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CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) announced today that individuals may now apply to be part of the 2026 class of the Next Gen Capacity Building Initiative (Next Gen), a program designed to expand the talent pipeline for emerging developers to gain knowledge in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) industry. Next Gen equips for-profit and nonprofit developers with critical training, technical assistance, and understanding of financial resources to bring affordable housing to life in communities across Illinois. “Next Gen is about opening doors for developers who are ready to shape the future of affordable housing in Illinois,” said Kristin Faust, IHDA Executive Director . “By expanding access to technical training and early-stage capital, IHDA and LISC are making sure that more voices and more communities can help our evolving housing needs. If you are a developer with a desir

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EDWARDSVILLE – A generous bequest by the owners of a nearly century-old Edwardsville business will help breathe new life into a downtown building that is set to be transformed into the home of the Edwardsville Arts Center. Mayor Art Risavy and the Edwardsville City Council announced Tuesday, October 21, that the City has purchased the former Edwardsville Frozen Foods building at 246 N. Main Street with the support and financial backing of the Edwardsville Community Foundation. “The opportunity to transform this wonderful downtown building, which is next to our historic Wildey Theatre and near a vibrant business mix, is going to be incredibly impactful for the City,” Mayor Art Risavy said. “This is a win that will be felt in downtown Edwardsville and beyond, and an exciting prospect for the Edwardsville Arts Center, which has been seeking a permanent site.” The Edwardsville Community Foundation presented Mayor Risavy and the City Council a check for $525,000

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MADISON COUNTY, Ill. — The Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails are one of Madison County’s greatest treasures — more than 138 miles of scenic Class I bikeways. As the number of walkers, runners, and bicyclists has grown, so does the need for a shared understanding: the MCT Trails are for everyone, and safety starts with slowing down. That’s why MCT, together with several of the most active members of the MCT Trails Rider Group on Facebook, is launching a friendly reminder campaign about trail etiquette — including the 15 miles per hour (mph) speed limit and rules for walkers, riders, and rollers (e-bikes and scooters included!). This isn’t about enforcement; it’s about keeping the trails enjoyable, safe, and welcoming for everyone. “The speed limit is meant to protect people, not punish,” said MCT Managing Director SJ Morrison. “It keeps the MCT Trails safe and welcoming for users of all ages, modes, and abilities.”

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ST. LOUIS, MO. — The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help curb a drop in donor turnout this fall. Donors of all blood types and those giving platelets are asked to book a time to donate at a Red Cross blood donation center or community blood drive to help give hospitals the tools they need to care for patients ahead of the holidays. To say thank you, all who come to give Oct. 27-Nov. 16, 2025, will get $20 in e-gift cards to a choice of merchant, plus automatic entry for a chance to win one of three $5,000 prizes. See RedCrossBlood.org/Harvest .? Don’t wait – Schedule a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org , calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Enhance community health November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Understanding our own health is the foundation for helping prevent chronic illness and saving lives. Blood and platelet donations can be a part of that journey.

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CHICAGO — Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-led a multistate coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing a comment letter opposing the Trump administration’s proposal to remove reporting requirements that ensure the U.S. Department of Education meets its obligation to oversee how states determine whether school districts have significant racial and ethnic disparities in special education programming and student discipline. “Data and research have shown for decades that students are disproportionately identified for special education and related services based on race and ethnicity,” Raoul said. “It is important that these imbalances are accurately documented so that they can be addressed.” Children of color are disproportionately identified as children with disabilities and placed in segregated, restrictive special education settings at substantially higher rates than their peers. There is concern that some of these children may be misidentified,

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the American Association of Cancer Institutes’ (AACI) President, Dr. Robert Winn, to discuss the Trump Administration’s devastating cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The Trump Administration has frozen or cancelled billions in NIH grant funding, fired thousands of NIH staffers, and proposed a Fiscal Year 2026 budget that requests a 40 percent cut to medical research at NIH, including a more-than 35 percent cut to cancer research specifically. These actions threaten our nation’s progress to find new cures and treatments for cancer patients and their families and discourage the next generation of researchers from entering the medical research field. “What the Trump Administration is doing to medical research conducted at the NIH and NCI is abhorrent. Does anybody believe that America is greater as a nation with less cancer research?

