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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced a $20 million proposed settlement agreement with Leader Automotive Group (Leader) and its parent company, AutoCanada, to resolve allegations Leader defrauded consumers trying to buy vehicles. In addition to paying $20 million, which will be used to refund harmed consumers, the proposed settlement would require all Leader dealerships in Illinois to make clear disclosures of a car’s offering price, which is the actual price any consumer can pay to buy the car, excluding only required government charges. The settlement also requires the companies to receive consent from buyers for add-on product charges. “This dealership network engaged in bait-and-switch tactics by luring consumers into their dealerships with lower prices only to either require consumers to purchase allegedly pre-installed add-on products or charge consumers for those products without their knowledge

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls were down -3,400 while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.3 percent in November, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The October monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -2,400 to +8,400, while the revised unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, unchanged from the preliminary October unemployment rate. The November payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. In November, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job losses included: Construction (-2,700), Professional and Business Services (-2,400), Manufacturing (-1,400) and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-1,400). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll job increases included: Leisure and Hospitality (+2,000), Other Services (+1,100), and Privat

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SPRINGFIELD - An early holiday gift to The Salvation Army will help people in need. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs on Wednesday returned $27,100 in I-CASH missing money to The Salvation Army, the charitable organization widely known for its iconic Red Kettle Christmas fundraising campaign. The Salvation Army is the largest non-governmental provider of social services in the world. “We make an extra effort at this time of year to return money to nonprofits and groups that helps others in need,” said Frerichs, who returned the money at The Salvation Army Central Territory headquarters in Hoffman Estates. “I am grateful we found this money for an organization that provides people life-saving services throughout the year. The Salvation Army makes the holiday season brighter for people who might be going through a challenging time.” According to The Salvation Army Central Territorial Commander, Commissioner Evie Diaz, “We’re very thankful

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Adult Education program presented certificates to 16 students who completed the Solar Workforce Training program, which is among the workforce and economic development programs outlined by the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). It is the goal of the CEJA to put Illinois on track to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. According to Solar Photovoltaic Instructor Kyle Barber, the legislation creates an automatic demand for trained workers statewide. “Students will be trained to work in the sale, design and installation of solar energy systems,” he said. “The training will help them find employment anywhere renewable energy is being built.” Both Alton Mayor David Goins and 111th District Representative Amy Elik were on hand to offer their congratulations. Graduate Brooke Bennett of Alton learned about the program through other family members attending class at L&C’s

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ALTON - An 18-year-old female was seriously injured in a single-car accident that occurred on the North Broadway Extension near Alton on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024. The incident occurred when her vehicle missed a guard rail, left the roadway and traveled through weeds before going down a levee, ultimately coming to rest on its wheels, authorities who were at the scene said. Emergency services responded promptly, with Alton Police, Fire Department, and East Alton Police Department and Fire units on the scene. The severity of the female's injuries necessitated the use of an ARCH Helicopter for transport to St. Louis University Hospital. The call to Alton first responders occurred at 10:49 a.m. on Thursday. Alton Fire Department Battalion Chief Tom House reported significant damage to the vehicle, which required extrication efforts to remove the driver. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation, and authorities have not released further details about the crash

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SPRINGFIELD - As we get ready to say goodbye to 2024, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is looking back at some of the highlights in her office over the past year. “We’ve made such incredible strides in Illinois, and I enjoy reflecting each year on some of our top moments,” says Comptroller Mendoza. “I’m so proud of the work my office does to help the state maintain financial stability and serve the taxpayers.” We’ll be counting down to New Year’s Eve with some of the Illinois Office of Comptroller’s highlights: #10 Giving back: For the 8th straight year, Comptroller Mendoza and staff partnered with local human service agencies and laborers in the deep southern Illinois community of Cairo to give away 150 turkeys and other Thanksgiving fixings. “I always enjoy this event and want the people of Cairo to know we love them and want to help,” said Comptroller Mendoza. “The fight local residents have for their cit

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BELLEVILLE - Next spring, Belleville is saying goodbye to a locally beloved bar as the owners behind Big Daddy’s 618 prepare to retire after 20 years in business. The closure marks a new chapter for the building itself, as the City Council recently approved an agreement to remodel it before a new business moves in. The owners of Big Daddy’s 618 announced last May that after two successful decades, their doors at 313 E. Main St. will officially close on March 31, 2025. “After two decades of business in Downtown Belleville, the owners of Big Daddy’s 618 are announcing retirement plans, with a year-long celebration,” they announced on May 13, 2024. “Big Daddy’s 618 will remain open for one more year, and plan to shut the doors on March 31, 2025.” They noted that the region’s other Big Daddy’s locations, including the original in Soulard and the Edwardsville location - will “continue to crank without interruption.”

