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The 2024 election delivered a powerful message to the D.C. swamp: the voters were fed up with leaders who ignored their struggles. They handed President Trump and Republican majorities in both houses of Congress a mandate for change. From factory floors and family farms to Main Streets and mom-and-pop shops, working Americans rejected the status quo that had long ago left them behind. Even traditionally Democrat-leaning states like New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California saw significant shifts toward President Trump, highlighting the growing disconnect between D.C. Democrats and the rest of the country. We should be focusing on illegal immigration and kitchen table issues, like jobs, rising grocery prices, the cost of energy, and fixing supply chain disruptions that lead to empty store shelves. These are the things that matter to working families in Southern Illinois and across America. Now that the contentious November election is over, it’s time to roll up our sleeve

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that he intends to nominate Kash Patel to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): “We already have a FBI Director, Christopher Wray, and his term does not expire until 2027. President-elect Trump knows this, because he nominated Director Wray in 2017 after he fired the previous Director, James Comey, another lifelong Republican who failed Trump’s loyalty test. President Biden kept Director Wray in office because the FBI is supposed to be insulated from partisanship. Now, the President-elect wants to replace his own appointee with an unqualified loyalist. The Senate should reject this unprecedented effort to weaponize the FBI for the campaign of retribution that Donald Trump has promised.” Trump made an announcement about Patel’s appointment

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GENESEO - The Illinois State Police (ISP) Blackhawk Area Task Force (BATF) arrested 27-year-old Vanshpreet Singh from Ontario, Canada, and 36-year-old Manpreet Singh from Ontario, Canada, for Possession of Cocaine (Class X Felony), Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine (Class X Felony), and Cocaine Trafficking (Class X Felony). ? ? On November 29, 2024 at approximately 2:10 p.m., an ISP trooper conducted a commercial motor vehicle inspection on a Volvo truck-tractor semi-trailer combination on Interstate 80 eastbound in Henry County. During the commercial motor vehicle inspection, the trooper observed numerous indicators of criminal activity. A subsequent search revealed suspected cocaine. The total approximate weight of the cocaine located was 1,146 pounds and has an approximate street value of more than $40 million dollars. “ISP’s coordinated focus on trafficking is helping keep dangerous drugs out of our communities,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “From

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EDWARDSVILLE - Over 300 students from 20 local school districts recently gathered at SIUE for the 2024 Future Teachers Conference. On Nov. 15, 2024, high school students who want to work in education could learn from local teachers and speakers. SIUE’s School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) hosted the day-long conference, which highlighted SIUE’s teaching pathways. “There is a teacher shortage,” said Angie White, Director of Field Placements with SEHHB. “It’s very important that we try to get more and more teachers into the pipeline. By offering this conference to all the school districts — and it’s free of charge — we hope to inspire and keep them motivated to go into a teaching profession.” Tron Young, a three-time SIUE alum and assistant superintendent at Alton Community Unit School District #11, served as the keynote speaker. Other speakers included 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year Dr. Rachael

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a busy week ahead, starting with the Local Author Book Fair on Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, community members are invited to Hayner’s Alton Square Mall location for the book fair, where they can meet 25 local authors. Mary Cordes, Hayner’s executive director, noted that it will be a fun day for local writers and readers to connect. “We encourage people to come out, buy some books, and then head inside the library and take a look at all the services that we have,” she said. “People can come out and take a look at us and buy local. Buy local. Support your local writers.” There will be a variety of genres available at the fair, from romance to sci-fi to children’s books. Cordes noted that it’s a great opportunity to do some holiday shopping. Shoppers can get their books autographed by the authors and then wrapped at the Community Service League’s

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O'FALLON - CrimeStoppers has drastically increased the reward for tips that result in an arrest about the recent shooting of a beloved area teen. Colin Brown, a 16-year-old, was fatally shot around 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 23, 2024, while traveling south on Highway 1-55 with his father. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, as authorities have not identified the shooter or the location from which the bullet was fired. To aid in the investigation, the CrimeStoppers Tip Hotline is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for tips that result in a felony arrest related to this homicide. Friends, family, and anonymous donors have contributed to increase this reward. Local police are seeking assistance from the public to gather information that may lead to the apprehension of those responsible for Brown's death. Investigators emphasize that no detail is too minor and encourage anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. "Any information that could help piece together

