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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $2.5 million in funding for the new Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers Program (EEC). Eligible career education agencies and non-profit organizations can now apply to serve as EECs to provide entrepreneurship training to prepare individuals from historically marginalized communities to pursue business opportunities in a more inclusive business ecosystem. EECs will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Illinois is stronger when every individual has equitable opportunities to thrive,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why I’m proud to launch $2.5 million in funding to uplift communities that have historically lacked access to business resources and guidance while facing significant barriers to entry. Our new Illinois Economic Centers Program will provide a comprehensive business support

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CHICAGO — Joined by educators, lawmakers and advocates, Governor JB Pritzker announced today that the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is launching a paid trainee program to build a pipeline of tech talent to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals and diversify the agency’s workforce. “As Governor, I’m determined to make sure every Illinoisan can access good jobs — the kind that pays the bills and also supports the dreams of their families,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We are launching an IT trainee program to build a pipeline of tech talent to meet the growing demand for skilled tech professionals and diversify our state’s tech workforce. From creation to consumption, Illinois is paving the way in the digital economy for all our residents.” Trainees will receive a minimum yearly salary of $54,000 from DoIT while pursuing tracks in one of five high-need concentration areas: cybersecurity, networking,

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ALTON - In Alton Main Street’s Chili Cook-off held Saturday at Elijah P’s, iMerge Community Center’s chili was voted best among entries in the organization category. This was iMerge’s inaugural entry in the annual contest. Key participants were iMerge’s executive director, Brigit Holt; program director, Ana Montoya; volunteers Charley Holt and Jake Hausman. Holt said: "A huge thank you goes out to all of our volunteers and participants who came to help us serve up our chili to so many tasters from near and far, as well as the organizers who put on an amazing event. It was such a fun day." iMerge runs esports and weekly open-play programs for area kids in the Riverbender.com building at 200 W. Third Street, Alton. The center is also available for private event rentals. Information, tickets and reservations are available at iMergeCommunityCenter.org .

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), and the Illinois State Police (ISP) are closely monitoring the conflict in the Middle East and potential threats here in Illinois. The Governor has been briefed by both agencies and the White House. The Governor instructed both agencies to work closely with law enforcement partners and to be on heightened alert for any threats related to places of worship across the state to protect First Amendment rights and the safety of worshippers. At this time, there is no actionable intelligence regarding any credible threats in Illinois. However, as always, if members of the public see something, they are encouraged to say something. The public should report suspicious behavior to local law enforcement by calling direct or to 911 depending on the level of the threat. “As Governor of Illinois, it is my top priority to keep our residents safe and we are closely monitoring

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CHICAGO – As the Israeli-Hamas conflict continues, the Illinois State Police (ISP) continues coordinating statewide law enforcement communications and activity in response to the elevated level of threats of violence and hate crimes related to the current conflict. ISP reminds the public of the importance of remaining vigilant against hate crime activity and potential terrorism. “Everyone in Illinois- both law enforcement and community members alike- must remain on guard against both terrorism and hate crimes during this period of volatility,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “If you see something, say something, before it’s too late.” ISP continues its outreach to Muslim and Jewish communities in Illinois to communicate with and support religious leaders being impacted by the current threat environment. Intelligence sharing and communication with our local and federal partners continues around the clock with all of ISP’s assets

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EDWARDSVILLE – The agenda for Wednesday’s Madison County board meeting includes a discussion about the removal of Charlotte Dixon from the Metro East Sanitary District Board of Commissioners. “Dixon’s recent votes to create an unnecessary $108,000/year job, and then give the Executive Director Rick Fancher a raise are the reasons I’m again calling for Dixon’s removal from the board,” Prenzler said. The MESD board, on Sept. 19, voted to hire retired Granite City Police Chief Mike Nordstrom at $100,000/year, plus another $8,000/year for “not taking health insurance.” The board also voted to give Fancher a raise to $111,240/year. Commissioner Charlie Brinza cast the sole vote against both actions of the board. Prenzler submitted a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request to MESD asking for Nordstrom’s job description and application, but was told there was “nothing on file.” Twice this year, after her term expired

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ROXANA - It’s been a season to remember for the Roxana Shells on the football field as the Shells are now 8-0 overall. A perfect start, ranked in state, a very deep Shells football team has been lighting up the scoreboard so far this fall. Junior Kael Hester has been making his presence felt during this memorable season for his team. Hester is a starting tight end on the 2023 Shells team. “Talk about unsung,” said DeVries of Hester, specifically remembering 2022. “Last year my left tackle got into a car accident, and (Kael) was a backup tight end and all a sudden I threw a new jersey on him and he started at left tackle for eight games.” “Now his job is 98% blocking, and 2% catching the ball.” Even if his job is just 2% catching the ball, Kael has racked up over 150 yards through seven games, mostly coming on big plays. With a handful of TDs from the tight end spot, Hester is still a constant threat to find the endzone in the fast-paced and

