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EAST ST. LOUIS — Illinois State Police arrested Jamal L. Wilson, 42, of East St. Louis on a first-degree murder charge following the fatal stabbing of a woman in her apartment last week. On Sept. 27, 2025, Illinois State Police Special Agents were called by the East St. Louis Police Department to investigate a homicide at an apartment in the 3200 block of State Street. The victim, 38-year-old Shanika S. Barbee of East St. Louis, was found stabbed inside her residence and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services. Following an investigation by ISP and East St. Louis police officers, Wilson was identified as a suspect. The case was presented to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, which filed first-degree murder charges against Wilson on Sept. 29. He is currently being held pending further proceedings. No additional details have been released at this time. Under the law, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in

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O’FALLON, Ill. — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital has announced $116 million in major growth projects for the O’Fallon campus. The projects will expand the emergency department, increase inpatient nursing capacity, as well as add a new outpatient surgery center, advanced imaging options and medical office space. At a press conference held at the hospital on Monday, Sep. 15, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital President and CEO Chris Klay and Chief Operating Officer Michael Janis announced the plans for the project and highlighted the longevity of this health care ministry. “It is incredible that in the year we celebrate 150 years of existence, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital remains vibrant and positioned for growth as demonstrated with these new expansions. By expanding our facilities and services, we are not only addressing the growing needs of today but also preparing to meet the demands of tomorrow. Along with enhancing the economic climate of the region,”

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GRANITE CITY – A man and woman from Madison, Ill. have been charged with transporting meth and fentanyl across state lines from Missouri into Illinois as part of an “ongoing interstate distribution operation.” Mario S. Hunt, 44, and Vanessa S. Womack, 44, both of Madison, Ill., were charged on Sept. 16, 2025 with one count each of methamphetamine trafficking (both Class X felonies) and possession of a controlled substance (both Class 4 felonies). Womack and Hunt allegedly transported over 15 grams of methamphetamine into the State of Illinois for the purpose of delivery and unlawfully possessed a substance containing fentanyl on July 27, 2025. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed petitions to deny pretrial release for both Womack and Hunt. According to the petition to keep Womack in custody, she reportedly admitted to making bulk purchases of illegal substances in Missouri before bringing them into Illinois, and making occasional fentanyl

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BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions is proud to announce that the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has selected Caritas to receive the 2025 Award for Treating Foster Parents with Dignity and Respect. Caritas was recognized for its work surrounding the nonprofit’s 2025 Foster Parent Law Implementation Plan. Presented annually by the DCFS Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council (SWFCAC), the award recognizes agencies that go above and beyond to provide support and respectful guidance for foster parents. Caritas’ plan was selected for its strong, innovative approach to supporting foster families. “I could not be prouder of our staff for recognizing and taking the effort to truly embrace foster parents as our partners in caring for children in foster care,” said Mary Savage, Director of Licensing at Caritas Family Solutions. “Our foster parents do the heavy-lifting in that they provide 24-hour supervision, care, an

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CHICAGO – October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is reminding parents and caregivers of three steps parents and caregivers can take to create a safe sleep environment for infants in their care. It’s as simple as ABC – infants should always be placed to sleep ALONE, on their BACKS and in a safe CRIB. Unsafe sleep practices are a leading cause of death for infants across the United States, with 126 Illinois infants losing their lives before their first birthday in 2024. These tragic, and often preventable, deaths frequently stemmed from accidental suffocation due to infants being placed to sleep somewhere other than a crib or bassinet; sharing an adult bed; or sleeping with soft bedding or other items in the crib. “Protecting the safety and well-being of children is at the heart of our mission, and one important way we can achieve this by reminding parents and caregivers of their ABCs:

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CHICAGO, IL – Today, Governor JB Pritzker will be joined by leading quantum business, research, academic, and government institutions to celebrate the groundbreaking of PsiQuantum’s facility at Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) at Quantum Shore on Chicago’s South Side. This marks the official buildout of state-of-the-art facilities that will soon bring the Park to full scale, driving billions in economic impact, creating thousands of jobs, and cementing Illinois as the nation’s leader in the global race for quantum innovation. Anchor tenant PsiQuantum will house the first utility-scale, error-corrected quantum computer at the Park. The Park will also be home to a growing roster of global companies including IBM, Diraq, and Infleqtion. “Today we break ground on a landmark project that will establish Illinois as the nation’s leading hub for quantum innovation while attracting billions in economic investment and creating thousands o

