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CHICAGO – Solidifying Illinois’ position as a leader in the emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing industry, Governor JB Pritzker today signed an amendment to the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act into law, further incentivizing EV production across the state. “Here in Illinois, we are leading the electric vehicle revolution,” said Governor JB Pritzker, “Today’s REV amendment signing sends a clear message to EV manufacturers that we are the best place in the nation to call home, thanks to our competitive incentives and ambitious clean energy goals. It’s no wonder that companies like Lion Electric, TCCI, and Rivian have expanded their footprints throughout our state, and I look forward to welcoming more EV businesses to Illinois in the coming years.” In addition to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act (REV) is designed to make Illinois a leader in the fight against

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue announced that income and property tax rebates have been issued to over 5.1 million qualified taxpayers, totaling $1.042 billion. The rebates were the result of Gov. Pritzker’s Illinois Family Relief Plan , passed by the General Assembly, which also provided grocery, gas, and school supply tax savings. The rebate payments, which were issued over the course of several weeks, were automatically sent to Illinois residents who filed 2021 state income taxes and claimed a property tax credit. Those who did not file, were still able to receive rebates after completing an additional filing. “A once-in-a-lifetime pandemic has led to a very unusual economic moment and in challenging times like these, it’s more important than ever to have a government whose first focus is on working families,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “That’s why my administration spearheaded the Illinois

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is asking the motoring public to stay off the roadways for the next couple of days during the severe winter weather expected To begin tomorrow. If travel is absolutely necessary, allow enough time for travel and remain focused on the hazardous road conditions. Slow down AND move over for those vehicles stranded on the side of the road and for those emergency vehicles and personnel assisting them. Scott’s Law-related crashes are 100% preventable. Coincidentally, Scott’s Law Day is recognized on December 23 rd of each year to honor public safety workers and to remind motorists to slow down AND move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated. Within the last five years, the ISP has seen increasing numbers in crashes involving Scott’s Law violations (see table below). So far this year, there have been 25 ISP squad cars struck in relation to Scott’s

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ALTON - There has been a storm watch for Christmas time for some time now, and weather predictors have a timeline established. The storm should move into the region in a quick fashion on Thursday, with a start of rain, snow, sleet, and then back to snow. St. Louis area weather forecasters have a timeline established now for the storm. From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday - patchy light rain is possible, with temps in the 30s, then from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - winter mix changes to snow and temps drop to nearly 10 degrees. From 2-8 p.m. Thursday, snow, wind, and near-blizzard conditions are projected and temps will fall to 0 degrees with a wind chill of minus 25 degrees. Bitter cold, strong winds will continue after 8 p.m. Thursday with 0-degree temps and wind chills of minus 30. On Friday, it should be dry, but dangerous wind chills with a high temperature of 7 degrees and a low of 0 degrees. Dangerous wind chills are predicted for Friday evening and for Christmas Eve Saturday. A high of

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GRAFTON - At its regular meeting on December 20, the Grafton City Council unanimously approved Mayor Mike Morrow’s proposed Commission that will explore the feasibility of creating a national Veteran’s Memorial in Grafton to honor all who have served and are serving our great country. The twenty Commissioners will collectively provide direction, guidance, and oversight to the entire project from initial layout and contest design to the selection and implementation of the winning designs. “We are excited to actually get this project moving,” said Mayor Morrow. “We have a robust Commission comprised of highly qualified and enthusiastic people.” The centerpiece of the Grafton Memorial would be a life-size WWII reenactment in metallic figures of the U. S. Army Rangers climbing the Pointe Du Hoc cliffs at Omaha Beach (part of the initial D-Day landings on June 6, 1944) and using the limestone bluffs near the Grafton Visitor’s Center to replicate

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PONTOON BEACH - At a press conference on last Friday, December 16, Madison County Transit (MCT) announced a multi-year, multi-million-dollar initiative to expand and enhance the MCT Trails and improve access to the MCT public bus system. MCT and Agency for Community Transit (ACT) Board members, elected officials, members of the press, and representatives from Heartlands Conservancy as well as the Metro East Parks and Recreation District (MEPRD) were on hand as MCT Managing Director SJ Morrison announced the various capital investments. MCT Trails Investments: The MCT Board of Trustees has obligated $34 million for trail projects in 18 Madison County communities, to be initiated over the course of the next five years. Funds will be used for 19 projects that will extend the MCT Trails into new communities, neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas. The projects will add more than 20 miles of new trails to the system, as well as two new tunnels and seven new bridges. “It’s

