini Bar. In addition to even more live music at several more venues, Saturday will also feature the Mr. and Mrs. Grafton Contest from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Grafton Pub - participants are asked to wear their “Best Country Attire.”

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ST. LOUIS - The Illinois Center for Autism (ICA) helps hundreds of families every day, and now you can help them by supporting one of their many upcoming fundraisers, complete with bands, vendors, raffles, a fashion show and plenty more. On Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, the music festival “Tracy’s Song 2.0” at The Heavy Anchor in St. Louis will serve up four bands and plenty of basket raffles from indie St. Louis shops. Then on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, ladies can lunch at the center’s “Women, Wine and Wardrobes” event with special guest speaker Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski. All proceeds from both events will go toward the programs at ICA, which have been helping families across nine Illinois counties for 45 years. “We’re kind of a hidden gem,” explained Rachel Newsome, ICA’s communications officer. “Unless your family is experiencing the challenges of autism, a lot of times you might hear the name but you don’t

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WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River High offensive/defensive lineman Aiden Wright has had a long career with football that started in his eighth grade year in the JFL. He has played a key role for the Oilers since his entry on the varsity team. Wright said if he had to thank anyone in regards to support in his football career, it would be "friends and family who have supported me" through his journey, especially his mom and dad because "no matter what happens they’d still encourage me to do better." Garry Herron is Wright's head coach for East Alton-Wood River High. Wright is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for EA-WR. Wright said his best qualities are: "Just being active and diligent throughout the school year helps me focus on my academics. If there was anything I love more about football it's the friendships you have with your teammates and where they bring happiness to you in life in and out of football." He says he spends his free time "hanging ou

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ALTON - Alton High School had a big sendoff recently for six girls' varsity volleyball players: the seniors - Grace Carter, Karen Lewis, Ella Artis, Tayen Orr, Aleigha Snipes and Lanee Miller. The AHS senior volleyball girls are Auto Butler Female Athletes of the Month. Alton head girls volleyball coach Phil Hamilton said the varsity Redbirds are led by their star outside hitter, senior Grace Carter (No. 14). "Grace has been on the varsity team for four years and plans to play in college," Coach Hamilton said. "The team leader, on and off the court, is No. 16, Karen Lewis, a 5’10’’ senior middle blocker," Hamilton said. "She also plans to play in college." Senior setter Ella Artis (No. 17) has played for the varsity team for three years. Hamilton described Artis as "a very gifted setter and aspires to be an aircraft pilot." No. 12, senior outside hitter Aleigha Snipes, has substantially improved her attacks. She plans to play in college, Hamilton said. Senior

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CARROLLTON - Several individuals are facing charges filed recently in Greene County, ranging from criminal sexual assault of a minor, child pornography, home invasion, and many more, according to the county’s latest jail booking report. Jacob D. Haynes, 25, of Roodhouse, was charged with one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13 years of age. Haynes was also charged with two counts of child pornography and one count of grooming. He was arrested by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department on Oct. 25, 2023, and remains in custody. Jarrod R. Campbell, 39, of White Hall, has been charged with home invasion and aggravated battery. He was arrested on Oct. 28, 2023, by the White Hall Police Department and remains in custody. Nicholas K. Bridgewater, 39, of Roodhouse, was charged with one count each of assault and reckless conduct. Bridgewater was arrested by the Roodhouse Police Department on Oct. 28, 2023, and has since been released on time served.

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater (ALT) welcomed over 100 kids at their first ever Halloween trunk-or-treat. On Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, ALT invited the community to stop by their parking lot at 2450 Henry Street in Alton to celebrate Halloween with the ALT Board of Directors. Kevin Frakes, the theater’s artistic director, explained that they wanted to provide a fun and safe evening for the kids who live near ALT. “We loved the kids and we had a great time,” Frakes said. “We just basically did it for the community and for the kids in our area, because a lot of the kids in our area, they don’t even have sidewalks. So we thought we would do something like that this year just for the safety of it, and just for the awareness of the theater and that we’re very much community-minded.” This was ALT’s first year sponsoring the trunk-or-treat. Frakes teased there is a “good chance” they’ll do it again following the huge response.

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - There is no doubt about it, Alton and Edwardsville communities take Halloween seriously. East End Improvement Association sponsors the annual Alton Halloween Parade and it is nearly a year-long undertaking. The same holds true for the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade. Included here are a variety of photos that display the characters who were out on the streets of Alton and Edwardsville on Tuesday. Displayed are all ages from young to elderly. It was a jovial day for many in the region and those pictured enjoyed themselves! If you have photos from the big day you want to share send them here with the story on Facebook.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Megan Knobeloch is a senior player for the Edwardsville High girls' volleyball team who emerged as one of the Tigers' key players for the 2023 season. Knobeloch played a key role in the Tigers' 25-17, 25-23 win over Quincy in the playoff opener at Alton's Redbird Nest on Oct. 24 with 13 assists in the semifinal of the Class 4A Alton regional. In the team's season finale against Belleville West on Oct. 19, Knobeloch scored four points with two aces in the Tigers' 25-19, 25-20 win. The win on the Tigers' senior night was a great way to round out Knobeloch's career at Edwardsville and in her post-match interview, she was very happy, indeed. "We had a lot of fun this year," Knobeloch said, "and I'm glad we got to finish it out winning first in our conference (going 12-0 in the Southwestern Conference), and I got to finish my season out with all the people I started it with." Knobeloch is a Johnston Law Firm Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. The out-of-town road

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that road repairs on westbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. One lane will always remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. 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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