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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today met with members of the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) and impacted business leaders to discuss a variety of issues, including the Dream Act and the impact of the Trump Administration’s anti-immigrant agenda on essential workers and the future of the economy. “Immigrants helped build our nation, and they contribute to our society and economy. They’re business owners, teachers, officers, and community leaders. I’ve fought for immigrants—especially Dreamers—for decades, and it’s more important than ever before that we support immigrant communities. I’m hopeful to reintroduce the Dream Act on a bipartisan basis this Congress, and I will continue fighting to protect DACA from unprecedented attacks. And I will always remain grateful to the tenacity and strength of our immigrant communities, especially i

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that it has begun the process to recertify firms to qualify them for participation in the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. In addition, IDOT will remove some contracts in its upcoming November letting to protect homegrown, small, disadvantaged businesses and ensure a continued level playing field on state projects. Adjusting the November letting will enable more time for businesses to get recertified while also preserving access to federal funding. These moves are in response to a new federal rule imposed under the Trump administration that’s designed to deny local minority- and women-owned firms the opportunity to participate on state contracts through the longtime DBE program. The federal change enacts new bureaucratic requirements on DBE certification, which potentially jeopardize the timely delivery of projects across Illinois. “Despite President Trump’s attempts to stifle minority-

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ALTON — A single-vehicle crash involving a female driver occurred Thursday morning, Oct. 23, 2025, near Alton Square Mall at the intersection of Oakwood Drive and Homer Adams Parkway, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Alton Fire Department. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the 700 block of Oakwood Drive. The driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment with non-life-threatening injuries, Alton Fire Department Battalion Chief Steve Perry said. The crash caused a utility pole to be sheared off, prompting the closure of the road. Perry said Ameren was contacted promptly and arrived quickly at their nearby facility to address the damage. “They came out quickly and began to put a new pole in,” Perry said. The road remained closed while emergency crews worked at the scene. Further details about the cause of the crash were not immediately available.

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY - The St. Clair County Coroner's Office identified a man found dead Wednesday morning in Frank Holten State Park as 42-year-old Michael Rogers. Rogers’ body was discovered at 10:21 a.m. on the backside of the Grand Mariah Golf Course along North Park Drive. Rogers was pronounced dead at 12:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, according to the St. Clair County Coroner’s Office, which confirmed he died from gunshot wounds. Authorities have not released information regarding any suspects or a possible motive in the case. The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations, Zone 6, is leading the investigation. ISP officials said the inquiry remains in its early stages, and no further details are available at this time.

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GRAFTON — A stray dog found running loose in Grafton around Oct. 15, 2025, tested negative for rabies, city officials announced Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. The male dog began showing signs of illness the day after it was found and was taken to Hawthorne Animal Hospital in Glen Carbon. Veterinarians there suspected the animal might have contracted rabies and euthanized the dog to conduct testing. Officials had previously advised that anyone who had direct physical contact with the dog should consider consulting their physician as a precaution. Rabies is typically transmitted to stray dogs through the bite of an infected animal. The virus is present in the saliva of a rabid animal and can also spread if saliva enters an open wound or mucous membranes.

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ALTON – Two cases of battery in Madison County include an Alton man accused of striking security officer and a domestic incident in Granite City. Deondrae L. Cole, 18, of Alton, was charged with one count of aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony. Cole allegedly struck a private security officer in the face and body with a closed fist while the security officer was performing their official duties on Oct. 5, 2025. Cole was granted pretrial release from custody in the case presented by the Alton Police Department. In a separate case, Damon P. Moore, 48, of St. Louis, was charged with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery. Moore reportedly intentionally strangled a household or family member on Oct. 6, 2025. The Granite City Police Department presented the case against Moore, who was ordered released from custody pending trial. Additional conditions were imposed on Moore’s release, including that he have no contact with and remain at least 500 feet away

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ALTON - Community members have just a few more chances to win $50,000. Marquette Catholic High School will host its Homecoming Block Party in front of the school on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Community members are invited to attend to celebrate the season and enjoy several raffle drawings as part of Marquette’s Mega Raffle fundraiser. The grand prize — $50,000 — will be announced that night. “It’s just a really good opportunity for the Marquette family, alumni, past parents, to just come and get together and have a really fun time,” said Director of Development Mary Hough. “Of course, the night culminates with our Mega Raffle drawing.” In total, Marquette will give out $62,000 in prizes. They have completed five $1,000 early bird drawings so far, with the sixth and final one slated to take place on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. During the block party, Marquette will also draw for two $250 prizes, one $500 prize, and one lucky $5,000 winner.

