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SPRINGFIELD – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) re-introduced the bipartisan Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act to ensure labor rights to all public safety officers. Specifically, this legislation will allow public safety officers to form a labor union, collectively bargain for hours and wages, and provide resolution mechanisms for impasses during negotiations. “I'm proud to be leading this bill with Congressman Stauber to ensure our first responders receive the protections they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “As a union member, I understand how crucial it is for workers to have a voice in their pay and working conditions. When those conditions directly impact their ability to serve and protect us, it's even more vital.” “As a former police officer who started a union in Duluth, Minnesota, I know how vital labor rights are for the brave men and

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SPRINGFIELD - On Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 , Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the below statement following reports of President Trump’s plans to disband the United States Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors and place the agency under direct control of the Commerce Department and Secretary Howard Lutnick. “For decades, the United States Postal Service has stood as a trusted, non-partisan public good, offering affordable rates so that Americans across the country—particularly in rural areas—can receive everything from paychecks and medicine to cards from loved ones. Now, President Trump is indicating plans to dismantle this vital institution in pursuit of profit. Any effort to diminish service or undermine our dedicated postal workers is unacceptable. I will work with my colleagues to safeguard the integrity of the USPS while exploring solutions to enhance its service, rather than destroy it.” Improving mail delivery for Illinois’

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BELLEVILLE — Belleville police are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred at a Wal-Mart on Greenmount Commons on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. Belleville officers responded to a call at 7:55 p.m. on Thursday and discovered two victims, an adult male and an adult female, at the scene. The adult male suspect was located by police and taken into custody," Belleville Police said. Authorities have stated that they are in the preliminary stages of the investigation and currently have no apparent motive for the attack. The victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and further evaluation, the Belleville Police said. Detectives and Crime Scene personnel have been working on the investigation, but police have confirmed that they are not seeking any additional suspects at this time. Belleville Police indicated that more information will be released as the investigation progresses.

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Early Friday morning, Feb. 21, 2025, East St. Louis Senior High School received a bomb threat via email, prompting immediate action from school officials and law enforcement. The school canceled classes and rerouted arriving students and staff to a safe location while authorities conducted a thorough investigation of the campus. At approximately 10:15 a.m. on Friday, a coordinated effort involving eight law enforcement agencies concluded their search, declaring the campus all clear. “We sincerely appreciate the patience and cooperation of our students, staff, and parents during security concerns,” said Sydney Stigge-Kaufman, Executive Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships. “Additionally, we are deeply grateful to our staff and law enforcement partners for providing enhanced security and investigating the validity of these threats.” The East St. Louis School District emphasized the seriousness with which threats against schools

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MACOUPIN COUNTY — Illinois State Police said on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, that a fatal traffic crash was linked to a reported road rage incident that occurred on Fosterburg Road near Brighton Bunker Hill Road at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 units and ISP Division of Criminal Investigations Zone 6 agents responded to the scene after receiving reports of the incident. One occupant was pronounced deceased at the scene. Fosterburg Road was closed to traffic during the investigation and reopened at approximately 7:47 p.m. on Thursday. "As of now, no arrests have been made, and there is no threat to the public," ISP said. "The investigation remains active, and no further information is available at this time."

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CHAMPAIGN — Maddox Williams, a freshman wrestler from Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100, competed at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Wrestling Tournament and posted a 1-2 overall record. Williams is a Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. Williams faced Liam Kissane of St. Laurence in the 106-pound weight class, securing a pin in 3 minutes and 31 seconds in his second match to secure his first state tournament victory and bring his record to 1-1. Williams lost to Erik Klichurov of Lombard Montini later on Friday, but he said he was very happy with the opportunity to wrestle at state and with that experience. He also looks forward to the future in the sport with great optimism. Reflecting on his state performance, Williams said, "I came in with an open mind and set everything up. It was kind of hard but I really tried my best." Coach Frank Speidel expressed pride in Williams' achievement, particularly noting the challenges of competin

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WOOD RIVER - Tyler Adams, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for his achievements in wrestling. Over the past four years, Adams has dedicated himself to the sport, honing his skills and embracing the individual nature of wrestling, which he finds both challenging and rewarding. Adams credits his success to the support of his friends, family, teammates, and coaches, specifically Tim Donohoo and Kyle Lankford. "They have helped me be better in wrestling and as a person," he said of his coaches. His commitment to improvement and discipline in training has been a significant factor in his accomplishments. Tyler Adams is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. In addition to wrestling, Adams has played football throughout his high school career, serving as a wide receiver and wing back on offense and as a safety and linebacker on defense. He believes that his experiences in both sports have shaped his character. "Football

