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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01), Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) announced the launch of a new bipartisan caucus aimed at improving the postal service. The Congressional Postal Service Caucus will focus on improving on-time delivery rates, protecting postal employees, and stopping harmful facility consolidations that reduce access in rural and underserved areas. “For years, rural communities like the ones I represent in Central and Southern Illinois have faced lagging delivery rates, facility closures, and neglect from the top leadership from USPS,” said Congresswoman Budzinski . “I’m excited to launch this bipartisan group alongside Congressman Bergman, Congressman Pappas, and Congressman Garbarino to push back against postal privatization, improve speed and service, and protect good-paying union jobs at USPS. I look forward to working together

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DOW – A man from Dow faces multiple criminal charges after driving his vehicle towards a domestic battery victim and more in Jersey County. Christopher A. Norris, 49, of Dow, was charged on July 25, 2025 with a Class 4 felony charge for aggravated assault by operating a motor vehicle in a manner which placed the victim in reasonable apprehension of being struck by the vehicle. Norris allegedly drove a 2004 Ford Mustang with an Illinois registration number towards the victim on July 15, 2025. He was also charged with a Class 4 felony count of domestic battery after attempting to shove the same victim, a family member, into a vehicle, causing injury and bodily harm to the victim. Class A and Class B misdemeanor charges were also filed against Norris for driving on Little Piasa Road at Airport Road in Jersey County on a suspended license and operating a vehicle with suspended registration. Norris was granted pretrial release from custody and was issued a notice to appear at th

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Students from James Avant Elementary School in East St. Louis School District 189 visited Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis and Top Golf on a recent field trip designed to inspire and engage future leaders. The East St. Louis School District said the event was part of the district’s initiative to encourage students to envision their educational futures. During the visit, the students toured Harris-Stowe State University and attended an information session, giving them an introduction to college life. Following the educational portion of the day, the students enjoyed recreational activities at Top Golf. District officials acknowledged the contributions of administrators, teachers, and sponsors who supported the event. The experience aimed to combine learning with fun, fostering both academic curiosity and social engagement among the young scholars.

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ALTON - Community members can support rescue dogs at an upcoming “woofleball” tournament. On Sept. 6, 2025, the Helping Handlers organization will host a wiffleball tournament to benefit Hope Animal Rescues, complete with a silent auction, raffle and more fun. As an organization, Helping Handlers works to support local nonprofits through events like the tournament, and organizers hope many people will come out to enjoy the day and compete against White Sox star Mark Buehrle. “We’re just trying to continue to be helpful to the community, particularly the animal world,” said Lexy Dona, one of the founders of Helping Handlers. “We basically wanted to be the party planners. We wanted to create these events and pick somebody that gets to get this money. It’s even more imperative now.” The 16-team wiffleball tournament will allow every team to play at least three games. The teams are made up of four members. The first pitch is at 10

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is now accepting applications for its Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Development Program, offering loans, forgivable loans, and grants to developers building or preserving affordable housing paired with essential case management and supportive services. PSH combines affordable housing with tailored services that support individuals and families in achieving housing stability and improved health outcomes. Residents are typically households headed by people with disabilities, those who are at risk of homelessness, and those who require ongoing support to stay healthy and housed. The PSH model has consistently demonstrated success in improving residents’ well-being while reducing reliance on costly emergency systems. A major addition to this year’s round is the inclusion of funding from the Illinois Opioid Remediation Fund for PSH developments, specifically serving individuals with substance use and co-occurring

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a coalition of 22 states, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a provision in the sweeping budget reconciliation law (Defund Provision) that eliminates the use of federal funding for any health care services provided by Planned Parenthood health centers. This provision is a direct attack on access to health care for millions of low-income Americans, disproportionately affecting women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and communities of color. Existing federal law already disallows federal funding for abortion, but this new provision is targeting other essential services that Planned Parenthood provides. “Planned Parenthood is a critical provider of essential health care,” Raoul said. “Without Planned Parenthood, many in our state and across the nation would be left with no access to life-saving screenings and reproductive care. I will continue advocating for vital federal funding that ensures every

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and their fellow Senate Democratic colleagues to express a unified alarm about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for the large-scale expansion of humanitarian aid and urging the Trump Administration to resume diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement and end the war. In a letter sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, the Senators underscored the remaining viable pathway that would end the war, bring home Israeli hostages, ensure Hamas can no longer pose a serious military threat to Israel and achieve a diplomatic resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “The acute humanitarian crisis in Gaza is also unsustainable and worsens by the day. Hunger and malnutrition are widespread, and, alarmingly, deaths due to starvation, especially among children, are