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Board of Higher Education released its first look report at enrollment data from the state’s public universities for the fall semester of the 2022-23 academic year. Freshmen enrollment at Illinois’ public universities increased by a noteworthy 5% compared to the fall semester of the 2021-22 academic year. This bucked the national trend which indicated a 2.4% decrease in freshmen enrollment at all public universities. Of Illinois’ 12 public universities, nine reported an increase in freshmen enrollment. Illinois outpaced national enrollment growth rate of African American and Latino freshmen with enrollment of Latino freshmen in Illinois increasing by a remarkable 12.9%, compared to a decrease of 0.7% at the national level. And while national data show that enrollment of African American freshmen decreased by 4.3%, in Illinois, enrollment of African American freshmen increased by a notable 10.5%. “Here in Illinois, our

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EAST ALTON - Helmkamp Construction’s Director of Operations, Joe Stange, and Project Director, Kyle Ogden, are moving into new roles at the 85-year-old general contracting firm. These new roles are being strategically put into place by President & Owner Rob Johnes to allow for viable growth in the company’s future. “These changes allow for more review, coaching, and accountability at all levels. We’re building the framework and capacity for larger, more complex projects as well as company growth,” said Johnes. The company-level responsibilities of Ogden’s new role, VP of Building and Life Science Construction, include developing standards for estimators, project managers, and superintendents. He will review systems and technology for improvement and new implementations, which Johnes had historically handled. Ogden will also develop and maintain the hiring process while recruiting new project managers, estimators, and superintendents. In his

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ALTON - A trimmer dropped a tree on main wires in the 4100 block of Humbert Road in Alton on Tuesday afternoon. A reported 450 are out of power in that vicinity as of around 4:15 p.m. Tuesday. The Alton Fire Department initially responded to the scene. Ameren-Illinois crews are en route to the situation, however, it may take multiple hours to rectify the problem.

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ALTON - As the temperatures drop, State Senator Kris Tharp is encouraging drivers to utilize the winter road conditions map on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website . “Ahead of the upcoming winter weather, drivers need to be aware of road conditions before traveling,” said Senator Kris Tharp (D- Bethalto). “Using this resource from IDOT can allow individuals to take precautions before their drive, which can prevent crashes and road delays altogether.” GettingAroundIllinois.com is available on your computer and optimized for smartphones. The site includes the ability to identify and zoom in on a location, travel route or destination on a state map. The map is updated frequently through a cloud-based system to provide a general overview on IDOT-maintained highways “The weather in Illinois can change suddenly and this online tool is really helpful and updates often,” said Tharp. “I encourage all individuals to view this

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ST. LOUIS - So that holiday chefs, cooks and bakers in need of that last-minute ingredient can properly prepare for their festive gatherings and parties, Schnuck Markets, Inc. today announced the 2022 Christmas and New Year's holiday schedules for all stores. Christmas: Saturday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) - Close at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, December 25 (Christmas Day) - Closed Monday, December 26 - Open at normal time New Year’s: Saturday, December 31 (New Year's Eve) - Close at 8 p.m. Sunday, January 1 (New Year's Day) - Open at 9 a.m. Stores will be open their regular operating hours during all other days not listed.

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EAST ALTON - $100 could buy you a day-and-night difference in your car’s appearance if you know it needs cleaning but don’t have the time to do it yourself. T & R Auto Detail of East Alton is offering a complete auto detailing service - including a full exterior wash, interior detailing, engine detailing, wheel cleaning, and more - for just $100. Visit the “Shop Local” section of Riverbender.com to learn more about this offer and “clip” this coupon before it expires on January 31. T&R Auto Detail Owner Rob Whitten said customers get a “complete detail - top to bottom, bumper-to-bumper.” “If there’s tar on there, it comes off. If there are scratches in it, they come off,” he said. “ shampoo, wax - the only thing I don’t do is ceramic coating.” Whitten said T & R Auto Detail currently operates by appointment only, so interested customers can call him at (618) 467-9254 to schedule a drop-off.

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CHICAGO – Illinois Lottery players have a chance to become a multi-millionaire this holiday as the Mega Millions jackpot soars to $465 million for tonight’s drawing. If a player wins Tuesday night’s jackpot, it would be the 12th largest jackpot in the game's history. In July, an Illinois Lottery player won a historic $1.34 billion Mega Millions jackpot, the largest lottery prize ever won in Illinois, and the third largest lottery prize ever won in the U.S. With over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the State, lottery players can conveniently pick up a ticket at their local store - or they can login to the Illinois Lottery website or app and purchase a ticket online. Mega Millions is played every Tuesday and Friday night. Tickets are $2 each, and players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1 for the chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes.

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GLEN CARBON - Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) is excited about a $5,000 grant for an upcoming six-week program and said it looks forward to partnering with American Water to deliver a new STEAM (STEM + Art) learning series. "Thanks to a $5,000 grant from American Water, Girl Scouts program and community outreach staff will host a six-week program titled, “It’s Your Planet – Love It!” for K-5 students in East St. Louis, Cahokia, and Belleville," the Girl Scouts said. "Girl Scouts there will learn about water conservation, water management, watersheds, hydroelectric power, and more."

