EAST ST. LOUIS — A federal judge sentenced Ligneshkumar H. Patel, a 38-year-old Indian national, to 90 months in prison on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, for his role in an imposter scheme that defrauded 11 identified victims, including elderly residents in Edwardsville and St. Louis. Patel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and financial institution fraud, as well as two counts of wire fraud, and was ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution. The investigation was
ALTON – The City of Alton Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce its annual Holiday Story Night with Santa, inviting families from Alton and the surrounding communities to in the Christmas season with a free, festive event. This year's Holiday Story Night offers a special opportunity for children to meet Santa Claus, enjoy delicious treats, and experience the warmth of community spirit. "We are so excited to host this free event that not only brings Santa to the
JERSEY COUNTY — Jersey County deputies responded to a two-vehicle collision with injuries early Wednesday morning, Dec. 10, 2025, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 67 and Delhi Road, according to Sheriff Nicholas J. Manns. The crash occurred at 7:37 a.m. on Wednesday when a sport utility vehicle driven by a 16-year-old female was crossing eastbound on Delhi Road and was struck by a southbound car on U.S. Highway 67 driven by a 53-year-old man. Both drivers sustained injuries in the collision,
ALTON - You can experience a powerful Christmas Cantata service at Main Street United Methodist Church this weekend. At 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, community members are invited to Main Street UMC for the Christmas Cantata service led by Michael and Julia Frazier. Pastor Nick Gleason promises music by local musicians, a retelling of the Christmas story, and a touching experience for everyone in attendance. “We hope it will enrich the lives of everyone who joins us on Sunday,”
BRIGHTON – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a former Metro East police officer pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $58,000 from the Alton Police Department Benevolent and Protective Association while employed by the Alton Police Department. Jeremiah T. Dressler, 42, of Brighton, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, to one count of Class 2 felony theft, one count of Class 2 felony theft by deception and three counts of Class 3 felony wire fraud. Dressler’s sentencing
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced $789,426 in federal grant funding for fire departments in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. The funds will be awarded to the City of Wood River, Chatham Village, the City of Collinsville, the Mount Olive Fire Protection District, and the Girard Fire Protection District as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. “I’m thrilled
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, asked for unanimous consent (UC) for the Senate to pass his bipartisan STOP CSAM Act alongside the bill’s cosponsor U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO). “I come to the floor today to ask the Senate to pass the STOP CSAM Act, bipartisan legislation that would finally open the courthouse doors to survivors of child exploitation and their families. Too many parents
What if a holiday celebrated for over two millennia still holds lessons about resilience, identity, and community that resonate deeply in today’s world? Hanukkah, often known as the Festival of Lights, is more than a festive occasion marked by candles and dreidels; it is a profound cultural emblem that reflects the enduring spirit of a people and their history. The Historical Roots of Hanukkah Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second centur
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today participated in a bicameral spotlight forum entitled “Our Values at Stake: DHS Overreach and Violations of U.S. Citizen Rights.” The forum, convened by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), provided a public platform for five U.S. citizens, including Dayanne Figueroa of Chicago, to share their story of being arbitraril
CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 states, sent a letter to congressional leadership urging them to reject attempts to derail negotiations around the extension of tax credits that are part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by tying them to unlawful restrictions on state ACA insurance plans that would prohibit coverage of abortion. In the letter, the coalition argues that such a proposal would violate state sovereignty, conflict with existing state laws
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced the third official notice of funding opportunity through the Illinois National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which will provide approximately $65.6 million for the construction of charging stations across the state. The latest opportunity builds on the first two rounds, which awarded funding for 62 charging stations along Illinois interstates to help meet Gov. JB Pritzker’s goal to have 1 million electric
CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul won his lawsuit against the Trump administration over its unlawful order to freeze all federal permitting of wind energy projects. In May, Raoul and a coalition of attorneys general filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to indefinitely halt all federal approvals necessary for the development of offshore and onshore wind energy projects pending federal review. Today, a federal judge in the United States District Cour
EDWARDSVILLE - State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has been named a 2025 Prairie State Policy Champion by the Americans for Prosperity Illinois Chapter (AFP-IL), recognizing her leadership on lower taxes, educational freedoms, and policies that make Illinois a stronger, more prosperous state. “I am deeply honored to be named a Prairie State Policy Champion,” said Senator Harriss. “When I came to Springfield, lowering taxes was my top priority. To be recognized in
CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined bill sponsors, officials, and community advocates in Chicago’s Little Village to sign HB 1312. This pivotal legislation enshrines protections for immigrant families in Illinois in the wake of the Trump Administration’s lawless and aggressive immigration enforcement actions. “With my signature today, we are protecting people and institutions that belong here in Illinois. Dropping your kid off at day care, going to the doctor,
CHICAGO – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding customers that the state’s winter weather rule is in effect from December 1 - March 31. The winter weather rule limits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating. “Illinois winters are known for frigid temperatures and frequent snowfall. The winter weather rule protects customers who might otherwise struggle to stay warm during the coldest month
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued an updated standing order which adds Illinois public libraries to the list of locations that are permitted to keep a supply of opioid overdose reversal agents on hand, and to allow trained staff to administer them in the event of a suspected overdose on their premises. The revised standing order will make it easier for libraries to comply with new provisions of the Illinois Local Library Act which will take effect
December 10th has long stood as a day marked by profound global significance. Arguably the most impactful event commemorated on December 10th is the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize. Established by the will of Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Peace Prize has been presented annually on this date since 1901, honoring individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to world peace. This tradition not only celebrates remarkable achievements but also serves as a beacon of hope and
BUNKER HILL — Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Tuesday evening, Dec. 9, 2025, at the intersection of Illinois Route 159 and Mansholt Road. According to authorities, ISP Troop 8 responded to a two-vehicle collision at the location. One occupant was pronounced dead at the scene. The ISP stated that the roadway was closed for several hours and reopened at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The Bunker Hill Fire Department, Shipman Fire
ALTON — Lines fell Wednesday morning, Dec. 10, 2025, on College Avenue at Park Avenue in Alton, draping across a van and prompting the closure of all lanes while authorities await Ameren’s response. The incident occurred amid a Wind Advisory issued for Madison County until noon, with forecasted gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph. Such winds are strong enough to bring down tree limbs, topple garbage cans, and displace holiday decorations. A service line and pole that broke caused the
JERSEY COUNTY — Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns reported that deputies responded to a serious two-car collision Wednesday morning at the intersection of U.S. 67 and Delhi Road. One female involved in the crash was transported by helicopter to a hospital in St. Louis, Manns said. Manns added that a male passenger was taken to Jersey Community Hospital for additional care. The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and no further details were immediately available, Manns said.
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