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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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ALTON - Community members and nonprofit leaders gathered for the 13th annual Domestic Violence Memorial Service to honor local victims of abuse. On Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, Alton Memorial Hospital hosted the annual service, which included several guest speakers and music by Great Rivers Choral Society. This year, the memorial service remembered Jarred Hayes, Kiya Holt-Biggs, Portia Rowland and Charles “Chuck” Parrino. “We don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” said Deputy Chief Marcos Pulido with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. “In Madison County, we definitely still stand at the forefront of our commitment to doing our best to try to protect everyone, but more importantly, we’re also going to remember our victims.” Pastors Joyce Elliott and Bill Pyatt provided the opening prayer. Mary Cordes, Board President of Oasis Women’s Center, read the names of the victims, while Daniel Irvin struck a Tibetan prayer bowl

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CARLINVILLE – Carlinville will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 12 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at 201 W. Main St., inside Elks Lodge. What: Carlinville Community Blood Drive-Sponsored by SS Mary & Joseph Catholic Church When: Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, 12 to 5 p.m. Where: Elks Lodge, 201 W. Main St., Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact ImpactLife Springfield at (800) 747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60045 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. 2801 South 10th Street | Springfield, Illinois | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org ) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401. Donors who last

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Bill Kinkel with Genesis Wealth Management Group recommends focusing first on controllables—risk, allocation, spending, and timing—then pursue returns with discipline. Markets move the headlines, but the most durable progress rarely starts with a ticker—it starts with a plan. While investment returns matter, many households fixate on performance first and postpone the work that actually makes performance useful: building a detailed, resilient financial plan . Constructed correctly, a plan provides clarity and confidence, and it leaves room to adjust goals—like retirement dates—without losing direction. Start with what you can control Risk done right: establish both risk tolerance (feelings) and risk capacity (financial ability to absorb risk) before chasing returns. Purpose-built allocation: align asset allocation and rebalancing with goals and timelines—not headlines. Cash-flow discipline: set a spending policy and savings

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Did you know that incorporating just one cup of cooked squash into your daily diet can provide over 100% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A? Despite its humble appearance and often overlooked status, squash is a nutritional powerhouse with a myriad of health benefits. From supporting eye health to enhancing immune function and promoting digestion, squash offers a versatile and nutrient-dense addition to any diet. Nutrient-Rich Profile: A Foundation for Health Squash belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and includes a variety of types such as butternut, acorn, spaghetti, and zucchini. Regardless of type, squash is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune system efficiency, and skin health. Beta-carotene, an antioxidant found in orange and yellow squash varieties, neutralizes free radicals that

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October 22 has been a date marked by a wide array of significant events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most impactful events occurred in 1962, during the height of the Cold War, when President John F. Kennedy addressed the nation about the discovery of Soviet ballistic missiles in Cuba. This moment, known as the Cuban Missile Crisis, placed the world on the brink of nuclear war and ultimately led to a tense 13-day standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union. Kennedy's televised speech on October 22, 1962, revealed the existence of these missiles and announced a naval blockade around Cuba to prevent further Soviet shipments. This decisive action and the subsequent negotiations helped avert a potential nuclear catastrophe and remain a defining moment in global diplomacy. Traveling back to 1797, October 22 marks the day when the French explorer and naturalist Nicolas Baudin set sail from France on an expedition to map the coast of Australia.

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The River Bend area can expect a sunny and breezy day with a high near 63 and a low around 37. Winds will be WNW at 14 mph with gusts up to 29 mph. It will feel a bit cooler, with the highs feeling around 61 and the lows feeling like 34. This morning starts clear and cool, warming up to a bright and breezy afternoon. The sun will shine for nearly 11 hours, making it a great day to be outside. Winds will pick up in the afternoon and evening, adding some movement to the cooler air. Overnight, skies remain clear and chilly with temperatures dropping to near 37. Mold levels are moderate, so those with allergies might want to take some precautions. Tomorrow brings plenty of sunshine again with a high near 61 and a low around 35, keeping it cool but pleasant. Stay on top of changing conditions by checking live updates at RiverBender.com/weather .

