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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker visited the Howe School of Excellence to participate in the Daisie Foundation’s annual “Holiday Magic Experience.” Following the event, the Governor visited the Anti-Cruelty Society’s (ACS) Dog Adoption Center and Clinic to celebrate 125 years of animal advocacy and adoption. “As Governor, there’s nothing more exciting than celebrating the holiday season with Illinoisans, including the youngest and the furriest members of our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thank you to non-profits like the Daisie Foundation and the Anti-Cruelty Society for your tireless work to bring joy to families all over Illinois.” “Today, I was proud to join Governor Pritzker at the Howe School of Excellence, to share some holiday magic with students, teachers and staff,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “This is a great time of year to take care of our communities and our students. I thank

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ALTON - There are many skygazers in the Metro East area and a yearly Geminids meteor shower is about to reach a peak. EarthSky says 1:27 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, will be the peak. EarthSky also said the overall duration of the shower occurs from Nov. 19, 2023, to Dec. 24, 2023. The meteor's radiance rises in the mid-evening and is highest around 2 p.m. Under a dark sky with no moon, EarthSky says a person might visualize 120 Geminids meteors in an hour. Because the meteor rises in the mid-evening, someone can watch Geminids all night around the peak dates of Dec. 13 and 14. "The bold, white, bright geminids give us one of the Northern Hemisphere's best shower, especially in years when there is no moon," EarthSky said. "They're also visible, at lower rates from the Southern Hemisphere. The meteors are plentiful, rivaling the August Perseids."

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ALTON - Aldi shoppers had a bit of a break on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 12, 2023, when a refrigeration leak occurred. Aldi maintenance personnel was dispatched to the scene and the Alton Fire Department also responded. Alton Deputy Fire Chief Matt Fischer said the fire department’s primary role was ventilating the area. “We were able to ventilate the building while the work was going on to stop the leak,” he said. Aldi has since reopened for business at the 2822 Homer Adams Parkway, Alton.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Malik Allen returned to the Edwardsville boys basketball lineup on Dec. 5, scoring 16 points in a 64-46 loss at O'Fallon, and then led the Tigers with 19 points in a very good bounce-back win at home over Belleville East 60-48 on Dec. 8. Allen exploded for 23 points on Monday against Gateway STEM, then came back Tuesday with a career-high 24 points against Roosevelt. Allen has been on fire from the field and his quickness and agility on the court are huge pluses for the Tigers as they head into the Christmas schedule and open 2024 with Southwestern Conference play. Allen's return to the lineup is a good sign for Edwardsville's team, as he'll add an extra dimension to the team's offense and defense. The win over the Lancers was a very good bounce back for the Tigers also, after the loss at O'Fallon, and Allen's return couldn't have come at a better time. In his post-game interview. Allen expressed his happiness on returning to the team after having missed the first

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ALTON - There’s a new sport in Alton, and Coach Joshua Young wants the Riverbend region to know that the Alton Community Boxing Club is fighting strong. In the past few months, Young and his fellow volunteer coaches have worked with over 100 people of all ages to build skills and fellowship both inside and outside of the ring. Now, they’re sharing their success and hoping to gain community support as the club grows. “Boxing is accepting and it gives second chances,” Young said. “No matter what your background is, you can come and belong. No one is compared here. No one is set up upon one another. Everyone, as soon as they walk in the door — that’s your brother. That’s your sister. This is your family…Hopefully, we grow as a family and stay together for years.” Young and his coaches started the club earlier this year to provide a fun, safe space for kids to hang out after school and participate in a new sport. They quickly

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic’s Dance Team Wins IDTA Lyrical Competition On Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, the Marquette Catholic High School Dance Team participated in the IDTA Regional Dance Competition at Belleville East High School and finished in first place in the Lyrical 1A Division. “This group of dancers is very talented and driven to do well,” said Coach Megan Stevenson. Dance team members are Kambria Simon, Macy Stevenson, Jaidyn Moore, Allison Wooden, Grace Schwegel, Grace Stoverink, Alana Taylor, Hope Seymour, Jaelyn Slow and Lexi Stevenson. “This is a great start to our competition season,” Stevenson said. Marquette Catholic Athletic Director Brian Hoener added: “Coach Stevenson does a great job with our dance team and we are thrilled they are off to such a great start to the competitive portion of their schedule.” Marquette Catholic is a co-educational, college prep school in Alton, Illinois, founded in 1927. Marquette’s athletic