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WEST FRANKFORT – American Federation of Teachers, Local 817, President Tim Aldridge issued the following statement today after CUSD Dist. #168 filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) against the union on September 29. “The charges filed on Monday by CUSD #168 against the teachers in AFT Local 817 are simply false. Frankly, they are a sad attempt to distract parents and our community from the board’s unwillingness to fulfill their responsibility to reach a fair agreement after five months of bargaining. "Let’s be clear: Superintendent Donkin and school board members have demanded unfair, harmful cuts that will hurt students and our schools and drive teachers to other districts. Rather than focusing on reaching an agreement that serves students, teachers, and our community, they are retaliating against teachers for exercising our legal rights and responsibilities. "As we stated in the Unfair Labor Practice charge our union filed last week, Donkin and the school

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EAST ALTON - The East Alton First United Methodist Church invites community members to their annual trunk-or-treat and haunted house. On Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, kids and families can enjoy the trunk-or-treat from 6–7 p.m. in the church parking lot. The haunted house — an inflatable maze with jumpscares — will be open from 5–8 p.m. that evening. “We’re trying to beat the rush,” said Angela Sarandis with the church. “We love doing things for the community. With us being right across the street from the school, we have to do fun things, and this is one of our fun things.” Located at 1001 3rd Street in East Alton, the church hosts many community events year-round. But Sarandis is especially looking forward to the trunk-or-treat. She said the church has hosted the Halloween event for 15 years now, starting before trunk-or-treats were popular and welcoming over 700 people every year. This year’s trunk-or-treat will featur

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BELLEVILLE — A student was taken into custody Tuesday morning, Sept. 30, 2025, after being found with a firearm at Belleville East High School, authorities said. At approximately 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, a Belleville Police Department School Resource Officer and school staff were alerted by a student that another student was in possession of a firearm on campus. The Belleville Police Department said the student was immediately isolated, and a search conducted by the School Resource Officer uncovered the weapon. The juvenile is currently in custody at the Belleville Police Department pending further court proceedings. Officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to students or staff. “The safety of the students and staff was of the highest priority,” the Belleville Police Department said in a statement. “Upon the initial report being received, the Belleville Police Department and Belleville East High School staff acted swiftly to isolate the student

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EAST ALTON — Excitement is in the air at a local East Alton retail store after selling a Powerball ticket worth a cool $1 million. The winning ticket was sold at Dairy Fresh Rosewood, located at 740 E. Airline Drive in East Alton. “I was dancing as soon as I walked in this morning — words can’t explain how excited we all are,” said Brian Patel, store owner. “We don’t know who the winner is yet, but we’re hoping it’s one of our regulars. Whoever it is, we’re thrilled for them and look forward to celebrating together.” One lucky player matched all five numbers in the Monday, September 29, drawing to win the $1 million prize. The winning numbers were: 1-3-27-60-65. This marks the largest prize ever sold at Dairy Fresh Rosewood since Patel took ownership six years ago. “We’ve sold a number of winning tickets over the years, but this one tops them all,” he added. As an added bonus, Illinois Lottery

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A 34-year-old woman died after being struck by a vehicle early Saturday morning, Sept. 27, 2025, near the intersection of West Florissant Avenue and Northport Hills Drive, according to St. Louis County Police. Officers from the North County Precinct responded at 2:37 a.m. Sept. 27. 2025, to a reported motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, they found the woman with injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle. She was transported to a local hospital, where she died Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. The victim was identified as Ciera Steele of the 9100 block of Mill Pass Lane in St. Louis. Police said no witnesses came forward, and the vehicle or vehicles involved did not remain at the scene. The Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and Accident Reconstruction detectives are actively investigating the incident. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain

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EAST ST. LOUIS — A 26-year-old East St. Louis man has been charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery following a multi-year investigation into a deadly 2021 robbery, Illinois State Police announced Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. Montel Harkins faces a Class M felony charge for first-degree murder and a Class X felony charge for armed robbery related to the June 5, 2021, shooting death of 27-year-old Kaleb Davis of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The incident occurred near 14th Street and Division Avenue in East St. Louis. Illinois State Police Special Agents were called in by the East St. Louis Police Department to assist with the homicide investigation after officers found Davis deceased from gunshot wounds at the scene. The joint investigation by ISP’s Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 Major Crimes Unit and ESLPD determined that Harkins allegedly attempted to rob Davis at gunpoint when shots were fired, resulting in Davis’s fatal injuries. On September

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MADISON COUNTY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the newly reconstructed interchange at Interstate 270 and Illinois 111 will open to traffic this afternoon, Sept. 30, weather permitting. The $25.1 million project was completed 20 days ahead of schedule, marking another major investment in the region’s transportation infrastructure. The new, modern interchange, located in the heart of the warehouse district in Pontoon Beach and Edwardsville, features a diverging diamond design that improves traffic flow and enhances safety throughout the area. Beginning this afternoon, all ramps and lanes will be fully reopened. While construction will continue off the road to complete the project, the timing of any future traffic restrictions will be announced in advance. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and remain alert for workers and equipment. Funded by the Illinois Competitive

