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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - Unemployment stats remained low year over year from December 2022 to December 2023 in the area. Edwardsville had a 3.1 percent unemployment rate in December 2023 compared to 2.4 percent in 2022, while Alton was 5.4 percent compared to 4.5 percent, Granite City was 4.2 percent compared to 2.9 percent and Belleville 4.6 percent compared to 3.7 percent in December 2022. Collinsville recorded a 4.2 percent rate compared to 3.3 percent in December 2022. As far as counties this was the breakdown: Madison County 4.1 percent compared to 3.1 percent December 2023 to December 2022, Macoupin County 4.2 percent compared to 3.3 percent, Jersey County 3.9 percent compared to 3.0 and Calhoun County was 3.6 percent to 3.7 percent a year ago. Greene County recorded a 4.1 percent rate compared to 3.9 percent a year ago. Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in eight metropolitan areas, decreased in five and was unchanged in one for the year ending December 2023, according

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EAST ALTON – Lincoln Middle School teacher Maggie Dust is changing how her students interact and engage with scientific concepts thanks to a recent grant from the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI). Dust, a partner of the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC sm ) and the Swarovski Foundation, plans to use the grant, along with matching funds from the Swarovski Foundation Waterschool program, to purchase an EnviroScape model for her classroom. "This grant holds immense value for my students and me as it enables us to expand our approach to environmental education,” Dust said. “The EnviroScape model, made possible by this grant, will revolutionize how students engage with scientific concepts.” The hands-on, visual EnviroScape model allows students to understand the interconnectedness of human activities and their environment more tangibly. It will enable them to explore the snowball effect of pollution

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois, will host prospective students and their families for an Open House on Monday, February 19, 2024, beginning at 9:00 AM. The winter event is designed to be an engaging opportunity for prospective first-year and transfer students to gather important information about the college application process. For students who bring their official transcripts, it may be possible to get an instant admission decision and find out immediately if they can attend Blackburn in the fall. Throughout the day, students and families will tour the beautiful 80-acre campus, make personal connections with current students and professors, and get to know what life is like as a Blackburn student. In addition to a complimentary lunch, they will see first-hand Blackburn’s unique approach to education as the only student-managed Work Program in the nation and discover how graduates build full resumes that will give them a four-year head start launching

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GODFREY – Prospective students looking to advance their careers or pursue higher education are invited to explore Lewis and Clark Community College during Discover Day, from 4-6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 19, in The Commons. Discover Day offers future Trailblazers the opportunity to tour campus, engage with academic and financial aid advisors, gain insights into programs and career prospects, and enjoy a taste of student life. "Discover Day is a chance for students in our surrounding communities to understand what sets Lewis and Clark Community College apart," said L&C Recruiter Daniel Nosce. "We'll highlight everything Lewis and Clark has to offer, from programs and departments to student support and other organizations." Discover Day takes place twice a year on Presidents Day and Indigenous Peoples Day (Columbus Day), when many district high schools are closed but the college remains open, allowing students to explore the campus without missing school or work. “The

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers have introduced critical legislation ( SB2839 and HB1634 ) to expand the manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), which will create jobs, spur economic growth, and guarantee clean air benefits for our communities. The legislation includes three standards – Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT), Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus (HDO) and Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) – which establish a necessary foundation to continue Illinois’ leadership in the transition to a clean energy economy. In 2023, exhaust from diesel engines in Illinois led to more than 5,000 asthma attacks, nearly 200 heart attacks, and 416 premature deaths across the state. Trucks in particular have an outsized negative impact. Despite making up only 7% of on-road vehicles, trucks are responsible for 67% of pollution. According to the American Lung Association, electrifying the vehicle fleet in Illinois in concert with CEJA will see nearly $50 billion in public health

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CHICAGO – In recognition of Safer Internet Day Feb. 6, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today encouraged parents and caregivers to talk to children about ways to protect themselves online and what to do if they end up in an unsafe online situation. “Safer Internet Day aims to not only create a safer internet, but also a better internet, where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. Today and everyday is an opportunity to talk to children about safe and healthy online behavior,” Raoul said. “I will continue to advocate for online safety and to help protect children and young adults from the physical and mental health harms that result from dangerous online activity.” Raoul explained parents, caregivers and educators play the largest role in protecting children online and helping them develop healthy online habits. He encouraged parents and guardians to have uncomfortable conversations with youth abou

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Fair has announced that award-winning singer/songwriter Jordan Davis will headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Tuesday, August 13th . Davis recently earned his sixth career #1 with his two-time platinum hit, “Next Thing You Know.” This is the third consecutive #1 from his album, Bluebird Days . The Shreveport, LA native was named Best New Country Artist (2019) at the iHeartRadio Music Awards; Billboard’s Top New Country Artist (2018); and earned back-to-back ACM New Male Vocalist nominations. His songs have been streamed 4 billion times worldwide. “We are excited to bring Jordan Davis to the 2024 Illinois State Fair Grandstand,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark . “His chart-topping hits appeal to a broad range of country music fans, from traditional to contemporary. He’s a crowd favorite.” Joining Jordan Davis is Ashley Cooke , whose debut album, Shot in

