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CHICAGO – November is Adoption Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is celebrating the lifelong commitment of thousands of families across the state who have opened their hearts and homes to 17,159 children in need of loving families over the past decade. “It is our mission to ensure that every child in Illinois grows up in a safe and loving family,” said Illinois DCFS Director Marc D. Smith. “During Adoption Awareness Month we encourage Illinoisans to get involved and become licensed foster, adoptive or guardianship parents to children who need them and celebrate the thousands of families across the state that have been made whole though adoption.” Last fiscal year 1,939 Illinois children were adopted into permanent, loving families. Today there are 19,835 youth in care waiting for a family and place to call home. To learn more about some of them, visit the Heart Gallery of Illinois at https://greenlightfamilyservices.org/heartgalleryofil/

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WEST ALTON - The US Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, will temporarily close Maple Island Access Recreation Area beginning November 2, 2023, due to necessary re-painting work on the Missouri side of Melvin Price Locks and Dam to prevent any potential overspray onto vehicle traffic. Weather permitting, this work will be completed by the end of the weekend, and the Access Area will be re-opened on Monday, November 6 th . For more information, please contact the Rivers Project Office at 636.899.2600.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met with Michelle DeLaune, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), along with NCMEC General Counsel Yiota Souras, to discuss NCMEC’s Congressional appropriation and Durbin’s efforts to protect children online. “I’ve worked hand-in-hand with Ms. DeLaune and her team since the Senate Judiciary Committee began its legislative push to protect children online earlier this year. Their support is a testament to the importance of Congressional action to hold Big Tech accountable for its failure to protect our kids. NCMEC and its programs and services are a critical lifeline for victims, survivors, and their families. As I push to bring our bills to the Senate floor for a vote, I am proud to have NCMEC’s partnership and will do whatever I can to fund their lifesaving services,” said Durbin. NCMEC was

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees—spoke with U.S. Special Representative Penny Pritzker about her role and vision to help advance Ukraine’s economic recovery as that nation continues to fight for their freedom and sovereignty against Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of choice. During their meeting, Duckworth also reiterated the need for continued American support for Ukraine, which is not only critically important for our Ukrainian partners, but also important for America’s own national security and preventing Putin from continuing his march West, which would threaten our NATO allies. “So long as Ukraine needs our support, the United States should not shy away from our role as a global leader in the fight to uphold democracy and the rule of law,” said Duckworth. “As we continue to work to secure additional,

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ALTON - Each November the home care and hospice community honors the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, and social workers who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve. These heroic caregivers play a central role in our health care system and in homes across the nation. To recognize their efforts, both at home and in their local communities, OSF Hospice and OSF Home Care Services, along with the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), celebrate November as National Home Care & Hospice Month. With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, the need for health care will continue to rise, and costs will continue to skyrocket. This is where home care and hospice come in. As the preferred choice for most patients, it also offers the greatest cost savings. For example, Medicare pays nearly $2,000 per day for a typical hospital stay and $450 per day for a typical nursing home stay. Meanwhile, home care costs less than $100 a day and helps

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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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