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CHICAGO — The State of Illinois, through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), has launched a new series of strategic partnerships with the Chicago White Sox, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), and Northern Illinois University (NIU) to promote career opportunities in state government. These partnerships include a series of in-person career activations at sporting events this fall, where fans will be able to engage directly with CMS representatives, learn about state job openings, and explore careers in public service. The initiative kicked off with great success on August 29 at Chicago White Sox Puerto Rican Heritage Night, where hundreds of fans engaged with CMS staff and learned about the variety of career paths available with the State of Illinois. Upcoming on-site activations include: September 10: Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays — Nurse Appreciation Night September 19: Chicago

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ST. LOUIS — September is National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis urges everyone to protect their loved ones by getting their households ready now. This spring, Missouri experienced a series of destructive tornadoes that serves as a stark reminder of the growing frequency and intensity of natural disasters across the country. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the Missouri and Arkansas region of the American Red Cross responded to over 15 disaster relief operations including those spring tornadoes. Additionally, the Red Cross of Greater St. Louis responded to over 500 home fires assisting nearly 2,000 people. Following the May 16th tornado in St. Louis, the Red Cross opened eight shelters to serve those who had been displaced, providing more than 27,000 overnight stays. At the height of the response, we had approximately 260 people in five different shelters. Other partners including Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis also provided shelter

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Area Community Foundation presented the organization's first Community Impact Grant to the Collinsville Food Pantry. The Community Impact Grant program was initiated to provide financial support to local organizations that enhance the quality of life for residents within Collinsville Community Unit School District #10. The program aims to support impactful projects that might not otherwise be funded through existing resources, foster collaboration between tax-exempt organizations and benefit a broad range of residents. Collinsville Area Community Foundation (CACF) sought applications earlier this year between May 1 and July 1. Criteria for receiving the grant includes: 1. Enhancing Quality of Life: The project must directly improve the quality of life for residents of CUSD10. 2. Lack of Existing Resources: The project must address a need that is not adequately supported by current community resources. 3. Fostering Cooperation: The project must facilitate

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GODFREY — Mathew David Fields, a 37-year-old man from Godfrey, died this past Wednesday evening after being struck by a vehicle on Martin Luther King Boulevard, according to Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich. The incident occurred around 9:22 p.m. Sept. 3, 2025, approximately a half mile south of Godfrey Road on U.S. 67. Emergency responders, including the Godfrey Fire Department and deputies from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, arrived promptly at the scene. Investigator Samuel Stone from the Madison County Coroner’s Office pronounced Fields dead at 10:15 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2025. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Metro East Crash Assistance Team to aid in accident reconstruction. The cause of death is pending the results of a forensic autopsy and toxicology testing. The investigation remains active and involves the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Metro East Crash Assistance Team, and the Madison County

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-led a multistate coalition in opposing proposed changes to the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights’ (OCR) biennial Civil Rights Data Collection. The proposed changes would halt data collection on nonbinary students, remove “gender identity” and “sex characteristics” from the OCR’s definitions of harassment and bullying on the basis of sex, cease collection of data on harassment and bullying on the basis of gender identity, and remove “harassment on the basis of actual or perceived sex” from the definitions of “rape” and “sexual assault.” The impacts of failing to collect this data are significant. The OCR’s Civil Rights Data Collection is the largest and, in some instances, the only source of nationwide publicly available civil rights education data. The data is a critical resource for OCR, federal agencies, policymakers, researchers, educators

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SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointment in his administration: Chicago Transit Authority Board Reverend Dr. L. Bernard Jakes will continue to serve as a Member of the Chicago Transit Authority Board.* Jakes currently serves as Vice-Chairman and Chairman of Finance and Budget on the Chicago Transit Authority Board, overseeing fiscal strategy and governance. Jakes is also Senior Pastor of West Point Baptist Church in Chicago, where he has preached for over 23 years. Additionally, Jakes serves as Trustee for Elmhurst College, and he was inducted into the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of International Preachers of Morehouse College. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Elmhurst College, his Master of Arts from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary at Northwestern University, and his Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. *Appointment pending confirmation by the Illinois

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is partnering with Governor JB Pritzker, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA), and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) to promote Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week this September 7-13, 2025. The FCC’s Lifeline program offers monthly discounts to help eligible residents access voice or broadband services. “Staying connected is crucial when looking for jobs, scheduling healthcare services, or calling 911 in an emergency. The FCC’s Lifeline program makes it easier for low-income customers to afford their phone and broadband bill,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott. Under the federal Lifeline program, low-income customers who participate in certain public assistance programs, or qualify based on income can receive monthly discounts up to $9.25 a month for broadband or bundled phone and

