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URBANA, IL – A collaborative effort between the University of Illinois School of Social Work and Illinois Extension is working to address social inequities that negatively impact the vitality of the Illinois workforce. Researchers are seeking to use social and emotional learning in math and science classrooms to contribute to improved student grades and enhanced teacher effectiveness, while increasing interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. “Illinois has the fifth-largest STEM workforce in the country, but Black and Latinx professionals represent only 11% of Illinois’ overall workforce and only 5% of the STEM workforce,” says Durriyyah Kemp, University of Illinois Extension social and emotional learning educator for Cook County . “This program is a great way to start to diversify and build a more diverse pool of future candidates.” Social and emotional learning (SEL) focuses on building student self-awareness, self-management

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ALTON - For the last few years, summertime has felt even more special to me than usual. With the long, warm days, we’re finally able to get outside more and enjoy walks, bike rides and time at the park – often with family and friends we may not have seen for a while. In our excitement to enjoy everything summer has to offer, it’s important that we don’t forget to protect our skin when we’re out in the sun. The sun’s ultraviolet – or UV – rays can damage skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer, including the most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma. “There are increasing rates of skin cancer on the whole,” said Dr. Lynn Cornelius, chief of dermatology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “Some of this may be due to aging populations, and some due to people not photo-protecting as well as they should.” Key steps we can take to protect our skin from the sun include: using sunscreen (and

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker today signed the Family Bereavement Act, an amendment to the Child Bereavement Leave Act that expands leave time requirements to cover pregnancy loss, failed adoptions, unsuccessful reproductive procedures, and other diagnoses or events impacting pregnancy and fertility. SB3120 also mandates leave after the loss of family members previously not covered in the act. The bill was originally proposed and written by Kyra Jagodzinski, a sixteen-year-old volunteer for State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake). “Illinoisans should have time to mourn and heal after an unimaginable loss like a miscarriage or stillbirth,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “There are no words to erase such immense grief, but today, we take action to ensure that our residents are given the support and grace they deserve. This bill would not have been possible without the advocacy of one of Senator Bush’s dedicated volunteers, Kyra Jagodzinski. Illinois is a better,

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GODFREY – Hosting its first large-scale indoor event in two years, the RiverBend Growth Association welcomed a room full of guests to The Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey on May 25, 2022. The purpose? To celebrate the winners of its inaugural Chamber Choice Awards, as well as to catch up on a bit of organizational business. Among those attending were Growth Association members, Riverbend community mayors, and other municipality representatives from throughout the region. Also attending: State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) and Jersey County States Attorney Ben Goetten. Board Chairman Alan Meyer of 1st MidAmerica Credit Union called the business meeting to order to first affirm board action taken in January 2022. Confirmed votes for RBGA leadership positions were Meyer as Chair, and Dan St. Peters of St. Peters Hardware who will serve as Chair-Elect in 2022. Five new members were confirmed to the RiverBend Growth Association board of directors. The

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SPRINGFIELD – As America celebrates Juneteenth, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will give everyone a chance to see a rare copy of the document that played a key role in this historic day of freedom, the Emancipation Proclamation. There will be no charge to see the proclamation, which bears the signature of Abraham Lincoln. It will be displayed on June 17, June 19-24, and June 27-30. “Few documents in all of American history carry the weight of the Emancipation Proclamation. We are proud to share it with the public and celebrate its connection to such a joyous holiday,” said Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, freeing anyone enslaved in states trying to secede from the Union. But the proclamation could not be enforced until federal troops captured Southern territory. That meant many people remained in chains until the

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, the Prevent Gun Trafficking Act , sponsored by Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) passed the House 226-197, including seven Republican votes. The legislation was included as Title II of the Protecting Our Kids Act , a package of eight gun violence prevention bills. “Voting to pass the Protecting Our Kids Act was one of the most important votes I have taken in my more than nine years of Congressional service,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “This long-overdue legislation will keep guns out of our communities, raise the minimum age for purchasing semi-automatic weapons and ensure that guns are safely and securely stored. I’m honored that my work to stop gun trafficking, which plagues not only Chicago but cities across the country, was included in this legislation. There is more work ahead of us, but this is progress. I am urging my Senate colleagues to pass this legislation to save lives.” Rep. Kelly’s

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department is investigating a possible homicide in the 3400 block of Bolivar Street in Alton. Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido said at 12:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2022, Alton Police Officers responded to the 3400 block of Bolivar St., Alton, in reference to a possible homicide. "Preliminary investigation revealed that an adult was found deceased in a residence in the 3400 block of Bolivar Street," Chief Pulido said. "The Alton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division is investigating and is actively following up on leads." Although the investigation is ongoing and new information is developing, for now, this does not appear to be a random act of violence, the chief said.

