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CHICAGO – Understanding that the college admissions process can be difficult for students to navigate, State Senator Christopher Belt worked to make the process easier for high school juniors, seniors and community college transfer students. “Investing in our students is by far the best return on investment the government could get,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This is essentially an automatic admissions program that students can opt in to. It will really help streamline the process for students and their families.” Belt’s law, originally House Bill 3522, offers direct admission to qualified applicants at all public universities and community colleges that participate in the program. Under the new law, students will no longer face the burden of repeated application processes or unnecessary application fees, ensuring a smoother transition into postsecondary education. Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, high school students will be able to elect

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BELLEVILLE – Governor JB Pritzker continued his statewide re-election tour, celebrating our progress and making clear his commitment to keep Illinois moving forward. Day 2 included events in Belleville and West Frankfort highlighting the administration’s work to expand workforce development programs and put Springfield back on the side of working families. STOP 5: BELLEVILLE First, the Governor returned to Southwestern Illinois College. SWIC was the site of the Governor’s first official event in 2019, where he signed an executive order expanding workforce development. At yesterday’s event, the Governor highlighted the enormous progress the state has made since then, including launching a new manufacturing training academy at SWIC. The Governor was joined by SWIC President Nick Mance, Secretary Treasurer of the Southwest Illinois Building Trades Eric Oller, and Metro East leaders and supporters. STOP 6: WEST FRANKFORT Finally, the Governor concluded his

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 against freedom of speech, public education, and LGBTQ+ rights in Mahmoud v. Taylor : “This is a loss for public education, freedom of speech, and LGBTQ+ rights. “LGBTQ+ stories matter. Kids deserve to see themselves in the books they read. Tragically, the same zealots who try to ban books from libraries are now trying to limit what kids can learn, read, and hear from teachers in their classrooms. “We must put love and acceptance over hate and division. As Pride Month comes to a close, it’s clear we still have a fight ahead of us.”

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CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), community college presidents, and legislators to sign bills into law that will support Illinois high school students pursuing higher education. Governor Pritzker signed four bills into law that help improve college access and affordability: HB 2967, HB 3096, HB 3097, and HB 3522. During his February State of the State Address , Governor Pritzker emphasized that support for college admissions would be a priority initiative during this year’s session. “In order to ensure that every student of every background in every corner of our state gets the education they deserve, we need to leave no stone unturned and no barrier unbroken,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These bills streamline the application process for college bound seniors in Illinois, enhance support for applicants, and

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today highlighted new findings that show President Trump’s and Republicans’ reconciliation bill puts 579 nursing homes across the country at risk of closure. Based on this data compiled by Brown University’s School of Public Health, and released by Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), the Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act endangers the operations of 93 nursing homes in Illinois—all in order to provide hefty tax breaks for billionaires. The devastating cuts to nursing homes under this Republican legislation are in addition to the bill forcing 16 million Americans to lose their health insurance coverage, which also risks the closure of rural and safety net hospitals nationwide. “President Trump and congressional Republicans are pursuing legislation that rips health care

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These are artists that will be featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Art Fair. The art fair is set for Sept. 26-28, 2025, at Edwardsville City Park. Artist #1 Artist Name: Dana Cattani Medium: Ceramics Artist Statement: " We are a husband and wife pottery team, each creating slab-built and sculpted art for the home. Our goal is to feature a range of pieces that appeal to all identities and ages at affordable prices." Artist #2 Artist Name: Mark Hurd Medium: Digital Artworks Artist Statement: " The technique that I call Graphic Impressionism captures the essence of a special place, a magical moment in time. My artwork is dominated by bright complementary layered colors. I focus on composition, the perfect angle, and the best light — whether it's a bright summer day, the magic hours of dusk, or a moonlit night." Artist #3 Artist Name: Cameron Smith Medium: Glass Artist Statement: Traditional handblown glass vessels, wall arrays, and seasonal objects

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee—issued the following statement today after voting for an Iran war powers resolution that would force the President to secure a declaration of war or authorization for use of military force from Congress to legally engage in a war against Iran. Senate Republicans blocked the resolution, which failed on a 53-47 vote. “Ever since Donald Trump illegally launched a military strike against Iran, one thing has remained clear: our troops are at greater risk today than they were before the attack. “Our servicemembers will always execute their orders and complete their missions to the highest standard like the experts they are. But rather than declaring ‘mission accomplished,’ the Trump Administration should be focused on protecting them and American personnel in the region and convincing Congress to authorize its use of military

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of upholding the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force’s structure in Kennedy v. Braidwood Management : “This is a win for the Affordable Care Act and health care access for millions. “Anti-choice extremists didn’t like a task force’s recommendations that guaranteed access to free preventive services like PrEP, cancer screenings, STI screenings, and other vital services. So, they tried stealing control of it by challenging its structure. They failed. “When we passed the Affordable Care Act , Democrats in Congress paved the way for more than 40 million Americans to gain health coverage through newly established Exchanges and the expansion of the Medicaid program—leading to historic declines in the number of Americans without health insurance. But today

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led Illinois’s Congressional Democrats in demanding answers from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on why Illinoisans are receiving notices of late payment in error after filing—and paying—their taxes on time. Following reporting earlier this month revealing that Illinoisans were receiving late payment notices and penalties from the IRS even though they had already filed and paid their taxes, and were then unable to get answers or responses from the IRS about those notices and penalties, the lawmakers wrote to IRS Commissioner William Long to learn how many Illinoisans have been affected and how IRS staffing cuts have impacted the agency’s ability to properly function. “Over the last few weeks, we have heard from a number of Illinoisans that they are receiving late notices from your agency, despite previous confirmations of submission and payment,” the lawmakers wrote. “To make

