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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced that the State has been awarded $2 million in federal grant funding for the Smart Manufacturing Lighthouse Program (SMLP). This funding will be provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, through the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains’ (MESC) State Manufacturing Leadership Program. “Manufacturing is at the heart of our state’s economic strength, and this new federal funding will help us take it to the next level,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By equipping small and medium-sized manufacturers with smart manufacturing technologies, we’re accelerating innovation and driving progress toward a clean energy economy – while ensuring no community is left behind. I am deeply thankful to our federal partners for recognizing the importance of this work and supporting

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today introduced the Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act. The bipartisan legislation would correct abuses of the bankruptcy process that deprive employees and retirees of their hard-earned wages, benefits, and retirement savings. As businesses’ bankruptcy filings have increased, jobs, pensions, and long-promised benefits are at risk. Yet, laws have not adapted to give employees and retirees a fair shake in the bankruptcy process. The Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act would modify Chapter 11 bankruptcy procedures by expanding available claims for employees and retirees and granting them improved priority, while placing restrictions on excessive compensation for executives. “Employees should not have to panic that they will lose

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GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Police Department said early Thursday that it responded to a report of an armed man barricaded inside a residence. At approximately 5:06 a.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024, the Granite City Police Department received a call regarding the situation in the 2200 block of East 24th Street. The police department said officers quickly arrived at the scene and made contact with the male subject. The police department also explained the situation concluded without incident, and the individual was taken into custody. "A criminal investigation is currently ongoing, and authorities have stated that no further information will be released at this time," the police said.

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator and co-founder of the first-ever Senate Environmental Justice Caucus Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with members of the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) to discuss a number of issues, including her work to help create good-paying union jobs, get the lead out of our children’s water, promote clean energy and bring environmental justice to communities that have been ignored for too long. “In order to help preserve our environment for generations to come, we need to make significant investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and the well-paying climate-friendly jobs those investments create,” said Duckworth. “Doing so gives us a chance to not only rebuild and repair communities and support the American workforce, it also creates an opportunity to confront the environmental injustices that low-income communities and communities of color too often bear the burden of. I appreciated today’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Annual Edwardsville High School Winter Concert brought together the talents of the band, orchestra, and choir on Wednesday night, Dec. 4, 2024, showcasing a festive array of musical performances. Under the direction of Victoria Voumard for the orchestra, Emily Ottwein for the choir, and Ryan Lipscomb and Dean Anderson for the band, the evening featured a diverse selection of holiday-themed pieces. The concert commenced with the orchestra performing "Holly Jolly Christmas," setting a cheerful tone for the event. Following the orchestra's opening, the band took the stage with "Thematic Variations on Dona Nobis Pacem," while the choir introduced their set with "Oba Ti De (Here Comes the King)." The orchestra continued with "Ani Ma'amin (I Believe)," featuring percussionists Luke Slater and Zinnia Allen, before the choir presented "Glow." The band then performed "Sleigh Ride," leading into the orchestra's rendition of "Brandenburg," which included Allen on drums.

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ST. LOUIS - In a collaborative effort to promote community health and wellness, The City of St. Louis, the Department of Health (DOH), Affinia Healthcare, and the St. Louis Integrated Health Network will be hosting a free vaccine clinic before the upcoming Mayor’s Cabinet in the Community town hall meeting on Dec. 7, 2024. The vaccine clinic will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the town hall will begin at 10:30 a.m. The event will take place in the gym at the O’Fallon Park YMCA, 4343 W. Florissant Ave. “The vaccine clinic at our last Cabinet in Community meeting was a success, and we’re happy to get to do it again this Saturday,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “It is still essential for everyone to get updated on their vaccines, and I’m happy we yet again get to provide this service to city residents.” The vaccine clinic is supported by ARPA funds awarded to the City of St. Louis Department of Health (DOH). The DOH provided a grant to the

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that work to replace two Interstate 270 bridges over the Mississippi River in Madison County, a cornerstone project in Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, has reached the midway point with the completion of the south span. The joint project with the Missouri Department of Transportation is on track to wrap up in 2026. “Rebuild Illinois has increased safety, efficiency, and opportunities for Illinoisans all over the state – and the work on the I-270 bridges will extend those benefits to even more communities,” said Gov. Pritzker . “Reaching the halfway point of this vital project is a significant milestone, made possible by the collaboration and dedication of our teams on both sides of the river. Together, we’re revitalizing infrastructure that will improve travel and mobility for residents and travelers for years to come.” The first of the