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GLEN CARBON – The Village of Glen Carbon’s upcoming homecoming celebration marks its 130-Year Anniversary with carnival rides, great music, food and fun for the entire family. Happening Father’s Day Weekend on Fri., June 17 and Sat., June 18, 2022, this event draws a crowd of residents and visitors alike. Plans have been finalized and a variety of vendors have also signed up to be a part of this community-wide event happening on Main Street in Glen Carbon, Illinois. This year’s parade late Saturday afternoon has two Co-Grand Marshals, honoring two local veterans that were selected based on essay nominations. Mr. Bill Newman and Ms. Lakita Fane will lead the parade, kicking off the night’s activities. The festivities kick-off Friday night around 5 p.m. with delicious eats and refreshing drinks. From Philly steaks, burgers to tacos, your dinner plans will be covered all weekend long at this year’s homecoming. A variety of vendors are also available

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EDWARDSVILLE — Paul Broadway was sentenced to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and over $10,000 restitution after a conviction in the tragic hit-and-run death of 2-year-old Elle Grace Kiser of Godfrey and her family dog. The case riveted the area when it occurred on August 31, 2020. On Friday, May 3, 2022, Broadway was sentenced for the Failure to Report an Accident Involving Personal Injury or Death after a hit and run accident on August 31, 2020, which resulted in the death of Kiser and her dog. Broadway’s conviction could have resulted in a sentencing range from probation to eight years’ imprisonment. “There is no court judgment that will bring back Elle Grace and give her the future that her family still grieves over with her loss,” said Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine. “We hope that this helps bring some closure for them.” Haine specifically thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Chad Loughrey for

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ATLANTA, IL. - When someone mentions how much they love to visit tiny Atlanta, don't look at them like they're crazy – they're talking about Atlanta, Illinois. This little village in Central Illinois has the most picturesque small streetscape anywhere on Route 66, but still, too many I-55 travelers zoom right by its yellow smiley-face water tower and its Exit #140 off-ramp. Atlanta's charming village history had long been recognized – mainly by Atlanta and by Logan County residents and by Abe Lincoln, who walked its streets more than once. But its fame as a revitalized stop along the original Mother Road mushroomed in the 2010s after Library Board member Bill Thomas realized they had a Route 66 gem of an attraction that just needed a little polishing. Thomas and his colleagues realized the key to Atlanta's tourism success was right outside their door – Arch Street – which was once the original U.S. Highway 66. The Library Board took on the restoration of the

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - IMPACT Strategies is most pleased in celebrating the promotion of Mike Michael from Senior Project Manager to Project Director. Mike joined IMPACT Strategies in 2005 as Project Manager. In his 17 years with IMPACT, he has served the firm in various roles, most recently as Senior Project Manager. Mike has managed multiple complex projects throughout Missouri and Illinois, including most recently The Rehabilitation Institute of Southern Illinois and the Siteman Cancer Center in Shiloh. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign and is a LEED Accredited Professional through the U.S. Green Building Council. He is also a Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) through the American Hospital Association. “Mike has been integral in making IMPACT Strategies the firm it is today,” said President, Mark Hinrichs. “Mike is a very successful project manager along with tremendous team builder

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EDWARDSVILLE - Marvin "Preach" Webb as his niece Shari Webb described "transitioned into the next life" when he died at 2:35 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at age 86 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. Preach was in essence Mr. Edwardsville, the happy, smiling man, who visited the Downtown Edwardsville businesses and brought a kind word to everyone he came in contact with within the city. Even a few days ago, she said her uncle Marvin was still smiling and blowing kisses to people when an ambulance brought him home. “Uncle Marvin was truly somebody special,” Shari said. “He was about the only person I know of in Edwardsville other than Mr. Vadalabene who could go right into buildings without an appointment. When he had birthdays almost everyone had a party for him. Edwardsville always took care of Uncle Marvin.” One night, Marvin was at Lori’s Place when acclaimed actor Tim Robbins was in the city filming a movie. Tim visited Lori’s Place and got

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ALTON – The Women’s Health and Childbirth Center at Alton Memorial Hospital is always a friendly place for new parents and their babies. And now the department has officially been redesignated as “Baby Friendly.” Baby-Friendly USA conducted the assessment virtually last fall and this spring to ensure that the practices supporting the tenets of Baby-Friendly have been maintained since the hospital’s initial designation in 2016. Confirmation was received in mid-May. Baby-Friendly USA is the U.S. authority for the implementation of BFHI, a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies – certainly a noble effort with the recent baby formula shortage. “Achievement of the Baby-Friendly Designation is not an easy task,”

