Rockford Register Star
Illinois Republicans hope to flip legislative seats
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Republicans are hoping to buck historic midterm election trends by focusing on affordability and Democratic scandals in the Statehouse as they seek to emerge from superminority status. President Donald Trump remains deeply...
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Cup of care ambition
Dolly Parton In 1973, Dolly Parton wrote “I Will Always Love You” to soften the blow of leaving her business partner Porter Wagoner after years of producing hit country duets together. Parton was ready to pursue a solo career. So she played the song...
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Since 2016, Taylor Farms has disputed more than half of its OSHA citations.
Taylor Farms, the produce company at the center of a U.S. cyclospora outbreak, frequently failed to submit federally required workplace injury logs in recent years, including for at least four facilities where workers suffered fatal or otherwise...
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Colleges confront decline in reading
Anyone who has spent time on a college campus lately has probably heard laments from faculty about their students’ reading habits, or rather nonreading habits. Such complaints are more than an unfounded nostalgia for a bygone age. Reading – not just...
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LOVE, ALWAYS
Dolly Parton, the “Queen of Country” singing and songwriting icon with a personality as bold as her signature blond coif and rhinestoneencrusted outfits, has died. She was 80. Parton’s death was announced by her family on her social media pages and...
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Embryo personhood debate gains notice
About 100,000 babies were born through in vitro fertilization in 2024, according to the most recent U.S. data. But IVF commonly involves trying to create multiple embryos, because success is never guaranteed. If unused, those embryos can be frozen,...
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Navy families irate at Trump comments
A senior Navy machinist aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln pinged a family group chat in early May, asking her sister and mother whether they’d taken time off to be at her son’s graduation at Morehouse College. Getting the 22-year-old kinesiology major...
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USPS issues final rule on mail-in voting
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Postal Service published a final rule Aug. 21 to tighten requirements for mail-in voting ahead of the November congressional elections, despite a court order blocking the changes from taking effect. USPS said it was issuing its...
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A look at the road ahead
The political appeal of the idea — slap restrictions on institutional investors who buy up single-family homes to make more housing stock for regular folk who want to actually live in them — is plain to see. Both houses of Congress endorsed it by...
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Most Americans say Trump is profiting from presidency
WASHINGTON – A majority of Americans believe President Donald Trump and his family have inappropriately profited from cryptocurrency since his return to power and that his policy decisions are influenced by his private business dealings, a new...
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Trump plan could hit science funding
Most Americans don’t read the rules that govern the federal grants funding science. Those rules, called the Uniform Guidance, shape how cancer research is funded, graduate students are trained, clinical trials are sustained, universities stock their...
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Gov. Pritzker signs 10 bills into law
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Rideshare drivers can unionize in Illinois, a new law seeks to regulate and classify plastic pellets as a pollutant, and the state will exercise greater oversight of a federal prescription drug discount program. Those are a few of...
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Library names Neil Bloom 2026-27 artist in residence
For Neil Bloom, filmmaking has always been about community as much as cinema. The 36-year-old Rockford-based filmmaker and founder of the Forest City Cinema Community was named Rockford Public Library’s 2026-27 artist in residence earlier this year, a...
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‘Living out our mission’
A year after hoisting the final piece of structural steel into place, Rock Valley College’s new Downtown West Campus opened Aug. 14 with a ribboncutting celebration. The $55 million campus, located at 315 S. Winnebago St., represents the college’s...
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‘Notice the people doing remarkable things’
Do you know a Rockford area individual or organization that deserves recognition for how they give back to the community? It’s time to gather those good thoughts and turn them into nominations for the annual Excalibur and Excelsior...
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Family’s road trip veered off course
SHEBOYGAN, WI – Elvira BenitezSuarez was napping in the passenger seat when she heard a noise and woke up. What she saw on the GPS alarmed her. “What are we doing in Canada?” she asked her husband, Ricardo Chavez, who was driving. They were way off...
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Cyclosporiasis cases show gradual slowing
Newly reported cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection known for causing explosive diarrhea, may be slowing – though not by much – as the investigation into the unprecedented outbreak that has affected thousands drags on. The Centers for...
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Speaker Welch apologizes to former staffer
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is apologizing for his interactions with a former staff member who brought a sexual harassment complaint against ex-Rep. Harry Benton to his office. Welch told Capitol News Illinois it wasn’t...
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Critics take aim at Trump vaccine order
President Donald Trump hailed his new order on childhood vaccines as a win for parental choice as doctors slammed the move, saying it could lead to greater risk of diseases that were rarely seen for generations. Trump signed an executive order Aug. 10...