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GODFREY – Godfrey officially has rules on the books concerning the use of speed bumps and humps to mitigate speeding throughout the village. Village Board members unanimously approved a policy for speed bumps/humps at Tuesday’s meeting. The policy, written by Village Engineer Rich Beran, remained unchanged from earlier this month when trustees voted to table the item. Only certain streets are eligible for speed bumps/humps under the new policy. These include “residential streets functionally classified as local streets with block lengths and geometries appropriate for bumps/humps.” Streets with frequent bus routes, truck routes, transit routes, or average daily traffic counts above 1,500 are not eligible. The new policy allows residents to submit a request to have a speed bump/hump installed on their street. Any resident-initiated request for installation requires a petition signed by at least 60% of households on the affected block(s) directly adjacent

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ALTON - The Alton Owl’s Club will host their annual Fall Festival. Planned for Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, the Fall Festival promises an evening of food, live music, raffles and plenty of fun. The barbecue porksteak meal will be served at 6 p.m. and City Heat Band will play from 8 p.m. to midnight. Tim Borman, festival organizer, encourages people to come out and see what the Alton Owl’s Club is all about. “It’s about community. It’s about camaraderie,” Borman said. “It’s our annual fall party. It’s barbecue, live music, dancing, good food, cheap drinks, raffles.” Entry costs $15 per person or $20 per couple. Attendees can enjoy door prizes, cash raffles, and the Owl’s Club “bag raffle,” where you can place a raffle ticket in a paper bag to denote which item you want to win. There are chances to win cash prizes of $500, $250 or $100. Borman said they are still taking donations from local businesses

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RIVERBEND - Local author Tori Ross is known for her romantic comedies, and her newest book is no exception. Released on Oct. 21, 2025, “The Sole Scheme” tells the story of Chantel, a down-on-her-luck woman who decides to sell pictures of her feet online. But things heat up when her boss, Jerico, discovers her secret. Ross describes the story as “a slow burn,” with tropes like grumpy/sunshine that are sure to satisfy any romcom reader. She noted that her success has come as a surprise, but she loves to write these steamy books. “If you would’ve told me I was going to do this five years ago, I would have punched you in the face,” she laughed. “I did not think this would happen.” Ross joked that the book is “almost a raunch-com,” with a raunchy sense of humor and plenty of steaminess. She loves writing romance novels and, true to the genre, always makes sure her characters have a happy ending. “This i

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JERSEY COUNTY - The Jersey County Sheriff's Office held its inaugural shooting competition last week to evaluate the marksmanship skills of its personnel. The event took place at the department’s training facility and featured three handgun events designed to challenge participants’ proficiency. The competition included the JCSO Combat Badge Shoot, created by Deputy Caleb Gibson; the newly established JCSO Qualification course; and the FBI Bullseye Course of Fire. These events were combined into a fast-paced contest that tested the abilities of the officers and correctional staff who chose to compete. The competition was organized to honor Deputy Caleb Gibson, the office’s primary firearms instructor, whose expertise and instruction were instrumental in developing the skills of the participants. The top prize, the "Caleb Gibson Top Shot Award," was named after him in recognition of his marksmanship and teaching. After rigorous competition, Deputy Travis Trisler

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ALTON — Claude Elijah Hendricks, 21, of Berkeley, Missouri, has been charged with multiple felonies following a home invasion at a residence on Highland Avenue in Alton. At approximately 8:39 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, Alton Police responded to a report of a male armed with a firearm at a home in the 800 block of Highland Avenue. Officers arrived to find the suspect had fled the scene. While searching the area, the suspect returned and unlawfully entered the residence while occupants were inside. Officers established a perimeter, but Hendricks exited the home and fled on foot. A coordinated search involving the Alton Police Department and several neighboring law enforcement agencies resulted in his arrest without further incident. A firearm believed to be in Hendricks’ possession was recovered near the residence. Following an investigation, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine charged Hendricks with home invasion, aggravated unlawful restraint, aggravated

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ELSAH – A woman from Alton faces her latest set of felony charges in Jersey County after allegedly trespassing at an Elsah home and battering an elderly victim. Venus V. Arrietta, 46, of Alton, was charged on Oct. 15, 2025 with one count each of aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony) and criminal trespass to residence (a Class 4 felony). Arrietta allegedly knowingly entered a residence in Elsah without legal authority which she knew was occupied on Sept. 17, 2025. On the same day, she reportedly battered a victim who was 60 years of age or older at the time of the offense by grabbing the victim’s arm and twisting it, causing the victim to lose her balance and hit her shoulder on a nearby door. Jersey County Court records show Arrietta had previously been charged in 2023 with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and driving on a revoked/suspended license. The weapon possession charge was later dismissed in that case after she pleaded guilty to the suspended license