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ALTON - Alton Firefighters Local 1255 members will once again show their giving nature with the Seventh Annual Turkey Giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. The turkey giveaway will take place from noon to 2 p.m. at Crisis Food Center at 21 E. Sixth Street in Alton. "We will have a contactless drive-through-only turkey giveaway with vehicles lining up on Market Street, between East Fourth and East Sixth Street heading north to make a right on East Sixth Street and pull up in front of our location where we load the trunk," Battalion Chief Derrick Richardson, one of the coordinators of the event and members of Alton Firefighters Local 1255, said. "We will give one turkey and one bag of sides, per car on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. We ask that everyone follow all safety protocols." Richardson said the firefighters are again happy to partner with Crisis Food Center, who are donating the side items and went 50/50 with Local 1255 on purchasing the turkeys. "This

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EDWARDSVILLE — The holidays are a time for caring and sharing, which is why the Edwardsville Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to spread the word about the dangers of impaired driving with a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign. Get a DUI.” enforcement campaign. From Dec. 15 through Jan. 2, law enforcement across Illinois will show zero tolerance for alcohol- and drug-impaired driving to keep our roads safe and help ensure a happy holiday season. “If you’ll be celebrating with festive drinks or other impairing substances, make a plan for a safe ride home before you leave for the party,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “Driving impaired is simply unacceptable. There are no excuses.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, in the United States in 2021, a total of 13,384 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving

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ALTON - Sparks Junk Removal & Hauling has had an incredible year over the course of 2023, according to Owner Denise Sparks. The business, which has become a staple across the Metro East over the past 30 years, has most recently expanded into weekly trash pickup services with free Christmas tree pickup coming soon. Sparks with Sparks Junk Removal & Hauling talked more about the business and the incredible year they’ve had on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . “That’s the kind of person I am. If you tell me that I’m not or I can’t do something, I’m going to do it,” Sparks said about the leap of faith she took in expanding into weekly trash pickup. “I started this in April of this year not knowing my left hand from my right hand, just like when I got in business 30 years ago. But you know what? It’s trial and error, you learn, you pay attention. And now, we are in our eighth month just purchased a bran

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ALTON - The Alton Dispensary will offer a discount with each donation to their food drive through Dec. 24, 2023. Cory Davenport, the dispensary’s marketing manager, explained that this is the beginning of the dispensary’s outreach efforts, with much more planned to help the Riverbend community. “We are part of this community. We want to give back to this community. This community does a lot for us. We want to return that,” Davenport said. “This is just the first step in something that’s going to continue to grow. You’re going to see more and bigger things from us for the community. We’re really trying to show that we’re good neighbors.” The dispensary will offer a 10% discount on your entire purchase if you bring in a nonperishable food item. This discount is stackable; for example, if you have a medical card and already receive 30% off your purchase at Alton Dispensary, bringing in a food item will give you an additional

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville congratulates its newest Distinguished Research Professor, Jason Stacy, PhD, a professor of history and social science pedagogy in the College of Arts and Sciences. The promotion to Distinguished Research Professor of History comes on the heels of being a co-director on a $250,000 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant. Stacy’s new SIUE appointment is a result of a selection by a committee of his peers along with the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “I am extremely honored to receive the Distinguished Research Professor award,” said Stacy. “The support that the University has provided has been essential for my work. But I’m especially grateful for the colleagues and students with whom I’ve worked for nearly twenty years; they inspire me every day.” Stacy has authored several books, numerous articles and published chapters, examining the literature o

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EDWARDSVILLE - When Wes Sterling saw 9-year-old Ruby Leigh perform at the American Legion Post #199 in 2016, he had no idea he was watching a future star of “The Voice.” Now 16 years old and a finalist in the reality singing competition, Leigh is returning to Post #199 to perform on New Year’s Eve. Wes, the commander of Post #199, and his wife, Eva, are just as starstruck as they were then. “My wife is a great big fan of Ruby’s. We first met her when she was 9 when she came out here and played at the Bluegrass Festival,” Wes remembered. “Ruby had been out here probably five or six times on different events and played for us.” A local promoter — and the Sterlings’ friend — had seen Leigh’s talent in her hometown of Foley, Missouri. He connected her to Post #199 in Edwardsville. The couple quickly became friends with Leigh’s family, including her father, who Wes described as “a really, really nice

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EDWARDSVILLE - Sara Colvin is the new Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and CEO of the SIUE Foundation. Colvin replaces Seth Walker, former vice chancellor for advancement and CEO of the SIUE Foundation, who recently stepped down to accept a new role in his home state of Georgia. Colvin, who previously worked on major gift campaigns for both the School of Business and J ohn Martinson Honors Program, plans “to ensure continuity and positive momentum for the SIUE Foundation.” “My dedication to fostering positive relationships and adeptly navigating complex challenges positions me as a valuable asset in advancing the mission and goals of SIUE,” said Colvin. “We will actively engage with students, faculty, and staff to understand their needs and concerns. I am enthusiastic about contributing to the university's continued success within advancement and alumni relations teams.”

