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ELGIN — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined leaders from Nautilus Solar Energy and Power Sustainable to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Highway 20 Community Solar Farm in Kane County, a solar project that will power nearly 600 low-income households, a local park district, and a commercial business, further advancing Illinois toward its goal of 100% clean energy by 2050. Located on Highway 20, the project features 12,000 solar panels spanning 26 acres, with a capacity of just under five megawatts (MW) and an expected annual generation of 10.7 million kilowatt-hours—enough to offset more than 7,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. Supported by the Illinois Shines program with an $8.7 million in a REC contract for 200,000 Renewable Energy Credits, the Highway 20 Community Solar Farm represents the type of investment driving Illinois’ clean energy leadership and economic growth. “Illinois has one of the most ambitious clean energy efforts in the

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SPRINGFIELD – The nation’s Great ShakeOut will happen this Thursday, Oct. 16 when people in every state are asked to practice safety as if an earthquake has started. Your reaction should be to drop, cover, and hold on. Those persons with disabilities who use walkers or wheelchairs should modify the instructions to lock, cover, and hold on. “Our agency’s vision of Always Ready guides every effort we make to strengthen statewide preparedness,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “Illinois is positioned on two major seismic zones: the New Madrid and the Wabash Valley. And while we cannot predict when an earthquake will happen, we can prepare now. The Great ShakeOut is a vital reminder that readiness starts with awareness. When our communities know what to do, we’re all safer and stronger together.” Practicing your reaction to an earthquake alert can

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a lawsuit against State Farm Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, and Oglesby Reinsurance Company (collectively, State Farm) alleging State Farm has refused to comply with a regulatory examination into its nationwide homeowners insurance business. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Illinois Department of Insurance Director Ann Gillespie following an examination the department launched in 2024. In November 2024, the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) opened an investigation into State Farm’s homeowners insurance policies and premiums. State Farm is the largest homeowners insurer in the country, and its premiums have risen drastically in recent years. “State Farm’s obstruction does not just violate the law. It prevents the Department of Insurance from obtaining information to help make sure all Illinois homeowners are being

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led all Democratic members of the Illinois congressional delegation in sending a letter to health insurance companies to request answers about how the potential expiration of the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits would impact Illinoisans using the marketplace to purchase insurance. Today’s letter comes as the Republican-led government shutdown continues and Republican congressional leaders and President Trump refuse to extend the ACA tax credits that expire at the end of 2025. If these tax credits are not extended by the end of the year, more than four million Americans could lose their health coverage, and more than 20 million Americans are expected to see a significant rise in their premiums. “We are writing to request information about how the potential expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA; P.L. 111-148) enhanced premium tax

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WENTZVILLE, Mo. — A 17-year-old Belleville resident was killed Monday morning, Oct. 13, 2025, in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 near Wentzville Parkway, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Dalton Lawrence Vonderheide was driving a 1993 Dodge Stealth while traveling eastbound on I-70 on Monday, according to an updated report released Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. A 2011 Spartan motor home driven by a 67-year-old man from Sycamore and a 2018 Mack truck driven by a man from Aiken, S.C., were also involved in the crash. Vonderheide was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:42 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, according to the Office of the Regional Medical Examiner in eastern Missouri. No other injuries were reported in the crash involving three vehicles. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Vonderheide’s family with funeral expenses. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.

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SPRINGFIELD – Numerous Illinois state parks, state fish and wildlife areas, and other public lands will be open to youth waterfowl hunting during the 2025 youth waterfowl hunts. Federal sites that fall under the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) waterfowl administrative rule that will be open for the youth hunts also are listed below. At most sites, regulations that apply during the regular waterfowl hunting season apply during the youth hunt. Hunters should check for changes to site-specific regulations and procedures. During the youth hunt, the bag limits are the same as during regular seasons. Per federal regulations, youth waterfowl hunters aged 17 or younger may hunt ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers if they are accompanied by an adult. The accompanying adult cannot hunt these species but may participate in other open season hunts if allowed at the site. Youth hunters must have a valid hunting license, youth hunting license, or apprentice hunting

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GRAFTON - The City of Grafton will soon have a ferry that runs seven days a week, 16 hours a day. Mayor Mike Morrow explained that the city recently won a $1.48 million grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to operate the ferry, connecting Grafton with the St. Charles, Missouri, area. Morrow believes the new ferry will boost tourism and also allow people to find jobs in the St. Louis region with an easier commute. “This is exceptional news, not just for Grafton, but for the entire region. As far as transportation, tying people together and so forth — it’s just exceptional,” Morrow said. “We’re just very blessed here in this little city.” Morrow noted that one of his 2021 campaign goals was to get a ferry operating seven days a week. In 2023, Grafton won a $250,000 IDOT grant to study the ferry system, including the Calhoun ferry and other regional ferries in the area. After this study, Grafton established a Ferry

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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement on the release of the remaining 20 living hostages held by Hamas: “Congratulations to President Trump for the historic Gaza agreement. We know there are still critical elements to be negotiated and settled but the release of the Israeli hostages and the Palestinian prisoners is a good faith start. “Now let’s negotiate a political ceasefire on Capitol Hill.”