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ROXANA - Local audiences can enjoy world-class magic on small town stages through Wonderment Academy and Four Magic Productions. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, you’re invited to The Nazarene Community Theater in Roxana for a show filled with “magic, mirth and mystery.” Tony Loving, a magician and owner of Four Magic Productions, looks forward to sharing the stage with his fellow magicians and bringing a ton of fun to the Riverbend region. “There’s a lot more to magic than just pulling rabbits out of hats,” Loving said. During the Oct. 25 show, audience members will enjoy magic by Professor Longhair, John Johnson, Josh Weldner, Steve Zuehlke, and Professor Enigmata. It costs $20 if you buy tickets online , or you can buy them at the door for $25. Four Magic Productions will also perform on Dec. 12 and 13, 2025, at Alton Little Theater in Alton, and they have an adults-only show scheduled for Oct. 31, 2025, at The Venue on Main

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EAST ALTON/ALTON — Four individuals were arrested and cited for trespassing near the Bearing Headquarters on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, according to local law enforcement officials. The incident took place in the 3600 block of East Broadway in Alton, close to the border with East Alton. East Alton Police and Alton Police collaborated on the operation. "One of those taken into custody had a warrant," East Alton Police Chief Scot Golike said. He noted that the joint effort follows a similar operation the previous day, during which two subjects were arrested on felony charges. "The Alton Police Department and East Alton Police Department both worked on that situation together, too," Golike added. No further details about the individuals involved or the circumstances leading to the arrests were released. Authorities continue to monitor the area.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Glen-Ed Food Pantry is preparing for a surge in demand as many local families may experience disruptions to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning in November. The potential interruption is tied to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has delayed funding for SNAP, as well as new rule changes that make it more difficult for some individuals to qualify or remain eligible for benefits. “These changes couldn’t come at a more difficult time,” said Jane Ahasay, executive director of the Glen-Ed Food Pantry. “As families head into the holiday season, already a period of increased financial stress, many are facing uncertainty about how they’ll afford groceries. We’re doing everything we can to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.” The pantry expects to see a significant rise in both existing and new clients as a result of these federal changes. Current SNAP recipients may experience

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QUINCY — Governor JB Pritzker today joined local, state, and community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new Illinois Veterans’ Home at Quincy -- a nearly $300 million investment delivering modern, safe, and dignified living for Illinois veterans. Funded through the Governor’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, the project includes a 260,000-square-foot long-term care facility and an 80,000-square-foot independent living residence designed to meet veterans’ needs for generations to come. “Illinois’ veterans deserve the very best care and comfort,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “This new home at Quincy honors their service with state-of-the-art facilities that prioritize dignity, safety, and community. It represents the very best of what Rebuild Illinois was created to do — to invest in people, not just projects.” The scope of work for this project also included a campus rehabilitation involving existing

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COLUMBIA – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Interstate 255 from Illinois 3 in Dupo to Illinois 3 in Columbia beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, Oct. 21, through Thursday, Oct. 23. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. 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. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced more than $11 million in grants to law enforcement agencies across the state to address rising carjackings and vehicle thefts. The announcement was made on Wednesday at the St. Clair County Sheriff’s office in Metro East. The Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, overseen by Giannoulias’ office, distributed $11.95 million to six agencies for the fiscal year 2025. The funding, sourced from the insurance industry through a $1 fee per insured passenger vehicle, supports personnel salaries, technology, vehicle tracking devices, body cameras, drones, and other tools to combat auto crimes. “A car is a lifeline for many Illinoisans. It gets them to work, helps them take care of their families and connects them with loved ones. When it’s stolen, it can turn a family’s life upside down,” Giannoulias said. “By strengthening

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TROY - Women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals across the region are invited to mark their calendars for the highly anticipated 2025 Women's Conference, themed "See The Signs... Be The Change." This empowering event, set to take place on Wednesday, November 5, at The Outlet Event Center at Edison’s Entertainment Complex. The day will be filled with a full day of insightful discussions, practical workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities designed to inspire growth, foster leadership, and champion well-being. The conference will kick off at 7:15 AM with registration, breakfast, and networking, leading into an impactful opening remarks session. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse lineup of expert speakers and panelists, addressing critical topics relevant to today's evolving professional landscape. Key highlights of the 2025 Women's Conference include: Empowering Leadership: Tracy Bianco of Tracy Bianco Coaching & Consulting wil

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