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GRAFTON - On Saturday, July 26, 2025, one of 22 Seal Team Assault Boats (STAB) returned to Grafton, coming home to where she was built in 1968 at the Grafton Boat Works, now The Loading Dock Bar and Grill. Delivered by the owner, John Jadwinsky, of Danville, Indiana, the boat was welcomed with hearty cheers and applause by upwards of fifty bystanders, members of the Grafton Historical Society, and Veterans—one of whom who rendered military honors with a heartfelt salute. John addressed the Historical Society, providing details of the boat’s use by Navy SEALs as the fastest boat on the rivers of the Mekong Delta during the Viet Nam War. The surviving boats were returned to the west coast of the United States to be used for military target practice. The Navy eventually scraped the boats, and many found homes throughout the United States. John has made it his life work for over 40 years to find any remaining available STAB boats, restore them for display or for use in militar

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MADISON COUNTY - The Madison County Republican Party is calling on registered voters to help secure ballot access for our candidates in the upcoming election by signing nomination petitions. Illinois election law requires a minimum number of valid signatures for each candidate to appear on the ballot. Your support is vital—every signature brings us one step closer to giving voters a real choice on Election Day. Super Signing Saturday Drive-Through Events Saturday, August 16 Piasa Armory (625 Lewis & Clark Blvd, East Alton) • 10 AM–12 PM Comfort Inn (3080 S. State Rte 157, Edwardsville) • 1 PM–3 PM Saturday, August 23 McDill’s Irish Pub (267 St. Louis Rd, Collinsville) • 10 AM–12 PM Calvary Life Church (4050 Maryville Rd, Granite City) • 1 PM–3 PM Drop by—stay in your car, sign the petition, and drive on. It only takes a minute to make a big difference. Petition Party at Edison’s Thursday,

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 22 states and attorneys general, filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) demand that states turn over personal and sensitive information about millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. SNAP is a federally funded, state-administered program providing billions of dollars in food assistance to tens of millions of low-income families across the country. SNAP applicants provide their private information on the understanding, backed by long-standing state and federal laws, that their information will not be used for unrelated purposes. The USDA has suggested that it could withhold administrative funding for the program if states fail to comply, effectively forcing states to choose between protecting their residents’ privacy and providing critical nutrition assistance to those in need. Illinois receives roughly $177 million a year to

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EAST ST. LOUIS — On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Governor JB Pritzker joined Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Secretary Dulce Quintero, First Assistant Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services Ryan Croke, and local leaders to discuss how President Trump’s draconian budget bill will impact an estimated 360,000 Illinoisans who rely on food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In addition to stripping the most vulnerable Illinoisans of food assistance, Trump’s bill also jeopardizes jobs, hurts grocery stores, and harms local economies. Since the program’s inception, SNAP benefits have been 100 percent federally funded. “During a time when many American families are already struggling, food assistance programs such as SNAP are more essential than ever,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Under the veneer of ‘cost savings,’ the Trump Administration is slashing benefits and threatening the well-being

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JERSEYVILLE – A man from Jerseyville faces a Class X felony for transporting a large amount of heroin across state lines. Ronald J. Stanley, 38, of Jerseyville, was charged on July 23, 2025 with a Class X felony count of controlled substance trafficking. On March 14, 2024, Stanley allegedly knowingly brought approximately 125 grams of a substance containing heroin into the state of Illinois with an intent to deliver the substance to another individual or individuals. Jersey County Sheriff’s Office records indicate Stanley has since been granted pretrial release from custody. His arraignment hearing has been set for Nov. 5, 2025 at the Jersey County Courthouse. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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The Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund (CEJJF) has announced the appointment of Van Ikner as director of engagement and partnerships. In this role, he will direct equity-focused clean energy investments across Illinois with a focus on historically underserved regions throughout the state. CEJJF is Illinois’ nonprofit green bank created to advance a fair and inclusive transition to clean energy across Illinois by expanding access to capital for clean energy businesses that face barriers to traditional financing. CEJJF helps homeowners and small businesses lower their energy costs and facilitates access to clean energy solutions for frontline communities, fostering healthier environments and stronger local economies. A natural bridge builder, Ikner brings extensive experience in listening, building trust and making systems more accessible for everyday people. He has held active roles on several boards and initiatives. Recently, he served as an engagement specialist with the NAACP

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ST. LOUIS – BJC Health System has received 109 recognitions for clinical excellence from U.S. News & World Report , including national ranking for Barnes-Jewish Hospital in 11 out of 14 specialties. Multiple BJC hospitals are ranked among the “Best Hospitals” in Missouri. Barnes-Jewish Hospital and its physician partners at WashU Medicine are once again ranked No. 1 in the metro St. Louis area and No. 1 in Missouri. Missouri Baptist Medical Center is No. 3 in both categories, and Christian Hospital is No. 11 in Missouri and No. 6 in the St. Louis area. Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City and Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit were recognized among the top four hospitals in Kansas City and among the top 10 hospitals in Missouri, with Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City ranked No. 2 in the Kansas City metro area. Barnes-Jewish Hospital ranked nationally in 11 specialties: cancer; cardiology, heart and vascular surgery; diabetes

