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ST. LOUIS - The American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas is offering safety tips for the snow and dangerous temperatures and windchills. In addition, the Red Cross is coordinating with local emergency management officials and partners in the preparation of potential local community needs. Every year, hundreds of Americans are injured or killed by exposure to cold, vehicle accidents on wintry roads, and home fires caused by the improper use of heaters. “We urge everyone to take steps for the possibility of dangerous temperatures and windchills, and snow in some areas, so please plan ahead if you will be traveling or must be outside in these conditions,” said Chris Harmon, Regional Disaster Officer, American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas. “Also, be prepared for the possibility of power outages and have an emergency kit ready. Plan to take action now to avoid frozen pipes and to keep pets safe in the dangerously cold temperatures.” American Red Cross

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BRUSSELS - The Brussels Ferry and Kampsville Ferry have been closed, IDOT District 8 announced Thursday evening because of the winter storm. IDOT urged people traveling into or out of the area to please consider the Joe Page Bridge, or Kampsville Ferry for access/egress to/from Calhoun County. The Kampsville Ferry made an announcement that because of ice flow in the Illinois River, it was closed on Friday. There is no indication when either ferry will reopen, but Riverbender.com will publish it when it occurs.

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ALTON - Due to impending wintery weather conditions, some of the OSF Medical Group locations have adjusted their office hours for Friday, December 23: OSF Medical Group - Primary Care (6702 Godfrey Roads, Godfrey): Friday, December 23: Closed http://osf.care/TJb850MaBqP OSF Prompt Care (6702 Godfrey Roads, Godfrey): Thursday, December 22: 8:00AM-6:00PM Friday, December 23: 8:00AM-6:00PM http://osf.care/7un350MaBqO OSF Medical Group – Primary Care (404 West Bethalto Drive, Bethalto): Friday, December 23: Closed http://osf.care/omGv50MaBqN OSF Medical Group - Primary Care (2 Saint Anthony’s Way, Alton): Friday, December 23: Closed http://osf.care/SE5C50MaBqQ OSF Medical Group – Specialty Practices (2 Saint Anthony’s Way, Alton): Friday, December 23: Closed (some providers will be available for virtual visit appointments) http://osf.care/lIA350MaBqM Virtual visit options are available through OSF OnCall Urgent Care. Start a visit

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ALTON - At 5:20 p.m. Thursday, Alton Fire Chief Jesse Jemison confirmed his department and other fire departments are battling a serious blaze at 1826 Main Street in Alton. Jemison said he will provide more information later but it is a very serious fire and because of the cold weather, they are “swapping people out” in the fight. Gas and electricity have been cut to the home. Godfrey Fire Protection District, East Alton, and Wood River Fire Department members are visible at the scene, although there could be more agencies. At 5:20 p.m. Thursday, the temperature in Alton stands at 2 degrees above zero with wind chills much below that and strong winds, so it is a very difficult fire to battle, said the chief. More to come.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Due to the predicted precipitation, frigid temperatures, and expected wind chills, for the safety of the Edwardsville YMCA staff and members only a few days away from Christmas, both the Meyer & Niebur Centers will close today at 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 22nd and reopens at 9 a.m. on Friday, December 23. Edwardsville YMCA members over 18 that have already registered for and received your individual 24/7 pass may utilize the Niebur Center Fitness Center at your own risk.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 8300 block of Octavia Avenue which resulted in the death of an adult male. The deceased has been identified as Demond Tucker, 15 years of age, of the 8300 block of Sunbury Avenue in Jennings, Missouri 63136. At 4:36 p.m. on December 21, 2022, St. Louis County police officers from the City of Jennings Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 8300 block of Octavia Avenue. Responding officers located an adult male in a parking lot suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. St. Louis County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons detectives are conducting the investigation. The investigation is active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Thursday that a 41-year-old St. Louis man pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and received a 34-year prison term for the fatal shooting of a friend in Maryville. Danyiel M. Johnson pleaded guilty Thursday to killing Ronald L. Holland, 41, also of St. Louis, on March 17. Holland’s body was discovered that afternoon behind a garage on North Bluff Road. Johnson is required to serve 100 percent of the prison sentence. “This defendant gunned down a supposed friend and left him to die behind a garage,” Haine said. “Thankfully, this sentence ensures that he’ll be an elderly man before he’s even eligible for release from prison.” The investigation showed that Johnson and Holland drove together to Illinois to pick up a vehicle. They became lost, and as they were driving, they happened to see two different police units on routine patrol. Johnson began to suspect that he was being