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a variety of fall events available for patrons to enjoy. Executive Director Mary Cordes emphasized that the library’s goal is to share their resources with the community. From their materials to their databases to their programs, they hope to inform and entertain. She noted that the events aim to draw people into the library so they can learn more about the services they offer. “The whole point is to get people to realize the value of your library in the community,” Cordes said. “Truly, I can’t think of one instance where, if you’ve got something going on, you can’t come to us. You can deal with it right at the library, check something out and take it home, download something to help you with it. I can’t think of a life instance where the library wouldn’t help you.” For kids, there’s a special story time planned for 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at the Alton

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department officially welcomed two new officers during a swearing-in ceremony held Monday evening, Sept. 29, 2025. Officer Blake Melton, DSN 242, joins the department as a lateral transfer from the Nashville, Illinois, police department, where he served for two years. Before that, Melton briefly worked with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Officer Isaac Bourque, DSN 243, brings nine years of experience from the United States Air Force, including service as a Military Working Dog Handler. Melton has already begun a 14-week Field Training Program and is expected to be ready for solo patrol duty by late December. Bourque will attend the Transition Academy at Southwestern Illinois College and is projected to start solo patrol in early 2026. The department expressed pride and excitement in welcoming the new officers to Collinsville.

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EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis Senior High School’s Beta Club has qualified for the national competition in the Collaboration Connections category, the East St. Louis School District 189 announced. The competition tests teams on teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and leadership through real-time performance-based challenges using only the materials provided. Participants must apply higher-level skills and think quickly to succeed. “This competition is no ordinary challenge — it’s an adrenaline-pumping test of teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and leadership,” the district said in a statement. “In short: it’s all about brainpower, collaboration, and quick thinking — and our scholars rose to the occasion.” The East St. Louis School District officials expressed pride in the students’ hard work and dedication, congratulating the Beta Club scholars as they prepare to advance to nationals.

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MADISON COUNTY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the newly reconstructed interchange at Interstate 270 and Illinois 111 will open to traffic this afternoon, Sept. 30, weather permitting. The $25.1 million project was completed 20 days ahead of schedule, marking another major investment in the region’s transportation infrastructure. The new, modern interchange, located in the heart of the warehouse district in Pontoon Beach and Edwardsville, features a diverging diamond design that improves traffic flow and enhances safety throughout the area. Beginning this afternoon, all ramps and lanes will be fully reopened. While construction will continue off the road to complete the project, the timing of any future traffic restrictions will be announced in advance. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and remain alert for workers and equipment. Funded by the Illinois Competitive Freight

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today secured a significant victory to protect Illinois’ energy programs, after the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon found that the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) cap on state energy program funding is illegal. In a ruling from the bench today, Judge Mustafa Kasubhai granted a motion for summary judgment Raoul and a multistate coalition filed, concluding that the DOE’s policy violated the Administrative Procedure Act. The policy would have slashed reimbursements for staffing and administrative costs and threatened millions of dollars for essential energy programs. “Improving energy efficiency by increasing clean energy is good for the environment, state economies and our workers,” Raoul said. “The Department of Energy’s cap on indirect and employee benefit costs would severely jeopardize programs that are essential to states’ efforts to modernize and improve energy grid efficiency,

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced the dates for the next EV Rebate Program application cycle, as well as updates to the program that reflect legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly in 2025. Program requirements are included on the Illinois EPA’s EV Rebate Program webpage . The next application cycle for the EV Rebate Program will open Tuesday, October 28, 2025, and run through Saturday, January 31, 2026. Change to the definition of low-income applicant: A “low-income applicant” is defined as “persons and families whose income does not exceed 80% of the regional or county median income for the current State fiscal year, as established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's Illinois Income Limits by metropolitan area and county.” Median income can be found on the HUD website at Illinois Low Income Limits by County. Longer time

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District will host their fourth annual Local Author Book Fair in December, and they’re looking for writers. On Dec. 6, 2025, at Alton Square Mall, community members can browse books by local authors and get to know the writing community in the Riverbend. Writers are encouraged to reach out to Hayner Library for more information about securing a booth at the festival. Executive Director Mary Cordes warns that the 25 available booths will go quickly. “The big one is our Local Author Book Fair,” Cordes said. “This is our fourth year of having this. They fill up fast. We have spots for 25 local authors, and I already have people who have emailed and called me over the weekend.” The fair will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 6 in the courtyard between the Alton Square Mall library and JCPenney at the mall. Cordes emphasized that they only have space for 25 authors, but they will have a waitlist available. The

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