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ALTON — Rochelle Bewley is organizing a fundraiser to support the family of Darwyn E. “Dar” Bryant, who died unexpectedly on Dec. 3, 2024, at the age of 64. The campaign aims to assist with funeral expenses that the family is struggling to cover. Bryant served as the director of the Dream Center of Alton, where he was known for his commitment to helping those in need. He was also an active member of The River Church, contributing as a producer in the media department. In addition to his community service, Bryant authored a book titled “360 Degrees: Full Circle” and had a passion for buying and selling antiques and collectibles. Dar and his wife, Valerie, married on Aug. 31, 1999. She survives, along with his children, Alisha (Ron) McKee of Godfrey, Rochelle "Nikki" (Jeff) Bewley of Shepherdstown, WV, Christopher Travis Bryant of Gilbert, Ariz., and Kendal Catuccio of New Baden; and four grandchildren, Alexis, Alayna, Addyson, and Isla, as well as twins

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JERSEYVILLE/BELLEVILLE - A local Santa recently received a note from a little girl who came to visit him. The note read, “Dear Santa, can I have my dad back?” Santa gave her a hug and promised to pray for her. He wrote her name down in a little red book and prayed for her every night for a week, and then he prays every day for all of the names in that book — the kids who have asked for things Santa can’t deliver. There’s the girl who asked Santa to help her dad get out of prison. There’s a boy who asked for bug spray because his house had a lot of bugs. Though Santa can’t fix everything, he did work with Got Faith? Ministry in Jerseyville to send an exterminator to that boy’s house. Steve Pegram, the founder of Got Faith?, explained that he is Santa’s cousin. He helped RiverBender.com get in touch with Santa ahead of the busy Christmas holidays, and Santa has a message for all the kids and families out there this year

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ALTON - On Giving Tuesday, the Alton Police Department engaged in a community initiative aimed at providing new shoes to local children in need. Officers partnered with the organization All God's Children Shall Have Shoes to shop for the footwear, demonstrating their commitment to supporting families in the Alton area. The collaboration highlights the spirit of generosity that characterizes Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to charitable giving following the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The Alton Police Department expressed pride in their involvement with the initiative, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. "We appreciate the support," said organizers from All God's Children Shall Have Shoes, acknowledging the police department's contributions to the shoe program.

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office celebrated the graduation of Session #130, welcoming a new officer to its ranks. Officer Cameron Bush completed the corrections training program and is set to contribute to the department. The ceremony recognized the hard work and dedication of the graduates, with a special acknowledgment of Officer Bush’s achievements. “We extend our welcome to Officer Cameron Bush to our team and express our gratitude to his family for their support in allowing him to complete the corrections training program,” the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office stated. Officer Bush's successful completion of the program is seen as a valuable addition to the department, which continues to emphasize the importance of training and community support in law enforcement. The academy remains committed to preparing officers for the challenges they may face in their roles.

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GRANITE CITY - A three-hour standoff in Granite City concluded without incident Thursday morning, Dec. 5, 2024. The situation unfolded near the intersection of 24th Street and Washington Avenue, prompting a response from several officers from the Granite City Police Department. Details regarding the circumstances that led to the standoff have not yet been disclosed. Authorities reported that the situation was resolved peacefully, and no injuries were reported. The Granite City Police Department is expected to release more details as the investigation continues. More to come.

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is continuing to seek recovery of over $3.8 million in back wages and benefits for over 350 displaced workers after their employers abruptly closed. On October 30th, IDOL, through the Office of the Attorney General, filed three separate federal bankruptcy claims against Outfox Hospitality, LLC; Dom’s Kitchen and Market, LLC (Dom’s); and Foxtrot Market (Foxtrot) seeking back wages and benefits owed to its employees when the businesses failed to provide the required 60-day notice under the Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN). In April, Dom’s, Outfox, and Foxtrot informed workers the businesses were immediately closing. In response, IDOL notified the three businesses of their obligations to provide sufficient notice of closure under WARN and sought payroll records and other documents. While the businesses had initially indicated the need for additional time to provide the requested