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ALTON – Marquette Catholic High School will host its annual dinner and Christmas show, Jingle Bell Jukebox, on Saturday, December 7. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with hors d’voeuvres and beverages available, the buffet style dinner will be at 5:30, and the show begins at 6:15 on the Ruth Klaus Stage. According to Principal, Mr. Timothy Harmon, the third annual Christmas-themed program is a celebration of the school’s Catholic identity as well as a festive display of student talent. He said, “This is one of my favorite events of the year. It’s so much fun seeing the students act in a Christmas themed series of skits, singing Christmas songs, and creating that wonderful feeling of seasonal joy. They do a tremendous job and look like they have so much fun as well. I especially enjoyed having my eight-year-old daughter at the show last year. Seeing her enjoy the show and taking in the seasonal joy was a highlight of the season for me.” Ms. Madison

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MADISON COUNTY The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has announced the addition of Deputy Jacob Propes to its Patrol Division, a transition from his previous role in the Corrections Division. This announcement was made recently, highlighting the department's commitment to expanding its law enforcement capabilities. Deputy Propes is set to attend the Police Academy in the near future, which is a necessary step for his new responsibilities in the Patrol Division. The Sheriff’s Office expressed optimism about his contributions to the team, stating, “We look forward to what he will contribute to our office and wish him a safe career.” This move underscores the Sheriff’s Office's ongoing efforts to enhance its personnel and provide comprehensive training for deputies in order to better serve the community.

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District #9 Special Education Program was selected as a recipient of the Books-A-Million Book Drive. The objective of the book drive is to provide schools with much-needed donations from customers and to raise awareness for the sponsored school. Books-A-Million General Manager Trisha Rodamen shared the AWESOME news that the Edwardsville store and their customers donated $10,447 worth of new books to GCSD9 Special Education. Special Education Teachers have been stopping by the Board Office to select books for use in their classes. Thanks to Edwardsville manager Taylor Nichols and staff for the continued support of GCSD9. For more information on Books-A-Million, please visit: https://www.booksamillion.com . TO READ ONLINE: https://www.gcsd9.net/default-board-post-page/~board/gcsd9/post/books-a-million-donates-to-gcsd9-special-education-program

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, announced that lane restrictions will be encountered on westbound I-270 over the Mississippi River the following morning. This is an update: On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the right lane will be closed, and traffic will be reduced to one lane between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., weather permitting. This is to allow IDOT crews to complete inspections scheduled for this structure. All entrance and exit ramps will remain open.

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DU QUOIN – Today Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 7 officers with the assistance of the Du Quoin Police Department arrested 23-year-old Dylan S. Weeks of Du Quoin, IL, for 3 counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Class 2 Felony) and 3 counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Class 4 Felony). The arrest stems from a fatal crash that occurred in Perry County in March of this year. On March 17, 2024, ISP agents, with the assistance of the Du Quoin Police Department and the Perry County Coroner’s Office, investigated a two-vehicle fatal traffic crash on US Route 51, south of Gasplant Road. The driver of Unit 1, Weeks, struck Unit 2 head-on at a high rate of speed. The juvenile passenger in Unit 1 was pronounced deceased on scene. On November 27, 2024, a warrant was issued by a Perry County judge for Weeks’ arrest. Weeks was taken into custody at his residence by ISP Zone 7 and Troop

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GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois alum KayLee Melton from Wood River, Illinois recently attended the Juliette Low Seminar (JLS) at the Sangam World Centre in Pune, India. She was one of only two Americans chosen to participate in the 2024 JLS at Sangam, which included selection criteria of being “willing to undertake new and challenging experiences” as well as a being a “mature and responsible global citizen.” KayLee’s achievements include being a Gold Award Girl Scout, Director of GSofSI Summer Camp, and a college student who is studying to become a teacher and still finds time to lead a Girl Scout troop. The JLS started in April 2024 with virtual events, and participants committed to three months of e-learning courses. Next, in-person conferences in three locations ran from Sept. 29 to Oct 4, 2024. The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts describes the seminar as, “a leadership development programme for Girl

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ST. LOUIS - Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal vehicle crash in St. Louis County as 71-year-old Max Ketchum, who resided on the 2900 block of Caspian Lane in St. Louis. The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at the intersection of South Lindbergh Boulevard and Interstate 55. St. Louis County Police officers from the Affton Southwest Precinct responded to the scene after receiving a call about the crash. Upon arrival, they found Ketchum trapped inside his vehicle. Preliminary investigations indicate that he was traveling in the eastbound lanes of Lindbergh Boulevard when his vehicle veered off the road and collided with a concrete light pole, causing the vehicle to roll over. Ketchum was extricated from the vehicle and transported to a nearby hospital for lifesaving treatment. Unfortunately, he was later pronounced deceased. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities have stated that additional information wil