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that repairs to eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require one lane to be closed starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23. 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 the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - On December 22, 1924, a Walnut Grove Dairy ad in the Alton Evening Telegraph informed readers that individual servings of Santa-Claus ice cream and Turkey ice cream were available for sale at their 809 Broadway store. This wasn’t just a one-time offering, either. There are ads for both of these flavors in December 1925 (also Corn and Husk or Horn of Plenty), and 1926 (also Candlestick), but nowhere does it actually describe the flavors of Santa-Claus, Turkey, Corn and Husk, Horn of Plenty, or Candlestick. A 1927 Thanksgiving ad even mentions the flavor Football. They were apparently not popular enough to be sold in brick form like their standard vanilla, hazelnut and vanilla, cranberry ice, or rainbow, but local citizens clearly looked forward to these specialty flavors. The ice cream must have been excellent because it even influenced local politics. In 1928, an Alton Evening Telegraph article mentioned that the East End Improvement Association elected Emil Schrimpf

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Board of Education honored senior Kenna Fischer at its regular monthly meeting on December 17, 2024, for her achievement in the VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Contest. Fischer secured first place in the local competition and will advance to the regional level. During the meeting, Fischer was introduced by Collinsville High School Principal Dr. Daniel Toberman. She received a certificate acknowledging her accomplishment, which was signed by Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich and Board President Gary Peccola. The Voice of Democracy Contest is an annual program sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) that encourages high school students to express themselves through a patriotic-themed essay. Fischer's recognition highlights her dedication and talent in this competitive field.

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Community Colleges are helping address food insecurity on campuses across the state with a collective effort. The inaugural Feed the Need Food Drive, an initiative aimed at combating food insecurity on college campuses and supporting students in need, collected more than 91,000 individual non-perishable food items for local campus and community food banks. "Addressing the issue of food insecurity is a mission shared by all Illinois community colleges large and small. We wanted to find a way to make a collective impact through friendly competition by providing direct support to students in need at community colleges across Illinois,” said Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham. “We applaud the efforts of every community college that participated in this inaugural effort to address this critical need and hope it continues to grow in the years to come,” said Illinois Community College Board Chair Dr. Lazaro Lopez.

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SPRINGFIELD - Hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 82,496 deer during the seven-day 2024 Illinois firearm deer season that concluded Dec. 8, 2024. Comparatively, hunters harvested 76,494 deer during the 2023 firearm season. The preliminary harvest for the second segment of the 2024 firearm season Dec. 5-8 was 27,835 compared with 22,883 deer harvested during the second part of the 2023 season. The preliminary harvest for the first segment of this year’s firearm season Nov. 22-24 was 54,661 deer. Remaining 2024-2025 deer hunting opportunities in Illinois include: Late-winter antlerless-only and chronic wasting disease (CWD) season, in designated counties only, Dec. 26-29 and Jan. 17-19. Archery deer season continues through Jan. 19. More information about deer hunting in Illinois can be found online . A table of preliminary 2024 firearm deer season totals by county and comparable totals for 2023 follows: County First 2024 Second 202

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—secured several important provisions in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the Senate today to support our servicemembers and their families, enhance strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, improve logistics to bolster readiness and energy resiliency as well as continue to restore American competitiveness. The legislation, which now heads to the President’s desk, also includes an historic pay raise of 14.5% for junior enlisted servicemembers and 4.5% for all servicemembers. “The brave men and women in uniform who serve our nation at home and abroad deserve to know that our country fully supports them as they and their families sacrifice to defend our country,” said Senator Duckworth. “While I do not support every

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School (STBCS), the last remaining Catholic School in East. St. Louis is excited to share their vision to help our region build graduates who are ethical, responsible, and dedicated leaders inspiring good in their community and the world. And they are ready to welcome your students now and for the 2025-2026 school year. STBCS will be hosting an Open House for all prospective and returning families on January 30, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at 8213 Church Lane, East Saint Louis, IL., 62203. Principal Michelle Ruppel shares, “Families will enjoy a tour of our updated facilities, as well as the chance to meet with faculty and staff to see first-hand what this unique school is all about. Our school also has a recruitment mindset, so future educators are always welcome to tour as well.” Event hosts plan to share the many benefits the school has to offer including all-day kindergarten, small class sizes, STEM robotics

