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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today secured a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) unlawful demand that states turn over personal and sensitive information about millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. This July, Attorney General Raoul and a coalition of 20 attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration alleging the USDA’s demand violates multiple federal laws and the U.S. Constitution. “This injunction means that for now, states do not need to choose between following the law by protecting SNAP recipients’ information or complying with the USDA’s unlawful demand and potentially losing millions of critical SNAP dollars,” Raoul said. “Tens of millions of Americans rely on SNAP benefits to obtain nutritional food, which supports local growers, farmers’ markets and, ultimately, states’ economies. No one should

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ALTON — A candlelit vigil was held Thursday evening, Oct. 16, 2025, at an intersection of Homer Adams Parkway and Seminary Street in Alton to honor Grace Bustos, 17, who died in a car crash on Oct. 3, 2025. The community gathered near the location where the accident occurred to remember Grace, who was described by her family and friends as "a smart, funny, and empathetic young woman." Grace’s father, Tomas Bustos, said his daughter was highly intelligent and had been looking forward to graduating from high school early. Grace’s mother, Meghan Bustos, was also in the vehicle during the collision and has been unable to work since the accident. The vigil was organized by Krystal Radcliff and Valerie Radcliff as a way for the community to come together in support of the Bustos family. Krystal Radcliff said the event was created to honor a family who raised “a kind individual who cared for others.” “Grace was amazing,” Krystal said. “She

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years before retiring from military service at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, today released the following statement regarding Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s new restrictions on the media’s First Amendment right to report on and help ensure transparency at the Pentagon. The un-American restrictions on free speech that Hegseth—who famously is responsible for, but has yet to be held accountable for, one of the most significant classified national security leaks in years—demanded have been rejected by virtually every major news outlet, including his former employer FOX News, ABC News, NBC News, CBS News, Newsmax and others. “The American people deserve transparency from their government—especially from an Administration that brags about being ‘the most transparent Administration in history’ and from a department

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EDWARDSVILLE - Leclaire Elementary has been recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work school by Solution Tree, honoring its commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and student success. This recognition places Leclaire Elementary among an elite group of schools across the nation that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to ensuring high levels of learning for all students through the PLC at Work process. More than 800 schools internationally have been recognized as Model PLC schools, including 42 in Illinois. Leclaire is just the third school south of Chicago to earn the distinction and is the only school in the Metro East. To be designated as a Model PLC, schools must meet rigorous criteria, including: Demonstrating a sustained commitment to PLC at Work concepts for at least three years. Presenting clear, measurable evidence of improved student learning. Providing annual data that confirms continued implementation and

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Did you know that the average American consumes over 20 pounds of pasta each year? This seemingly simple food has transcended borders and centuries, weaving itself into the fabric of global cuisine. National Pasta Day, celebrated annually on October 17th, invites us to reflect on the rich history and enduring significance of pasta—a dish that is as versatile as it is beloved. The Origins of National Pasta Day National Pasta Day was established to honor one of the world’s most popular and enduring foods. While the exact origins of the day are somewhat obscure, it gained traction primarily through grassroots efforts and food enthusiasts who sought a dedicated time to appreciate pasta’s cultural and culinary impact. The date, October 17th, was chosen to coincide with the fall season in the Northern Hemisphere—an ideal time for hearty meals and comfort foods. Organizations like the National Pasta Association in the United States have played a pivotal role in promotin

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October 17 has been a date marked by significant milestones and memorable moments across the globe. Moving back, October 17, 1931, saw the inauguration of the George Washington Bridge between New York and New Jersey. At the time, it was the longest main span suspension bridge in the world, symbolizing advancements in engineering and the growth of metropolitan connectivity. This bridge not only facilitated economic growth but also became an iconic architectural landmark. In the realm of politics, October 17, 1973, marked the beginning of the Yom Kippur War's endgame, as ceasefire negotiations began between Israel, Egypt, and Syria under intense international pressure. The conflict, which had started earlier that month, significantly impacted Middle Eastern geopolitics and shaped future peace processes. This event highlighted the complexity of international diplomacy amid conflict. Sports enthusiasts may recall that on October 17, 1968, in Mexico City, the Olympic Games were underway,

