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JOLIET – Today, Governor Pritzker joined school leaders, elected officials, students, staff and community members at Joliet Junior College (JJC) to celebrate the grand opening of its new Center for Student Wellness and Support (CSWS), a dedicated space designed to promote the holistic well-being of students through accessible, compassionate, and culturally responsive mental health services. Rooted in a commitment to equity and inclusivity, the center honors the diverse identities and experiences of JJC students while empowering them with tools to thrive both academically and personally. JJC alumnus and former student trustee, Josh Stamborski, initially came up with the idea for a center and student retreat on campus, and with collective support from Government Pritzker and Illinois General Assembly partners, Illinois allocated $250,000 of state funding to make it possible and further invest in the wellbeing of Illinois students. “Joliet Junior College is an engine of economic

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) today announced the success of the most recent round of SmartBuy, a first-of-its-kind initiative that helped 533 Illinoisans eliminate $16 million in student loan debt while achieving the dream of homeownership in only 12 weeks. Through SmartBuy, homeowners were able to purchase a home eight years earlier than traditional IHDA borrowers. “Making life more affordable for working families in Illinois is core to my mission as Governor, and my administration is committed to helping Illinoisans turn their dreams of homeownership into a reality,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re proud to help more than one thousand Illinoisans become proud homeowners while forgiving millions of student loan debt through this innovative state program.” Relaunched in December 2024, SmartBuy offered an affordable 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with $5,000 in deferred down payment or closing

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) introduced the Balanced Agricultural Support and Efficiency (BASE) Act to require the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to update base acres for all farms as soon as is practicable. The last mandatory update was completed in 1985; the last voluntary update was completed in 2014. “The current base acre allocations do not accurately reflect what’s really being planted across the United States. For the folks I represent in Illinois, it’s simply not fair,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “This legislation will finally bring fairness back to base acreage for the first time in 40 years, see that farmers are accurately supported for what they grow today, and ensure that we serve as better stewards of taxpayer dollars.” “It’s been four decades since the last mandatory update, and production agriculture has changed drastically

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) has been awarded the 2025 Government Experience Project Award by the Center for Digital Government (CDG). The Project Awards recognize innovative digital initiatives nationwide that make it easier for residents to interact with government. DoIT earned the honor for its “Move Over Illinois! Real-time Emergency Alerts Mapping and Navigation” project. In partnership with Google and the Illinois State Police, DoIT integrated emergency alerts into the Waze navigation app in 2024, delivering timely notifications about crashes, hazards, and critical incidents. The project enhances driver awareness, promotes safer roads, and supports first responders, earning praise for its direct impact on public safety. “This recognition is a meaningful reminder that our efforts are making a real difference in the lives of first responders and those who share the road with them,” said Illinois Department

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ST. LOUIS – We are all joined by blood and patients with sickle cell disease need our help now. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is partnering with the American Red Cross for the Joined by Blood Sickle Cell Blood Drive, hosted on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 500 N. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108. This blood drive is held in memory of Ronicia Britts, who passed away at age 29 of sickle cell disease. Ronicia’s mother, Rosemary Britts started the Sickle Cell Association in St. Louis and has been a strong advocate for those with the disease. “Each year, I do this blood drive in memory of my daughter Ronicia who lived with sickle cell,” shared Rosemary Britts, Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Association. “Receiving regular blood transfusions is what allowed her to live well and attend college. I hope that the community will come out and donate blood to help those living with sickle cell in memory of my daughter, Ronicia.”

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Township is excited to announce that our Touch-A-Truck event is back for another year on October 4, 2025 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This year marks our 11th annual Touch-A-Truck event! Vehicles scheduled to be on display this year include the SSM Cardinal Glennon helicopter, first responders (fire trucks, ambulances and police vehicles), a truck mounted crane, an electric school bus, 1937 Chevy Pickup, diesel truck, tractor & skid steer, Bobcat & excavator and much more! Food will be available for purchase from several local food trucks. Edwardsville Township will be providing goodie bags for attendees. Additionally, we will host our Bicycle Safety Sessions at this year’s event to include helmet fittings and free giveaways thanks to the ACT Community Action Grant. Overflow parking will be available at Edwardsville High School and buses will transport visitors from EHS to the park. Please note that Township Park will be open from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Octobe

