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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today encouraged Illinoisans who have lost money to cryptocurrency fraud and scams to report the incident to law enforcement and be cautious of so-called “recovery” services. A recent change in Illinois law makes it easier for crypto kiosk or crypto ATM customers to get a refund if they have been scammed into sending money through a crypto ATM. To be eligible for a refund, consumers should file a police report. The law also requires victims

WASHINGTON – As utility rates continue to rise, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Currently, the Trump Administration is sitting on $4 billion in federa

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), led 56 members of Congress in pressing Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer about the Department of Labor’s (DOL) dismantling of key disability employment protections. In their letter, the lawmakers demand an explanation for Secretary DeRemer’s rollback of regulations that prohibit discrimination by federal

Expect a mild day today with a high near 65 and a low around 46. Winds will be light from the west-southwest at 8 to 15 mph. Early this morning, a stray thunderstorm could hit one or two spots, with a 55% chance of rain and 33% chance of a thunderstorm. Temperatures will feel pleasant in the afternoon near 63. This morning will feature scattered clouds with the chance of a brief thunderstorm, then partial sunshine and some low clouds moving in through the afternoon. Evening and overnight look mostl

Expect a mild day today with a high near 65 and a low around 46. Winds will be light from the west-southwest at 8 to 15 mph. Early this morning, a stray thunderstorm could hit one or two spots, with a 55% chance of rain and 33% chance of a thunderstorm. Temperatures will feel pleasant in the afternoon near 63. This morning will feature scattered clouds with the chance of a brief thunderstorm, then partial sunshine and some low clouds moving in through the afternoon. Evening and overnight look mostl

MARYVILLE — Multiple fire departments responded to a large structure fire in the 6700 block of Oxborough Court in Maryville on the evening of Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. The blaze, which began after 8:30 p.m., was reportedly caused by a lightning strike to the home. Maryville Fire Department was assisted by crews from Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Collinsville, and possibly other agencies. Two ladder trucks were deployed to combat the fire. At this time, further details about the extent

WOOD RIVER – Two holiday events coming to Wood River on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 are moving forward with full City Council approval. Council members on Monday quickly and unanimously approved a series of three requests from the Wood River Business Alliance – two regarding the Holiday Tradition Night Market and another concerning the city's inaugural Santa Parade. The organization requested the closure of Ferguson Avenue between First and Second Street from 3 to 7 p.m. on the night

EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department is joining forces with the Illinois State Police and other local law enforcement agencies as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. As part of a focused effort to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries, Edwardsville officers will participate in the statewide "Click It or Ticket" and "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" safety campaigns. The enforcement period will run from November 21 through December 2. During this time, in addition to

TROY — Downtown Troy will transform into a festive winter village on Saturday, November 29th, as the community comes together for the inaugural Hometown Holiday Market from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM in celebration of Small Business Saturday. The family-friendly event invites residents and visitors to stroll the heart of downtown while enjoying unique gifts, handmade goods, seasonal food and drinks, Christmas music, photo opportunities, and specials from local businesses. In true small-town

ALTON/COTTAGE HILLS - Community Hope Center has started a campaign to raise money for a major building project while finalizing their food and toy drives ahead of the holiday season. Christy, the executive director of Community Hope Center, said the center has just 44 days left to raise the $8,000 they need to reach their $100,000 goal. This money will go toward building repairs, including a new HVAC system, a new roof, and more. “It’s kind of one of those big projects that

GRANITE CITY - Junior Landon Harris qualified for the IHSA Class 3A Cross Country Sectional after finishing 10th at the Belleville West Regional on Oct. 15, 2025, with a time of 15:17.60. The event took place in Belleville. Harris is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. Harris’s cross country season concluded at the Normal Community Sectional, where he finished 64th with a time of 16:07.0. Earlier in the season, Harris secured a victory at the Triad Cross

ROXANA - Will Stevens of Roxana had several strong accomplishments for the boys' golf team in the 2025 season. He won the Cahokia Conference Tournament after a four-hole playoff at Governor’s Run in Carlyle, firing a one-over 73. The tournament concluded with Stevens securing the individual title. Myles Bertoletti also earned all-conference honors, carding a career-best 77 to finish seventh. Stevens and Bertoletti are Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athletes of the Month. Stevens,

WOOD RIVER – Local authorities have charged two area residents with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs in separate felony cases. Steven Kelley, 51, of East Alton, was charged with a Class 4 felony count of aggravated driving while under the influence. Kelley allegedly drove a 1999 Dodge Dakota on Illinois Route 143 at Illinois Route 3 in Wood River while under the influence of alcohol on Sept. 9, 2025. Charging documents also state the vehicle he was driving was not covere

GRANITE CITY — Morgan Hayes, a standout student and athlete at Granite City High School, has demonstrated dedication both on the golf course and in the classroom. Over the past two years, Hayes has been an active member of the school’s golf team, as well as participating in Renaissance, Spirit, and Varsity Club organizations. Hayes also earned an All Warrior Academic Award in recognition of her scholastic achievements. She is a Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month.

VANDALIA — The community of Vandalia is rallying around the family of Kylie Marie Toberman, a 14-year-old Vandalia resident whose life ended on Nov. 14, 2025. Authorities have charged Arnold B. Rivera with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of the 14-year-old. The case has left the community mourning the loss of a young girl described by family as bright, caring, and talented. Kylie, known for her inclusive nature and loyalty to friends and family, was also an accomplished

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - Touchette Regional Hospital has expanded its medical team with the addition of urologist Peter Minich, MD, and orthopedic surgeon Anthony Hollins, MD, increasing patient access to specialty care in the Metro East region. The addition of these two specialists enhances the hospital’s urology and orthopedic services, allowing more patients to receive high-quality, compassionate care close to home. “Our goal is to provide as many patients as possible with the compassionate,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County police have identified Gregory Hickman, 51, of St. Louis, as the victim in a homicide investigation on Bellefontaine Road on Nov. 15, 2025. Officers from the North County Precinct responded to a ShotSpotter activation at 2:06 a.m. on November 15 in the 12100 block of Bellefontaine Road. Upon arrival, they found Hickman deceased from at least one gunshot wound. The incident remains under active investigation. Detectives with the Bureau of Crimes Against Person

GRANITE CITY - The Historic Route 66 Flea Market encourages community members to come out and see everything they have to offer. Located at 3121 West Chain of Rocks Road in Granite City, the flea market is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. They share space with The Route 66 Diner and The Kickstand Bar. Jules, the office manager, explained that The Historic Route 66 Flea Market is a great space for people to shop. “The Historic Route 66 Flea Market is a destination

JERSEY — Three teachers from Jersey Community High School attended the Illinois Statewide Transition Conference to enhance their efforts in preparing students for life after graduation. Natalie Zedolek, Shelby Eisler, and Marti Hansen participated in the event with the goal of gaining new strategies to support their students’ transitions. The conference provided the educators with fresh ideas, which they have already begun implementing in their classrooms. The Jersey teachers are

EAST ST. LOUIS — A St. Peters, Mo., man was sentenced to nearly 16 years in federal prison after admitting to kidnapping his pregnant girlfriend at gunpoint and forcing her to obtain an abortion in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Kevin L. Smith, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping and was sentenced Oct. 1, 2025, to 188 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The case stemmed from an incident on Dec. 7, 2022, when Smith allegedly abducted his girlfriend