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ST. LOUIS - Centerstone, a not-for-profit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments, has announced that Marcy McFadden, clinical manager at Centerstone’s Fellowship House Campus, will retire at the end of June 2022. McFadden joined the Fellowship House in 1999 as a graduate intern and then as a counselor. She has served as clinical manager since 2008, where she was responsible for the development, organization, and management of the Fellowship House; direct supervision of staff; compliance with standards, regulations and laws at the facility; and the financial viability of the Fellowship House Campus. “I am most proud of being a part of a team that is passionate about their work and helping those with substance use disorders,” McFadden said. “And, the highlight of my career has always been the times when a former Fellowship House patient calls or stops by to share their recovery success story. McFadden is married to

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O'FALLON, IL. - Caritas Family Solutions’ Fontebella Maternity Home in O’Fallon, Illinois recently expanded its services and is now the only maternity home in Southern Illinois that is a licensed child welfare institute. With this license, Fontebella is now able to provide services to Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) youth who are pregnant. Caritas CEO Gary Huelsmann said over the years, his agency has always sought to meet the needs they see in the community. He said it became clear to them that there was a great need to provide housing for youth who are pregnant or have children. For over a decade, Fontebella Maternity Home has provided a caring place for women who are pregnant and experiencing homelessness. Through their services, Fontebella aims to empower women dealing with substance abuse, addiction or violence to make positive changes to their lives. It also provides women with a safe place to live, food, counseling, a variety of parenting classes,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Golden Graduates paved the way for future generations of Cougars. These alumni, who graduated 50 or more years ago, returned to their alma mater this spring to celebrate with one another and with the Class of 2022 during commencement weekend May 4-7. “In 2017, we began inviting alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago to come back to campus to celebrate this amazing milestone and to participate in the Golden Graduation Reunion,” said Cathy Taylor, interim vice chancellor for university advancement and CEO of the SIUE Foundation. “A highlight of the reunion is having our Golden Graduates participate in commencement. In doing so, we establish a common thread to connect the past and the future of SIUE.” After hosting the Golden Graduation Reunion virtually in 2021 due to the pandemic, this year’s celebration marked a return to in-person events. The festivities, which highlighted the Class

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WASHINGTON, DC – Days after the 78 th anniversary of D-Day, President Joe Biden signed into law bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) to award the U.S. Army Ranger Veterans of World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal. Duckworth and Ernst both serve on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC). Duckworth served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years before retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel in 2014 and Ernst is a retired lieutenant colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard. “U.S. Army Rangers bravely wore the uniform of this great nation and participated in some of the most important battles of World War II,” said Senator Duckworth. “The impact and influence of these elite soldiers and the sacrifices they made to protect their fellow Americans cannot be overstated. 78 years after D-Day, I’m proud President Biden signed into law my bipartisan legislation with Senator Ernst to finally

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ST. LOUIS - As prices at the pump continue to rise, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is encouraging area residents to consider utilizing public transit in recognition of National Dump the Pump Day on Friday, June 17, 2022. The organization has a FREE Try & Ride program that makes it easy for those who are new to MetroLink or MetroBus to familiarize themselves with the region’s integrated system to get them where they need to go. Those who register for the program on National Dump the Pump Day will be entered into a prize drawing for free transit passes for one year. Registration can be complete at w ww.cmt-stl.org . “Public transit is a safe, convenient and cost-effective transportation option, but many shy away from it because of the unknowns – including which route or line to take, how to purchase tickets and more,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “The Try & Ride program addresses these concerns head-on.

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, today introduced a resolution opposing the criminalization of the full range of reproductive and sexual healthcare, including abortion, gender-affirming care and contraceptive care. The resolution also disapproves of the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes. “All Americans, regardless of gender, income, race or zip code, deserve to have access to healthcare, including the full range of reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care,” said Duckworth. “As we await what could be a disastrous ruling from the Supreme Court rolling back reproductive rights for millions, Republicans across the nation are also pushing forward bills that would throw patients and doctors in jail for seeking or providing care. We must do more to protect every person’s access to full reproductive care, which is why I’m

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JERSEYVILLE - Come out and make your “Journey to Jerseyville” with Shopthe618 on 6/18 from 9am-5pm. Help us celebrate the summer with a good old day of retail therapy. There is something for everyone in our community. This is a day filled with fun and shopping with lots of deals and/or giveaways at every location. This event is one of three shop local events hosted annually by the #shopthe618 small business group. These events are not only about local businesses supporting each other and creating a fun day of shopping for our customers, but they’re also about our community and reaching people outside of Jerseyville to show them the amazing shopping available here. Punch cards will be available for pick-up starting June 16th at all participating locations. Get your punches and something unique at every stop. You can pick up a punch card from any of the ShopThe618 locations the day of as well. As you shop at each store, have them punch your card. Turn that card int

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