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SAINT LOUIS - The holidays can be difficult, but Kimberly Vest with Ellie Mental Health has some advice to make your season more merry. As an organization, Ellie Mental Health takes a unique approach to therapy. The 15 therapists at the St. Louis-Hampton Avenue, MO, clinic believe in the power of humor and creative solutions to help their clients through mental health challenges. Vest, the clinic director, noted that therapy can be “lighthearted” and still help people manage life’s struggles. “Whenever I heard about Ellie for the first time, I was like, ‘Are you sure? Is this really legit?’ And it actually is,” Vest said. “We just make it more lighthearted, not because mental health isn’t very sacred and needs to be honored, but there’s healing here and we can move forward with this. There’s a hope in it.” As the holidays approach, Vest said all of the therapists have full caseloads. Many people experienc

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today paid tribute to four additional Senators who will be leaving the United States Senate at the end of the 118th Congress—U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jon Tester (D-MT), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Mitt Romney (R-UT). On Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Durbin said: “Sherrod Brown spent 50 years in public office… including the last 18 years in the Senate. He is the kind of person that comes to the Senate ready to fight for people who don’t have lawyers and lobbyists to speak for them… Sherrod spent his life working for an economy and a government that cares about the working class and invests in towns, factories, health care, and the potential of working families. He fought for fair trade deals and opposed trade agreements that he thought shortchanged American workers—even when his opposition put him at odds with the president of his own party. He

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon granted a preliminary injunction in Raoul’s lawsuit challenging the proposed merger between Albertsons and Kroger. The ruling halts the merger of the largest supermarket chains in the country, including two of the Chicago area’s major grocery chains, Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s, pending an administrative trial before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). “Today’s ruling is a victory for consumers in Illinois and across the country,” Raoul said. “Reduced competition would lead to higher grocery prices for families at a time when too many can least afford it. I will continue to advocate for consumers to have increased choices that allow them to make decisions that best meet their needs.” Raoul, along with the FTC and a bipartisan coalition of eight other attorneys general, filed a lawsuit in February challenging the proposed supermarket

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EDWARDSVILLE — Thanks to the generosity of local donors, several children in Madison County will wake up to new toys, clothing, and other gifts this Christmas. The initiative, for both the Community Christmas campaign and The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program, has garnered significant participation from community members, including staff from the Madison County Criminal Justice Center and the main courthouse. Judge Kyle Napp, along with her colleagues, took on the challenge of fulfilling 50 requests from the Angel Tree this year. "Every year, we try to do something good for the community," Napp said. "Last year, we gathered toys for Margaret Freer at Freer Auto Body's celebration, and everybody said they wanted to do more this year." The group not only met the Angel Tree requests but also collected a substantial amount of additional items, which were delivered to a Cookies and Cocoa event at Freer Auto Body in Godfrey last week. "I am really happy that the Angel Tree request

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BENTON – Criminal organizations are manipulating older Americans into turning over their life savings to foreign conspirators, and U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe is warning southern Illinois residents on the prevalence of imposter scams. “Unfortunately, we’re aware of several instances where seniors in southern Illinois have been victimized by imposter scams, most recently in Williamson County,” said U.S. Attorney Crowe. “The Marion Police Department did extensive investigative work in the case, and we’re pleased to have them as a partner to gain justice for the victims.” Imposter scams begin with a communication from the scammer in the form of a phone call, text or email from a seemingly reputable source like PayPal. The scammer will explain the victim has a suspicious purchase on their account, and if the victim did not buy the item, their account has been compromised. The scammer will then refer the victim to another fraudster posing

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect William Bishop, Jr., 39 years of age, of the 6500 block of Hancock Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63139, for two counts of Stealing a Motor Vehicle and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. A booking photo of Bishop is attached. Bishop is being held on a $75,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: At 12:21 p.m., on December 10, 2024, Defendant stole a 2009 Nissan Altima from outside of the Circle K at 1920 Union Road after Victim #1 left the vehicle unlocked and running (Count 1 ). Defendant was identified from surveillance video of the theft by a police officer familiar with defendant from similar offenses, and was subsequently identified from a photo lineup. Several hours later the Nissan was

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ST. LOUIS - On Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, President of the Board of Aldermen Megan Green, and Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier (7) introduced the TRANSFORM STL Act, a bill that appropriates the Rams Settlement Funds into strengthening the City of St. Louis through major investments in infrastructure, development, and families and children. “From Delmar to Dutchtown to Downtown, every neighborhood deserves to benefit from these settlement funds,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones . “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will be used to transform the lives of many generations to come.” The TRANSFORM STL Act will direct money from the Rams Settlement into the following funds: Infrastructure ($100 million) Citywide Water Infrastructure Fund - $40 million Citywide Mobility Infrastructure Fund - $60 million Development ($100 million) Citywide Housing Fund - $70 million Citywide Neighborhood Development Fund - $30 million People