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GODFREY – A man from Alton faces a felony after battering an individual in a public place late last year. Demarcus D. Toliver, 36, of Alton, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery on Feb. 13, 2025 for a violent altercation that occurred on Dec. 21, 2024. Toliver allegedly struck the victim “several times with a closed fist on the face and head,” according to court documents. The incident reportedly occurred in a public place, at the Marion County Horizon Center in Godfrey. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented Toliver’s case, and while he was remanded to jail for his initial court appearance, MCSO records indicate he has since been granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis Senior High School will be closed on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, following a bomb threat communicated via email earlier this morning, East St. Louis School District officials said. The East St. Louis School District 189 announced the closure as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff while law enforcement conducts a thorough search of the campus. In a statement released by the district, officials emphasized that the safety of the school community is their highest priority. “We are actively gathering information and taking all necessary precautions to ensure a safe learning environment,” the statement read. As part of the response to the threat, high school students were temporarily directed to an alternative location upon arrival. All students and staff are reported to be safe at this location, and bus riders are expected to be returned home shortly after 9 a.m. While East St. Louis Senior High School remains closed,

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BRIGHTON/JERSEYVILLE - Community RV and Boat Storage has got you covered — literally. The storage company has a location in Brighton and recently opened a new facility in Jerseyville. Owner Jon Shrimpton says it’s the perfect place to park your camper, boat, motorcycle, lawnmower, tractor, or any other equipment that you want to keep out of the weather and safely stored away. “People pay such an amount of money for RVs and boats, and all you’re doing is preserving the life of what your investment is,” Shrimpton said. “People take their investment. They insure it with us to take care of it. We want it to be a nice facility, easy in and out. It needs to be top-notch, and it is.” Located at 15441 IL-111 in Brighton and 310 McBride Street in Jerseyville, both facilities have security cameras, 24/7 keypad access, fences, automatic gates and light systems to enhance security. They have a wide range of storage options available, from mini

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - During an executive business meeting to consider the HALT Fentanyl Act, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke about the importance of allowing people to sue social media companies when they or their loved ones are harmed by online fentanyl sales. Durbin offered an amendment to the bill to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which he ultimately withdrew after securing an agreement with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to work together toward this goal. The executive business meeting concluded without action on the bill. Key Quotes: “In just a decade, fentanyl has emerged as the deadliest drug in American history. All it takes is two milligrams—a fraction of the size of a penny—to cause an overdose. There is an overdose crisis in the United States, but we have learned that evidence-based solutions reduce deaths. In fact

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 16 attorneys general, today issued a joint statement ahead of a court hearing in Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. National Institutes of Health. At today’s hearing, the plaintiffs will seek an extension of its Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the Trump administration’s unlawful cuts to funds that support cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country. Attorney General Raoul joins the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington in issuing the following statement: “The Trump administration’s attempt to cut research funding at thousands of research institutions across the country is not only unlawful; it undermines public health, our economy and our competitiveness. There are laws i

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general to defend the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) against efforts by the Trump administration and Elon Musk to defund and disband it. The CFPB is an independent agency that oversees big banks, lenders, credit card companies and mortgage servicers, and ensures companies follow federal consumer protection laws. Raoul and the coalition argue in their amicus brief filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland that dismantling the CFPB would significantly harm consumers and hamper enforcement of federal consumer protection laws. “Since its creation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has assisted millions of Americans by helping homeowners facing foreclosure stay in their homes, stopping banks from charging junk fees and returning more than $20 billion to consumers nationwide,” Raoul said. “The CFPB expanded upon the work of states and federal partners

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Did you know that nearly 40% of people consider themselves "morning people," yet only a fraction have structured morning routines? This disparity reveals a significant opportunity for personal and professional growth. Designing an effective morning routine can be the difference between a day filled with focus and productivity versus one mired in chaos and procrastination. It’s time to explore how you can transform your mornings into a powerful launchpad for success. The Importance of a Morning Routine A morning routine is more than just a series of tasks; it’s a deliberate strategy to maximize your potential. Research indicates that individuals who engage in consistent morning routines report higher levels of productivity, better mental health, and increased overall satisfaction in life. By establishing a structured start to your day, you set the tone for how you approach challenges and opportunities. Clarity and Focus One of the key benefits of a morning routine is

