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Wood River City Hall To Refuse Pennies As Payment
WOOD RIVER – Starting next week, pennies will no longer be an acceptable form of payment at Wood River City Hall. The city announced on Wednesday that this decision stems from a Federal Reserve announcement that penny production is officially ending, noting the federal agency will no longer accept the one-cent coins for deposit. “Because we can no longer deposit them, the City of Wood River will no longer accept pennies for any payments made at City Hall effective Monday, Oct. 20, 2025,” the city announced. While payments made online or by credit/debit card will still accept exact amounts, there will be some slight changes for those paying their bills with cash. Cash payments will still be accepted at City Hall, but residents are asked to round “up or down” to the nearest nickel. Late fees and other penalties will not be imposed on payments that are short by four cents or less. President Donald Trump instructed the U.S. Treasury Department in February
Why Things Are The Way They Are
Right up front, I want to state that this is a very personal post. While it obviously draws from my many years of writing for Techdirt, I want to make it perfectly clear that I am expressing my own opinions about everything discussed below. I’m not immune to reading the comments. In fact, I actually […]
David Gilmour marks ‘The Luck and Strange Concerts’ release with ‘Comfortably Numb’ performance
Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour has released The Luck and Strange Concerts, a live album featuring performances from his 2024 tour. To mark the occasion, he’s released a live performance of the…
Daily Deal: Linux/UNIX Certification Training Bundle
Linux and UNIX operating systems have become increasingly popular in commercial computing environments. Due to their rapid growth in today’s businesses, Linux/UNIX administrators have also become very much in demand. The Linux/UNIX Certification Training Bundle will help you prepare for the CompTIA Linux+ and the Novell Certified Linux Professional certification exams. The 2-course bundle is […]
STL Toasted to close at City Foundry, focus on restaurant in The Hill
STL Toasted, a St. Louis toasted ravioli-themed eatery, will soon close its location at the City Foundry.
Staff And Students Shine At East St. Louis Gordon Bush Alternative Center
EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 highlighted positive achievements at Gordon Bush Alternative Center for September 2025, recognizing staff and students who exemplify respect and contribute to a positive school environment. Catrice Johnson, a social worker at the center, was named Staff of the Month as part of the Golden Cadet Awards. Students Jasmine Hagens, representing the high school, and Syllas Renaud, from the middle school, were also honored as Students of the Month for demonstrating the core character trait of respect. In addition, special recognition was given to Dr. Kenya Cody, Kennedy Streeter, and student Ta'Niya Walker as “Bright Spots” for their positive impact within the school community. East St. Louis School District 189 shared these acknowledgments as part of its ongoing effort to celebrate the accomplishments and positive contributions of individuals at Gordon Bush Alternative Center.
Rain, storms and gusty winds expected Saturday
Much of the St. Louis region will see much-needed rain this weekend, but with that also brings the possibility of gusty winds and small hail.
Suspicious Door-to-Door Solicitor Sparks Police Alert in Fairview Heights
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — The Fairview Heights Police Department is warning residents after a report of an unknown man claiming to be an Ameren employee who attempted to gain entry to a home. The incident occurred recently when the individual knocked on a resident’s door and said he needed to “check some codes," Fairview Heights Police said. The resident denied entry and contacted Ameren, which confirmed it did not have any employees working in the area at that time. Fairview Heights Police urge caution when approached by anyone claiming to represent a utility company or business, particularly during unannounced visits. The city enforces a strict solicitor policy requiring anyone conducting door-to-door business to obtain a permit from the city and display it visibly at all times. “If you encounter a suspicious individual or notice someone soliciting without a visible permit, please contact the Fairview Heights Police Department immediately,” the department
As Trump Administration Pursues Deployment Of Military In American Cities, Durbin, Padilla, Schiff, Wyden, & Merkley Meet With NORTHCOM Leadership
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), spoke with NORTHCOM leadership about the Trump Administration’s unlawful deployment of troops to American cities for immigration and law enforcement support. During the call, the Senators requested additional information about how these domestic deployments will impact military readiness and stressed that the nation’s military must comply with the Posse Comitatus Act . “President Trump’s deployment of troops to American cities, including Chicago, is a clear violation of our nation’s Constitution. It does not make our cities safer, and it is a harmful diversion of resources that undermines our military readiness and politicizes our nation’s military,” said Durbin. “As DHS officials continue to shut Illinois leaders out while rolling in federal agents and the
Spencer Homes Male Athlete Of Month: Edwardsville QB Dean Williams Impresses in Key Starting Role
O'FALLON – Dean Williams, a junior who's also the backup quarterback for Edwardsville High's football team, was thrust into the role after starter Yale Weaver was injured in a loss to East St. Louis in week six, and had filled the quarterback position very admirably and well for the Tigers. Williams replaced Weaver after the injury in the loss to the Flyers, and played well under very difficult circumstances, going six-for-18 passing for 71 yards in the game on Oct. 3. In a bounce back Tiger win at O'Fallon on Oct. 10, Williams was six-of-10 passing for 111 yards, 92 coming on his only touchdown pass of the night, a strike to Eric Smith on the first play of the fourth quarter, and also ran for 35 yards and an 11-yard run for the final touchdown of the night in a 35-3 romp. Williams has tremendous speed in the open field, evident in the two games he has started, so he will be a running threat in the position. Williams is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers.
