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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of state attorneys general asking to intervene in a court’s review of the $14 billion merger settlement between information technology companies Hewlett Packard Enterprises and Juniper Networks, which was reportedly the result of undue influence. In light of the significant concerns about the process and substance of the HPE/Juniper Networks settlement, the coalition is urging the court to apply its authority under the federal Tunney Act to order an evidentiary hearing in which the states can appear as parties. The Tunney Act is a post-Watergate law enacted by Congress in 1974 to ensure that antitrust settlements reached by the Justice Department are based on the merits rather than undue influence by powerful corporations and their well-connected lobbyists. “As the Justice Department itself alleges, this merger has the potential to drastically limit competition and substantially increase prices for

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BELVIDERE — Today, Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement after Stellantis announced a $613 million capital investment in their Belvidere plant, which will create 3,300 jobs in Illinois. The investment will support two new vehicle lines, including the Jeep Compass and the Jeep Cherokee. “Today’s announcement from Stellantis is a major win for Illinois workers, our economy, and the future of American manufacturing. Bringing back the Belvidere plant and creating 3,300 good-paying jobs demonstrates the skill, dedication, and productivity of Illinois’ workforce. This $613 million investment by Stellantis will support two new vehicle lines, including the Jeep Compass and the Jeep Cherokee, and reflects our commitment to making Illinois a hub for the next generation of automotive innovation. “This investment will anchor long-term economic growth, support local communities, and provide opportunities for workers and families who have historically

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The alleged suspect, who was able to take some cash, fled the area on foot and has not been caught, according to police.

CHAMPAIGN, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) visited the University of Illinois’ Prairie Research Institute to meet with researchers and tour projects whose federal grants were canceled by the Trump administration in an act of retaliation for the government shutdown. "The projects I toured today would have tackled critical public health challenges – improving access to clean water, reducing carbon emissions, and creating new opportunities to responsibly source critical minerals right here in the United States. These investments would have strengthened our national security and public health – something this administration claims to prioritize. Instead of supporting these vital initiatives that protect our communities and create good-paying jobs, the Trump administration has chosen politics over people by cancelling Congressionally-approved funding to punish Democratic lawmakers. This is unprecedented, and I will continue to fight to ensure ou

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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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U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, sent Ameren Corporation's CEO a letter raising questions about rate hikes and data center plans.

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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