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ST. LOUIS - The severe winter weather pattern predicted for Thursday is going as expected, the National Weather Service in St. Louis said today. Brad Charboneau, a St. Louis meteorologist, said the cold front is in the process of moving through the St. Louis area and temperatures will continue to drop. “We saw a little bit of light freezing drizzle and moderate snow move through the area so far,” he said. “We think we will receive 1-3 inches of snow, but we don’t want people to focus on the amounts. "We saw temperatures 25-30 degrees below zero in northwest Missouri this morning. We are expecting some bitterly cold conditions afternoon and tonight, then again in the morning, which will make travel dangerous. In this bitter cold, you don’t want to be caught stalled in those conditions.”

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COLLINSVILLE - Illinois State Police District 11 has advised motorists to “please stay home” Thursday afternoon and evening. “The snow, wind, and bitter cold are headed our way creating hazardous roadways today and tomorrow,” ISP District 11 said. “If you must travel because of an emergency, please slow down, remain vigilant, and Don't Crowd the Plow. “Don't assume that the plow operator can see you. Their field of vision is limited. You may see them, but they may not be able to see you.” Some tips while driving around plow trucks: Stay at least 200 feet from the plow truck to: 1. Ensure that the driver can see you at all times 2. Allow time for you to slow down or stop 3. Avoid obstructed views from blowing snow or material release Plows travel slower than the speed limit, so use caution when approaching a snow plow. Never pass a snow plow on the right side.

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COLLINSVILLE - Illinois Department of Transportation workers are out with other city street crews salting and clearing the roads Thursday afternoon. IDOT and the others started the salt process early Thursday in preparation for a winter storm that landed in the area Thursday morning. IDOT District 8 posted that current conditions Thursday around the region showed it was snowing hard and in some places drifting. “Conditions at the Jersey-Madison County line along the Greater River Road (Illinois Route 100) shows snow covering all four lanes. Please be alert. These changes occurred in the last 30 minutes between noon and 12:30 p.m.” IDOT continued and said: “We are mobilizing trucks in the remaining counties of IDOT District 8. In addition to traditional plow trucks, you will likely see these massive brine units active in the Metro East. Please give all emergency equipment room.”

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ALTON - With the increasingly colder temperatures throughout the day, Overnight Warming Centers in Alton will open their doors tonight beginning at 5 p.m. Overnight Warming Centers is located at Deliverance Temple at 1125 E. 6th St. in Alton. Follow Overnight Warming Centers Alton on Facebook for updates.

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SPRINGFIELD - Pursuant to a provision of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, a comprehensive study by the Illinois Commerce Commission (“Commission” or “ICC”) has concluded that low-income discount rates for electric and natural gas customers are appropriate for Illinois. On Dec. 15th, the Commission approved the report summarizing the study and offering recommendations for the implementation of discount rates. The Commission further requested that large electric and gas utilities identified in the report file low-income discount rates in their next rate design case, using the recommendations and issues raised in the report to shape their filings. The report has been sent to the members of the Illinois General Assembly in accordance with CEJA. “At the Commission, utility affordability is always top-of-mind for us as we consider decisions impacting consumers. As we move through the CEJA implementation process and the transition to a greener, cleaner grid,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Because of the inclement weather in Madison County, Chief Judge Stephen Stobbs issued an order that after consultation with the Resident Circuit Judge, the Courts, and the Office of the Circuit Clerk of Bond County, offices were closed at noon on Thursday, December 22, 2022. For matters that involve remote proceedings, they were able to proceed as scheduled whenever possible at the discretion of the presiding judge. After the judge's order, all Madison County facilities and courthouses closed at noon on Thursday.