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Friday in the River Bend will be partly sunny and very warm. Expect a high near 81 with a low of 63. Winds will come from the south around 9 to 20 mph. It will feel pleasant outside with no rain expected during the day. Clouds will increase in the evening with a chance of thunderstorm toward dawn, and winds will pick up to 15 to 28 mph, making it breezy overnight. Morning starts off warm and dry with temperatures in the low 60s. The afternoon is nicely warm with plenty of sunshine through scattered clouds. As the evening sets in, clouds thicken and a thunderstorm is likely close to dawn Friday night. Winds will become breezier after dark. Saturday will bring heavy thunderstorms through much of the day. High temperatures will cool to around 71 with a low near 50. Winds will be breezy from the SSW at 15 to 32 mph with gusts that could bring localized damaging wind gusts. The day will be mostly cloudy with thick clouds and heavy rain showers. The chance of storms continues into Saturday

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MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, died Thursday. He was 74. Frehley died peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown following a recent fall, according to his agent. Family members said in a statement that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others. Kiss, whose hits include “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City,” was known for its intense stage shows, which included fireworks, smoke and eruptions of fake blood performed by band members in black-and-white painted faces, platform boots and black wigs. Frehley and his band mates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County officials celebrated leadership, learning, and legacy on Wednesday as they recognized local 4-H members and presented the 2025 Nick Petrillo Champions of Mental Health Scholarships. Chairman Chris Slusser began the meeting by presenting a proclamation to Meghan Cope, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator with the University of Illinois Extension. Slusser said although he never participated in 4-H growing up, his personal connection to the organization is through his wife. He said she grew up in Colorado in a farming community, and she didn’t show livestock, but learned photography, baking and cake decorating skills. “It’s not what a lot of people think about with 4-H,” he said. “They think about livestock. Really it’s an organization that teaches lifelong skills. “It’s great to see so many young people carrying that tradition forward.” Cope thanked county leaders for their continued support

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ALTON — Charges have been filed against three individuals in connection with a shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, the Alton Police Department announced on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. Following an extensive and fast-moving investigation, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine charged Rico F. Long, Stacey T. Samuels, and Chelsea N. Stout with multiple offenses related to the incident. Long and Samuels each face two counts: aggravated battery with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender. Stout faces three counts: aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated battery, and obstructing justice. All three individuals are being held at the Madison County Jail pending a detention hearing under the SAFE-T Act. The Alton Police Department emphasized its commitment to thoroughly investigating violent crimes and holding offenders accountable to maintain community safety. All those charged are presumed innocent

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GRAFTON — Pere Marquette State Park hosted a well-attended Fishing and Owl Night program recently, combining outdoor education and nighttime exploration for families and children. The event, which has been running for about 35 years, offers participants the opportunity to learn about fishing, owls, and the experience of being in the woods after dark. Scott Isringhausen, the park’s urban fishing coordinator with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, described the evening as “definitely one of the most successful ones we have ever had.” He also describes the event as "one of his favorite times of the year at the park." This year's program began at 5:30 p.m. at the Pere Marquette educational pond with a session on fish and fishing. Following the presentation, children fished at the bluegill pond adjacent to the visitor center, where some of the kids caught over 20 fish individually," he said. "I think they all caught at least 10 fish or more," Isringhausen

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WOOD RIVER — The Wood River Fire Department announced a change to the route for the annual Halloween parade scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, due to ongoing sewer separation work on Wood River Avenue. The parade will begin as planned at 6th Street Park and proceed south on 6th Street, then turn west onto Ferguson Avenue. Instead of continuing on the usual path along Wood River Avenue, the parade will turn north on 1st Street from Ferguson Avenue and conclude at the intersection of 1st Street and Carringer Avenue. The pickup area at the end of the parade will remain at the Roundhouse parking lot. Other sections of the parade route will remain unchanged. Organizers encourage participants and spectators to review the updated map and share the information to help spread the word. Registration for parade entries remains open at www.woodriver.org.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — St. Louis County Police Department detectives are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred Thursday afternoon, Oct. 16, 2025, at the intersection of St. Charles Rock Road and North Hanley Road. Officers from the Central County Precinct responded at 1:43 p.m. to reports of a collision involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle. The motorcycle driver was transported to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead. The driver of the passenger vehicle was also taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The deceased has been identified as Michael Parks, 40 years of age, of the 1800 block of Korando Avenue, Overland, MO. The Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and Accident Reconstruction detectives are actively investigating the incident. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the cause of the crash. Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210.