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ALTON - The Alton public schools began serving milk and graham crackers to undernourished students (as determined by student weight) on Monday, October 19, 1925. Mrs. Daisy Creswick Rice, health supervisor for the schools, had just completed the fall student health assessments and encouraged all underweight pupils to take the opportunity for a mid-morning meal served at 10 a.m. at all buildings. The cost to the students was 4 cents per day for a half-pint of milk and two graham crackers, but arrangements were made (as in previous years) to provide the meal for free to students who could not afford it otherwise. Rice said that “experience of the past few years has shown that the serving of milk has been of great benefit, and has had marked results. Teachers are very enthusiastic over the plan for supplementary nourishment because they find that the morning lunch increases the working power of the pupils, and tends to improve their class work as well as benefit them physically.”

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Did you know that nearly 80% of people regret not capturing more family moments in photographs? While smartphones have made snapping quick pictures easier than ever, orchestrating a thoughtful photo shoot can transform fleeting moments into treasured memories. Fall, with its rich textures and warm colors, offers a unique backdrop for family portraits that can be cherished for generations. But how do you create a fall photo shoot that truly reflects your family’s personality and creates lasting memories? Planning Your Fall Family Photo Shoot Successful photo shoots begin long before the camera comes out. Planning involves selecting the right location, coordinating outfits, and choosing a time that maximizes natural light. Choosing the Location Fall landscapes provide an array of stunning options—from pumpkin patches and orchards to wooded trails and rustic barns. Consider places that hold meaning for your family, such as a favorite park or a grandparent’s farm.

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October 23 has been a date marked by pivotal moments that have shaped world history. Starting with the event that cast a long shadow over global affairs: On October 23, 1935, Italian forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ethiopia, then known as Abyssinia. This aggressive military campaign initiated the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, a conflict that would become a critical moment in the lead-up to World War II. Italy, under the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini, sought to expand its colonial empire in Africa, and Ethiopia was one of the few independent African nations at the time. The invasion was met with international condemnation, particularly from the League of Nations, the precursor to the United Nations, which struggled to effectively respond to the aggression. The war exposed the limitations of collective security agreements and emboldened other authoritarian regimes, highlighting the fragility of peace in the interwar period. Despite Ethiopian resistance, Italy's modernized

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Expect a sunny and pleasant fall day with a high near 63 degrees and a low around 34. Winds will come from the northwest at 8 mph with gusts up to 17, making for a refreshing but not too chilly feel. The morning starts cool at 34 degrees, feeling closer to 31, with plenty of sunshine kicking in as the day warms to a comfortable upper-50s to low-60s range. In the afternoon, clear skies will keep conditions bright and enjoyable, perfect for any outdoor activities. Overnight, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures dipping back to the mid-30s. Winds will lighten to around 5 mph from the east, with some gusts still noticeable. No rain is expected today, so it’s a great day to get outside without worrying about wet weather. Allergy sufferers should note moderate mold levels and low ragweed, so if you are sensitive, taking precautions could be helpful. Tomorrow will bring a mostly cloudy day with highs near 59 and lows around 48. Clouds will increase, and there is a slight chance

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BETHALTO – The Bethalto Chamber of Commerce proudly joined chambers across the country in celebrating National Chamber of Commerce Week, recognizing the vital role local chambers play in strengthening communities, supporting businesses, and fostering economic growth. Throughout the week, the Bethalto Chamber highlighted its members, shared success stories, and connected with the community through events and social media spotlights. The celebration served as a reminder of the Chamber’s mission to promote local businesses, encourage collaboration, and enhance the quality of life in the Bethalto area. "Our chamber exists to help local businesses succeed and to create a thriving community," said Director of Marketing, Nikki Winkelmann. "National Chamber Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the partnerships that make Bethalto strong and to thank our members for their continued support." The Bethalto Chamber of Commerce continues to offer year-round programs and events

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ALTON – Plans to repair six ramps at Hellrung Skate Park are on hold for now after Alton City Council members agreed to lay the item over until their next meeting. Alderman Chris Bohn asked to lay over a resolution awarding a $34,100 bid for the skate park repairs to Stutz Excavating, Inc. at Wednesday’s meeting. Bohn said he recently received information about an organization which typically funds these types of projects, indicating a possible alternative funding option for the repairs. Parks and Recreation Director Lyndsey Younger previously stated each of the six ramps at Hellrung Skate Park have gone an estimated 20 years without repairs and would be completely restored to their original condition. Bohn then suggested the Parks and Recreation Department take a more “proactive” approach to preventative maintenance going forward in an effort to reduce future repair costs. M ore details about the proposed ramp repairs are available in this

