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Governor Pritzker Launches $2.5 Million Economic Empowerment Centers Program

1 year 11 months ago
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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Gov. Pritzker Announces Paid Tech Trainee Program To Diversify And Strengthen State's Workforce

1 year 11 months ago
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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iMerge Community Center's Chili Voted Best Among Entries In Organization Category

1 year 11 months ago
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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Bob McCulloch’s Son Arrested for Kirkwood Trunk or Treat Shooting

1 year 11 months ago
St. Louis County Police Officer Matthew McCulloch has been charged with 11 felonies, including four counts of child endangerment, five counts of armed criminal action, making a terroristic threat and unlawful use of a weapon. The charges relate to a trunk or treat event at North Kirkwood Middle School on Sunday, October 16.
Ryan Krull

Pritzker Administration on Heightened Alert for Illinois Threats in Wake of Middle East Conflict

1 year 11 months ago
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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ISP Urges Vigilance, Awareness Against Violence and Hate Crimes In Wake Of Middle East Conflict

1 year 11 months ago
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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Prenzler: Madison County Board Agenda Includes Discussion About Removal Of A Sanitary District Board Commissioner

1 year 11 months ago
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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