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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) in sending a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling out the Trump administration’s direct attacks on Head Start, reminding him of his legal obligation to administer the program, and demanding the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) immediately release Head Start funding and reverse the mass firing of Head Start staff and gutting of the offices that help ensure high-quality services are available for thousands of children and families across the country. “We write to express our strong opposition to the actions you have taken to directly attack and undermine the federal Head Start program. Since day one, this Administration has taken unacceptable actions to withhold and delay funding, fire Head Start staff,

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SPRINGFIELD – Celebrating the Secretary of State’s 75th annual Vehicle Show this fall, Illinois Secretary Alexi Giannoulias is highlighting the 70th anniversary of the iconic Chrysler 300. Giannoulias also announced that the Vehicle Show will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in downtown Springfield. A limited number of commemorative license plates featuring the Chrysler 300 and promoting the Vehicle Show are now available for $35 per pair until June 10. Illinois vehicle owners who purchase the plates may display them on their vehicles for up to 60 days before the show from July 8 to September 6, 2025. “The Secretary of State’s Vehicle Show is a treasured tradition that brings families and enthusiasts together from across the Midwest,” Giannoulias said. “This year’s show celebrates 75 years of classic cars and family fun. We look forward to hosting the event in downtown Springfield so people can tak

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GODFREY - In the late evening of Saturday, April 26, 2025, Madison County Sheriff's Deputies responded to Tony's Ranch House located in the 3300 block of Godfrey Road, Godfrey, in regard to the discovery of a possible human foot near the parking lot. Madison County Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido said preliminary investigation by Sheriff's Deputies, as well as the Madison County Coroner's Office and an anthropologist, revealed this item was not a human foot. Pulido said additional investigation will take place, but for now, all guidance and consultation to this point indicate this item was likely from an animal. The discovery was made Saturday evening by an Alton woman who was at the restaurant with a group of friends. “We were just going as a group of friends to get some pizza,” she said. Upon exiting her vehicle, she noticed what she initially thought was dropped food. The woman's friends were in front of her heading into the restaurant, when she had to get their

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) will host a State of Illinois Career Fair on May 7, 2025. Taking place on LLCC’s campus in Springfield, IL, members of the public can learn about job opportunities at the State and connect with hiring managers. “We are excited to recruit new talent to the State of Illinois and grow our diverse workforce,” said CMS Director Raven DeVaughn. “Hosting career fairs helps us meet people where they are in their communities and in their job search.” Job opportunities are available in a variety of fields at the State, including healthcare, education, finance, engineering, and more. Representatives from multiple different agencies will be in attendance. Available roles range from entry level and seasonal roles to full time and supervisory roles. The event also includes an Early Bird Workshop where

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CHATHAM - Today, Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement concerning the tragic crash that occurred in Chatham: “I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon. Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them. Parents said goodbye to their kids this morning not knowing it would be the last time. My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing – something that no parent should ever have to endure. MK and I extend our prayers and deepest condolences to everyone impacted by this unspeakable tragedy. “Illinois State Police has begun working with the Chatham Police Department to investigate the incident and will provide the public with more information when it becomes available. My office is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to support in any way that we can. We are grateful for all the first

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GREENVILLE – Greenville University has announced the commencement schedule for the Class of 2025 graduation ceremonies, which will take place from May 8 to May 10. The theme, "Rise Up, God's Still Rolling Stones," reflects the spirit of the graduating class and the weekend's events. The master schedule for Greenville University’s Commencement Weekend is as follows: Thursday, May 8, 2025 7:00 p.m. – SENIOR MUGGING | Ruby E. Dare Library steps Friday, May 9, 2025 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. – ALMOST ALUMNI SENIOR BREAKFAST | Tidball Alumni House Seniors receive their first alumni t-shirt 5:00 p.m. – GREENVILLE UNIVERSITY CHOIR CONCERT | Wilson Recital Hall - Whitlock Music Center 6:00 p.m. – CLASS OF 2025 PHOTO | Front steps of the Ruby E. Dare Library 6:30 p.m. – IVY CUTTING (Immediately follows class photo) | Hogue Lawn For traditional students, this silent ceremony symbolizes the end of their university

