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CHICAGO - Throughout 2024, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton's office continued working toward a more healing-centered Illinois, advancing initiatives focused on justice reform, women's empowerment, and community investment while maintaining unprecedented levels of statewide engagement. "As I reflect on 2024, I'm proud of my office's work to create pathways toward healing and opportunity for all Illinois residents," said Lt. Governor Stratton. "From learning about the economic realities facing women through We Thrive to ensuring Illinois leads in creating equitable, restorative approach in every system meant to empower our communities, we've remained focused on building a stronger Illinois." 2024 Executive and Legislative Accomplishments Statewide Engagement and Outreach Participated in over 400 events throughout Illinois. Visited dozens of counties in every corner of Illinois. Produced 35 videos highlighting key initiatives and community impact. Represented Illinois

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees—this week met with Japanese Ambassador to the United States Shigeo Yamada to discuss some of the ways the two countries could build on their shared priorities and strengthen their bilateral alliance. During the meeting, the Senator shared how the modified version of her Access to Care for Overseas Troops Act that was included in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the Senate this week would help increase cooperation between Japan and the U.S. while ensuring American servicemembers and their families have access to quality patient care throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Photos from the meeting are available on the Senator’s website. “Whether it’s through trade, business investment or national security, Japan is one of our nation’s closest allies and strongest

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CHICAGO - Throughout 2024, Governor JB Pritzker enabled success for Illinois by growing our economy and creating jobs, addressing affordability for working families, and protecting individual freedoms. From expanding access to free preschool for all kids to lowering the cost of job training so workers can get higher-paying jobs, Gov. Pritzker has been investing in the state’s future. With new industries coming to Illinois like clean energy, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing, Gov. Pritzker’s economic agenda is attracting private sector investments in Illinois and raising workers’ wages – all while maintaining his commitment to make healthcare, housing, and groceries more affordable. Gov. Pritzker’s work with the General Assembly has restored fiscal responsibility in Illinois: paying down debt, balancing budgets, and making smart investments for the future. “My mission as Governor has always been to make Illinois the best state in the

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Joyful musical and vocal renditions of seasonal favorites, festive costuming and feet dancing and prancing transformed Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts’ (ESLCPA) stage into a holiday treat. The Performing Arts program hosted its annual Holiday Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 in the Multipurpose Room of Building D of the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Center. ESLCPA students, ages 7-17, performed a series of musical and dance numbers. Live music was directed by band coach Erika Johnson, EdD, featuring such vocal numbers as “How Far I’ll Go,” singers: Roasia Heideberg and Reagan Rogers; “Amazing Grace,” singers: Reagan Armstrong and Reagan Titley; “Frosty the Snowman,” singer: Raegan Rogers; and “Last Christmas,” singers: Meadow Coates and Reagan Titley. Student dance performances included a delightful mixture of modern, Jazz, and hip-hop

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TROY - The Home Builders & Remodelers Metro East Association (HBRMEA) is hosting a raffle with a grand prize you might not expect - a brand-new home worth over $500,000. Funds raised will not only support the HBRMEA, but also Make-A-Wish Illinois and Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas . Following its debut at a successful Open House last week, Shannon Stelling with the HBRMEA shared more about the home, the raffle, and much more on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . “We have partnered with Make-A-Wish Illinois and Missouri to raffle off over a half-a-million dollar home,” Stelling said. “We did have the big Open House last Thursday to kick off the event, and it was amazing. We had over 100 people come through the house, we had over four Wish families and their kids there … it was great to see some of the families and kids these kinds of projects can help.” The home, valued at over $500,000, was proudly union built by C.A. Jones

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ALTON - This past Friday night, Dec. 13, 2024, Mississippi Valley Christian School brought the spirit of Christmas to life with a heartfelt and inspiring program, where students showcased their musical and theatrical talents. The evening’s theme focused on the true meaning of Christmas, reminding everyone of faith, unity, and hope. The program included a powerful message from school administrator Tim Lee, who passionately spoke about the school’s mission and the importance of community support. His words resonated with the crowd as he shared, “God has called us to unity. Yes, there are things we may not always agree on, but here, we have 28 churches in our community united by one purpose: to raise children for Christ in a safe, Christian environment, sheltered from the influences of the outside world. Here, teachers love their students, have a Biblical worldview, and pour into their lives in a positive, faith-filled way. The fundamentals of our faith unite us. By this

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ALTON – OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center continues its focused efforts expanding resources in addressing the mental health and well-being of residents in the Riverbend region. Marla G. Nelson, licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), psychotherapist, is the newest addition to Psychological Services department roster at OSF Saint Anthony’s. Ms. Nelson has more than 13 years of providing and managing individual, family, couples and group therapy, as well as crisis counseling throughout the metro east and Riverbend region. Nelson sees patients for general mental health needs which include: Depression Anxiety Trauma (using various therapeutic interventions) “It’s not a one size fits all approach. I’m very person-centered. I have a special interest in providing services to those who struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) along with their loved ones,” Nelson states. In fact, Marla is planning on starting a group for Friends