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, December 16, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspects Keyshaun Carmel, 20 years of age, of the 400 block of Northridge Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63137, for Resisting Arrest and Tampering and with a Motor Vehicle Second Degree, and Khalub Perkins, 18 years of age, of the 400 block of Northridge Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63137, for Tampering with a Motor Vehicle Second Degree. Booking photos of Carmel and Perkins are included. Carmel is being held on $25,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Perkins is being held on $10,000 cash only, no 10% bond. A 16-year-old juvenile was charged in St. Louis County Family Court with Resisting Arrest and Tampering First Degree. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement for Carmel reads: The defendant was the backseat passenger of a gray in color, 2020 Acura

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces Illinois Route 159 will be closed to all traffic from Illinois Route 143/Old Alton Road, over the Mooney Creek and Cahokia Creek structures, to 3,000’ south of Roman Hills Road beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday until 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2023. IDOT said in addition, the westbound right lane closure on Illinois 143, west of Illinois 159, will be ongoing through the duration of these repairs. Illinois 159 will remain open to traffic from south of Roman Hills Road to Illinois 140. "A marked detour will be in place utilizing Illinois 143, Illinois 255, and Illinois 140," IDOT said. "This closure is to complete emergency slope repairs and installation of permanent sheet piling to stabilize the shoulder and roadway. Work is being completed by Keller Construction." To avoid the work area, when feasible, the use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions

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JEFFERSON COUNTY - Illinois State Police District 13 is investigating a two-vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred at 1:18 a.m. on Dec. 20, 2022, on Interstate 57 northbound at milepost 102.5 in Jefferson County. The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 13 VEHICLES: Unit 1 – Unknown Truck-Tractor/ Semi-Trailer Unit 2 – 2016 White Nissan SUV DRIVERS: Unit 1 – Unknown Unit 2 – 40-year-old male from Shreveport, LA – Transported to an area hospital with injuries. PASSENGERS: Unit 2 – 41-year-old female from Shreveport, LA – Transported to an area hospital with injuries. Unit 2 – Juvenile male from Shreveport, LA– Transported to an area hospital with injuries. Unit 2 – 67-year-old male from Shreveport, LA – Deceased, Pending next-of-kin notification. Unit 2 – 61-year-old female from Shreveport, LA – Deceased, Pending next-of-kin

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ALTON - Jim Hanlon has a lasting love with Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Alton. After all, it is the church his mother first took him to as a child. In essence, he was raised in the church. Jim, the church priest Jeff Holtman, and the entire congregation have embarked on an aggressive crusade to preserve the long history of the church in the community. Pastor Holtman is also heavily involved and has his heart in the project. The structure is in need of Old Cathedral repairs and some serious renovation. Slightly over half of the $800,000 has been raised for the capital campaign, but Hanlon, who is assisting with the coordination of the fundraiser, says much more still needs to be raised. Hanlon also stresses that St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cathedral and Parish have long been a centerpiece of the Christian Hill area, with some of Alton's most treasured historical homes. The purpose of the capital campaign is to restore the structure of the church with needed repairs in stone and

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CHICAGO - With only a few days left in the holiday shopping season, Attorney General Kwame Raoul is reminding Illinoisans to take precautions when shopping for or selling items online. Raoul is warning that scammers may use fake websites, fake mobile apps and fake social media advertisements to trick consumers into giving up their personal information and paying for products that will either never be delivered or cost more than they are worth. “As the holidays draw near, it is important to be on the lookout for signs of fraud, as scammers are waiting to prey on consumers finishing up their holiday shopping,” Raoul said. “This year alone, my office has received approximately 1,200 complaints from consumers relating to online purchases. By taking just a few precautions, consumers can educate themselves and quickly identify potential fraudulent transactions before they occur, saving money and headaches this holiday season.” In particular, Raoul is reminding buyers

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BELLEVILLE - With frigid temperatures occurring across the state, Illinois American Water is reminding homeowners to take steps to prevent frozen pipes this winter. These tips can also help protect the local water service team as they perform critical work for reliable, safe water service. Customers should: Allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing. Customers should consider collecting the water for later use such as watering indoor plants and more. The cost of a short-term trickle is much less costly than a repair to a burst pipe. Open cabinet doors to expose pipes. Opening cabinet doors exposes pipes to warmer room temperatures. Vice President of Operations Beth Matthews said, “These two tips are most important. They help residents keep their home plumbing safe, while also supporting our team in the field. Many times, when pipes freeze, customers will assume there is an issue with their water service and call our team to inspect.

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