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PASADENA, CALIF. - Imagine all your favorite Illinois Route 66 photo ops packed onto one float in the legendary Rose Bowl Parade on January 1, 2024! That's exactly what happened on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California, with Illinois Route 66 icons like the Joliet Prison, Shea's Gas Station Museum, and the World's Largest Catsup Bottle (to name just a few) represented on an amazing float. Here's how it happened. In Pasadena, the theme of “Celebrating a World of Music” was chosen for the 135th Rose Bowl Parade. And in Chicago, the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) team pondered that theme as they thought about the state's rich musical heritage and the legacy of music associated with the greater Chicago area. Those musical thoughts, along with the IOT award-winning marketing campaign of “Middle of Everything” sparked the Enjoy Illinois float theme: “Illinois: The Middle of Beats and Blues.” “The thing is, music is a universal language, and of

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CHICAGO - Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are encouraging Illinoisans to take advantage of savings offered by the newly expanded Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a benefit that helps low to moderate income workers get a tax break. For tax year 2023, coverage has been expanded to include taxpayers with an IRS-issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), as well as workers ages 18 to 24 and over 65 (without qualifying child). In addition to expanded coverage, those claiming Illinois EITC this year will see their amount of tax relief increased to a 20 percent (previously 18 percent) match of the amount given federally. To claim Illinois EITC for tax year 2023 (tax returns due in 2024), taxpayers must file an Illinois income tax return and have: worked and earned income in 2023 under $17,640 ($24,210 if married filing jointly) with no qualifying children, or $56,838 ($63,398 if married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying

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CHICAGO - Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are encouraging Illinoisans to take advantage of savings offered by the newly expanded Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a benefit that helps low to moderate income workers get a tax break. For tax year 2023, coverage has been expanded to include taxpayers with an IRS-issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), as well as workers ages 18 to 24 and over 65 (without qualifying child). In addition to expanded coverage, those claiming Illinois EITC this year will see their amount of tax relief increased to a 20 percent (previously 18 percent) match of the amount given federally. To claim Illinois EITC for tax year 2023 (tax returns due in 2024), taxpayers must file an Illinois income tax return and have: worked and earned income in 2023 under $17,640 ($24,210 if married filing jointly) with no qualifying children, or $56,838 ($63,398 if married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying

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ALTON – Riverbend Head Start & Family Services is proud to announce the agency has earned its status as a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity Seal Holder. After completing a thorough review process, Riverbend Head Start & Family Services has met BBB’s Standards for Charity Accountability. Standards ensure that an organization has: Proper governance and oversight; A method to measure organizational performance & effectiveness; Sound financial stewardship and practices; and Complete and accurate fundraising and informational materials. “By meeting the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability and displaying the BBB’s seal, it gives donors the confidence needed to support Riverbend Head Start & Family Service’s mission,” said Michelle Corey, BBB President & CEO. “Charities that meet these best practices go above and beyond legal requirements, putting them in an elite group.” “We are pleased to continue as a BBB

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ALTON - A local 7-year-old has raised money for the Overnight Warming Location by reading every day in January. Hayden Griffin, a first grader at St. Mary’s, was upset when he learned that some people don’t have homes to return to at night. He decided to read books to raise money for the Overnight Warming Location (OWL) , an organization in Alton and Edwardsville that provides overnight shelter for people when the temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. On Feb. 5, 2024, Hayden toured the OWL in Alton and delivered a check to a representative. “I believe in God,” Hayden said when asked why he decided to help. The idea started when Hayden saw a few unhoused community members at a North Pole attraction in December. His mother, Morgan Griffin, explained to him what it means to be unhoused. That night, when Santa Claus asked what he wanted for Christmas, Hayden said he wanted Santa to help homeless people around the world. While Santa is working

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River is one step closer to getting a Heaterz Hot Chicken location following unanimous approval from the City Council at their meeting on Monday night. City officials have agreed to help fund the renovation of the restaurant’s next home on Ferguson Avenue. City Council members unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the execution of a Redevelopment Agreement with Heaterz Development Company LLC for TIF Financial Assistance at 11 W. Ferguson Ave., as submitted by the city’s TIF Committee. Councilman Bill Dettmers said at the meeting that Heaterz requested $30,000 per year over eight years for a total of $240,000 in TIF assistance from the city. He spoke in support of the agreement due to their strong revenue and employment projections. “I’m going to vote in favor of this tonight,” Dettmers said. “We now have some financial information … it appears that this will provide approximately $34,000 to $66,000

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department issued a reminder today, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, reminding Super Bowl partygoers and football fans that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of impaired driving. The police department said if your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol or cannabis, plan for a ride home with a sober driver. If you’re hosting the party, take care of the designated drivers. Fans don’t let fans drive drunk. “Everyone wants to have a good time on Super Bowl night, so we want our community residents and guests to plan for safe rides home,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “Even one drink or hit can impair judgement. You should never put yourself or others at risk because you made the choice to drive impaired.” Whether you’re attending a party, hosting a small gathering, or going out to a bar, keep safety at the forefront of your thoughts. When it’s time to leave, make sure your designated