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ALTON — Hiram's Bar is preparing for its annual Christmas Toy Giveaway, scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. The event aims to support children in need within the community by providing toys and food. Hiram Lewis, the owner of Hiram's Bar, expressed optimism about this year's event. "Last year worked out great," he said. "We hope this year's giveaway is bigger than last year. We purchased 100 toys for 100 children in an area where children are in need. Hopefully, this will help give them a Merry Christmas." During the giveaway, toys will be distributed one at a time to the first 100 children. In addition to the toy distribution, Hiram's Bar will also have food for attendees.

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ALTON — Alton Firefighters Local 1255 is set to host its 8th Annual Turkey Giveaway from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at the Crisis Food Center located at 21 E. 6th Street in Alton. This year’s event will feature a drive-up format, allowing families to receive a turkey and a bag of sides directly from their vehicles. Vehicles will line up on Market Street, between East 4th and East 6th Streets in Alton, proceeding north to make a right turn onto East 6th Street, where firefighters will load the items into car trunks. The giveaway will operate on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, with each car receiving one turkey and one bag of sides. Derrick D. Richardson, a representative of Local 1255, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the event. “We are happy to partner with Crisis Food Center, who went 50/50 with Local 1255 on purchasing the turkeys and the sides,” he said. “This is an ongoing relationship between Local

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) and the Illinois Attorney General's Office announces the arrest of 23-year-old Diego G. Lopez from Mount Prospect, 23-year-old Gamaliel Garcia, Jr., from Chicago, 22-year-old Elliott J. Myers from Chicago, and 23-year-old Adrian A. Zavala from Berwyn. The four men were each charged with one count of burglary, a Class 2 felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and one count of possession of burglary tools, a Class 4 felony punishable by up to three years in prison. On December 18, 2024, the Gaming Board discovered a burglary at Silver Oaks Investment, Inc. d/b/a Tracy’s, a video gaming café, located at 1413 W. 127th Street in Calumet Park. The investigation by Gaming Board Agents revealed that the men fled the location unable to access funds from video gaming machines. All four men were later arrested and taken into custody. Berwyn, Bensenville, and Calumet Park Police Departments also worked with IGB and ISP in

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TULSA, Okla. — Rainn Hoelting, a 15-year-old aspiring Collinsville musician, achieved a dream moment on Dec. 12, 2024, when he performed alongside country star Zach Bryan at the BOK Center in Tulsa. The sold-out venue, which holds 19,000 fans, was electrified as Hoelting joined Bryan for a rendition of “Heading South,” a song that emphasizes perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams. The duet was recorded and has since gone viral, amassing over 2 million views on TikTok. Hoelting, who has been playing guitar for two years and recently began singing, was selected from the audience during the concert. He had prepared a sign asking Bryan if he could join him on stage, but it was confiscated shortly after he held it up. Undeterred, he used his phone to display a message in large letters, asking the same question. His persistence paid off when some nearby fans pointed him out and Bryan acknowledged him and invited him to perform. “It was an amazing experience,”

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Elijah Graham, 21 years of age, of the 5200 block of Plover Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63120, for Murder First Degree, Assault First Degree, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. A booking photo of Graham is attached. Graham is being held without 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: "Officers responded to a report of a shooting. Officer arrived on scene and found Victim 1 with a gunshot wound to the head and Victim 2 with a gunshot wound to the hand. After speaking with Witness, police learned that Defendant, after being involved in a vehicle collision with Witness & Victim 2, fired a shot out of his passenger window at Witness's vehicle. Defendant then stopped in the road ahead of Witness'

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GRANITE CITY — A man sustained critical upper body injuries while working on a vehicle in the 3300 block of Nameoki Road on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2024, the Granite City Police Department said on Thursday. The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m. when the vehicle rolled backward while the subject was underneath it, police said. Emergency services, including the Fire Department and EMS, were dispatched to the scene following the report of the injury. The preliminary investigation suggests that the incident was accidental and not criminal in nature. The injured individual was subsequently transported to a hospital in the St. Louis area for medical treatment. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time, Major Charles Bremer of the Granite City Police Department said.

