Several U.S. senators have called on the Social Security Administration to take steps to make it easier for people with Long COVID to access disability benefits, actions that disability rights advocates and patients say are desperately needed. Sens. Tim Kaine , Ed Markey, Tammy Duckworth, Bernie Sanders, Tina Smith, Angus King, and Richard Blumenthal signed the letter […]
BELLEVILLE - Illinois American Water is accepting applications for its 2024 Firefighter Grant Program. Through this program, the company provides financial assistance to fire and emergency organizations throughout its service areas. According to Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water, the Firefighter Grant Program provides another opportunity to support public safety. “Our team of experienced professionals treat the water and test every fire hydrant annually to support local safety and fire protection. The Firefighter Grant program is one more way we strengthen our partnerships with local heroes and support the communities in which we live and serve.” Since 2010, Illinois American Water has awarded over $940,000 to over 945 Illinois volunteer fire departments and emergency response units. Fire departments and districts are eligible for one grant per year. Uniformed professional and volunteer fire departments serving communities throughout Illinois American
Former football coach John Randle relocates his barbecue joint from Carr Square to the space that previously housed Navin's BBQ and Guerilla Street Food.
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Police (ISP) has earned Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Law Enforcement Accreditation for the 11th time. “Integrity, Service, and Pride are at the core of ISP. They’re not just words, they’re an attitude, a lifestyle, the foundation upon which our officers build everyday as they serve their communities,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “This accreditation affirms our continued commitment to excellence and we will use all available resources, including technology and training, to better our people and serve and protect the citizens of Illinois.” CALEA is often referred to as the “Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies.” In 1986, ISP became the first state law enforcement agency to be accredited. There are 40 CALEA accredited law enforcement agencies in Illinois. To become accredited , law enforcement agencies must complete a comprehensive two-to-three-year self-assessment,
WASHINGTON — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said Thursday he has agreed to debate Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Sept. 10, a reversal from his position last week that he would not participate in the ABC News event. During a press conference at Trump’s Mar-A-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, the former president said […]
CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $5 million in tourism funding through two grant programs, the Route 66 Grant Program ($4 million) and International Tourism Grant Program ($1 million). Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Here in Illinois, our tourism industry is thriving and we’re not letting up,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With $5 million in funding through our Route 66 and International Grant programs, we’re showcasing our state’s rich history all while creating jobs and driving economic growth. I encourage all eligible entities to apply and continue making Illinois a top destination for visitors from around the world.” “These grant programs are vital to supporting the dedicated organizations that showcase Illinois' exceptional character,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “By
The CEO of one of the region's foremost civil rights agencies talks about development in the Ferguson area leading up to the 10th anniversary of the death of Michael Brown.
Two real estate properties that served as the site of a number of legendary musical moments over the years are on the market.First up is Caribou Ranch in Nederland, Colorado. It…
The disconnect was highlighted in the 16th annual State of St. Louis Workforce Report, released Thursday, that heralded the largest workforce — 1,495,200 people — the area has ever seen.
GLEN CARBON - The region will likely never see a caliber distance runner like Elena Rybak, the senior Father McGivney phenom, come ever again. Rybak has won three state championships in the 1,600-meter run and appears poised for a fourth in the spring of 2025. Father McGivney Catholic High School's cross country team is set to reach its typical heights in 2024, with head coach Jim Helton expressing high expectations for standout athlete Rybak. Coach Helton praised Rybak's performance and work ethic, highlighting her as one of the most talented athletes he has ever coached. Rybak runs with grace and style and is as hard a worker as any athlete in the McGivney School. She also is a starter on the Father McGivney girls' soccer team. "We always knew she was a tremendous talent," Helton said. "Putting it together her junior year for a team state championship was nice and refreshing. She worked so hard and is a great teammate." When Rybak isn't running in track and field or at cross-country
JERSEYVILLE - A man charged with sexually abusing a 14-year-old was granted pretrial release despite a petition to keep him detained after a series of criminal cases against him were dismissed. Kyle C. Kniffen, 28, of Jerseyville, was charged with one count of criminal sexual abuse, a Class 4 felony. Kniffen allegedly committed an act of sexual abuse against a minor who was 14 years old while Kniffen was 26 at the time of the incident on July 13, 2022. Kniffen has an extensive criminal history, including a series of cases against him spanning several years which were previously dismissed, according to a petition to deny his pretrial release. The petition states that Kniffen was previously charged with aggravated battery of a child in 2015 before the case was dismissed with leave to reinstate. An assault case against Kniffen from 2018 was reportedly dismissed at the request of the victim. A previous case of criminal sexual abuse and grooming from 2022 was also dismissed after