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CHICAGO – More than 200 people participated in the 2025 Illinois Together Against Hate: Human Rights in Action Conference on Oct. 21 in Champaign, Illinois. The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC), and the City of Champaign’s Equity & Engagement Department collaborated efforts to amplify conversations and strengthen partnerships to combat hate. The event served as a powerful, in-person gathering for community members, civil rights advocates, and human rights professionals to share actionable tools, innovative strategies, and impactful connections that drive lasting change. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss , a leading scholar and author on extremism and radicalization, and founder of the Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University. Attendees participated in sessions and workshops covering topics ranging from understanding discrimination

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NEW ATHENS — State Representative Kevin Schmidt, a Republican from Millstadt, will hold Mobile Office Hours in New Athens on October 23, providing constituents an opportunity to discuss state legislation and share their views on changes they want to see from Illinois elected officials. The free event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the New Athens Village Hall, located at 905 Spotsylvania Street. “I look forward to meeting my constituents to have open conversations about what matters most to them and their families,” Schmidt said. “This event is designed to give individuals the time to share their voice with me so I can better serve them during legislative session.” Residents interested in attending or seeking more information can contact Schmidt’s office at (618) 215-1050 or visit his website at repschmidt.com.

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CHICAGO - State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration in Chicago to commemorate LGBTQ+ History Month. The event was an opportunity to reflect on the significant achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, and their allies. Frerichs presented awards to leaders in the community, business, education, government, labor, sports, and arts and humanities. “Today, we honor the contributions of our LGBTQ+ neighbors and friends,” Frerichs said at the celebration lunch in the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St. “We thank them for their ongoing dedication to justice and equal opportunity. We are grateful for their enduring commitment to make Illinois and the world better places to live.” LGBTQ+ History Month was started in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, then a Missouri high school teacher who thought the historical importance of gays and lesbians should be emphasized. From those small steps, the month grew. The Equality Forum

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has selected waterfowl season dates and zone lines for the 2026-2030 seasons based on a thorough review of scientific information and input from waterfowl hunters. “Illinois is a large, diverse state with weather and climate patterns that change significantly from north to south,” said Doug McClain, IDNR’s wetland wildlife program manager. “Taking this reality into account, along with the federal waterfowl framework and the diverse hunting styles and opinions of waterfowl hunters, these dates and zone lines offer opportunity for all waterfowl hunters across the state. Illinoisans hunt in different habitat types and with different styles, necessitating compromises on these regulations.” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regulations require states to establish zone lines for a five-year period, and the USFWS establishes the frameworks within which states must select their regulations.

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CHICAGO – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief supporting Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit challenging a provision in the sweeping budget reconciliation law that eliminates federal funding for health care services provided by its health centers. The so-called Defund Provision blocks federal Medicaid funding for any health care services provided by Planned Parenthood health centers. Although federal law already disallowed federal funding for abortion, the Defund Provision targets other essential medical services normally covered by Medicaid, such as cancer screenings, birth control, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and wellness exams. “This provision is a direct attack on access to health care for millions of low-income Americans and disproportionately harms women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and communities of color,” Raoul said. “Without Planned Parenthood, many patients

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is observing Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 19-25, and reminding all parents and caregivers of young children to be aware of risk factors for lead poisoning and how to prevent it. IDPH has been steadily expanding the state’s testing regimen for lead exposure in children, gradually increasing the number of high-risk ZIP codes where blood testing is required, as the state moves toward universal lead testing in 2026. Additionally, Illinois has adopted a more stringent standard, which requires medical intervention for tests that show a confirmed blood lead level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). In those cases, a home inspection is conducted to determine the source of the lead contamination. If lead is found, the inspector works with the homeowner to remove the sources of lead. In addition, a public health nurse will contact the family about ways to protect children from the harmful effects

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) is calling on insurance companies to provide relief to policyholders who are experiencing financial hardship during the federal government shutdown (CB 2025-17), in an effort to ensure that Illinoisans do not lose insurance coverage. “The lapse in federal appropriations since October 1, impacts more than 153,000 Illinoisans who are employees of the federal government,” said IDOI Director Ann Gillespie. “These consumers should not have the added burden of losing insurance coverage because they are not being paid and cannot pay their auto or homeowners insurance premiums.” The Department is urging all insurers to immediately consider implementing protective measures for their policyholders who are federal employees. 1. Moratorium on cancellations. Insurers should seek to postpone or withdraw any previous notice of cancellation or nonrenewal in which the cancellation or nonrenewal occurs on o

