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Gov. Pritzker Announces One Appointment to Boards and Commissions

1 month 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointment in his administration: Chicago Transit Authority Board Reverend Dr. L. Bernard Jakes will continue to serve as a Member of the Chicago Transit Authority Board.* Jakes currently serves as Vice-Chairman and Chairman of Finance and Budget on the Chicago Transit Authority Board, overseeing fiscal strategy and governance. Jakes is also Senior Pastor of West Point Baptist Church in Chicago, where he has preached for over 23 years. Additionally, Jakes serves as Trustee for Elmhurst College, and he was inducted into the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of International Preachers of Morehouse College. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Elmhurst College, his Master of Arts from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary at Northwestern University, and his Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. *Appointment pending confirmation by the Illinois

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Need Affordable Phone Or Broadband? The ICC Is Urging Illinoisans To Get Connected With FCC's Lifeline Program

1 month 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is partnering with Governor JB Pritzker, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA), and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) to promote Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week this September 7-13, 2025. The FCC’s Lifeline program offers monthly discounts to help eligible residents access voice or broadband services. “Staying connected is crucial when looking for jobs, scheduling healthcare services, or calling 911 in an emergency. The FCC’s Lifeline program makes it easier for low-income customers to afford their phone and broadband bill,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott. Under the federal Lifeline program, low-income customers who participate in certain public assistance programs, or qualify based on income can receive monthly discounts up to $9.25 a month for broadband or bundled phone and

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Illinois Department of Insurance Releases 2026 Plan Year Rates for the Get Covered Illinois Marketplace

1 month 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) released today 2026 Plan Year rates for the Get Covered Illinois Marketplace . Similar to national trends impacting states across the country, Illinois’ average rate increase is rising due to the devastating impacts of Trump’s budget bill, which will result in the loss of the federal enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs) as well as a much higher rate of uninsured Illinoisans, thereby increasing the cost of care. While health plan availability and rates vary based on where consumers live, the statewide weighted average rate increase for individual plans is 28.8 percent compared to last year. These increases could be substantially reduced if Congress decides to extend the federal enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs) which have played a pivotal role in lowering costs and driving enrollment increases nationally. Preliminary estimates would place the average rate increase in Illinois at approximately 10 percentage point

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AP finds major disaster declarations are taking longer under Trump

1 month 3 weeks ago
On average, it took less than two weeks for a governor's request for a presidential disaster declaration to be granted in the 1990s and early 2000s.
DAVID A. LIEB/AP, SOPHIE BATES/AP, M.K. WILDEMAN/ AP, ALEX ROZIER/MISSISSIPPI TODAY and ILLAN IRELAND/MISSISSIPPI FREE PRESS, Associated Press

Local Teens Earn Coveted Eagle Scout Rank In Belleville Area

1 month 3 weeks ago
BELLEVILLE — Three young Belleville area men were recently honored with the Eagle Scout rank, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America. Sultan Al-Uqdah Jr., 15, a sophomore at Althoff Catholic High School, and twins Khalil and Khalif Morehead, both longtime Scouts, received the distinction that only 4 to 6 percent of Scouts nationwide attain. Al-Uqdah has been involved in scouting since he was about 8 years old. Khalil and Khalif began their participation at age 10. Khalil attends Belleville East High School, while Khalif is enrolled in a high school program at Southwestern Illinois College. State Representative Kevin Schmidt congratulated the new Eagle Scouts, saying, “Congratulations Khalif Morehead, Khalil Morehead, and Sultan Al-Uqdah!” Althoff Catholic High School also issued a statement celebrating Sultan’s accomplishment, calling it “an amazing achievement.” The Eagle Scout rank requires completion of an extensive

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DNA helps SLMPD identify body found in 2020

1 month 3 weeks ago
ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department announced that they have positively identified a man five years after his body was found. According to police, a body was found in the River Des Peres at Chippewa Street in south St. Louis on the evening of July 17, 2020. A DNA profile was created, [...]
Megan Mueller

Woman Charged With Burglary Of Jerseyville Home, Vehicle

1 month 3 weeks ago
JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville woman previously charged with theft faces new felonies after allegedly burglarizing a home and vehicle in Jerseyville. Ciara R. Young, 32, of Jerseyville, was charged on Sept. 4, 2025 with one count each of residential burglary (a Class 1 felony) and burglary to a motor vehicle (a Class 2 felony). Young allegedly entered a residence in the 200 block of North Lafayette Street in Jerseyville without authority and with the intent to commit a theft on Sept. 2, 2025. On the same day, she also reportedly burglarized a motor vehicle which was located in the 200 block of North Liberty Street. Young had previously been charged with retail theft after stealing over $300 worth of merchandise from the Jerseyville Walmart in February of 2024. She was initially granted pretrial release from custody in that case, but her release was revoked after she failed to appear in court. Young’s pretrial release had also been revoked in two felony cases of theft

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Fairview Heights Police Department Gains Military-Trained Officers

1 month 3 weeks ago
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Officers Cody Randolph and Slater McView graduated from the Police Academy on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, marking the beginning of their careers serving the community in Fairview Heights. Both Fairview Heights Police officers bring military experience to their new roles. Officer Randolph, who served as the class president, and Officer Slater, recognized with an award in defensive tactics, expressed readiness to assist residents in the city. The Fairview Heights Police Department welcomed the new officers, emphasizing their commitment to serving the community every day in a city that values its citizens. "We are proud to have them!" the Fairview Heights Police Department said in a statement.

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Site Tour of Family Health Care Planned by Medical Facilities Professionals

1 month 3 weeks ago

The Association of Medical Facility Professionals (AMFP) Greater St. Louis Chapter is inviting members and partners to an exclusive hard-hat tour of the new Family Care Health Centers project, currently under construction by Kadean Construction. The tour, set for Wednesday, September 17th, offers participants an inside look at how this project is advancing healthcare access […]

The post Site Tour of Family Health Care Planned by Medical Facilities Professionals appeared first on Construction Forum.

Tom Finan

Human Remains Discovered On Strodtman Road Spark Investigation

1 month 3 weeks ago
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Human remains were discovered Monday morning, Sept. 8, 2025, in the 800 block of Strodtman Road, located within the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, prompting an ongoing investigation by the St. Louis County Police Department. Officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call at 11:46 a.m. Sept. 8, 2025, reporting the discovery of the remains. Detectives from the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are leading the investigation. As of now, authorities have not identified the remains or determined the cause of death. The investigation remains active, and officials have not released additional details. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Those wishing to remain anonymous or who may be eligible for a reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

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