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ALTON - A man from Godfrey was recently charged with attempted kidnapping and aggravated battery after allegedly trying to pull someone on a public Alton street towards his vehicle. Aaron R. Jackson, 41, of Godfrey, was charged on Dec. 18, 2024 with one count each of attempted kidnapping and aggravated battery, both Class 3 felonies. On Dec. 10, 2024, Jackson approached the victim “on a public street and pulled her toward his motor vehicle,” with the specific location being a sidewalk along Pearl Street in Alton, according to court documents. A petition filed to deny Jackson’s pretrial release describes how the situation unfolded and escalated. “Victim reports that the defendant suddenly stopped his truck, approached the victim on a public street and grabbed her by the arms,” the petition states. “He then pushed her to the ground and attempted to drag her back to a nearby vehicle." Speaking to authorities, the victim in this case described

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GRANITE CITY - On Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, Granite City Police Department along with Granite City Firefighters Local 253 hosted its annual 'Shop with a Hero' event. Students got to ride in a Police Car, Fire Truck or Ambulance to shop at Walmart, and then joined their family at Township Hall for a meal provided by St. John UCC Granite City. It was a special day for all! Below is a link to a video from the occasion provided by BC Photography. VIDEO: https://youtu.be/5z0ouPpfWhA

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ST. LOUIS, MO. - Spending the holiday season in a hospital wouldn’t be at the top of anyone’s list, but Shriners Children’s has made it their mission to ensure their patients still have a magical Christmas season. Laura Teague, a Senior Recreational Therapist at Shriners Children’s St. Louis, has been a part of the Child Life and Recreational Therapy Department for more than 30 years. Child life specialists and recreational therapists at the nonprofit healthcare system work with patients and their families to provide distraction and coping techniques during a patient’s treatment. They are also certified and trained to evaluate a child’s developmental and psychological needs. “We always hope people can be home for the holidays, but if not, it’s our job to make them feel as normal as possible as if they were home,” said Teague. “Year-round, our care teams make sure our kids get a gift after surgery at the end of their

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EDWARDSVILLE - Planting the wrong seed can cost farmers thousands of dollars in revenue and lead to a shortage of vital crops in the region. First Mid Ag Services (First Mid), a division of First Mid Wealth Management, started its own unbiased research on corn and soybean seed 20 years ago to help farmers and farm managers make crucial decisions on what seed to buy. First Mid recently published its 2024 third-party data to help farmers purchase seed now as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 growing season. With 12 replicated and eight strip plots in 2024 stretching throughout Illinois and into Western Indiana, First Mid tested seed from 10 participating major companies and provided yield data to farmers. The statistics gathered from the plots inform both First Mid customers and the wider community throughout the region. First Mid started doing its own research on seed in 2004, testing upward of 18 companies’ products in some cycles. The tests lead to information on how different

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EDWARDSVILLE - The surprise, smiles and squeals from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Project Success students occurred because of the kindness and generosity of the East St. Louis Fire Department (ESLFD) Local 23, the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield and surrounding organizations and members. ESLFD, in collaboration with the local non-profit organization Rescued 2 Rescue, and Alpha Upsilon Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., gifted toys to the students and First Baptist Church provided new coats during Project Success’s third annual Holiday Wishes party on Tuesday, Dec. 17, in the Multipurpose Room on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. “It is important to organize this event because it gives us an opportunity to think about others, spread kindness, and pay it forward,” said Program Director Tiana Montgomery. Montgomery asked each of her students to provide three wishes for the holidays. She also obtained their

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ST. LOUIS - First Mid Insurance Group (FMIG) is pleased to announce that Casey Strong, owner of the Strong Insurance Group based in St. Charles, MO, has joined its team. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for both Strong and FMIG, offering clients expanded resources, enhanced service capabilities, and access to a broader range of insurance products. A trusted insurance advisor in the St. Louis region, Strong specializes in commercial insurance. Known for her personalized approach and outstanding customer service, she will continue to serve her valued clients while leveraging advanced tools and resources through FMIG’s growing Missouri presence. In addition, while FMIG works with most national and regional insurance carriers, the addition of the Casey Strong agency will bring new relationships with regional carriers focused on writing business specifically in the state of Missouri. “Joining the FMIG team is a natural step forward for me and my clients,”

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