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BELLEVILLE - A Belleville nursing home has been cited with an AA violation of the Nursing Home Care Act, meaning a condition or occurrence at the facility proximately caused the death of a resident. St. Paul’s Senior Community, located at 1021 W. E. Street in Belleville, was cited with the most severe violation of the Nursing Home Care Act during the third quarter of 2024. The facility was fined $50,000. According to the official report , a resident, nicknamed R2, required two people to assist her during sit to stand transfers. On April 11, 2024, one certified nursing assistant (CNA) was transferring the resident when R2’s weight shifted, which made the CNA fall backwards. A nurse heard shouting and ran to the CNA and resident. R2 was observed “down on one knee and the aide holding her up best she could.” R2 was “immediately” assessed for injuries. The nurse discovered that the left femur seemed to have “a deformity” and the

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites outdoor lovers to start 2025 out right with a First Day Hike at an Illinois state park on Jan. 1, 2025. IDNR is hosting self-guided hikes at 15 state parks across Illinois on New Year’s Day. These free, family-friendly hikes are available to the public. “There’s no better way to clear your head, say goodbye to the stress of the holidays, and welcome a new year than to get outdoors for some fresh air and exercise,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “The trails at Illinois state parks are ready and waiting for you.” The following state parks will have stickers and special photo opportunities for hikers. Visitors are encouraged to sign in and share photos and videos on social media with the hashtags #ILStateParks and #FirstDayHikes. Beall Woods State Park in Wabash County Beaver Dam State Park in Macoupin County Cache River State Natural Area in Johnson County

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SPRINGFIELD – The new year means that some new protections will be taking effect in Illinois workplaces starting Jan. 1, 2025. Workers will be getting a raise as the minimum wage increases by $1 per hour from $14 to $15. The minimum wage for tipped workers will rise to $9 per hour and youth workers (under 18) working fewer than 650 hours per calendar year will see their hourly wage increase to $13 per hour. Job postings made by employers with 15 or more employees on or after Jan. 1, 2025, will now need to include pay scale and benefit information for the posted position. Employers in Illinois will also be required to provide pay stubs to employees each pay period, that include information on hours worked, pay rates, overtime pay, and deductions from wages. Employers must keep a copy of an employee’s pay stub for a period of three years from the date of payment, regardless of whether that person remains employed at the business. An employee or former employee may request

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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE - The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America concluded its holiday concert series this week, bringing festive music to audiences at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville. The series featured performances from various military personnel, highlighting the spirit of the season. The concerts, held throughout December, included participation from high-ranking officials within the Air Mobility Command and the 18th Air Force. Key figures such as General Lamontagne, Lieutenant General Sonkiss, and Brigadier General Simmons were among the hosts, alongside Major General Bolton and Colonel Winstead from the 18th Air Force. A notable moment during the performances occurred when Lieutenant General Sonkiss joined the clarinet section for one of the pieces, showcasing a collaborative spirit within the military community. Famed broadcaster John Ulett served as the emcee for the series, guiding the audience through the holiday-themed events. The band expressed gratitude

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CHICAGO – Dreaming of a green Christmas? The Mega Millions Jackpot is now a staggering $825 million for tonight’s drawing. If won, it would be the largest prize ever won in December and the seventh largest in Mega Millions history, The Mega Millions jackpot was last won on September 10, 2024. Since then, nearly three million winning Mega Millions tickets have been sold, netting players almost $584 million in prizes in 2024 in Illinois. Every Mega Millions ticket sold in Illinois helps fund K-12 education across the State, and since the current jackpot roll, over $14 million have been returned to education in Illinois. With over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the State, lottery players can conveniently pick up a ticket at their local store - or they can log in to the Illinois Lottery website or app and purchase a ticket online. Mega Millions is played every Tuesday and Friday night. Tickets are $2 each, and players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1

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ALTON - Confluence Wealth Management recently welcomed over 200 guests to their client appreciation Christmas party, where they also raised $7,132 for Crisis Food Center. Confluence Wealth Management, a locally-owned financial planning and wealth management firm affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services, works with Riverbend residents across the community. Co-owners Jack Hoelscher and Robert Diaz were excited to see so many of their clients come together on Dec. 19, 2024, to celebrate and support a good cause. “It's just everybody getting together and having a good time and celebrating what a great year it’s been,” Hoelscher said. “One of the main reasons we got into this business is the people element and the relationships that we’re able to build.” Located at Old Bakery Beer Company, the party invited clients to connect with each other and learn more about Crisis Food Center, a local food pantry in downtown Alton. Clients were encouraged

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As the holiday season approaches, many people look forward to various festivities that bring joy and camaraderie. Among these quirky celebrations is National Ugly Sweater Day, observed on the third Friday of December. This lighthearted occasion encourages individuals and groups to don their most outlandish and garish holiday sweaters, creating a fun and festive atmosphere. In this article, we will explore the origins of this unique celebration, provide creative ideas for participation, and share tips on how to make the most of your National Ugly Sweater Day experience. The Origins of National Ugly Sweater Day National Ugly Sweater Day emerged as a response to the growing trend of wearing garish holiday sweaters during the festive season. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of the day, it is widely believed to have gained popularity in the early 2000s alongside the broader movement of embracing all things quirky and kitschy in fashion. The day serves as a friendly reminde

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