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Gulf Shores Beach Sets Scene For Jacquelyn Buettner-C.J. Nasello Engagement

1 week 1 day ago
GULF SHORES, ALA. - Jacquelyn Buettner and C.J. Nasello were engaged on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, during a special moment on the beach in Gulf Shores, Ala. The couple plans to marry in May 2026 and looks forward to building a future together with the love and support of their families. C.J. Nasello, an Alton resident, is the host of the popular Our Day Show! on Riverbender.com .

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Jersey County Sheriff 's Office Alerts Public To New Scam Tactic

1 week 1 day ago
JERSEY - The Jersey County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, June 27, 2025, that the Illinois Office of Statewide Pretrial Services has issued a warning about a scam involving phone calls or messages demanding money to secure GPS release for individuals in jail. The office clarified that it does not charge any fees for placing individuals on supervision or GPS monitoring. Officials urge anyone who receives such calls or messages to hang up immediately and notify law enforcement. The alert aims to protect the public from fraudulent attempts to collect money under false pretenses related to pretrial services in Illinois.

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IDFPR Launches Another 18 License Types on New Licensing System

1 week 1 day ago
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that 18 more professions are now available for licensure via the Department’s new online licensing system, CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment). Today’s announcement marks the successful completion of CORE’s Phase 2.2, with all of Phase 2 set for completion in the coming weeks. The Department will announce when each part of Phase 2 is completed, including which professions are added to CORE. Phase 2 focuses on adding license types to CORE that are currently exclusively available as paper applications and not through IDFPR’s legacy online licensing system , which will eliminate the need of paper applications altogether (which require longer processing times to review all submitted materials). Individuals seeking their first license and whose professions are now available on CORE should utilize IDFPR’s new licensing system to apply

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Additional Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in the City of St. Louis

1 week 1 day ago
ST. LOUIS – Two additional Disaster Recovery Centers with FEMA Individual Assistance staff are opening in the City of St. Louis to help people affected by the May 16 tornado and storms. At all locations, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will help impacted residents with their disaster assistance applications, answer questions, and upload required documents. Opening Thursday, June 26 LOCATION HOURS OF OPERATION Sumner High School — Parking Lot 4248 Cottage Ave. St. Louis, MO 63113 Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Opening Monday, June 30 LOCATION HOURS OF OPERATION Urban League Entrepreneurship and Women’s Business Center 4401 Natural Bridge Ave. St. Louis, MO 63115 Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Currently Opened Location LOCATION HOURS OF OPERATION Union Tabernacle M.B. Church 626 N. Newstead Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108 Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m

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Bost Applauds New Federal Actions To Support America's Truck Drivers

1 week 1 day ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today praised a new slate of initiatives from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) aimed at supporting America’s truck drivers. These actions will expand access to truck parking, reduce unnecessary regulations, and improve safety and flexibility for drivers on the road. “Growing up in a family trucking business, I know how hard it can be to find a safe place to stop and rest,” said Bost. “That’s why I’ve led efforts in Congress to expand truck parking and fight for common sense reforms that make life easier and safer for truckers. I’m proud to see President Trump and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy stepping up to the plate with meaningful action that reflects what drivers have been telling us for years.” Bost has been a leading advocate for truck parking access, most recently reintroducing the Truc

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ACT Presents Village of Godfrey With $100,000 Check For Bike Path

1 week 1 day ago
GODFREY - On Friday, June 27, 2025, the Village of Godfrey was presented with a check from the Agency for Community Transit (ACT) to help with the initial phase of the FE Widman Trail. The ‘ACT Community Action Grants Program,’ launched in November of 2021, was designed to grant funds to eligible entities for transportation and accessibility-related projects in Madison County. Specifically, this program aims to enhance transportation, bike and pedestrian infrastructure safety, ADA Accessibility, and a series of other related projects, programs, and activities. The Village of Godfrey submitted a funding request for Phase I of the FE Widman Trail, and in January of 2022, the Village of Godfrey and ACT signed a project agreement that would solidify their partnership and their commitment to the completion of the first phase of the Widman Trail. After numerous setbacks and delays, phase one was completed in the spring of 2025. Godfrey received the maximum funding amount

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Overnight I-270 Westbound Closures Beginning July 1 Near Glen Carbon

1 week 1 day ago
GLEN CARBON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced intermittent overnight closures of westbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 157 and Interstate 255 in Madison County beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, July 1. Closures will start at 9 p.m. to allow crews to repair overhead sign trusses. The work will occur for one night only. In addition to the lane closures, motorists should expect up to two full closures of the westbound lanes lasting no more than 15 minutes each. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. Wednesday, July 2. Motorists should expect delays during the short-term full closures and are encouraged to use alternate routes. 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

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Nineteen High School Students Stepped Into World of Health Care at HSHS Bootcamp

1 week 1 day ago
O’FALLON, Ill. — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital welcomed local high school students for a real glimpse into a career in health care. The High School Healthcare Bootcamp on Monday, June 16, was the first of three to be held at St. Elizabeth’s this summer. “The High School Bootcamps give students interested in health care the opportunity to explore the real opportunities that a career at St. Elizabeth’s can offer,” shared Ericka Mulroy, Nursing Professional Development Specialist for Hospital Sisters Health System. “From learning about the different types of health care careers, to shadowing in fields that interest them and making connections with health care professionals, many of these students will remember this experience for years to come.” Students participated in simulated hands-on activities, such as CPR training, hand hygiene, sterile gloving, and much more. These hands-on experiences were led by our excellent nursing

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Governor Pritzker Highlights Major Workforce Investment at SWIC Belleville

1 week 1 day ago
BELLEVILLE - Illinois Governor JB Pritzker visited Southwest Illinois College’s Belleville Advanced Manufacturing Academy to announce a new investment in workforce development aimed at strengthening the region’s manufacturing sector. The academy, which opened last year with a $20 million investment, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed to support training in sustainable manufacturing, robotics, automated welding and electric vehicle technology. Pritzker emphasized the importance of the facility in preparing workers for future job opportunities and advancing economic development in the Metro East area. “I came here because I wanted to announce that we were going to invest right here in new Workforce Development,” Pritzker said. “Illinois has a world class network of community colleges — we have 48 of them. We’re the third largest community college system in the entire nation.” The governor highlighted SWIC’s role

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Mississippi River Festival Delays Opening Due to Weather

1 week 1 day ago
ALTON - As the Mississippi River Festival prepares to kick off their two-day event this weekend, organizers have decided to postpone the show until later in the evening. The MRF, hosted at the Alton Amphitheater, was set to open its doors at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, before the show started at 4 p.m. Due to weather conditions and safety concerns, organizers said in a statement that doors will not open until later. “The show is not canceled, but doors will not be opening at 3 p.m. today,” they said. “We are taking everyone’s safety and wellbeing into consideration as we make decisions today.” It is currently unclear when the show will begin. For updates, tune into the official Mississippi River Festival Facebook page . On Friday, June 27, Ben Rector headlines, supported by Wilder Woods, Allen Stone, Brian Owens Soul, and Beth Bombara. On Saturday, June 28, attendees can enjoy Blackberry Smoke, Drew Halcomb & the Neighbors, Nikki Lane,

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