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GRAFTON - Award-winning author, speaker, and editor Jacqueline “Jackie” Duty is honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with the release of two books that celebrate language, culture, and empowerment. Following the success of her beloved children’s book Dash the Dachshund , Duty has now launched a Spanish edition, Dash el Perro Salchicha , available on Amazon just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month. This charming story follows a curious dachshund on heartwarming adventures that teach courage, kindness, and friendship—now accessible to Spanish-speaking families and classrooms. Jackie has distributed over 500 copies of the original Dash the Dachshund to local students thanks to many local incredible sponsors including: Simmons Hanly Conroy Law Firm, Tania Interian – State Farm, Wilton Cattle Company, Fountain Hill Steak and Seafood, Grafton Music in the Park, Grafton Fudge and Ice Cream Shop, Grafton Limestone, Grafton Art Gallery, Box Mercantile, Fancy Nancy

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GODFREY — The Heck Family lost nearly everything they owned in a fire that destroyed their home Tuesday evening, Oct. 14, 2025, in the 1200 block of Seasons Drive, according to a community organizer. April Marburger, who is helping coordinate relief efforts, said the family and their dog escaped the fire unharmed. “While they lost nearly everything they owned, we are deeply grateful that everyone, including their family dog, miraculously made it out alive,” Marburger wrote. The Heck Family now faces rebuilding their lives after the devastating loss. Neighbors have launched a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial support to the family. “Our hope is that we can ease their burden a bit by coming together to support them,” Marburger said. The fundraiser page is being managed with the family’s blessing and will provide updates as they become available. Click here for the GoFundMe.

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CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), and Danny Davis (D-IL-07), sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to demand answers about the Trump Administration’s decision to “put on hold” $2.1 billion in federal funding for Chicago’s infrastructure projects, including the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line Extension Project and CTA’s Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Program. “On October 3, 2025, the OMB Director posted a social media announcement and the Federal Transit Administration subsequently sent letters to the CTA notifying the transit agency that the Administration was withholding disbursements of previously approved federal funding for these projects, totaling $2.1 billion dollars. The stated reason for this

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BELLEVILLE – Residents of Belleville and Granite City face felony domestic battery charges after allegedly strangling family or household members in separate cases. Marquis B. Orr, 34, of Belleville, was charged with aggravated domestic battery (a Class 2 felony), his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony), and domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor) on Oct. 9, 2025. Orr allegedly intentionally strangled a household or family member on Sept. 6, 2025. He had previously been convicted of domestic battery in a prior case from 2011 out of St. Clair County. The Maryville Police Department presented the latest case against Orr, who was ordered remanded to jail for his initial appearance in court. A Granite City man also faces charges of Class 2 felony aggravated domestic battery and Class A misdemeanor domestic battery in a separate case. 27-year-old Jacob A. Williams was charged on Oct. 7, 2025 after allegedly strangling a household or family member

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County employees are wrapping up a spirit week with a flavor-filled Friday celebration — and the public is invited to join the fun. The County will host a food truck event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the back parking lot off Second Street, behind the Sheriff’s Department, featuring a lineup of local favorites including Mahalo Shaved Ice, Heaterz, Rollin’ Dogs, Pig on a Wing and Taqueria y Antojitos Cobix. “This is the first time we’ve done anything like this,” Chairman Chris Slusser said. “We wanted to do something that brings our employees together and also welcomes the public to share in the experience.” The idea for a food truck day came from employees who missed having on-site dining options after the Administration Building cafeteria closed. A few staff members took the lead, planning the event and choosing a fall date — which coincidentally lined up with both Edwardsville’s Homecoming Wee

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ALTON — Officers from the Alton Police Department visited St. Mary’s Catholic School this week as part of the school’s First Responder Week celebration. The event, held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and School, provided students with opportunities to engage directly with local law enforcement. During the visit, students explored a patrol squad car, toured the department’s tactical armored vehicle known as The BEAR, and observed a K9 demonstration. The activities aimed to educate young attendees about the roles and responsibilities of first responders in their community. The Alton Police Department expressed appreciation for the warm reception from the students and staff, emphasizing the importance of fostering community awareness about the work performed by first responders on a daily basis.