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EDWARDSVILLE - Annika Jenkins is a very experienced setter for the Metro-East Lutheran High girls volleyball team and has served as a key for the squad this season. Jenkins is a player who showed excellent leadership qualities in the 2025 campaign. MELHS has continued to show improvement throughout the season. "All the girls have been working extra hard," she said earlier in the season. She said the setter position plays such an important role on the court, and it is very important to make the plays with precision and set up the squad's hitters. "I think our goals for the team are just to push each other to be the best we can," Jenkins said. "Everybody knows their jobs, and are working on their jobs, and for me, I personally try to be a leader and just help everybody try their hardest." Jenkins is a BJ's Printables Female Athlete of the Month for the Knights. Jenkins had a key game against Marquette Catholic with 15 assists in a match on Sept. 25, 2025, where MELHS won 18-25

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Authorities are investigating the death of a male found in Frank Holten State Park in East Saint Louis, officials said Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 Public Safety Enforcement Group responded to the scene at approximately 10:21 a.m. Wednesday, after being requested by the Cahokia Heights Police Department to conduct a death investigation. The investigation is in its early stages, and no additional details have been released at this time. The incident occurred in St. Clair County, and officials have not disclosed the identity of the deceased or the cause of death.

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JERSEYVILLE - Joe’s Pizza and Pasta is officially open in Jerseyville. Owner Kayla McMahan has a long history with the Joe’s Pizza and Pasta business, and she is elated to bring a new restaurant to Jerseyville. She expressed her excitement to welcome the Jerseyville community and share the “Sicilian recipe” she loves. “I mean, who doesn’t like pizza?” she laughed. “We just love this area.” As an Italian restaurant, they serve “a little bit of everything,” including pizza, pasta, salads, subs and “really good desserts.” Their pizza is known for its sweeter sauce. Though McMahan loves the recipe, she assures customers that they can sub anything they want. The Jerseyville location also has a bar with wine and beer. McMahan met her husband at Joe’s Pizza and Pasta in Effingham. When they moved to Edwardsville to attend SIUE, they decided to open their own franchise. Joe’s Pizza has a special

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EDWARDSVILLE - Tim Schilbe, a talented offensive and defensive lineman for the Metro-East Lutheran High football team, has high hopes as the squad nears the postseason. MELHS head football coach Tim Koch said Schilbe is such a pivotal person for his 6-2 overall squad. "Tim is our center and is a top defensive lineman," Coach Koch said. "He has been steady and has started since he was a freshman. He is a very dependable player; he has only missed two games in his entire high school career. He makes the line calls at the center position. He is an unsung hero of the team. I can't say enough positive things about Tim." In a previous interview, Schilbe said he felt good about the turnout numbers this year for the team and the playoff outlook. "We had good numbers coming out, and people have been energetic and they want to be here," he said. "We have great coaching, I feel like we're just building off last year, and have been ready to go." Schilbe is a BJ's Printables Male Athlete

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EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge will host a Halloween party, similar to a pop-up experience. At 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, community members can stop by EXO in Edwardsville to enjoy their regular services in addition to a costume contest, specialty cocktails and food, and more fun. The med spa and nail bar will offer their usual services while the restaurant will have Halloween-themed cocktails and food. “We’re just going to have a lot of fun,” said EXO owner Gina Gamblin. Costumes are encouraged, and winners will receive trophies for the Best Couple costumes, Most Creative Costume, and Best Overall Costume. The lounge has a variety of cocktails and mocktails for all ages to enjoy, including a “Blood Bag” cocktail served on an IV pole. But Gamblin’s guilty pleasure is the mini apple pie, made with apples from Liberty Apple Orchard in Edwardsville. She highlighted the work done by Michelin-star chef Gianni Colucci ,

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EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge is celebrating a year in Edwardsville, and owner Gina Gamblin says they have something for everyone to love. EXO, located at 2 157 Center in Edwardsville, operates as a nail bar and med spa , offering everything from manicures and pedicures to Botox and IV treatments. They also have a Michelin-star chef who curates a menu of specialty cocktails and food . Gamblin’s goal is to help everyone at EXO feel more confident, healthier, and happier. “EXO is definitely a passion project of mine,” she said. “I think sometimes the world can be a dark place. There’s a lot that we’re dealing with on an everyday basis that’s difficult. So when you walk in the door, you leave better than when you came in. Whether that’s just sitting at lunch with your friend or whether that’s having your nails done or whether that’s having your hormone replacement or your Botox, whatever that means for you

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EAST ALTON — A male bicyclist was struck Tuesday evening, Oct. 21, 2025, near the Circle K in East Alton, according to East Alton Police Chief Scott Golike. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Oct. 21, when police received a call reporting the collision. The bicyclist sustained a suspected broken arm, Golike said. The injured man was transported from the scene to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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