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SCHAUMBURG, IL – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi concluded a three-stop “Trump Tariff Tour” across Illinois to highlight the destructive economic impact of President Donald Trump’s blanket tariff policies. From Chicago to Atlanta to Urbana, Congressman Krishnamoorthi heard directly from small business owners, farmers, and workers about how Trump’s tariffs are driving up costs, shrinking margins, and threatening jobs across the state. “Whether it’s a family farm, a neighborhood kombucha brewery, or a local produce distributor, Illinois businesses and working families are footing the bill for Donald Trump’s reckless tariff war,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “These tariffs are a hidden tax on hardworking families and small businesses, and they’re already doing real damage to our economy. Illinoisans shouldn’t have to pay the price for Trump’s self-inflicted economic wounds. It’s time to end these

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education has officially elected new officers. During a special meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, the Board seated its three new members — Sara Bauer, Matt Breihan and Alma Carver — and reinstated Scott Ahart to the Board. Members also elected Bob Paty as president, Carver as vice president and Breihan as secretary. “As president, I recognize it is my responsibility to represent all citizens of District #7,” Paty said. “As a Board, we must pledge to work on behalf of all students and employees and ensure that they have every opportunity to succeed in a safe and positive environment.” During the special meeting, Carey Francis read out the vote results and Chief Judge Christopher Threlkeld guided the newly elected members through the oath of office. He also provided the student oath of office to Claire Johnson, the new student representative. Following the special

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency fuel waiver allowing the nationwide sale of E15 gasoline – gasoline blended with 15% ethanol – during the summer driving season. This action follows Budzinski and her bipartisan colleagues urging President Trump to grant the waiver. “High blends of biofuels help folks save money at the gas pump, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut carbon emissions and support critical markets for Illinois family farmers. I’m pleased to see the Trump administration taking this step to allow the sale of E15 and ultimately provide more certainty for producers and consumers at a time when they need it most,” said Budzinski. “Now, Congress should work to pass legislation, like the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to codify year-round, nationwide E15.” Last week, Congresswoman

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is inviting community stakeholders to join team members, students and alumni in a retrospective and celebration of the past year’s progress made toward the college’s strategic plan. The third annual State of Trailblazer Nation is set for 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in the Hatheway Cultural Center’s Ann Whitney Olin Theatre. “Our students are our most important priority,” said President Ken Trzaska. “Your support and advocacy are critical and appreciated. They provide our team the opportunity and resources required to serve our students and communities at a high level.” The college’s strategic plan is a three-year rolling plan that is refreshed annually. It is grounded in four key directions, each of which comprises a list of measurable aspirations to move the college forward: KD1: Create Enrollment and Retention Improvements KD2: Invest in Program and Curriculum Development KD3:

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 19 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in Haitian Evangelical Clergy Association v. Trump, supporting a challenge to the Trump administration’s early termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Haitians. TPS is a critical humanitarian program established by Congress in 1990. It allows nationals of designated countries to remain in the United States due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster or extraordinary and temporary conditions in their home countries. “Haitians who hold TPS designations have been forced to flee their home country due to conflicts and environmental disasters in their home country. Temporary Protected Status helps these immigrants who are eager to contribute to their new communities to do so while working toward a better life for their families,” Raoul said. “I am the proud son of Haitian immigrants, and I know firsthand that Haitians

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor commemorating and honoring the late Pope Francis. This weekend, Durbin attended the late Pope’s funeral in the Vatican along with U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Eric Schmitt (R-MO). “Today I join people across the world and mourn the passing of Pope Francis. He was forgiving, hopeful, and committed to the notion of peace. Francis taught us that there is no one ‘right’ way to be a Catholic. That the Church can shape you, and you can shape the Church. And in the process, he made the Church stronger,” said Durbin. During his speech, Durbin also noted he attended the Pope’s Joint Address to Congress in 2015—the first Pope to ever do so. Durbin then praised Pope Francis for using his platform to highlight the plight of immigrants and refugees, to ask compassion for those in the LGBTQ+ community

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April 29 stands as a remarkable date in history, marking moments of profound change and cultural milestones that have resonated across the globe. One of the most transformative events linked to April 29 is the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. While the official date commonly remembered is November 9, the weeks leading up to that historic night were shaped by mounting pressures and protests that culminated in the eventual opening of the border. On April 29, 1989, the East German government made a surprising announcement easing travel restrictions, a crucial step that foreshadowed the Wall's fall. This move sparked waves of hope and unrest throughout East Germany, inspiring citizens to demand freedom and change. The Berlin Wall, a concrete symbol of the Cold War division between East and West, had stood since 1961, physically and ideologically separating families and nations. Its dismantling marked the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and paved the way for German reunification.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led a group of 35 Senate Democrats in pressing the Trump Administration to reconsider recent decisions to revoke student visas in a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons. The Senators began by urging the Administration to undo unlawful student visa revocations, citing a recent reversal of some terminations, writing: “We recently learned that your agencies have been revoking student visas and terminating Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records across the country. These actions to end student status reflected an unannounced change in policy and were inconsistent with existing laws, regulations, policies, and agency guidance governing the maintenance and termination of student status—that is why w