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CHICAGO, October 13, 2023 – Residents in the small town of Woodhull (population of 750) are buzzing with excitement after a $3 million winning Illinois Lottery ticket was purchased at a local gas station. A lucky Illinois Lottery player purchased a 200X Payout Instant Ticket for $30, and scored the top prize of $3 million. The winning ticket was purchased at a BP gas station, located at 111 NW 5th St in Woodhull, which is 30 miles southeast of Moline, and 65 miles northwest of Peoria. “I am so excited but still can’t believe it!” exclaimed Jennifer Damer, store manager at the BP in Woodhull. “It’s so surprising to me that our local, little gas station sold a ticket that won such a big prize!” “We are the go-to stop for many townfolk, including farmers who live nearby and truck drivers passing through,” added Damer. “Most of them even sit for a while and enjoy our freshly-made breakfast biscuits and chat about the news an

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BETHALTO - BCUSD#8 Bethalto East Primary School was recently recognized by Solution Tree as a Promising Practices Professional Learning Community at Work® for its initial success in raising student achievement. District 8’s commitment to implementing the PLC at Work process has been a major contributing factor in making a visible, positive impact on student learning. PLCs are schools and districts in which educators recognize that the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to: 1. Focus on learning 2. Build a collaborative culture 3. Create a results orientation Responding to news of the recognition, Dr. Racheal Leckrone, Bethalto East Principal, said, “We are very excited to see our collective efforts come to fruition in the form of student achievement results. Staff have remained focused on our mission to work collaboratively and achieve high

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – As millions of families continue to be at risk of infection during the fall and winter months, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is urging the President and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plan (AHIP) to help increase widespread access to nirsevimab for prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) under many common health insurance coverage plans for infants and children. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) already notifying our nation’s healthcare providers that RSV activity is spreading, increased access could help ensure that hundreds of millions of Americans can receive the high quality, affordable care they need and prevent RSV infection. In her letter, the Senator wrote: “I write to urge you to work with your members, who are health insurance providers across the country in every market, to increase access to nirsevimab for prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in all … infants younger than

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is releasing the first Illinois Law Enforcement Response to Homelessness Guidebook (Guidebook). The Guidebook is designed to provide law enforcement agencies and officers across Illinois with practical community resources, planning tools, training resources, and policy examples to help create a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents, including people experiencing homelessness (PEH). “Law enforcement officers respond to all types of emergencies and social-service related calls among all populations, including people experiencing homelessness,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Because of these interactions, officers are in a position to provide information about resources and programs available in communities, and help connect individuals to longer-term solutions to prevent and end homelessness.” When responding to calls, police officers face contributing factors to homelessness

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As we enter fall, the emails from your workplace or pharmacy may start to pop up in your inbox. “It’s time for a flu shot!” But how early is too early to get the yearly jab? It depends, says Jason Kole, DO, an emergency department provider at OSF HealthCare. Dr. Kole says every influenza season is different. When will it peak? What will be the dominant strain of the virus? How effective will the flu vaccine be against that strain? Plus, Dr. Kole says, health care providers are still devoting time to treating COVID-19 patients. “If actually hits the strain of flu that’s prevalent during that season, then the flu season’s going to be relatively mild,” Dr. Kole says. “If it doesn’t hit that strain, then we’re going to have a heavy flu season.” “We’re all going to have to stay on our toes and make sure we’re well prepared,” Dr. Kole adds of the upcoming flu season. Dr. Kole recommends

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ST. LOUIS - October is Credit Awareness Month! To celebrate and help the community, the St. Louis Regional Financial Empowerment Coalition is proud to bring the Community Resource Fair to the Florissant Valley location of St. Louis Community College for the first time. The Community Resource Fair is open to the public and will provide a vast array of resources. The event will take place on Saturday, October 14 th , in the Physical Education Building from 10 AM-2 PM. The event features community resources from across the St. Louis region. Organizations represented will include Ameren, Missouri American Water, CAASTL, Urban League, HUD, the Salvation Army, & more! Members of the organizations will host credit counseling sessions as well as classes and attendees of the event will be eligible for raffle prizes! For more information, please visit https://www.moneysmartstlouis.org/financial-resources/event-calendar/

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ROXANA - Roxana senior Ethan Broadfoot might not get to see his name on the scoreboard too often as a two-way lineman on the Shells football team, but all of that changed in the Shells big win over their cross-town rivals East Alton-Wood River. Broadfoot, the big 6’7” lineman, got a designed run play drawn up for him on the Shells Senior Night. Ethan got around the edge and rumbled for a good gain. “It was awesome,” said Broadfoot after that game. “Especially going all these years, this is my fourth year, and I’m finally able to touch the ball. I was just thinking ‘run the best you can’.” Broadfoot is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Shells. Outside of his rushing exploits that night, Broadfoot’s usual role in the high-powered and high-tempo Roxana offense is that of a willing blocker, opening up the running lanes for the Shells’ running back triumvirate of Evan Wells, Terrel Graves,