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ALTON – An Alton property owner is calling on city officials to take action on power lines she says are dangerously close to her building and have gone unaddressed for 15 years. Erin Frew, owner of the historic “Snyder Block” building at 301 Piasa Street, spoke up at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Sept. 22 and City Council meeting on Sept. 24, 2025. “I’m here tonight to put on the record a public safety hazard that the City of Alton has ignored for 15 years,” Frew said at the committee meeting. She said immediately after purchasing the building in 2010, she raised concerns about the overhead power lines she says are “less than six feet from the building’s facade.” “The National Electric Safety Code requires a minimum of seven feet of clearance,” Frew added. “That means no tenant, no contractor, no worker can safely be on the front of my building. This is not just my problem, this is a public

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WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at East Alton-Wood River High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of the faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. September's winner is Abigail Hersman. Abigail is a Senior at EAWR and is involved in Band, Spirit Club, Senior Mentors, Scholar Bowl, TMHFA, National Honor Society, and Peer Leadership. After graduation, Abigail is planning on attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and majoring in Biology. Congratulations Abigail and we all wish you good luck in your future! Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community for over 90 years. To find out more information about Midwest Members Credit Union and what they are doing in your community,

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TROY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Illinois 159 from Center Grove Road to Governors Parkway in Edwardsville, weather permitting, on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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GODFREY - Community members can support Toys for Tots while shredding their documents. From 9–11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, Embark Wealth Partners will host a shred event that’s open to the community. The event will also serve as a toy drive, and attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys or books to donate to Toys for Tots. “I feel like it’s a very big part of just being a great business person, just giving back to those in the community,” said Terri, a financial advisor with Embark Wealth Partners. “We just thought it would be a great way to give back to our community in multiple different facets.” Terri and Casta explained that they often work with clients who ask them to shred their documents. While they’re happy to do it, Casta thought it would be a great idea to take the service a step further to support children at an event. Located at 5213 Mae Drive Ste. A in Godfrey, Embark Wealth Partners works with community

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY - Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), Metro Transit and the St. Clair County Transit District are teaming up with St. Louis’ own professional hockey team mascot Louie to promote the benefits of public transit and how MetroLink and MetroBus can get you to gameday, work or play. As part of the “The LOU Rides METRO … Will You?” campaign, individuals can go to www.CommuteLikeAChamp.com to get a FREE Metro Adventure Day Pass (valued at $5) so they can give transit a try through October 31. All registrants will have a chance to score a new St. Louis Blues Jersey, courtesy of CMT. “The St. Louis region has access to an integrated public transit system that offers a safe, convenient and cost-effective means to get to Enterprise Center,” stated Kimberly Cella, executive director of CMT. “Hockey fans can save gas money, avoid parking fees and breakaway from traffic congestion. The goal is for people to experience how seamlessly they

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CHICAGO - This week, Governor JB Pritzker joined a bipartisan group of 11 governors from across the country in announcing the launch of the PJM Governors’ Collaborative, aimed at strengthening state representation in the decision-making process with PJM Interconnection, the power grid operator for Northern Illinois. The new collaborative comes amid growing concerns over PJM’s role in driving up electricity costs, failing to address reliability challenges, and delaying critical transmission development - all of which impact working families and businesses. "For far too long, PJM has made decisions with minimal input from the states, leaving families and businesses to bear skyrocketing energy costs and rising reliability risks," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I’m proud to join this bipartisan collective to ensure states have a meaningful voice in shaping the region’s energy future. Together, we’re sending a clear message that PJM must prioritize affordability,

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding deer hunters about locations where deer can be tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD) free of charge. Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease of the central nervous system in deer and elk. Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease of the central nervous system in deer and elk. It was first detected in a suspect adult female deer from northwest Boone County in 2002. Since then, 185,896 wild deer have been sampled statewide, and 2,748 individual deer tested positive for CWD. The disease has been detected across a 25-county area of northern and west-central Illinois. Wildlife biologists monitor the geographic distribution and intensity of CWD primarily through testing of hunter-harvested deer. CWD is not known to be transmissible to humans. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization do not recommend consuming CWD-positive venison (deer meat). Hunters

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JERSEYVILLE — Jersey County authorities located a male initially suspected of carrying what appeared to be a firearm near the old Walmart in Jerseyville on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, according to Sheriff Nick Manns. The subject was found by Jerseyville Police, and officials confirmed the item was not a real gun. The photo displayed above shows the item the man was carrying before he was located. The situation was prompted by multiple calls from concerned residents who reported seeing the man walking with what appeared to be a rifle. Surveillance footage helped law enforcement identify and locate the individual behind the old Walmart. “We appreciate public help; several called in and got on Facebook with ideas of who it would be,” Manns said. “Different members of the public saw him walking with the rifle, and calls kept coming in. The Jerseyville Police ended up finding him.” Sheriff Manns emphasized the importance of community involvement in resolving