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CHATHAM — Four people, including three children, were killed Monday afternoon when a vehicle left the road and crashed into the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, the Illinois State Police said Tuesday. At approximately 3:20 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, a car traveling through a field struck the east side of the camp at 301 Breckenridge Road, hitting numerous individuals inside the building before exiting the other side, according to ISP. The victims included two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old, and an 18-year-old. Six additional children were transported to area hospitals, with one remaining in critical condition, officials said. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was uninjured and taken to a hospital for evaluation. Toxicology results are pending. The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash has been identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham. Akers is not in custody at this time as the cause of the crash remains under investigation. The cause of the crash

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GRANITE CITY — Three suspects have been charged in connection with the death of a St. Louis man whose body was found in Granite City on April 24, 2025. Kenneth Whitehorn, 58, of St. Louis, was discovered deceased on Alton Street near Pontoon Road in Granite City. DeWayne Franklin, 41, of St. Louis, faces two counts of first-degree murder, one count of felon in possession of a weapon, and one count of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons. Brittany Howard, 37, also from St. Louis, has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of armed robbery. Michael McCollum, 75, of Florissant, is charged with two counts of obstruction of justice and one count of unlawful possession of weapons. Franklin and McCollum are currently being held at the St. Louis County Jail. Howard remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous by authorities.

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a long list of fun activities coming up this May. Mary Cordes, Hayner’s executive director, shared more about the library’s upcoming events and year-round services. She noted that the library’s events are well-attended, and she looks forward to welcoming more bookworms and novice library users to all three Hayner locations over the next few weeks. “Because so popular and they’re so big, it’s a great problem to have, just trying to make sure we haven’t double-booked our programming rooms and trying to find new places to have programming and that kind of stuff,” she laughed. “It’s a good problem to have.” Throughout the month of May, Hayner has partnered with Madison County Transit to celebrate National Bike Month with a bicycle drive. Community members can drop off their unwanted bicycles at the downtown Hayner library, and MCT will pick them up and donate them to

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GRANITE CITY – An 18-year-old from Granite City faces six felonies after striking a juvenile with a firearm, firing the weapon near an occupied parking lot, and more. Leiland O. Ruckel, 18, of Granite City, was charged on April 25, 2025 with the following offenses: Armed Violence (Class X felony) Aggravated Battery (Class 3 felony) Aggravated Battery (Class 3 felony) Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (Class 4 felony) Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons (Class 4 felony) Mob Action (Class 4 felony) On April 18, 2025, Ruckel and a juvenile allegedly struck a 14-year-old victim about the head and body at a public place in the 4200 block of West Chain of Rocks Road in Chouteau Island, Ill. Ruckel was reportedly armed with a 9mm handgun during the incident, which he is accused of firing recklessly in the vicinity of an occupied parking lot. A petition was filed to deny Ruckel’s pretrial release, adding the situation quickly escalated after Ruckel approached

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BELLVILLE - The American Water Charitable Foundation , a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., recently announced 11 organizations were awarded a 2025 Water and Environment grant, supporting communities served by Illinois American Water. "We are thankful to the American Water Charitable Foundation for this funding opportunity,” said Kristie Baumgartner, Executive Director, Alton Educational Foundation. “The Alton Summer Watershed Academy will provide our high school students with hands-on experiences in studying regional watersheds and ecosystems." The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. Due to the volume of grant applications received, each application was evaluated on a competitive basis. The Foundatio

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ALTON - You can join a free conversation about spirituality and developing your relationship with God. At 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, community members are invited to River Bend Yoga in Alton for “Soul Travel Explorations,” the final installment of the three-part “Raise Your Spiritual IQ!” series. This final conversation will talk about who you are as Soul, an “eternal, creative spark of God,” and how to grow closer to God on your spiritual journey. “ our true identity,” explained organizer Flora Van Koten. “We’re all individual sparks of God, on our own divine journey back to the heart of God. So Soul Travel, in its simplest terms, is an individual moving closer to the heart of God.” The May 1 conversation invites attendees to “discover the wonder of you” by discussing the meaning of Soul and how you can develop your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Van Koten and organizer Sheila

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