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SOUTH ROXANA – The Village of South Roxana has chosen to voluntarily dismiss its ordinance violation citation against the South Roxana Dad’s Club for holding an unpermitted public event earlier this year. The decision was made not because the Village lacked legal standing — officials remain confident the ordinance is valid and enforceable — but because the Village refuses to spend public funds litigating a case that could have been avoided through simple cooperation. “This was never about punishing the Dad’s Club,” said Police Chief Bob Coles. “It was about following clear rules designed to protect public safety. We simply chose not to continue investing taxpayer dollars in a dispute that should never have happened.” The citation was issued after the Dad’s Club proceeded with a large public event without obtaining the necessary permits — not only from the Village, but also in violation of county and state requirements.

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE – Two men from Alton and one from Edwardsville have been charged with domestic battery and other offenses in separate Madison County cases. Patrick S. Bailey, 31, of Alton, was charged on July 22, 2025 with a Class 4 felony count of criminal damage to property and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery. On July 21, 2025, Bailey allegedly caused bodily harm to a household or family member by striking them about the face, causing a laceration to the victim’s face. He was additionally accused of causing over $500 worth of damage to the victim’s cell phone. The Alton Police Department presented the case against Bailey, who was granted pretrial release from custody with additional conditions. Under the additional conditions of his release, Bailey is ordered to have no contact with the victim from this case and remain at least 50 feet away from them at all times. Another Alton man, 45-year-old Randy R. Harris, faces his second or subsequent

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RIVERBEND - When should you call 988, and what happens when you do? Megan Tyler, the founder of Sacred Spaces of CARE, clarified the reasons why an individual might call 988, which is a 24/7 national crisis line. She also recognized the difference between 911 and 988, and she spoke about what a caller might expect when they dial 988. “988 can really connect you to a plethora or a wide variety of services. It really depends on the situation that you’re in in that moment,” Tyler said. “If there is not a safety threat, then there are some other alternatives that I think would be really good for people to know about and just know what options are available, how to access them, and what to expect when they do call those numbers.” If an individual is a potential danger to themself or others, Tyler recommends calling 911 right away. But if the individual is not a threat and instead is “in a very unregulated or dysregulated emotional state and they’re

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SPRINGFIELD - Health care leaders and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin gathered at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine on July 25 to strongly denounce sweeping federal budget cuts to Medicaid, student loan support and medical research—pillars that sustain both local patient care and the next generation of physicians. “The new federal directives are not theoretical,” said Dr. Jerry Kruse, dean and provost of SIU Medicine. “They will directly harm the people and communities we serve—especially in rural and underserved parts of central and southern Illinois. This isn’t politics. It’s patients, it’s providers and it’s progress on the line.” Senator Durbin, a longtime advocate for rural health care, emphasized the ripple effects of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” the federal budget passed by Congress. “Why would we cut Medicaid so dramatically at this point in history?” Durbin asked. “The administration

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CHICAGO - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will launch a statewide advocacy campaign aimed at preventing insurance companies from using socio-economic data – such as credit scores, zip codes and age – to charge Illinoisans higher auto insurance rates. As part of the “Driving Change” campaign, Giannoulias is asking Illinoisans to share their stories about unfair and discriminatory ratemaking practices through a new website and a series of Town Hall meetings across the state. The office is also urging consumers to contact their state lawmakers to support legislative reforms. Illinois-focused studies have revealed ratemaking inequities and disparities, including insurers on average increasing rates on senior drivers and charging consumers with a safe driving record and poor credit hundreds of dollars more than someone with a DUI conviction and excellent credit. As a result, drivers from disadvantaged neighborhoods and communities of color disproportionately

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the Mellon Foundation through its Public Knowledge program. The award will support the expansion of the Black Lit Network , a digital resource dedicated to African American literary studies. The project includes a podcast series, data visualizations, a literature search tool, and additional public-facing resources. A lead researcher on the project is SIUE Distinguished Research Professor of Literature Howard Rambsy II , PhD. “I’m thrilled to have received this grant and opportunity,” said Rambsy. “I’m especially pleased that the grant will be based at SIUE. It’s rare for an African American literary studies initiative at a regional university like ours to receive a grant of this scale.” According to the Mellon Foundation, the grant enables a team of humanities scholars to “support further development of a network for digital humanities

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