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Military bases delay toxic PFAS cleanup
It’s been almost five years since Brandi and Brad Hyatt found out the well at their home next to an Army base in Washington is contaminated with “forever chemicals.” h They started using bottled water for everything from making coffee to rinsing off...
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‘Those people also need the help’
CHICAGO — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill recently that officially recognizes gambling disorder as an addiction in Illinois. The legislation, Senate Bill 2749, updates the state’s existing Substance Use Disorder Act to codify gambling addiction under...
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Rockford newsroom legend David Shultz dies at age 81
ROCKFORD – There were three things retired Rockford Register Star sportswriter and editor David Shultz loved more than anything else: his family, his East High School E-Rabs and his New York Yankees. Known for near encyclopedic knowledge of Rockford...
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Podcaster creates online community for gamblers
(Editor’s note: Some individuals in this story are identified only by first name and last initial at their request to allow them to speak openly about their addiction without fear of reprisal for actions taken when gambling.) At his worst, Jimmy M....
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Reports: U.S. missile supply badly depleted
The war on Iran has severely depleted key U.S. missile stockpiles and left the nation and its allies in a vulnerable position for potentially years to come, several experts and reports say. U.S. missile stockpiles were low before President Donald...
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County fairs are coming to northwest Illinois
County fair season is in full swing in northern Illinois. Check out some family-friendly carnival games or mouthwatering food stands, as well as pageants and farm exhibits. Here’s a day-by-day schedule of upcoming county fairs schedule provided by the...
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Gunshot detection tech ignites controversy
When gunshots ring out on America’s streets, bystanders face an instant, high-stakes dilemma. h Do I call the cops? Were those even gunshots? Maybe it was just fireworks. h Every moment of hesitation risks a delay in medical treatment or gives a...
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New transfer path offers free bachelor’s degrees
Rockford Promise Scholars will have a new route to a bachelor’s degree under an agreement linking Rockford Promise, Rock Valley College and Rockford University. The three organizations signed a memorandum of understanding July 24 that expands...
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9 communities answer call to host new nuclear reactors
CHICAGO — Illinois has opened the door to a new era of nuclear energy generation, but a question remains: Where would new nuclear power plants go? It’s an issue that Gov. JB Pritzker directed state agencies to explore this spring, when he signed his...
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Officials dedicate forest land purchase
Friends, relatives and community supporters gathered July 23 at the Paula Swanson Forest Preserve near Durand to celebrate the dedication of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County’s newest property. h In a ceremony hosted at 10178 W. Winslow Road,...
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COSTLY CHOICES
CEditor’s note: This story is based on interviews with more than a dozen compulsive gamblers in recovery. Their identities have been omitted to allow them to speak openly about their lives. Quotes are edited for clarity and brevity. ompulsive gamblers...
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In addition to larger tax refunds, spending was boosted by higher-income households that are benefiting from strong growth in asset prices, but a recent stock market sell-off could slow the momentum.
WASHINGTON – U.S. economic growth slowed in the second quarter amid a widening in the trade deficit, but robust consumer spending and business investment related to the buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure underscored strong domestic...
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Local literacy programs get major funding boost
United Way Rock River Valley is investing $347,805 in literacy programs across Winnebago County for the 2026–27 program year, supporting 20 community partner organizations focused on helping children develop reading skills. The funding is part of the...
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‘I’M READY TO LEAD’
Aday after Mayor Tom McNamara shocked the city by announcing he is leaving office midway through his third term, State Rep. Maurice West threw his hat into the ring to be Rockford’s next leader. h A state representative since he was first elected in...
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Suspect recently convicted, was on probation
BERLIN – Chancellor Friedrich Merz on July 27 vowed to take action in response to the vehicle ramming attack on the Berlin Pride celebration as debate erupted in Germany over why the suspected driver was not in prison. The suspect, who was shot dead...
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‘American Pickers’ scouting Illinois, Iowa for rare finds
People with large or unique antique collections in Iowa and Illinois have an opportunity to appear on The History Channel’s “American Pickers” when the television series returns to the region for filming in September. Producers are seeking leads from...
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Rockford hosts women’s World Cup baseball
At right: Fans prepare for the USA vs. Mexico game on July 23. Key teams in the games held in Rockford included the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Korea and Hong Kong, China, competing for spots in the 2027 finals. The next group stage games...
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AGAINST THE ODDS
Editor’s note: Some individuals in this story are identified only by first name and last initial at their request to allow them to speak openly about their addiction without fear of reprisal for actions taken when gambling. The state of Illinois...
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Daylight saving bill could run out of time
WASHINGTON – Time may be running out for a bill to stop changing the clocks. President Donald Trump has advocated for years to make daylight saving time permanent, ending the twice-yearly practice that forces people in much of the country to lose an...
