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Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker addresses his new running mate, Christian Mitchell, for the 2026 election.
CHICAGO – At 38 years old, Christian Mitchell has been inside most corners of state government as a top advisor on political campaigns, state legislator, deputy governor and civic engagement leader at a major university.
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OSF Saint Katharine welcomes Michelle Harris

DIXON – OSF HealthCare is pleased to welcome Michelle Harris, APRN, CNM, as the newest member of its women’s health team, expanding access to high-quality care for patients in the Sauk Valley region.

Warning: Illinoisans could lose Medicaid through new budget

SPRINGFIELD — The U.S. House gave final passage to a budget bill that will cut federal Medicaid spending by an estimated $1 trillion over 10 years.

Roam with life-sized dinosaurs at the Milwaukee County Zoo

MILWAUKEE, WIS. – Dig into dinos at the Milwaukee County Zoo’s 2025 summer exhibit, Exploration Dinosaur, presented by Meijer.

Pritzker announces reelection campaign

CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker will run for a third term as governor. He officially made the announcement Thursday, May 26 during a four-stop tour spanning Chicago, Rockford, Peoria and Springfield.
Obituaries
OBITUARIES
Chester "Pete" Smith
FRANKLIN GROVE – Chester “Pete” Smith Jr, 74, of Franklin Grove, passed away on July 2nd, 2025.
Susan K. Senn
AMBOY – Susan K. Senn, 75, of Amboy, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at OSF St. Katharine Hospital in Dixon.
Linda (Biehl) Spenader
MENDOTA – Linda (Biehl) Spenader, 85, of Mendota went home to Jesus on June 27, 2025.
Douglas "Woody" Eugene Leffelman
ISLAND LAKE – Douglas “Woody” Eugene Leffelman, 68, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 18, 2025 with his loving family by his side.
Leo Bushman
MAYTOWN – Leo Bushman, 84 of Maytown, passed away on Thursday, June 12 at Liberty Court in Dixon.
John H. Leffelman
AMBOY – John H. Leffelman, 93, of Amboy, passed away Sunday, May 25 at Franklin Grove Living and Rehab.
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Kishwaukee College announces the spring 2025 dean’s list
MALTA – Kishwaukee College has announced the students named to the Spring 2025 Dean’s List.
Kish College announces spring 2025 part-time student honors list
MALTA – Kishwaukee College has announced the students named to the Spring 2025 Part-Time Student Honors List.
Elisabeth “Ella” Kamke, far right, of Utica, won the first Robert Cotner Memorial Scholarship at Starved Rock Country Community Foundation scholarship reception on June 23 in Ottawa. Kamke shared the moment with Erin Stuedemann, left, her sons Forest and Drake, and Stuedemann’s mother Norma Cotner.
SRCCF awards scholarships at reception
OTTAWA   – The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation scholarship reception on June 23 in Ottawa closed with an emotional award.
Happy 80th birthday Bill Burke
William “Bill” Burke is turning 80 on Sunday, July 6.
CGH hosts Care & Connect Days
STERLING – CGH Medical Center is hosting Care & Connect Days this summer.
Sports

Nominations open for 2025 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame

SPRINGFIELD – Do you know someone who has left a lasting mark on the outdoors in Illinois?

Swimming: No room left for medals

Norah Shearer, a then Amboy Junior High School eighth grader and now Amboy High School freshman, won nine medals at the 2025 Illinois YMCA State Swimming Championship March 14-16 in St. John, Ind.

AMBOY – When Norah Shearer stretched out her arms to showcase her medals after the 2025 Illinois YMCA State Swimming Championship, she had very little room left.

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Web Extras

Former Navy SEALs are diving to save the ocean

Reasons to be Cheerful reports on Force Blue, where veterans use their skills for marine conservation, healing both ocean and themselves.

How to power the AI economy while supporting local communities

Bloom Energy reports on how onsite power, like fuel cells, can support AI's energy needs while minimizing costs and pollution for local communities.

3 basic ingredients, a million possibilities: How small pizzerias succeed with uniqueness in an age of chain restaurants

Variety is the sauce of life.

While economic forces have streamlined many global dishes into uniform, predictable formats, pizza continues to thrive in all its messy and delicious variety.

5 ways to help make more affordable (and sustainable) choices at the pharmacy

(BPT) - Health care essentials like over-the-counter (OTC) products can quickly add up and eat into your budget. Whether you're buying pain medication to manage headaches or antibiotic ointment for …