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Operations Set To Begin: Wedge Innovation Center Will Offer A New Era For Alton's Economy

7 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON — The Wedge Innovation Center is set to officially open its doors with a VIP ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Located at 620 E Broadway in Alton, the center represents a collaboration between The Wedge and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) aimed at transforming the economic landscape of the greater Alton Metro and St. Louis regions. The partnership, branded as "The Wedge Powered by SIUE," seeks to create a dynamic ecosystem focused on innovation, education, and community development. The Wedge will officially begin operations on April 7, 2025, serving as a 55,000-square-foot social impact hub, research lab, think tank, and workspace designed to drive innovation across Illinois and Missouri, with aspirations to extend its influence throughout the Midwest. The facility will house the Midwest AI Network (MAIN) Labs, the SIUE GeoMarc Office, and the SIUE Center for Predictive Analytics. By bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers,

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Lewis And Clark State Historic Site Hosts Explorers Prince Maximilian And Karl Bodmer Presentation On April 12

7 months 2 weeks ago
HARTFORD – The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site will host “Prince Maximilian and Karl Bodmer: Touring the Wilderness of North America” at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025 in the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site Interpretive Center Theater. Historian and author Brain “Fox” Ellis will portray the Prince of Wied, Maximilian, as he takes you on his journey with Karl Bodmer across North America in the 1830s. Their travels focus on the diverse cultures and natural wonders of the Great Plains and the American West. Ellis is an internationally renowned storyteller, author, and naturalist. He is also a museum consultant who has worked with Chicago’s Field Museum and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield. He is the author of more than 20 books including a series of biographies based on his one-man shows. “We are tremendously excited to again be partnering with the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars program to bring Brian ‘Fox’

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OSF Physician Applauds SNL Skit About Young Men Not Going To The Doctor

7 months 2 weeks ago
As Saturday Night Live celebrated its 50th anniversary, one thing it has been known for over the decades is the use of comedy to make a commentary on what’s happening in the world. Recently, it was a skit about how the only way to get a young man to an annual physical is to pretend it’s a podcast appearance. OSF HealthCare primary care physician, Mfowethu Langeni , DO, said he heard about the skit and then watched it with appreciation. “So hopefully this can help encourage people to change that mindset and change the framing and letting them know that we will see you even if you have no symptoms, no issues. Preventive health is equally as important as any other aspect of health care.” Nearly 40% of Generation Z men (age 20-29) don’t have a primary care provider and millennial men (age 29-43) make up the second-highest number of men without regular primary care according to one study . Using comedy to tell hard truths can be an effective tool so

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Illinois American Water President Addresses New ASCE Report Card, Urges More Investment In Critical Water Infrastructure

7 months 2 weeks ago
BELLEVILLE — Rebecca Losli, President of Illinois American Water, issued the following statement in response to the grades of C- for water and D+ wastewater in the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. “The ASCE 2025 Report Card reveals no change or improvement over the last four years – America's drinking water and wastewater infrastructure is stagnant. The Report Card highlights the urgent need for significant investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, not just across the nation, but also here in Illinois,” said Losli. “Our state continues to face challenges when it comes to investing in critical infrastructure, particularly in these sectors.” With over a trillion dollars in infrastructure investments needed in water and wastewater across the country over the next two decades, American Water continues to work with local, state and federal leaders to provide expertise and investment

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Attorney General Raoul Charges Scott County Man Over Alleged Dissemination, Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

7 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Bluffs, Illinois man for allegedly producing and disseminating child sexual abuse material. 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 sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Bobby H. Xiong, 27, in Greene County Circuit Court with three counts of dissemination of child pornography, Class X felonies punishable by up to 30 years in prison; and two counts of possession of child pornography, Class 2 felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Xiong is currently detained at the Greene County Jail, and his next court date is scheduled for April 28. “Holding child predators who exploit children accountable can help survivors and their families heal from the trauma they unnecessarily

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Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics to Host Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife Monday, April 14

7 months 2 weeks ago
CARLINVILLE – Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Carlinville Hospital, 20733 North Broad, inside the Donor Bus. What: Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics Community Blood Drive When: Monday, April 14th, 11:00 am - 2:30 pm Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, 20733 North Broad, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Vicki Walker at (217) 854-3141 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60352 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife to schedule at 800-747-5401. 2801 South 10th Street | Springfield, Illinois | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org ) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate.

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Attorney General Raoul, Multistate Coalition Request Meeting With Federal Officials About Potential Rollback Of Abortion Care For Veterans

7 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of six attorneys general in sending a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought requesting a meeting on a federal rule that provides veterans and their families access to vital reproductive health services. The rule at issue, “Reproductive Health Services,” permits the VA medical benefits package and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide abortion counseling for all pregnancies and abortion services in situations where the patient’s life or health is threatened and in cases of self-reported rape or incest. The Trump administration has indicated it is currently reviewing the rule and has held meetings with other stakeholders. “Those who have served in the military have made countless sacrifices to protect our freedoms. In return, our military

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Illinois Recognizes March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility

7 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility in Illinois, highlighting the state human rights law that protects transgender people from discrimination. To mark the occasion, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) today issued non-regulatory guidance on the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of gender identity. “As Governor, it has been my mission to ensure that every Illinoisan lives without the fear of violence, prejudice, or discrimination,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “If you’re looking for a place to be authentically yourself, come to Illinois—a state where, regardless of who you are, we celebrate all Illinoisians, recognize their accomplishments, and fight to protect rights to live with dignity and respect.” “In Illinois you have a right to safely exist and be your most authentic self. We don’t just talk about inclusion—we put it into law,”

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Carlyle Man Sentenced to 100 Years for Child Sexual Abuse

7 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a Carlyle, Illinois man was sentenced to 100 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting children and producing child sexual abuse material. 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 sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office prosecuted Mickail S. Cranford, 24, who was sentenced on Thursday by Clinton County Circuit Court Judge Joshua Morrison after previously pleading guilty to two Class X felony charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13 and two Class X felony charges of manufacturing child pornography. “This sentence represents justice for victims who have been exploited and abused,” Raoul said. “I will continue to partner with local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors

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