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GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon residents are set to pay more for their sewer service starting next year. The Village Board of Trustees this week unanimously approved annual increases to the service charge and usage fees for sewer service supplied by the village. The first increase will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, with additional annual increases each year through 2030. Residents currently pay a $5.50 monthly sewer service charge. This will be raised to $6 per month in 2026, followed by annual 50 cent increases each year until 2030 with a monthly rate of $8. The village’s current usage fee of $8 per 1,000 gallons is also increasing to $9.60 in 2026 before rising by 30 cents annually to $10.80 in 2030. Customers outside village limits will also see their annual sewer service charges increase by 50 cents as their usage fees rise by 20 cents per year over the same time period until 2030. Tap-on fees to connect new customers will also increase from $2,725 to $3,500 for new single-family

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ALTON - A reception celebrating a new mural in downtown Alton has been postponed. At 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, community members are invited to 224 Front Street in Alton for the mural’s unveiling. This is a change from the original date on Oct. 18, due to forecasted storms. The 4 p.m. celebration will be followed by a reception at My Just Desserts at 4:30 on Oct. 19. “We’re thrilled to partner with Audubon for another mural that really sets the tone for how our community looks when you drive in the front door,” said Sara McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street. Produced through a partnership between Alton Main Street and The Audubon Center at Riverlands, the new mural spotlights the Lesser Yellowlegs, a bird species that migrates through the Mississippi Flyway every year. Mike Kelly and Center Advisory Board members Penny Schmidt and Susan Flader collaborated with Alton Main Street to bring this mural to downtown Alton. The mural

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O'FALLON, Ill. — The O'Fallon Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a man who they say is connected to recent fraud investigations. Authorities have released an image of the individual and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Police have not provided additional details about the specific fraud cases, but emphasized the importance of locating the suspect to advance their inquiries. Residents who recognize the man or have relevant information are encouraged to contact the O'Fallon Police Department at 618-624-4545, extension 0. The department thanked the community for their cooperation in addressing the ongoing investigation.

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ILLINOIS - The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) might reduce a proposed $128.8 million gas rate increase by Ameren Illinois by about one-third. Ameren Illinois and a few local advocacy groups shared their comments on the rate case. “In January, Ameren Illinois filed a plan with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) that will maintain the safety, integrity and reliability of the natural gas distribution system and support an orderly and equitable transition to clean energy sources,” said Brad Kleoppel, senior director of Gas Operations and Technical Services. “As with any proposed plan before the ICC, our natural gas proposal is currently undergoing an extensive review process, where stakeholders and interested parties are able to weigh in and give input. A final order is expected in November.” A few local groups argue that the proposed reduction is not enough. During a media briefing on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, Jim Chilsen with the Citizens Utility Boar

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O'FALLON - The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office charged 60-year-old Keith Burton of O’Fallon with three counts of possession of child pornography on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. The charges follow an investigation that began in June 2025 after a report was made to the O’Fallon Police Department. Burton was located and arrested at his residence in O’Fallon on a warrant related to the case. Under the Illinois Safe-T Act, the charges are classified as non-detainable offenses, and Burton was released from custody pending further court proceedings. The O’Fallon Police Department acknowledged the collaborative efforts of its officers and detectives alongside the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office in advancing the investigation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON - Antonia Phillips, a two-time Illinois High School Association (IHSA) All-State wrestler and 2022 state champion, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Medal of Courage by the Illinois Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Phillips, who is deaf, has been recognized for her trailblazing achievements as a female athlete in Southern Illinois. She currently competes at Aurora University after a storied career at Alton High School. Phillips’ high school coach at Alton High School, Eric Roberson, praised her dedication and resilience. “I am so proud of Antonia, and she is so deserving of the Medal of Courage award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame,” Roberson said. “She was always so focused and showed a great maturity when she competed at Alton High. I think she did show tremendous courage to play many sports growing up, and she never made any excuses. She just always outworked her competition, and she really earned everything she has received.

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BELLEVILLE - Friends and family of Dalton Vonderheide, a 17-year-old from Belleville who died in a car accident on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, are rallying to provide financial help to cover funeral expenses and related costs. Dalton, described as a vibrant and kind young man, passed away suddenly in the tragic incident that has deeply affected his community. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family during this difficult time, allowing them to focus on grieving and healing without the added burden of financial stress. The funds raised will go directly to the family to help with funeral arrangements and time off work. Details about the funeral arrangements are still being finalized and will be shared on social media once confirmed. The campaign organizer, Jael Wilson, expressed gratitude for any contributions, as well as for the thoughts, prayers, and memories shared in honor of Dalton’s life. Those wishing to support the family can find the GoFundMe page linked

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