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BELLEVILLE - The 25th Annual Metro Construction Career Expo will be held October 21–23, 2025, at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, 200 South Belt East, Belleville, Illinois. This year’s event will welcome a record number of students, more than 1,200 from 37 area high schools, to explore hands-on activities and demonstrations that highlight rewarding career opportunities in the skilled construction trades. Media are invited to attend the Expo to see firsthand how unions and industry leaders are addressing the growing demand for skilled workers across Southern Illinois. Apprenticeship programs offer paid, debt-free pathways into the construction industry, complete with wages, benefits, and pension, providing a strong alternative to traditional college routes. “We are thrilled to see record participation this year,” said Donna Richter, CEO of the Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA). “The Metro Construction Career Expo continues to open students’

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ROXANA — The Roxana High School girls' volleyball team raised $10,000 for cancer awareness during their recent annual fundraising game held this year in partnership with Jerseyville High School. The event, which took place recently at Roxana, included the sale of more than 500 T-shirts and sponsorships from over 50 local businesses. All proceeds from the sales and sponsorships were donated to the Riverbend Relay for Life, an organization dedicated to cancer research and support. Andrea Keller, coach of the Roxana girls volleyball team, said the game honors cancer survivors and provides players an opportunity to share stories about people they know who have been affected by the disease. This year’s event was dedicated to Rory Guss, a preschooler at Roxana diagnosed with leukemia in December 2023. “Rory has undergone treatments and continues to fight to overcome this disease. She is a true hero and an inspiration to all of us. So brave and so positive,” Keller

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ALTON - A local neighborhood recently came together to honor their mail carrier. On Oct. 4, 2025, 15th Street in Alton hosted their annual block party. They invited mail carrier Jerri Howard to express their appreciation for her work delivering their mail for the past 18 years. “She’s seen our kids grow up,” said Ruby Blair, who helped organize the recognition. “We wanted to let her know we appreciated her. It was just that simple.” Blair pointed out that Howard has gone above and beyond to serve the community, truly honoring the United States Postal Service creed. “Ours is one of the more difficult neighborhoods to deliver because we have porches and steps. It’s work, in all kinds of weather,” Blair explained. During the block party, the community took a group photo, which Blair printed out and delivered to Howard. Blair believes that the experience was meaningful for both the neighbors and Howard. “I think it was

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 announced that the 2025 Collinsville High School Homecoming Parade will take place on Thursday, October 16, exclusively along Main Street in Collinsville. The parade is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. at the corner of Hesperia and Main streets and will proceed to the intersection of Main and North Center Street in Collinsville. Organizers emphasized that the parade route will not include West Clay Street, a change from previous years. Officials advised attendees to line up only on Main Street in preparation for the event and encouraged the public to share this updated information with others planning to attend. The Collinsville High School marching band, shown above, will once again be one of the highlights of the homecoming parade.

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ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center will host an open house to celebrate their 100th anniversary in the community. From 2–6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, community members and previous employees are invited to stop by the hospital to learn more about their services and engage with staff members. Sister M. Beata Ziegler, F.S.G.M., Vice President of Operations and Special Projects, shared that the hospital has spent this anniversary year thinking about their past and future. “As we look over the past 100 years, we spent the first part of the year reflecting on the past, God’s providence through all these years. We also wanted to focus on moving forward,” Ziegler said. “On Thursday, Oct. 23, our open house event, we will be really looking at what services we provide at St. Anthony’s. We’ll have a lot of fun activities. It’s really highlighting what our services are and being able to thank the community.” During

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois State Police (ISP) intensified efforts to combat vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violent crimes between July and September 2025, utilizing grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council. ISP received a $10 million grant for the first fiscal year, followed by additional funding of $677,000 in June 2024 and $637,500 in July 2025 to support these initiatives. During the third quarter of 2025, ISP conducted 40 missions targeting stolen and hijacked vehicles and related violent crimes. The operations resulted in the recovery of 280 stolen or hijacked vehicles, 21 arrests related to stolen vehicles, and four arrests for vehicle hijacking. Law enforcement also seized 13 firearms connected to these crimes. The agency deployed 30 K9 units and conducted 34 air operations in support of these efforts. Forensic laboratories handled 1,287 assignments

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