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (41st-Downers Grove) has appointed Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) to serve on the state’s newly created Increasing Representation of Women in Technology Task Force. “Both as a small business owner and State Senator, Sen. Harriss has proven her commitment to increasing economic development in Illinois,” said Curran who co-sponsored the legislation. “I look forward to learning more about the task force’s recommendations to improve business in our state by increasing female representation in Illinois’ technology workforce.” The task force, which includes 20 members, was created following the passage of SB 2682 , a bipartisan effort that was unanimously approved by the General Assembly in May. The Governor signed the measure into law in August (P.A. 103-0912), and the group will begin its work in early 2025. “It's an honor to be chosen for this important work,”

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - Cahokia Heights will be required to invest an estimated $30 million in upgrades to its sanitary sewer system as part of a settlement announced by the Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agreement resolves ongoing violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the Illinois Environmental Protection Act related to the city's improper operation of its sewer system. The settlement stems from allegations that, since November 2019, Cahokia Heights has discharged sanitary sewage from an overflow point in its sewer system into nearby waterways on more than 300 occasions. Additional discharges of untreated sewage were reported in various locations throughout the community, including ditches, roads, yards, and homes. These sanitary sewer overflows pose risks to public health and the environment, carrying harmful bacteria and viruses. Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring compliance with environmental

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GODFREY - Godfrey’s third annual Freezing for Funds event is shaping up to be their best one yet. On Jan. 4, 2025, community members will complete a polar plunge at Glazebrook Park Lake, with all proceeds going to a local organization. The deadline to register as a participant or sponsor is Dec. 20, 2024. “We’re just trying to raise money for somebody in our community,” said Cami, one of the organizers. “It’s going to be a good time. We always have fun.” You can visit FreezingForFunds.com to donate, register as a participant, or sponsor the event. Sponsorships cost $250. It costs $35 to participate and you will receive a shirt if you register by Dec. 20. All participants and sponsors are asked to submit the name of a local nonprofit. At the event on Jan. 4, Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick will draw one of the nonprofits, and this charity receives all of the funds. Organizers Cami and Mark noted that they gave the Alton Athletic

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police are investigating a homicide that occurred early Tuesday morning, Dec. 10, 2024, in the 200 block of Estridge Road, resulting in the death of an adult male. At approximately 12:07 a.m., officers from the North County Precinct responded to reports of a shooting in the area. Upon their arrival, they found an adult male and an adult female suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. St. Louis County Police said the male victim was transported to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead. The female victim, who is pregnant, was also taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, and officials confirmed that the unborn child was unharmed. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous or seeking a potential reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS

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CHICAGO - Riverside Natural Foods Inc. is voluntarily recalling certain batches of MadeGood granola bars due to the potential presence of a piece of metal in the product, which, if consumed, may result in a safety hazard. The health and safety of our consumers is our highest priority. This recall is being initiated as a precautionary measure; no injuries have been reported. Specific products impacted by this recall include the following MadeGood products: Chocolate Chip Granola Bars, Mixed Berry Granola Bars, Strawberry Granola Bars, Cookies & Crème Granola Bars, Chocolate Banana Granola Bars, Chocolate Drizzled Birthday Cake Granola Bars, Chocolate Drizzled Cookie Crumble Granola Bars, and Chocolate Drizzled Vanilla Granola Bars . Recalled products were produced between January and November 2024 and distributed throughout Canada, the United States and other international markets. Product UPCs and best by dates included in the recall can be found on the website madegoodfoods.com

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, to discuss global health funding and continued support for foreign aid. During their meeting, Durbin and Gates spoke about strengthening health systems in developing countries, enhancing integrated global disease monitoring, biomedical research, and addressing existing gaps in public health services. “Investing in critical public health infrastructures and clean water around the world have been key priorities of mine, and I’m encouraged to see the U.S. working with our global partners, like the Gates Foundation, to address these challenges,” said Durbin. “I admire Bill’s ongoing commitment to helping meet this goal and to building more resilient global health systems.”