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department is proud to announce the receipt of a Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program grant. The grant, funded by federal highway safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation, will support enhanced traffic safety enforcement efforts designed to save lives and reduce traffic crashes. “We are grateful for this grant, which allows us to increase our enforcement of impaired driving, seat belt, speeding and other traffic safety laws under the banners of ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,’ ‘Click It or Ticket,’ and ‘Drive High, Get a DUI,’” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “Our priority is ensuring the safety of everyone who uses our roadways by holding those who break the law accountable.” The STEP grant year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025, enables the Edwardsville Police to conduct additional enforcement operations, particularly

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PARIS, FRANCE - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Mind the Bridge, and economic leaders for the Startup Ecosystems (SES) Awards in Paris, France. Representing Illinois and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Governor Pritzker made brief remarks and accepted an award on behalf of the State. “Across the world, governments, businesses, and NGOs are focusing more of their attention on building environments of innovation that can uplift emerging startups, light the fires of creativity, and harness human potential to not just drive prosperity – but also find solutions to humanity’s greatest challenges,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinois is proud to be a recognized part of this global startup community. With each step we grow closer to conquering our greatest challenges and in the process, we create a stronger, more connected, and more prosperous world.” The SES Awards is

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is announcing a reduction in permits for controlled pheasant hunting for the 2024 season, which means some sites will have reduced permits available in the northern part of the state. Hunters should check the permit calendar on the controlled pheasant hunt website for permit availability. Sites with reduced permits for controlled pheasant hunting include: Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area in Will County Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area in Kendall County Iroquois County State Fish and Wildlife Area Kankakee River State Park in Kankakee County Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area in Henry County Green River State Fish and Wildlife Area in Lee County Due to a pheasant die-off at the Des Plaines Game Propagation Center, there are no longer enough birds to fulfill the original quotas established for the sites at the beginning of the season. IDNR has reduced the number of permits per

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are announcing changes to management responsibilities at the Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area . About 2,600 acres at Eckert’s Woods and Speaker Lake sub-impoundments will be returned to the USACE for wildlife management efforts. Prior to the management change, IDNR will take immediate action to remove the bridge at Eckert’s Woods. The primary access bridge to the area has failed due to frequent flood events, age, and natural deterioration. Demolition of the bridge is required to ensure public safety and avoid blocking the flow of the creek. The primary goal of the management change is to better focus limited IDNR funds on areas protected by the existing levee and water control system in sub-impoundments 1 and 2, and to allow the Corps of Engineers to focus its efforts on the rehabilitation necessary to make these areas manageable again. “IDNR

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Key Takeaways: A recent study warns that millions of young adults could face hearing loss due to unsafe listening habits. The biggest threats to our hearing are live music events and personal listening devices. Experts recommend wearing ear plugs, turn down the music and give your ears a break. Chris Workman, an audiologist with OSF HealthCare, loves to crank up his music from time to time. But since it’s his profession, he knows the dangers of loud noise and the lasting impact it can have on his hearing. “It stirs some emotion. It gets you pumped up,” says Dr. Workman. “It gets you if you're working out, you might crank some music. Some folks will listen to music for other emotions. Maybe they're feeling a different way, and cranking a song will bring them out of that depression or whatever they're going through.” But our listening habits could be doing more harm than good. Especially for younger people. A recent study published in

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, again pressed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin today on his decision to revoke a long-sought guilty plea deal between prosecutors and defendants accused of perpetrating the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. Secretary Austin revoked the deal two days after it was announced despite two years of negotiations, a move that frustrated victims’ families and put them through emotional whiplash. Durbin pressed Secretary Austin to secure closure for the families by reconsidering his attempted revocation of the plea bargains in August, which Secretary Austin acknowledged. Ultimately, Secretary Austin has continued to push forward, despite the military commission judge ruling that Austin does not have the authority to revoke the plea agreements. Approved by the Convening Authority of the military commissions, the deal would have been a significant step toward

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School Principal Tim McChristian is pleased to announced that 16 students from the Granite City High School graduating class of 2025 have been designated as 2025-26 Illinois State Scholars for their outstanding academic achievement, as announced by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). The students will be recognized at the Granite City Community Unit School District #9 School Board Meeting on January 14, 2025. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission , 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. 2025-26 GCHS Illinois State Scholars: Trenton Clutts LilyRose Cockrum Molly Hang Bailey Hanks Rhys Kaminski Elijah Kolb Savannah Kujawa Cleison Miranda-Gomez

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