Defense Secretary Jim Mattis emphatically denied a reporter’s suggestion Wednesday that the deployment of thousands of active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border is part of a political stunt ahead of next week’s midterm elections.

Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.

CHICAGO — Gov. Rauner issued the following statement on the Illinois Attorney General’s action today on Sterigenics.

“Earlier this month through the Illinois EPA, our administration referred an enforcement action to the Illinois Attorney General against Sterigenics in Willowbrook based on findings by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and information provided by the U.S. EPA. We sought the order out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of area residents and asked that the company pause operations until U.S. EPA provides clarity on the health risks of ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions. After many discussions and collaboration, the Attorney General moved on our referral. It is the right thing to do.”

President Donald Trump will make another trip to the heartland before next week’s election.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

MARION — The seeds of Tuesday’s announcement that professional fastpitch softball will be coming to Southern Illinois this summer were planted in 2016.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

While a couple of state budget analysis groups differ on how much more Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker could spend if he’s elected, they agree Pritzker will cost taxpayers more.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has opened a death investigation after hunters found human skeletal remains in the woods north of Carbondale.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Children in Southern Illinois need not worry — despite heavy rains predicted for Halloween, the candy will still flow, but in some cities and towns, a day earlier.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

When a newspaper closes or stops providing local content, it’s bad news for the local community, according to an updated report.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

The use of medical marijuana is growing in Illinois thanks in part to recent changes in legislation that allows cannabis to be used as an alternative to opioid pain medication.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

President Donald Trump filled an airplane hangar Saturday in Southern Illinois.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.