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February 21 has marked significant moments in history across various fields, including politics, science, and culture. One of the most notable events that occurred on February 21 took place in 1965, when Malcolm X, a prominent African American civil rights leader, was assassinated in New York City. His assassination sent shockwaves throughout the nation and the world, profoundly affecting the civil rights movement. Malcolm X was known for his powerful speeches and advocacy for Black empowerment, and his death represented a significant loss for those fighting for racial equality and justice. In the wake of his assassination, many turned to his writings and speeches, which continue to inspire activism to this day. Fast forward to 1992, when the United States witnessed a landmark event in its legal history. On this day, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey , upholding the constitutional right to have an abortion while allowing states to impose certain

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HOLIDAY SHORES — A home in Holiday Shores was completely destroyed by a fire on Thursday evening, Feb. 20, 2025. The blaze erupted around 6 p.m. in the 6000 block of St. James Drive, prompting a Box Alarm response from multiple fire agencies. Holiday Shores Fire Chief Jim O'Brien reported that firefighters from the Holiday Shores Fire Protection District, along with teams from Meadowbrook, Prairietown, Worden, and Hamel, battled the flames. O'Brien noted that the house was fully engulfed when crews arrived on the scene, but the homeowners had managed to escape safely prior to their arrival. "The firefighters fought the blaze valiantly in the frigid conditions," O'Brien said, emphasizing the low temperatures, which were in the teens. He confirmed that all firefighters remained safe during the operation. To assist with the response, Madison County and Holiday Shores maintenance personnel salted the roads in the area to mitigate ice hazards. Madison County Emergency Management

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WOOD RIVER – The Wood River Fire Department honored Engineer/Paramedic Tyler Staicoff with a 2024 Firefighter of the Year Award for his excellent performance at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Fire Chief Wade Stahlhut said each year, award winners are selected by their department peers for exemplifying the qualities of a firefighter, including bravery, dedication, selflessness, resilience, and more. “This year, our first Firefighter of the Year Award goes to someone who has truly made an impact felt throughout the entire department,” Stahlhut said. “Engineer/Paramedic Tyler Staicoff has demonstrated extraordinary commitment not only in responding to emergencies, but maintaining a high level of commitment in his fire and medical training, fitness, mentoring fellow firefighters, engaging with community members on prevention education, and continuously striving for excellence with the desire to do more.” Stahlhut noted Staicoff’s involvement

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SPRINGFIELD – State higher education leaders are pleased with Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which includes a higher education budget of $2.73 billion. The higher education budget emphasizes college affordability and supports ongoing initiatives by including a $10 million increase for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) and a $46 million, or 3 percent, increase to operational funds for public universities ($37 million) and community colleges ($9 million). “The governor's proposed higher education investments will help us build on the progress we've made toward a more affordable and equitable higher education system and thriving Illinois economy for each family and student in our state,” said Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) Executive Director Ginger Ostro. “Even at a time when the state has to make difficult fiscal decisions, Governor Pritzker has prioritized investing in our students because they are the future of our state.”

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CHICAGO—On the heels of his 2025 State of the State budget address, Governor Pritzker focused on one of his top legislative priorities this year: lowering prescriptions drug costs. After introducing the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (PDAA) in his address, the Governor hosted a roundtable in Springfield with legislators and independent pharmacists to discuss the impact pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have had on their businesses. In Chicago, the Governor visited Chicago Pride Pharmacy to highlight the struggles faced by independent pharmacies and the importance of reform. “Predatory pharmacy benefit manager practices hurt small, independent pharmacies that often are the only source of medication for entire communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Unfairly high prices put a disproportionate strain on these small business owners and the clients they serve and can cause closures that contribute to medical access deserts—a loss for Illinois communities

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MACOUPIN COUNTY - The Illinois State Police is investigating a serious incident that has closed Fosterburg Road near Brighton Bunker Hill Road on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. The Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 reported the situation occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. Preliminary information suggests that ISP Troop 8 units are currently on the scene, working to gather more details about the incident. As a result, Fosterburg Road is closed at this location. The Illinois State Police urges motorists to seek alternate routes to avoid delays. The State Police said the investigation remains active, and officials have not released additional information at this time.

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