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GODFREY – “Once again, due to some bad apples, I’m in a position where I need to send out a press release cautioning Godfrey homeowners to be wary of door-to-door solicitation,” says Mayor Mike McCormick. “I would like to remind our residents that all door-to-door solicitors must be vetted and approved through the Village of Godfrey.” There are only two approved companies currently permitted, ClearWave Fiber and Clae Solutions. These permits are due to expire on Saturday, 9/27. Properly permitted solicitors are equipped with laminated photo I.D. badges provided by the Village of Godfrey. Before the sales pitch starts, you are advised to ask to see proof of a valid Godfrey-issued permit. If he or she is unable to provide proof, ask the solicitor to leave your property and do yourself and your neighbors a favor by calling the non-emergency number to reach a Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy. That number is (618) 692-4433. As always,

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September 26 has long been a date marked by pivotal moments that have shaped history across the globe. From groundbreaking diplomacy to significant cultural milestones, this day offers a fascinating tapestry of events that reflect humanity's complexities and triumphs. Let’s take a journey through time and explore some of the most impactful happenings on this day. One of the most notable events occurred in 1983, when the Soviet Union’s early-warning systems mistakenly detected an incoming missile strike from the United States. Fortunately, Lieutenant Colonel Stanislav Petrov, the officer on duty, judged the alert to be a false alarm and decided not to report it to his superiors. His calm judgment arguably prevented a potential nuclear disaster during the tense Cold War era. This incident highlights the fragile balance of global peace and the critical role individuals can play in shaping history. Going back to 1789, September 26 marks the day when the United States established

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CHICAGO — A $5 lottery ticket has dramatically reshaped the future for Mt. Carmel resident David Sharp, who recently scratched his way to a $1,000,000 top prize on the Illinois Lottery's Cash Grab Instant Ticket. Sharp purchased the $5 winning ticket at Marathon Gas, located at 1315 W. 9th Street in Mt. Carmel—where he’s a frequent customer. “I’m always drawn to the games with bigger prizes, especially the ones with multipliers. That’s what caught my eye with Cash Grab,” said Sharp. “I scratched it in my truck and couldn’t believe what I was seeing.” Stunned by the result, Sharp walked back into the gas station to verify the ticket with the retail clerk. “I was in shock. I just stood there thinking, ‘No way this is real,’” Sharp recalled. “I had to double-check it to be sure.” The win came with more than just a financial boost. It also marked an early retirement for his wife, Angie

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JERSEY COUNTY - Authorities in Jersey County are seeking the public’s help to identify a man seen carrying what Sheriff Nick Manns said appeared to be a rifle behind the old Walmart building. The sighting occurred on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, prompting a precautionary lockdown of schools in the Jersey School District, and St. Francis/Holy Ghost was put on what was described as a secure situation. The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the individual’s identity or anyone who has seen him within the last hour to contact them at 618-498-6881. Residents are urged to report any relevant information to assist the ongoing investigation. There is a heavy police presence around the area where the individual was initially spotted and the schools.

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community School District Superintendent Brad Tuttle addressed a law enforcement situation that occurred near the old Walmart in Jerseyville and commented on how the district has responded on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns told Riverbender.com that a man carrying an apparent rifle was spotted in the area near the old Walmart on Friday morning and the school district officials immediately responded with a "secure-in-place order for schools directly in Jerseyville, including Jersey High School, East Elementary and West Elementary. Sheriff Manns provided photos of the individual to Riverbender.com. Tuttle explained that the district implemented a secure-in-place protocol as a precaution after being notified of a situation in the community. “At no time have the students or staff been in danger,” he added. Tuttle said the secure-in-place order will be in place until dismissal, and the normal dismissal operation will occur unless

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JERSEYVILLE – Jersey Community High School (JCHS) is currently under a "secure" order after a potential “threat in the community” was reportedly identified by the Jerseyville Police Department. In a message to parents on Friday afternoon, JCHS Principal Thomas Leslie said the school was placed under the order “due to a possible threat in the community as identified by the Jerseyville Police Department.” “Students are to remain in the building and not leave for 6th hour lunch, early out, or workforce development,” Leslie stated in the message, adding all sixth-hour lunch students have been fed in the school’s cafeteria. “There is no direct threat toward JCHS or our students,” the message states. “This is precautionary due to a possible threat in the community.” All sixth-hour lunch students were fed in the school’s cafeteria. In a follow-up message, Leslie stated all students are “secure and fed,”

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