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker recognized Hispanic Heritage Month and Manufacturing Month by visiting multiple businesses across Chicago. He began by joining Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Latinx Business Development Manager, Diana Alfaro, for three small business stop-bys on Chicago’s Southwest side. “Here in Illinois, we value our Latinx business-owners and their many cultural and economic contributions,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re honoring the small businesses in Chicago who are not only creating jobs, but having immeasurable positive impacts on our communities.” In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated September 15- October 15, Governor Pritzker visited the following Hispanic-owned businesses: Teatro Tariakuri : A nonprofit community arts established in 2004 by Karla Galvan that has created a theatrical venue focused on creativity and contemporary

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, with 23 other attorneys general, filed a brief supporting access to medication abortion and other essential health care for all Americans. Raoul and the coalition filed the amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) and Danco Laboratories LLC’s petitions for certiorari seeking review of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit’s ruling that reinstated certain medically-unnecessary restrictions on the medication. Mifepristone is the only FDA-approved abortion medication, and the coalition argues that the Fifth Circuit’s ruling would have dangerous consequences on reproductive health care outcomes, particularly for low-income and underserved communities. The 5th Circuit’s decision has not gone into effect because of a prior stay issued by the Supreme Court freezing restrictions on the drug until the case is resolved. “Mifepristone has been

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ST. LOUIS — Since announcing a national blood and platelet shortage a month ago, thousands of donors across the country have rolled up a sleeves to help rebuild the American Red Cross blood and platelet supply. Donors have been stepping up to help rebuild the blood supply since the American Red Cross first announced our national blood and platelet shortage last month. "Unfortunately, hospital demand continues to outpace donations," Sharon Watson, Regional Communications Director for the Red Cross, said on Friday. "We need an additional 10,000 blood and platelet donations each week over the next month to meet patient needs. "The Red Cross is working around-the-clock to ensure patients have access to lifesaving transfusions and must collect 10,000 additional blood and platelet donations – over and above expectations – each week over the next month to sufficiently meet hospital needs. Donors of all blood types are urged to book a time to give now, especially those

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GRAFTON - Raging Rivers Water Park is a favorite summer spot, but the history of the property is more spooky than sunny. This month, the park is hosting a Haunted Trail for those who are brave enough to face the ghosts. The Raging Rivers’ Haunted Trail is a 30–45 minute walk through “Illinois’s darkest and most haunted forest,” according to the park’s website . Located at 100 Palisades Parkway in Grafton, the trail is open every Saturday until Oct. 28, 2023, with plenty of scarers and props to keep you on your toes. “We took advantage of some of the haunted woods that we have on our property,” explained Jeremy Hayes, general manager at the park. “Back in the 40s there was a nitroglycerine plant that was on the property, and they had multiple accidents. After the final accident, they finally shut it down…It’s a little creepy back there, it really is, if you know the history of the woods a little bit.” Nitroglycer

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EAST ALTON – Welcome in the spooky season by learning all about bats with biologist and bat researcher Brittany Rogness at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center’s next Neighbor Night event, Oct. 17. For many, bats have become synonymous with Halloween, but some may not be aware that they also serve an important ecological function by keeping insect populations at bay. “Bats are an important part of a healthy ecosystem and to modern agriculture because they love to eat crop-destroying insects,” NGRREC sm Environmental Educator Erica Doerr said. This month’s topic expert, Rogness joined the Illinois Bat Conservation Program in 2020 and has been researching bats in the Midwest for eight years. She is passionate about contributing to the conservation of bats across the state. “I’m excited to teach guests about the Illinois Bat Conservation Program and how they can help scientists monitor bats in the State of Illinois,”

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ALTON - A few local authors are officially international bestsellers, and they’re celebrating by sharing their wisdom at the first-ever “Perfectly I’Mperfect” Women’s Empowerment Summit on Nov. 4, 2023. “We’re not expecting people to get in there and then just all of a sudden run out and change the world,” Tara Hurst said. “What we’re hoping is that a teeny tiny spark is lit so that they’re willing to change themselves.” The summit is scheduled from 8–2:30 p.m. on Nov. 4, 2023, at Julia’s Banquet Center in Alton. Six speakers will address topics in mindset, spirituality and health and wellness. Organizers Hurst and Nina DeAngelo emphasized that these are valuable lessons, but the summit’s main goal is to bring women together. “The purpose of the summit is to create a community for women who are looking for that group that they can meld with and become part of to lift them up and help

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