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Here’s why Rockford’s BMO Center needs $4M in repairs
ROCKFORD — Officials are planning more than $4 million worth of improvements at the BMO Center to replace 45year-old concrete, damaged windows and doors and prevent further flooding of the arena, its kitchen and IceHogs locker rooms. Legends Global...
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‘It has nothing to do with a data center’
Anew tax increment financing district and an annexation for an industrial development were approved July 20 despite opposition from some vocal residents. h Rockford had taken steps to appease the residents, stipulating that a new TIF District being...
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‘Thanks to our generous donors and partners’
The International Women’s Baseball Center and local leaders gathered July 18 to celebrate the grand re-opening of Beyer Stadium at Maybelle Blair Park. h The event celebrated the efforts of the center’s founders, donors and partners to honor the legacy...
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DOJ threatens IL officials over noncitizen votes
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Elections said Wednesday it is “reviewing” a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice threatening criminal prosecution of any official who allows noncitizens to cast ballots and requesting information about...
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Larry Huff begins listening, learning tour
ROCKFORD – Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Larry Huff emphasized that zip code should not predict academic achievement as he heard from teachers, parents and residents at the first in a series of four planned public meet and greet events July 16...
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A behind the scenes look at Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit
BELOIT, WI — About 350 construction workers a day are hard at work 17 miles north of Rockford to bring a new estimated $705 million Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit casino, hotel and convention center to life. Already the hotel set to debut in 2027 is 10...
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Poor air quality lingers in Midwest, Northeast
Smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning in Canada, along with fires in northern Minnesota, kept air quality at unhealthy levels across parts of the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast on July 17, shrouding cities in haze and prompting warnings that the...
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Heat waves turn homes dangerous for all ages
Most people know that heat waves can be dangerous. What they may not realize is that the heat indoors can be much worse than outdoors. When the power goes out and air conditioning stops, a house starts to function like a greenhouse. Heat enters...
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“He was such a great man to so many people.”
Businessman, quiet philanthropist and beloved family man Joseph Scandroli Sr., has died at age 84. Known as “Big Joe” to those close to him, Scandroli and his younger brother, the late Carl Scandroli, took the reins of Scandroli Construction Co. when...
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IL kids eligible for $1,000 in ‘Trump Accounts’ cash
Illinois babies will soon be automatically enrolled to receive “Trump Accounts” containing $1,000 in seed money. The Social Security Administration announced on July 6 it is launching processes for parents to enroll newborns in “Trump Accounts.” The...
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Solar project brings scholarships to Harlem schools
School District and New Energy Equity celebrated the launch of a solar project expected to power 1,002 homes a year and provide scholarships to students. The 5.5-megawatt solar project, built on district-owned land in Machesney Park, Illinois, will...
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Rockford special Olympian dies at 55
An advocate, athlete and former Rockford Public Library page known for his warmth and kindness, Steve Freeman died July 5 at age 55. Despite being born with the genetic disorder Down syndrome, Freeman lived life to the fullest. He was the oldest of...
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Our American Vision
As we celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, we asked Americans across the Midwest a simple question: In a few words, what does America mean to you? The answers we received in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,...
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Trump switches planes after summit in Turkey
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump swapped planes, taking the old Air Force One for part of his return from the NATO summit in Turkey, as a security precaution amid renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran, according to a source familiar...
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Beef-a-Roo employees say they’re being stiffed, laid off
ROCKFORD — Beef-a-Roo employees who haven’t been paid for weeks are saying they were notified the company is implementing a companywide layoff of all workers and closing its restaurants. Phones at Rockford area Beef-aRoos went unanswered July 8 and...
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Behr Den victim of overnight break-in
An overnight break-in has forced the owner of Rockford’s iconic Behr Den to close for a few days to assess damage and loss. Jennifer Eaton, sole proprietor of the diner for more than 14 years, said this is the first time she has ever had a problem...
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“This latest FAA ranking reflects the continued confidence airlines, freight forwarders, and logistics providers place in Rockford.”
Chicago Rockford International Airport has reached its highest position yet in federal cargo rankings, reflecting continued growth in freight operations. The airport ranked No. 12 in the United States by landed cargo weight, according to the Federal...
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Popular concert series Woodsong returns
The Woodsong Summer Concert Series returns to Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden for a 2026 season with five shows in the Fountain Garden. Concerts take place on select Sundays, offering a lawn-style experience where guests can bring blankets, chairs...
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Safety issues beset Silicon Valley defense startup
Ayear ago, Ryan Tseng, the head of U.S. defense tech startup Shield AI, announced his company had turned a new page. h After a gory incident that partially severed a U.S. Navy official’s fingers during a test of its V-BAT drone, Shield AI had addressed...