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Rotary Club has chosen to honor Edwardsville High School student Abigail Stacy with the Student of the Month Award for the month of January. Abigail Stacy was nominated by Science teachers Melissa Barnett and Amy Burian of Edwardsville High School. Abigail is the daughter of Michelle and Jason Stacy. She is very involved in the music department, specifically band, where she has been a member for four years, a section leader for two years, and has won two “A Game” awards. Additionally, Abigail is a member of the EHS Literary Magazine, Science National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and National Honor Society. She also serves as a voice host for the Tiger Talk Podcast Network, EHS’s official podcast. As well as being very involved in her school and extracurricular activities, she has also been awarded the 2023 AP Scholar Award and is an Illinois State Scholar for the 2024-25 school year. In her free time, Abigail enjoys

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BUNKER HILL – The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) has awarded Bunker Hill CUSD #8 a grant of $49,600 from the Rebuild Illinois Capital Planning Fund for a one-year study about the possibility of refurbishing the gymnasium of the long-vacant Meissner School and transforming it into a functioning community performing arts center. The new community performing arts center would be for those in the Bunker Hill region. With over 100 applications requesting support of $4,500,000, the IAC awarded $500,000 in this highly competitive grant. Decisions were based on the evaluation criteria and priority focus areas as published in the application guidelines. Bunker Hill CUSD #8 is “very pleased that we received this award,” according to Superintendent Todd Dugan. “We are thrilled to put these funds to work to hopefully meet the needs of our community by providing a community school space to celebrate the arts (music, theater, etc.) We believe all students need to feel supported,

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ST. LOUIS - Get ready for a lunar celebration like no other! Drunken Fish is kicking off the Lunar New Year in style by hosting a party in honor of its 20th anniversary. Join us on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the breathtaking VUE, located within the historic Cutlery Building at 612 North 2nd Street. VUE's fifth-level event space sets the stage for this unforgettable 20th-anniversary extravaganza. With nearly a 360-degree view of downtown St. Louis, guests will enjoy stunning vistas of the Gateway Arch, the Eads Bridge and the city skyline. Drunken Fish has an exciting lineup of events planned for the year, and what better way to start than with the Lunar New Year Party. This event is all about celebrating diversity and culture. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the spirit of Asia through a variety of all-you-can-eat Asian cuisine and live entertainment. The night will feature a Chinese Lion Dance, live DJ, kimono shot girls, live sushi chef, cash

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ALTON – Alton Steel Inc. (ASI), a leading manufacturer of high-quality steel bars, announced the appointment of Alton native Chris Ervin as the new CEO. Ervin will succeed Chief Executive Jim Hrusovsky who announced his retirement today after more than 10 years of distinguished leadership. The two leaders will work together closely during the transition until Hrusovsky’s retirement in September. After that, Hrusovsky will remain a part of the team as a consultant. “It has been an honor to serve as CEO for ASI,” said Hrusovsky. “This is a bittersweet decision for me. I’ve worked for several companies during my 43-year career, and ASI has been the most rewarding place I’ve ever worked. The people here really care about each other, they are always focused on doing the right things for the company and our customers, and they pitch in whenever and wherever they are needed. While I will miss the people of ASI a great deal, I’m also looking

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MARION - The agenda has been released and various continuing education credits have been approved for “A Trauma-Informed Courts and Community Symposium: Creating a Culture of Belonging” on Thursday, March 21 from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center, 800 Tower Square Plaza, Marion, IL. The symposium, hosted by Illinois First Judicial Circuit Chief Judge William J. Thurston, Access to Justice Improvement Grant, Williamson County Presiding Judge Stephen R. Green, and Centerstone, features advocate, speaker and former NFL player Gaelin Elmore as the keynote speaker. To register for this free event, visit Centerstone.org/events. “Please join us for a one-day, motivational symposium as we encourage court personnel and professional communities to commit to understanding how belonging is a key element in success,” said Brenda Sprague, Office of the Chief Judge. “Whether your work includes helping court patrons navigate the legal

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ALTON - Abundant Church’s Super Sunday event promises Super Bowl fun for the whole family on Feb. 11, 2024. The church will host games, tailgate food and giveaways throughout the morning on Feb. 11 in between services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. According to Pastor Joe Banks, the goal is to bring more people to the church and provide a fun space for young families and others to enjoy on Super Bowl Sunday. “Something really unique and really special is happening at our church,” Banks said. “We’ve grown by 150 people in just the last five months, and it’s mostly young families, young adults, millennials, and it’s super cool to see what’s happening.” Super Sunday is the perfect exemplar of the church’s growth. There will be kid-friendly services and special activities for the youngest congregation members to enjoy, as well as a Field Goal Challenge and giveaways for the adults. Banks hopes these fun activities will make

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