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced his appointment of transportation expert Gia Biagi to lead the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), pending Senate approval. Biagi brings decades of experience in urban planning, transportation, and public policy, including previously serving as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation. The announcement comes alongside Omer Osman’s retirement from IDOT after 35 years of service to the agency. “As my administration continues our ambitious goals to revitalize transportation across the state, I’m excited to appoint Gia Biagi as the next leader of IDOT,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Her expansive portfolio and unique leadership experience will undoubtedly propel IDOT’s mission forward and strengthen Illinois’ infrastructure efforts. I would also like to congratulate Secretary Osman on his retirement and thank him for so many years of dedicated service to our State.” Om

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator and co-founder of the first-ever Senate Environmental Justice Caucus Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) leadership to discuss a number of issues, including support for the ongoing Thornton Tunnel and Reservoir Project, modernizing critical water infrastructure to prevent future flooding, building resiliency against climate change and bringing environmental justice to communities that have been ignored for too long. Photos from the meeting are available on the Senator’s website. “Strengthening our water infrastructure is crucial in safeguarding our communities from future potential flooding and protecting the health and safety of all Illinoisans,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to work with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to ensure that our key water systems, including the Thorton Tunnel and Reservoir Project, will remain resilient against the effects of climate

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Every year on December 12th, enthusiasts and casual bakers alike come together to honor National Gingerbread House Day. This festive occasion not only celebrates the delicious treat but also invites creativity, community, and a sense of nostalgia. While gingerbread houses have become iconic symbols of the holiday season, their history, construction techniques, and the joy they bring are worthy of exploration. A Brief History of Gingerbread Houses The tradition of gingerbread dates back to ancient civilizations, where early forms of gingerbread were often used in religious ceremonies. However, the concept of the gingerbread house as we know it today gained popularity in Europe during the 19th century. The Brothers Grimm's fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel," published in 1812, played a significant role in popularizing the idea of edible homes, portraying a witch's house made entirely of candy and sweets. In the late 1800s, German immigrants brought the tradition to America, where it quickly

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Welcome to a fascinating journey through time as we explore significant events that occurred on December 11th throughout history. One of the most notable events on December 11th took place in 1964 when civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway. King’s eloquent words resonated around the globe, emphasizing the importance of nonviolent resistance in the fight for racial equality. He highlighted the ongoing struggle against poverty and injustice, calling for global solidarity against oppression. King’s speech remains a significant moment in the civil rights movement, inspiring countless individuals to advocate for justice and equality. Fast forward to December 11, 1981, when NASA launched the first Space Shuttle, Columbia, on its inaugural mission. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of space exploration. The shuttle program revolutionized how humans traveled to space and facilitated numerou

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jerseyville Fire Department is getting some new equipment courtesy of a $1,000 grant from Illinois American Water. Fire Chief Keith Norman said at Tuesday’s City Council meeting that Illinois American Water allows local fire departments to apply for grants every year. This year, the Jerseyville Fire Department’s grant application was approved for $1,000 - the maximum amount allowed under the Firefighter Grant Program . Norman aims to make every dollar count, as the equipment his department will buy - and how they plan to use it - will make a big difference for the city’s firefighters. “This will go towards the purchase of additional nozzles,” Norman said, explaining that fire hose nozzles are a “combination part” consisting of a handset, valve, and more, which all work together to allow water to “fire” out of the hose. In addition to new nozzles, the clever use of some new valves will allow the department

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GODFREY – Officials from Lewis and Clark Community College and Ameren Illinois met at the college’s Godfrey Campus, Dec. 10, to donate a 2006 Freightliner to the school’s Truck Driver Training program. L&C Board of Trustees President Dwight Werts said the truck will be a valuable training asset. “This truck can be used to train people to drive anything from a fire truck to a lumber truck to maybe even an Ameren truck,” he said. “I want to thank Ameren for being a great partner.” L&C President Ken Trzaska said the contribution is a testament to Ameren Illinois’ commitment to education and moving L&C’s programs forward. “We’re extremely grateful to Ameren for their generosity in supporting our Truck Driver Training program and Lewis and Clark in general,” he said. “We look at this as a great example of partnerships in the community and in the region.” Ameren Illinois has nearly 3,300

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GODFREY – A luncheon was held today at the Alton Wood River Sportsmen’s Club to show appreciation for the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and local government officials. The idea of Club President Harold Medford, the event was attended by Sheriff Jeff Connor, Chief Deputy Marcus Pulido, Lt. Bobby Weller, Mayor Mike McCormick, and County Board Member Linda Ogden. With the help of Steve Kochans and his efforts to coordinate with the Sheriff’s Department and Sportsmen’s Club, the luncheon was also attended by several supportive members of the community and Club board. Medford said that he hopes to make this an annual event, and to add an event honoring local firefighters. The Sportsmen’s Club, located in the Village of Godfrey, recently held an appreciation lunch for local veterans and had several hundred in attendance.

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