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SWEET LAND OF LIBERTY
The 56 steps, cut from pink granite, ascend to a neoclassical temple that seems plucked from ancient Greece and deposited on a Kentucky hilltop. One for each year of President Abraham Lincoln’s life. h If the first eight steps, rising amid the site’s...
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Iowa Whirlpool plant jobs disappear despite tariffs
AMANA, IA – If any company stood to gain from President Donald Trump’s trade war, it was Whirlpool and the workers assembling its iconic appliances in Iowa. But at its “Big Blue” refrigerator plant, so named because of its robin’s-eggcolored siding,...
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Concert, parade, fireworks highlight America 250
It’s America’s 250th birthday, and the Rockford area is celebrating with fireworks, concerts and other events. How is Rockford celebrating? Rockford will celebrate the Fourth of July with a free symphony concert at the Coronado Theatre, a parade,...
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‘SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT’
Rockford City Council delayed consideration of a new tax increment financing district June 29 as a few dozen residents protested it and a potential data center. h Protesters have continued to oppose the establishment of a new tax increment financing...
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NATION & WORLD BRIEFS
Sen. Chris Coons, DDelaware, was taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries after a multi-car crash in Delaware on June 28, the lawmaker announced on social media. “Earlier today, a Delaware driver experienced a medical incident and collided...
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Explore northern Illinois’ county fair schedule
It’s county fair season in Illinois. Whether you’re looking for some family-friendly carnival games or mouth-watering food stands, the next three months are packed with more than 100 county fairs spread across the state. For those looking for fun in...
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Mobile grocery store advocates seek funding
ROCKFORD – The non-profit Farmers Rising is teaming with City Center Market in hopes of bringing an innovative “grocery store on wheels” to Rockford, seeking up to $822,000 in financial assistance from the city. City Center Market, a downtown grocery...
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City officials promise not to fund data center
Rockford Planning and Development Committee members are backing the creation of a Tax Increment Financing District in an area south of the Rockford airport that includes land San Diego-based Monarch Energy is eyeing for a potential hyperscale data...
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Trump sees wins on immigration, guns
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court handed President Donald Trump victories in two immigration cases June 25. In the divide between gun rights and gun violence, the justices struck down another state law, this one in Hawaii, aimed at curbing guns in public...
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Domingos en el Parque brings Latin sounds, culture
ROCKFORD — Domingos en el Parque is returning to Rockford this summer and fall with four free community events celebrating art, music, and culture. The series, organized by the Rockford Park District, features themed events at various locations across...
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‘NURTURE HOPE’
A teenager scrolls through their phone at the dinner table, barely looks up and answers questions with one-word replies. For many adults, that image has come to stand for a larger fear: that today’s young people are disconnected from others and may be...
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‘As I retire, I leave with wonderful memories’
Rockford’s nonprofit community gathered the evening of June 18 to learn about the challenges ahead, but also to celebrate a well-deserved retirement and new chapter for the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence. After 22 years, NICNE...
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Historic tree damaged ‘beyond saving’ by storms
SPRINGFIELD, IL — An approximately 175-year-old tree from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site was damaged beyond saving from the June 11 storms, National Park Service officials confirmed. The American linden dating from the early 1850s was...
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Obama Center opens
Remember hope and change? The sun-splashed, star-studded dedication of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on June 18 was designed to echo the sense of excitement and possibility that surrounded former President Barack Obama’s election in 2008 − a...
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Ehren Jarrett leaves Rockford Public Schools
ROCKFORD, IL — Ehren Jarrett experienced triumph, confronted tragedy, celebrated success and endured disappointment in his 13 years as superintendent of Rockford Public Schools. Hailed for stabilizing one of the largest school systems in Illinois,...
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Michigan swimmer to tow 250 cannonballs
Jim Dreyer, the 62-year-old long-distance swimmer who calls himself “The Shark” and has achieved unusual feats in the water, is planning a new test of strength: The Michigander aims to tow 250 cannonballs while swimming 22 miles. Take that, UFC...
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Supplies of progesterone strained as demand rises
U.S. supplies of progesterone are coming under strain, with patients, clinicians and pharmacists reporting recent intermittent shortages of oral versions of the hormone used in many fertility and menopause treatments. The supply concerns come as women...
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Rockford to cover $9.4M shortfall with reserves, avoiding cutbacks
ROCKFORD, IL — Rockford agreed to spend down its reserve funding to close a $9.4 million 2025 revenue shortfall and avoid any cutbacks or service reductions. But the measure may only be a temporary reprieve as Mayor Tom McNamara plans a task force to...
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