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) released today 2026 Plan Year rates for the Get Covered Illinois Marketplace . Similar to national trends impacting states across the country, Illinois’ average rate increase is rising due to the devastating impacts of Trump’s budget bill, which will result in the loss of the federal enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs) as well as a much higher rate of uninsured Illinoisans, thereby increasing the cost of care. While health plan availability and rates vary based on where consumers live, the statewide weighted average rate increase for individual plans is 28.8 percent compared to last year. These increases could be substantially reduced if Congress decides to extend the federal enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs) which have played a pivotal role in lowering costs and driving enrollment increases nationally. Preliminary estimates would place the average rate increase in Illinois at approximately 10 percentage point

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BELLEVILLE — Three young Belleville area men were recently honored with the Eagle Scout rank, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America. Sultan Al-Uqdah Jr., 15, a sophomore at Althoff Catholic High School, and twins Khalil and Khalif Morehead, both longtime Scouts, received the distinction that only 4 to 6 percent of Scouts nationwide attain. Al-Uqdah has been involved in scouting since he was about 8 years old. Khalil and Khalif began their participation at age 10. Khalil attends Belleville East High School, while Khalif is enrolled in a high school program at Southwestern Illinois College. State Representative Kevin Schmidt congratulated the new Eagle Scouts, saying, “Congratulations Khalif Morehead, Khalil Morehead, and Sultan Al-Uqdah!” Althoff Catholic High School also issued a statement celebrating Sultan’s accomplishment, calling it “an amazing achievement.” The Eagle Scout rank requires completion of an extensive

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JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville woman previously charged with theft faces new felonies after allegedly burglarizing a home and vehicle in Jerseyville. Ciara R. Young, 32, of Jerseyville, was charged on Sept. 4, 2025 with one count each of residential burglary (a Class 1 felony) and burglary to a motor vehicle (a Class 2 felony). Young allegedly entered a residence in the 200 block of North Lafayette Street in Jerseyville without authority and with the intent to commit a theft on Sept. 2, 2025. On the same day, she also reportedly burglarized a motor vehicle which was located in the 200 block of North Liberty Street. Young had previously been charged with retail theft after stealing over $300 worth of merchandise from the Jerseyville Walmart in February of 2024. She was initially granted pretrial release from custody in that case, but her release was revoked after she failed to appear in court. Young’s pretrial release had also been revoked in two felony cases of theft

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Officers Cody Randolph and Slater McView graduated from the Police Academy on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, marking the beginning of their careers serving the community in Fairview Heights. Both Fairview Heights Police officers bring military experience to their new roles. Officer Randolph, who served as the class president, and Officer Slater, recognized with an award in defensive tactics, expressed readiness to assist residents in the city. The Fairview Heights Police Department welcomed the new officers, emphasizing their commitment to serving the community every day in a city that values its citizens. "We are proud to have them!" the Fairview Heights Police Department said in a statement.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Human remains were discovered Monday morning, Sept. 8, 2025, in the 800 block of Strodtman Road, located within the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, prompting an ongoing investigation by the St. Louis County Police Department. Officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call at 11:46 a.m. Sept. 8, 2025, reporting the discovery of the remains. Detectives from the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are leading the investigation. As of now, authorities have not identified the remains or determined the cause of death. The investigation remains active, and officials have not released additional details. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Those wishing to remain anonymous or who may be eligible for a reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

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EDWARDSVILLE - During their work session on Sept. 8, 2025, the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 voted unanimously to approve extensions for the Edwardsville High School track chutes. Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton explained that the ongoing track and field construction project has revealed a safety issue with the existing track chutes. There are two options to extend the chutes. “Last week as they were finishing the excavation and getting ready to pour the asphalt, it came to our attention that some of the chutes on the west side of the track on the north and south were not the length that they needed to be from a safety perspective,” Shelton explained. Shelton said the district reached out to Byrne & Jones Construction, who responded that, “for some reason, that was out of the scope.” They also spoke to the track and field coaches about their options and what they need to keep their runners safe. Shelton presented two options to

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EAST ST. LOUIS — A team of eight dedicated staff members from East St. Louis School District 189 recently completed a weeklong Social Emotional Learning (SEL) training aimed at enhancing wellness and collaboration across the district’s schools. Known as the “PULSE 8 REGULATORS,” the group participated in the SEL COHORT Training to develop tools that support positivity, relationship building, and staff morale. Their primary objective is to launch a wellness plan designed to increase trust among staff and foster a unified district community. The team includes Ms. Alena Armstead, counselor at Mason Clark Middle School; LaTia Jackson and Latoya Sain, A.I.T.s at Mason Clark Middle School and Lincoln Middle School, respectively; JoVonda Winters, social worker at East St. Louis Senior High School; Catrice Johnson, social worker at Gordon Busch Alternative; and teachers Cynthia Roller at Wyvetter Young, Michael Docksteiner at Lincoln Middle School, and Jannell Cook a