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JERSEYVILLE - The list of candidates running in the 2023 municipal elections for Jerseyville has officially been announced, with current Mayor Bill Russell not seeking re-election and three candidates looking to take his place. Candidates for Mayor include Kevin Stork, Lawrence Welsh, and Clifford Coats. Stork currently serves as Jerseyville's Commissioner of Accounts and Finance, while Coats is the President of Coats Midtown Automotive in Jerseyville. With Stork seeking the Mayor’s position, two other candidates are looking to take Stork’s place as Commissioner of Accounts and Finance - those candidates are Anthony Steckel and Lisa Fitzgibbons-Wieneke. Nick Bexheti, who owns both Nick’s Pancake House and Brossio Tavern in Jerseyville, is seeking re-election as Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements. He will face two challengers in the 2023 election - John Miles and Chris Lorton. Zachary Crawford is seeking re-election as Jerseyville’s Commissioner

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) commissioned 49 new Troopers today from Cadet Class 139 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. The total number of ISP troopers added since 2019 now stands at 417. The new Troopers will report to 15 ISP patrol districts throughout the state on Monday, December 26, 2022. Cadet Class 139 marks the 11th cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker. The Governor’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget for ISP is the largest in ISP history and allows for an additional 300 new Troopers. “I’m thrilled to congratulate Cadet Class 139 on their graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These 49 new troopers went through rigorous training inside and outside of the classroom—learning everything from de-escalation tactics to warning signs of domestic violence. As the latest class of 417 new Troopers added since the beginning of my time i

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SPRINGFIELD - Due to travel warnings issued by the National Weather Service and the Illinois State Police in anticipation of hazardous road conditions caused by the impending winter storm, all Secretary of State offices and Driver Services facilities will be closed at 1 p.m. today, Thursday, Dec. 22. Secretary White’s top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of customers and employees. “I encourage motorists to abide by law enforcement warnings to stay off the roads during hazardous, blizzard-like winter conditions,” said White. Secretary of State offices and facilities will reopen after the holiday weekend on Tuesday, Dec. 27. In the meantime, customers are encouraged to conduct other business online at ilsos.gov. In addition to driver’s license and ID card renewals for those who qualify, online services include obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card, ordering a driver's record, and purchasing license plate stickers.

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WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined the White House and the U.S. Department of the Treasury to announce the approval of broadband projects in Illinois under the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund , which aims to make affordableand reliable high-speed internet accessible to all Americans. Illinois will receive $253.7 million for broadband infrastructure, which is estimated to connect 87,163 households and businesses to the internet. The Capital Projects Fund (CPF) provides a total of $10 billion to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments to fund critical capital projects that enable work, education, and health monitoring in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. In addition to the $10 billion provided by the CPF, many governments are using a portion of their State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to connect every American households to

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ST. LOUIS - Due to the predicted extreme cold weather forecasted for St. Louis and surrounding areas for today and tomorrow, the St. Louis County Police Department will have officers more visible than usual throughout the neighborhoods we serve. Should a resident have an immediate cold-weather-related emergency, they may either contact the office directly if safe to do so, dial “211” or call the St. Louis County Police at 636-529-8210. Our goal is to ensure residents are safe during this and any extreme weather conditions. If needed, residents may also call "211" between the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. to receive a list of warming shelters with availability. If an inquiry regarding shelter availability is needed after 7:30 p.m., residents are asked to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210.

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CHICAGO - Today Governor Pritzker signed HB1293 into law, divesting Illinois state pension funds from Russian and Belarusian banks and companies effective immediately. This action was taken in response to the unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russia earlier this year and in support of the Ukrainian people in their continued resistance against Russian aggression. “As the great-grandson of Ukrainian Jewish refugees, I stand firmly with the Ukrainian people and condemn Russian violence,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This is an important step in demonstrating support for the people of Ukraine and in condemning the unlawful invasion and occupation of Ukraine by Russian forces.” Only a small portion of Illinois’ state assets- less than 0.005%-- will be affected by this policy change. Governor Pritzker directed the Illinois State Board of Investments to investigate this disinvestment process in March of 2022, when Russia initially invaded Ukraine. Illinois communitie

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SPRINGFIELD - A new law in 2023 will remove a long-standing stigma for people that earn an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate. Starting January 1, 2023, that certificate will become the State of Illinois High School Diploma to more accurately reflect the equal value of that diploma and traditional diplomas earned at high schools across Illinois. Last year, in a bi-partisan effort, Illinois lawmakers passed and Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB3792 which amended the code of multiple acts and agencies to replace references to ‘high school equivalency certificate’ with ‘State of Illinois High School Diploma’. The change will help Illinois graduates establish reciprocity with educational requirements in other states. “Students that earn a State of Illinois High School Diploma must possess the same level of knowledge and meet the same expectations as graduates from an Illinois high school. In fact, the two efforts are the same and should be considered

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