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ALTON - River Bend Yoga will combine holiday fun and mindfulness with their Kids Yoga: Christmas Edition class on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. From 1–3 p.m., kids can experiment with basic yoga movements and breathwork while making crafts, playing games and enjoying a few holiday treats. Stephanie Greenhaulgh, the class’s instructor, explained that it’ll be a fun day with all the benefits of a normal yoga class. “This one’s a little fun because it’s not just movement and breath," she explained. "We’re throwing in a little holiday twist." During the class, kids will be making reindeer food, ornaments and graham cracker reindeer. They will also decorate sugar cookies and enjoy cups of hot cocoa while they make cards for local nursing homes. Some of the yoga and breathing exercises that Greenhaulgh usually teaches during her kids classes will also have a holiday feel. She said her students will learn the “cocoa breath” technique,

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ST. LOUIS - The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is a beloved landmark for many young actors, and one of The Rep’s most accomplished alums will be in town this weekend to fundraise for the theater. The “Rally for The Rep: Holiday Benefit with John Goodman” will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. Attendees can enjoy a conversation with the famous actor, music by The Lovettes, a cameo by Ozzie Smith and a “Raffle for The Rep” that boasts a grand prize of tickets to see Adele in Las Vegas. The goal is to raise $2.5 million so The Rep can finish their 2023-24 season. “We’re so grateful for everybody’s support so far,” said Becks Redman, the theater’s associate artistic director. “The Rep is so important. It’s so important to St. Louis. It’s been a cultural institution here for such a long time. We’re so grateful that so many people are coming to this event and have helped with the campaign

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted Operation Silent Night on December 7-9, 2023, in St. Clair and Madison counties, focusing its efforts on East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities. The operation utilized intelligence and technology to target known high crime areas, organized violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East. More than 30 officers from around the state, including Troops 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, the South Fatal Four Team, the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 Public Safety Enforcement Group, and ISP Air Operations, joined forces with the ISP Special Operation Group South Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement Unit for the multi-day operation. The Firearms Investigations Unit and Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois provided additional support during the operational period. There were several notable events and arrests during the detail: On December 7, 2023,

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GRANITE CITY - 1st MidAmerica Credit Union announced its four recipients of the Granite City Community Unit School District #9 Teacher Grants for the 2023 Fall Semester at the Dec. 12 GCSD9 School Board Meeting. 1st MidAmerica Credit Union President/CEO Alan Meyer presented each honoree with a $250 grant. In addition, the grant winners received a certificate from GCSD9 Superintendent Stephanie M. Cann. Below is a list of the four honorees and how the $250 grant will be used: Hannah Boehme - Maryville 1st Grade Doodle boards and play-doh for phonics lessons Karen Phillips - Maryville 1st & 2nd Grade Microphone ball for music classes Sarah Shaw - Wilson 1st Grade Rock memory garden for former teacher Jamie Kindle Denise Stout - Maryville 2nd Grade Horseshoe table for small group instruction For more information about 1st MidAmerica Credit Union, visit www.1stmidamerica.org/# .

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ben Cardin (D-MD) and more than two dozen Senate colleagues in a bipartisan a letter condemning the inaction of the United Nations (UN) regarding Hamas’s widespread sexual violence, including mass rape and mutilation, against women in Israel on October 7, 2023. The Senators urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to open an independent investigation into Hamas’s acts of sexual violence and to hold the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)—the organization dedicated to ending gender-based violence—accountable for its failure to immediately and unequivocally condemn Hamas’s atrocities against women. “We write to express our profound disappointment with the United Nations’ (UN) response to Hamas’

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today led 13 of his colleagues in sending a letter to the Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack and Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Shalanda Young urging the agency leaders to increase the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) research budget by at least five percent, plus inflation, for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). In their letter, the Senators emphasized the importance of public funding for food and agriculture research as it ensures that the U.S. remains competitive in the global market. The U.S. share of public agriculture research investments globally among high-income countries as a group has declined from 35 percent in 1960 to less than 25 percent by 2013. By comparison, in the past 30 years, China’s investments in public agriculture research has risen eight-fold, with China now the world’s largest public funder of agriculture

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that repairs on eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15. One lane will always remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 18. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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