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EDWARDSVILLE - A new storage facility offers state-of-the-art technology and security to keep your items safe, clean and ready to go. Goshen Area Storage, located at 4536 Wanda Road in Edwardsville, opened in June 2025 and already stands out as one of the top storage facilities in the Riverbend. Will Maynard, who owns and operates the facility alongside his wife, shared his passion for providing a great service and experience for customers. “We wanted to make sure Edwardsville had a top-notch option for storing their stuff,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of really positive feedback from the folks that have given us a shot so far.” Unlike other storage facilities, which often require you to purchase a lock and carry a key, Goshen Area Storage is “a highly technical, completely digital facility.” They offer electronic keyless locks that customers can open using Bluetooth on their cell phones. Maynard shared that he once lost the key to hi

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MONROE COUNTY - Trevor Stawizynski pleaded guilty to a charge of driving under the influence resulting in death and was sentenced to nine years in prison plus two years of supervised release, Monroe County Circuit Clerk records show. The sentence will be required to serve at least 85 percent of the time. He was 16 at the time of a crash on Sept. 1, 2024, when a Columbia High School teen died. The crash occurred around 3 p.m. on Sept. 1 in the 4100 block of Hanover Road in Columbia. Crawford Bryant, a 15-year-old Columbia High School student and soccer team member, was killed in the accident and pronounced dead at the scene. Stawizynski, who was a minor at the time of the crash, had DUI charges dismissed but pleaded guilty to the more serious charge related to the fatal accident. Monroe County State’s Attorney Ryan Webb prosecuted the case.

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CLINTON COUNTY - A 65-year-old woman from Swansea died Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, in a head-on collision on U.S. 50 at St. Rose Road in Clinton County, authorities said. Margaret Smith was pronounced dead at 1:43 p.m. on Monday at the scene, according to the Clinton County Coroner's Office. The Illinois State Police said the crash occurred around 12:38 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, when an eastbound Chevrolet SUV crossed into the westbound lane and onto the shoulder of U.S. 50 before swerving back into the eastbound lane and striking a Chrysler minivan head-on. Smith was a passenger in the minivan. State Police said the drivers of both vehicles were airlifted to a regional hospital.

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District #9 received a $5,000 donation from United States Steel Corporation to support student hygiene needs for the 2025-26 school year. The contribution was announced recently at Granite City, where district and company representatives gathered to mark the occasion. The donation aims to assist students by providing necessary hygiene supplies, addressing a critical aspect of student well-being. “Thank you, US Steel, for all you do in our community and for your continued support of our GCSD9 students,” the district expressed in a statement. Present at the announcement were Mike Patton, General Manager of Granite City Works; Robin Sampson, Employee Relations HR Business Partner; Laura Ahlers, Senior Department Manager of Material Movement and Finishing; and Dr. Donald Harris, Superintendent of Granite City School District #9. The partnership highlights ongoing community support efforts to enhance student resources within the district.

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HARDIN — On the evening of August 12, 2025, law enforcement responded to a burglary alarm at a pharmacy in the 100 block of S. County Road in Hardin, Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received notification at approximately 9:42 p.m. and arrived promptly at the scene. Witnesses at the location reported seeing a suspect climb out of a pharmacy window and flee on foot. Officers from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Illinois Conservation Police, conducted a thorough search throughout the night but were unable to locate the individual. Chief Deputy Zach Hardin processed the crime scene and led an investigation that confirmed the suspect’s identity through multiple eyewitness accounts. On August 18, 2025, the Calhoun County State’s Attorney’s Office issued an arrest warrant for Tyler M. Buckingham, 24, of Bethalto, charging him with burglary. Buckingham was apprehended on August 23 by the Alton Police Department

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Did you know that over 25 million teddy bears are sold worldwide each year? This simple, plush toy holds a unique place in the hearts of children and adults alike, symbolizing comfort, companionship, and nostalgia. National Teddy Bear Day celebrates this iconic figure, but its significance goes beyond just a playful nod to a childhood favorite. It’s a day that honors a rich cultural history, reflects emotional connections, and encourages acts of kindness. Understanding the origins and importance of National Teddy Bear Day reveals why this seemingly modest toy has become a global symbol of warmth and empathy. The Origins of National Teddy Bear Day National Teddy Bear Day is celebrated annually on September 9th, a date chosen to honor the beloved teddy bear’s enduring presence in popular culture. The story of the teddy bear’s origin dates back to 1902 and is closely linked to a historical event involving then-President Theodore Roosevelt. In November 1902, President

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