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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced up to $10 million in funding for the Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program to support workforce programs that expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and pre-apprenticeship programs leading to RAPs. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Since day one, my administration has prioritized expanding access to apprenticeship programs as a pathway to high-paying jobs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the new Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant program, we’re building on that commitment, initially prioritizing non-traditional and in-demand sectors to increase apprenticeship opportunities and support employers. These are the types of strategic investments that ensure we have a strong workforce in critical fields that drive future growth. And most importantly,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in reintroducing the Farm to Fly Act to create new, robust markets for American agricultural products and to strengthen domestic energy resources. The bill would foster the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) within existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, allowing for greater collaboration, and ensuring USDA’s SAF definitions reflect eligibility for American agricultural crops. “By utilizing sustainable aviation fuel, we can cut harmful emissions, support family farmers and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m proud to join Congressman Max Miller and colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the Farm to Fly Act — legislation that will allow homegrown biofuels to power our aviation sector while supporting growth in rural economies. With this bill we can

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced the application process for candidates interested in serving as the next U.S. Attorney or U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois. The Southern District encompasses 38 counties ranging from the Metro East region eastward to the Illinois-Indiana line and all points south. U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT: There are 94 federal districts nationwide, each with a presidentially appointed U.S. Attorney. The U.S. Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer in their district and is also involved in civil litigation where the United States is a party. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Southern District of Illinois has branch offices in Fairview Heights, Benton, and East St. Louis. The district is currently served by Acting U.S. Attorney Ali M. Summers. U.S. MARSHAL FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT: U.S. Marshals are appointed by the president to serve the 94 federal districts nationwide.

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Dear Editor: The people of Godfrey are fortunate to have a dedicated public servant in Village Clerk Susan Robbins. Clerk Robbins has served well since she started in the Clerk's Office in 2019. Clerk Robbins' previous experience in Godfrey Township and Clerk Robbins' prior experience in management have been very beneficial to the people of Godfrey. Clerk Robbins has learned and mastered all of the skills needed to continue her high performance as the Clerk of the Village of Godfrey. In this year's local election there is no need to settle for anything less than the high caliber that Clerk Robbins will continue to give us in Godfrey. There is no need to train a new Clerk. There is no need for anything less than the excellence that Clerk Robbins is already giving to Godfrey. On or before April 1, 2025, I ask you to join me in voting Clerk Susan Robbins to a full term in office to continue the high-quality work she has already shown to us. Take your friends and neighbors with you

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ALTON - Dr. Jerrica Ampadu knows the importance of helping young nursing students; after all, someone helped her. Ampadu, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. She serves as the Interim Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), where she also teaches. After a lifetime of helping young nurses get their start, she’s proud of the work she has done to advocate for others. “For 30 years, I have been mentoring and advocating for people who look like me who want to become nurses,” she said. “I firmly believe it is my purpose. It’s very humbling and it’s also very rewarding to know that humanity begets humanity. Someone helped me, so I help other students, and then they help other students.” After graduating from college, Ampadu immediately started mentoring other nursing students through various pathwa

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EAST ST. LOUIS - He was dressed in a bright orange jumpsuit. She was clad in a gold one. Both, with their wrists and ankles chained together, sat under watchful eyes of armed law enforcement officers. Mr. Scott and Ms. McCottrell, detainees at St. Clair County Jail, spoke to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students on Wednesday, Feb. 26 in the Multipurpose Room on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. The dialogue was part of the East St. Louis 40 Days of Nonviolence and Beyond initiative that started Jan. 25 and will conclude March 4. SIUE was one of many partners working with the project’s committee in its ongoing mission to deter and ultimately eliminate violence in the East St. Louis area. The two detainees, sitting at their respective tables in front of the roomful of CHS students, relayed their experiences and advice. “Jail ain’t fun,” said Scott. “I encourage everyone

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ALTON - Two environmental advocates recently stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to talk about trash pickup. Rusty Wheat, the one-man “Chain Gang” who picks up trash in Roxana and Wood River, has collaborated with Sparks Junk Removal owner Denise Sparks to spread the word about reporting litter and disposing of trash. They shared information about new laws that have taken effect and new resources in Madison County that aim to combat litter. “All I want to do is get the community cleaned up. That’s all,” Wheat said. “I think you’re going to see more concentrated police effort coming on because those new laws have only been in effect a short period of time and Chris Slusser has only been in office a short period of time. The police, I can only envision that they’re putting their brains together and their attack plan. I suspect there are going to be some big changes. In fact, if there’s not, that’s

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ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Metropolitan Police are investigating a deadly crash in north St. Louis. The crash happened on Broadway and Calvary around 10 p.m. Saturday night. Multiple vehicles were involved and one person died. Accident reconstruction investigators are working to determine how the crash happened.

ST. LOUIS – A teen was robbed at gunpoint in Tower Grove East in the middle of the day. St. Louis Metropolitan Police say a 16-year-old was walking in an alley near Juniata Street and South Compton Avenue Friday afternoon when the robbery happened. Two suspects approached the teen and the teen knew one of [...]

Quiet and colder Sunday morning with temperatures well below freezing. High pressure controls, keeping our winds light and skies clear. As this high slides east and our winds shift our temperatures reach the mid 40s to near 50. Temperatures on Monday will be about ten degrees warmer, climbing into the mid 50s despite an increase [...]

Dallas police responded Saturday afternoon to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where the 2025 NCA All-Star National Championship was being held.

A resident and a firefighter were taken to the hospital.

Tim Weber splits his time between roles as a newspaper publisher and co-owner and managing partner of music venue Old Rock House.

Here are this week's local business awardees, hires, and promotions.