'No Kings' protests planned around St. Louis this weekend
Thousands of "No Kings" protests are expected across the United States on Saturday, including several around the St. Louis region.
Meet Karen Wilson, the 108th Alton Halloween Parade Marshal
ALTON - The 108th Alton Halloween Parade is sure to be fun, and Parade Marshal Karen Wilson can’t wait to be a part of it. Wilson recently retired as a State Farm agent in the community, and she volunteers regularly with Pride, Inc., and other organizations around town. She notes that she has been involved in the Halloween parade for years, sometimes as a business owner, other times as a parent or student organization advisor. She is honored to take on this new role. “I can’t remember not getting excited about the Halloween parade,” she said. “It’s fun just to see the town come together.” The parade is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Halloween night, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. The route begins downtown at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Broadway and will continue on Broadway to Piasa Street, where it will end at 9th Street. Wilson said she is “very flattered” by the recognition. She joked that the East End Improvement
Attorney General Raoul Charges Hamilton County Man Who Allegedly Disseminated Child Pornography
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Macedonia, Illinois man for allegedly disseminating child pornography. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Shawn Schweitzer, 42, in Hamilton County Circuit Court with four counts of dissemination of child pornography, Class X felonies each punishable up to 30 years in prison. Schweitzer is currently detained at the White County Jail, and his next court appearance is Dec. 3. “Survivors of child exploitation and their families deserve the justice and peace of mind that their abuser cannot harm others, which can be critical in their healing from these heinous crimes,” Raoul said. “My office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will continue to partner with
Arch Grants announces its 2025 winners: chickpea cereal, portable DNA extractor and more
Each company will receive $75,000, in addition to networking opportunities, workshops and other business resources.
Durbin Praises Ceasefire Deal In Middle East, Calls On Congress To Pass Sanctions Bill Against Russia
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor recognizing the ceasefire deal for the war in Gaza. In his remarks, Durbin acknowledged that the return of hostages and halt to the fighting are only the first steps in bringing long-term stability to the region, and he called upon President Trump and the United States’ regional allies to continue pushing for an end to the conflict. “Over the long weekend, the world saw what is hopefully the beginning of the end of the war in Gaza,” Durbin said. “We know there are still critical elements to be negotiated and settled. But the first phase, which included the release of the Israeli hostages and a ceasefire, is a good-faith start to a more inclusive agreement.” “It won’t be easy. The remaining steps will be difficult and require sustained attention from President Trump and our allies that helped make the beginning of this agreement
Homicide Charges Issued In 2024 Murder
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, the St. Louis County Family Court certified 17-year-old Darnell Warner as an adult, leading to homicide charges related to a March 2024 stabbing in the 2400 block of Hord Avenue. Warner faces second-degree murder and armed criminal action charges in connection with the death of a victim identified as J.B. The incident occurred on March 12, 2024, when St. Louis County Police responded to reports of a large disturbance. Upon arrival, officers found J.B. had been stabbed in the chest. He was transported to a hospital but later pronounced deceased. According to the probable cause statement, detectives from the Crimes Against Persons unit conducted interviews and reviewed citizen video footage that showed Warner armed with a bladed instrument approaching J.B. The footage depicts Warner striking J.B. in the chest before the victim collapses. Investigators linked Warner to the crime through witness tips and by recovering clothing matching that
Temporary Closure of North Belt West at Ruth Street In St. Clair County Announced
BELLEVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that rehabilitation of a crossing by Norfolk Southern railroad on North Belt West between Ruth Street and West Washington Street in St. Clair County will require a full closure beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Oct. 20. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude Friday, Oct. 24. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.
Gov. Pritzker Convenes Retired Military Generals, Leaders and Veterans
CHICAGO – Today, Governor Pritzker convened a group of distinguished former military generals, rear admirals, and veterans to hear their perspectives amid the Trump Administration’s ongoing exploitation and politicization of America’s servicemembers and his unprecedented attempt to deploy the military into American cities. With continued escalating threats by the Trump Administration, the retired military leaders expressed grave concern about Trump's continued abuse of power and attempts to politicize the military. “I’m grateful to have the clarity given by the retired generals, rear admirals, and veterans here with me today. With their combined wealth of experience, I have been hearing from them about what this dangerous power grab by the Trump administration means for our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “One thing is evident: this effort to deploy troops in American cities is not normal. There is no justification for such a deployment,
Alton, Godfrey Men Charged Separately With Theft
ALTON – Residents of Alton and Godfrey face felony charges after allegedly stealing money from a local business and individual in unrelated cases. Jason M. Farrow, 44, of Godfrey, was charged on Oct. 10, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of theft. On Aug. 7, 2025, Farrow allegedly stole over $10,000 from the Owl’s Club located at 227 Blair Ave. in Alton. He was granted pretrial release from custody in the case presented by the Alton Police Department. In a separate case from Oct. 9, 2025, 62-year-old Willie L. McClam of Alton was charged with one count of theft, a Class 4 felony. McClam reportedly stole an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency from an individual victim on April 6, 2025. Charging documents state he had previously been convicted of theft in a prior criminal case out of Jackson County, Mo. The Alton Police Department also presented the case against McClam, who was also ordered released from custody pending trial. All individuals charged are presumed innocent
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