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GODFREY – Godfrey trustees are considering an ordinance which would establish a new way to limit the number of video gaming licenses in the village. For any business in Illinois to legally operate video gaming terminals (except for truck stops), they must first obtain a liquor license . Trustee Sarah Woodman said she suspects many of the businesses who have applied for liquor licenses in Godfrey have only done so to get approval for video gaming. Under the village’s current ordinance, if an establishment with a liquor and/or video gaming license goes out of business, that license could potentially be transferred to another entity as the number of licenses allowed in Godfrey would remain the same. This new ordinance would prevent that from happening by decreasing the number of liquor licenses allowed in the village by one each time such a licensed establishment goes out of business. The 21 Godfrey businesses which currently offer video gaming will be allowed to continue

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ALTON - Cloverleaf Golf Course will host a two-man scramble with over $5,000 available in prizes. On Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, golfers of all skill levels can join the scramble for the chance to win and enjoy a day on America’s oldest family-owned and operated golf course. Located at 3555 Fosterburg Road in Alton, Cloverleaf Golf Course is known for its “rich history” and fun environment for events, charity scrambles, and days of golfing, explained Kim. “This is just one that we wrap up the year with and we have a lot of fun with it, so we’re very excited,” Kim said of the Nov. 1 scramble. “It’s always a good time. We want you to get lucky. We want you to bring your dream team.” Up to 72 teams will compete in flights on Nov. 1. There is a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Entry costs $160 per team and includes lunch, a practice round, and an additional walking round in addition to the scramble’s 18 holes. There are also several

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ALTON – A man from Godfrey faces multiple felonies after allegedly sexually abusing a nun at a convent in Alton. Logan J. Strack, 22, of Godfrey, was charged on Oct. 21, 2025, with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery and a Class 4 felony count of criminal sexual abuse. On Oct. 18, 2025, Strack allegedly entered the Sisters of Saint Francis Convent in Alton and forcibly grabbed the victim’s clothed breasts without her consent. A petition to deny Strack’s pretrial release from custody was filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. According to the petition, the victim was “a nun at the Convent.” The petition states Strack entered the Convent through an unlocked side door at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Oct. 18, 2025. He had previously tried entering through the front door, but after finding it was locked, he reportedly began checking other doors until finding the unlocked side door. “Upon entering the building, he

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MADISON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that road repairs on Illinois 203 between Collinsville Road and the Madison County line in St. Clair County will require daily lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Oct. 27. The closures will affect both northbound and southbound lanes. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2026. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - The Riverbend East Rotary will host their Pints 4 Polio bar crawl to continue their efforts to eradicate polio. From 5–10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, community members can stop by five bars in East Alton and Wood River to enjoy food and drink specials while raising money for the Rotary International mission to eradicate polio worldwide. Participating venues include Don’s No Man Land, Joe’s Pizza and Pasta in East Alton, The Airliner Bar & Grill, The Franchise Sports Bar and Grill, and The Refinery Bar & Grill. “This is going to be such a big event for us,” said Mark Smith, president of Riverbend East Rotary. “It’s our big polio push right now. Friday is actually World Polio Day.” Tickets cost $30 and you can purchase tickets online or register at participating venues on Oct. 23. A ticket includes a souvenir pint glass, four beer tickets, and a punch card. If you stamp your punch card at all five

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COLLINSVILLE - Caseyville Road near Collinsville High School will be closed to through traffic from Monday, October 27, 2025, through Friday, October 31, 2025, to accommodate water main work connected to the construction of the new Collinsville Area Vocational Center, officials with Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 announced. The closure affects the area near Collinsville High School in Kahok Community. During this period, drivers are advised to use detours via Illinois 157 and St. Louis Road and to allow extra travel time. The work is part of ongoing efforts to build the Collinsville Area Vocational Center, aimed at expanding career and technical education opportunities for students.

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias issued a stern warning to federal ICE agents that swapping or altering license plates is illegal and will not be tolerated in Illinois. Giannoulias is also asking for the public’s help and created a Plate Watch Hotline to allow people to report instances of license plate tampering. Giannoulias stressed that it’s illegal for anyone to switch or modify license plates on Illinois vehicles. The warning comes amid reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are flipping and modifying state-issued license plates on vehicles to carry out their military-style deportation efforts. In a video circulating on social media, an ICE agent is recorded telling a bystander filming their vehicle’s license plate that: “You can record all you want. We change the plates out every day.” “Swapping out license plates or tampering with them to avoid or conceal detection is illegal, unsafe and will not be tolerated

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