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) proudly introduces its 2024 state park series ornament, showcasing the iconic Devil's Standtable formation at Giant City State Park. Giant City, with its dramatic sandstone formations and rich history, is a treasured southern Illinois destination and a natural choice for this year’s commemorative piece. “Featuring Devil's Standtable is a tribute to Illinois’ unique natural beauty,” said ICF acting executive director Jenny Vaughn . “These ornaments let people celebrate our state parks in a meaningful way, turning a keepsake into a contribution to preservation. We’re excited to continue this series, and we welcome the public’s input on future selections.” Measuring 3 inches and crafted from high-quality diecast enamel, the 2024 ornament captures the essence of Devil's Standtable, a geological marvel that has become synonymous with the natural splendor of southern Illinois.

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COLLINSVILLE - Two local sex offenders have been charged by Collinsville police for unlawful failure to register. Roy L. Wright, 59, of the 2300 block of Adams Avenue in Dupo, and Austin L. Cates, 30, of the 300 block of Leila St. in Collinsville, were both charged with unlawful failure to register as a sex offender. The charges against both individuals indicate they have both since moved but failed to register under their new addresses. While Wright’s last known address is listed in Dupo, the charge against him states he failed to register within three days of establishing a residence in Collinsville. He had previously been convicted of the same charge in a 2012 Madison County case in which he used the alias “Tony Malone.” The charge against Cates states he has since moved from his Leila Street address. While his charge was classified as a Class 3 felony, the charge against Wright was a Class 2 felony, as this was Wright’s second or subsequent such offense.

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ALTON - Step into a magical holiday retreat where vintage charm meets modern festivities. Flock Food Truck Park & Bar in Alton has transformed into a stunning winter wonderland, complete with warm twinkling lights and carefully curated vintage decor and glassware that transport visitors to a bygone era of holiday elegance. "We're thrilled to welcome both familiar faces and new friends to our third holiday season," says Laura Windisch, FLOCK General Manager. "This year's experience promises to be our most magical yet, with an expanded menu and festive programming for all ages." The seasonal celebration features an impressive array of house-crafted cocktails served in vintage glassware, complemented by a new shareable food menu from Byrdies. Wednesday Trivia Nights Weekly entertainment includes free Wednesday night trivia, where teams of one to six can test their knowledge in a festive atmosphere. Brunch with Santa Families can enjoy special programming throughout

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding consumers that Illinois’ winter weather rule will take effect from December 1 – March 31. The winter weather rule prohibits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating. “Frigid winters are a given in Illinois. The state’s winter weather rule offers peace-of-mind for individuals and families who might otherwise be struggling to stay warm during the coldest months of the year,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott . To protect Illinoisans during dangerous cold, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) participants; electric space heating customers; and military personnel and veterans cannot be disconnected if they fall behind on their utility bills. The rule excludes disconnections related to theft, tampering, or safety. The cold weather rule also protects residential

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BETHALTO - Shelby Norris might be new to Meadowbrook Intermediate School, but she has spent her whole career in Bethalto and there’s nowhere else she’d rather be. Norris took on the principal role at Meadowbrook earlier this year after spending several years at Trimpe Middle School, Simpson Achievement Center and Civic Memorial High School. She knows firsthand how community-focused the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 is, and she is proud to be a part of that environment. “This is definitely a community that leans into that Eagle Nation feel,” Norris said. “We are a community about our students. We come together when there’s crisis, but we also come together when there are good things.” As a young adult, Norris didn’t necessarily expect to become a teacher. She didn’t know what she wanted to do when she grew up, but she knew she needed to be of service. Her family taught her the importance of helping others; at

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CARROLLTON – Carrollton High School Principal Leslee Frazier is pleased to announce that four students from the Carrollton High School graduating class of 2025 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, confers this important recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students annually. This year, more than 16,500 honorees join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958.

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BELLEVILLE - A veteran employee of the Belleville Street Department was seriously injured following a collision with an SUV while he was preparing for the annual Santa Parade this past weekend in Belleville. David Harris, 64, sustained life-threatening injuries on Friday as he set up barricades on a downtown street near City Hall. The incident occurred shortly before the parade was scheduled to begin. David Harris has dedicated 36 years to the Belleville Street Department and was actively involved in the preparations for the community event. He was transported to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, where he is currently receiving treatment. The Belleville Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. No further details have been released at this time.

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