DOJ: Former Bank of O’Fallon executive sentenced in $2M check kiting fraud scheme
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced the former second-in-command of the Bank of O’Fallon to 63 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to federal charges for engaging in a fraud scheme to obtain more than $2 million. Andrew P. Blassie, 70, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and…
Read MoreIllinois to issue its own vaccine guidelines
Pritzker issues executive order in response to shakeups at CDC By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois Article summary: JB Pritzker has directed the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop independent guidelines for administering common vaccines, including flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines. The action comes in response to recent changes in federal guidelines as well…
Read MoreAG Raoul files lawsuit against Live Nation, Ticketmaster over deceptive business practices
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a bipartisan group of state attorneys general, filed a lawsuit today against Live Nation Entertainment Inc. (Live Nation), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ticketmaster LLC (Ticketmaster), over the company’s unlawful coordination with ticket brokers that drives up prices for tickets in resale markets. The…
Read MoreAssociate Judge John Hackett appointed to NCJFCJ committees
Third Judicial Circuit Associate Judge John Hackett was recently appointed to the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Child Welfare and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee as well as the NCJFCJ International Committee. Judge Hackett is the state of Illinois’ only representative on both committees. The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges…
Read MoreBattlehawks’ Kelly, Sutherland, to ‘fill the warehouse’ for STL Area Diaper Bank
St. Louis Battlehawks players teaming with St. Louis Area Diaper Bank As part of National Diaper Need Awareness Week, St. Louis Battlehawks standouts and proud fathers Kam Kelly and Jake Sutherland are teaming up with St. Louis Area Diaper Bank to help “Fill the Warehouse” with 200,000 diapers this Friday, Sept. 19. Teammates on the…
Read MoreFriday, Sept. 19: Fairmount Park celebrates 100 years with FanDuel St. Louis Derby
Celebrating a century of horse racing, tradition, and entertainment with a $250,000 purse This month marks a historic milestone for Fairmount Park Casino and Racing as it celebrates a century of horse racing, tradition, and entertainment in the Metro East region. On Friday, Sept. 19, the venue will honor its centennial with the marquee…
Read MoreHistoric Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge set to reopen Sept. 22 after restoration
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that the historic Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge, a pedestrian-only structure located along Illinois 150 approximately 4 miles north of Chester in Randolph County, is scheduled to reopen on Monday, Sept. 22, following a nearly yearlong restoration effort. The $312,000 project carefully balanced historic preservation with modern safety…
Read More‘Deep fakes, real threats:’ First Mid Bank & Trust to host Oct. 1 webinar
Cybercriminals are turning artificial intelligence (AI) into one of their most dangerous weapons, costing organizations millions through deep fakes, voice clones, and sophisticated phishing schemes. To help business leaders stay ahead of these rapidly evolving risks, First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) is hosting a free webinar titled “Deep Fakes, Real Threats: Cybercrime’s AI…
Read MoreWeekend lane closure on eastbound I-270 scheduled
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that, in addition to the ongoing closure of Illinois 111 at Interstate 270 in Madison County, a weekend lane closure of eastbound I-270 from Illinois 203 to Illinois 111 will begin, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. The closure is necessary for ramp construction and is…
Read MoreBelleville man admits to starting a fire at a Lebanon gas station
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Belleville man appeared in federal court to admit to an arson charge for setting a fire in a Lebanon gas station bathroom. Carlos A. Rodriguez, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of arson of real property used in interstate commerce. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2026.…
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