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled against district courts’ nationwide preliminary injunctions blocking the Trump Administration’s executive order purporting to end birthright citizenship in Trump v. CASA : “The Supreme Court just issued a devastating blow to the separation of powers that is enshrined in our Constitution. Federal judges in multiple states have blocked the President’s order purporting to end birthright citizenship—including judges appointed by Republican presidents. And three separate appeals courts have refused to lift these injunctions. By issuing this ruling, the Supreme Court is stating that courts cannot block even the most lawless actions of the Trump Administration on a nationwide basis. “With this decision, millions of children could lose their fundamental rights while their lawyers

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today entered a tribute to fallen Chicago Police Department Officer Krystal Rivera into the congressional record. Officer Rivera was killed in the line of duty on June 5, 2025. She served at the Chicago Police Department for four years, and she was a mother to a 10-year-old daughter, Bella. “We know that our men and women in uniform are vital public servants. They shoulder an immense responsibility when protecting and safeguarding our communities… This is also why it is especially painful and tragic when one of our officers is lost in the line of duty,” Durbin wrote in his record statement. “It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I speak about the passing of one of Chicago’s own, Chicago Police Department Officer Krystal Rivera.” Durbin’s full tribute as entered into the congressional record is below: U.S. Senator Dick Durbin Congressional Record Statement on Passin

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GLEN CARBON – With a pledge to continue standing up for local families, State Senator Erica Harriss (Glen Carbon) today announced her campaign for re-election in Illinois' 56th Senate District. “Metro East families are working harder than ever but still finding it tough to get ahead,” said Harriss. "Prices are up, taxes keep climbing, and families are feeling the squeeze. I'm running again because I believe we can change that. We can make life more affordable, more secure, and a little easier for everyday folks." Since taking office in 2022, Erica has pushed for real, practical solutions to help families and seniors make ends meet. From sponsoring legislation to cut taxes and lower utility costs to being a champion for affordable childcare, she’s been focused on making life better for the people she represents. Erica also led the charge on a first-of-its-kind, bipartisan law to help child survivors of human trafficking reclaim their lives and move forward. She’

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Did you know that some of the oldest human-made structures on Earth align precisely with the rising sun on the summer solstice? This alignment, observed in monuments such as Stonehenge, reveals the enduring fascination and reverence ancient cultures held for this astronomical event. The summer solstice is far more than a date on the calendar—it has been a catalyst for human celebration, ritual, and cultural expression for thousands of years. Origins of Summer Solstice Celebrations The summer solstice, occurring when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, has been a significant event since prehistoric times. Ancient civilizations noticed the sun’s shifting path and marked this day as a pivotal moment in their annual cycles. This was not merely an astronomical observation but a profound symbol of life, fertility, and renewal. One of the most iconic examples is Stonehenge in England, built around 3000 BCE. Archaeologists have demonstrated that the stones are aligned

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What if you could transform a handful of simple ingredients into a dessert that rivals your favorite ice cream shop? Homemade ice cream is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a canvas for creativity, a lesson in chemistry, and a satisfying accomplishment. Yet, many home cooks find themselves frustrated by icy textures, bland flavors, or laborious processes. The good news is that mastering homemade ice cream is entirely achievable with the right techniques and understanding. Understanding the Basics: What Makes Ice Cream Creamy? Ice cream’s creamy texture hinges on the delicate balance between fat, sugar, air, and ice crystals. When making ice cream at home, these elements must be managed carefully. Fat content: Dairy fat contributes to smoothness and richness. Using heavy cream or a mix of cream and whole milk enhances mouthfeel. Sugar: Beyond sweetness, sugar lowers the freezing point, helping prevent large ice crystals. Air incorporation: Known as overrun, th

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Did you know that people who actively document their experiences are 30% more likely to recall those moments vividly years later? This compelling insight highlights the power of preserving memories beyond just digital photos and social media posts. Creating a summer scrapbook offers a tangible, creative way to capture the essence of your experiences, turning fleeting moments into lasting treasures. Why Choose a Summer Scrapbook? In an era dominated by smartphones and instant sharing, the art of scrapbooking might seem antiquated. However, a scrapbook provides more than just images—it weaves stories and emotions into a personalized narrative. Unlike digital albums, scrapbooks engage multiple senses through textures, colors, and handwritten notes, making memory recall richer and more immersive. Summer, often filled with travel, gatherings, and new adventures, presents an ideal opportunity to compile these moments. A summer scrapbook allows you to curate your unique story, combining

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June 30th has long been a date packed with pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most impactful events came in 1908, when the Tunguska event shook Siberia. At around 7:14 a.m. local time, an enormous explosion flattened approximately 2,000 square kilometers of forest near the Podkamennaya Tunguska River. The blast is believed to have been caused by the airburst of a meteoroid or comet fragment at an altitude of 5 to 10 kilometers above the Earth's surface. Although no direct impact crater was found, the explosion is estimated to have released energy equivalent to 10–15 megatons of TNT, which is about 1,000 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. This event remains the largest impact event on Earth in recorded history and has greatly influenced scientific understanding of meteoroid airbursts and planetary defense. On June 30, 1934, the political landscape of Germany was violently altered by the Night of the

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EAST ALTON — The East Alton Fire Department responded to a structure fire Sunday morning, June 29, 2025, in the 100 block of Northmoor Place that caused major damage to the home. Fire Chief Jeremy Dively said firefighters arrived to find the fire extending through the roof and throughout the house. Crews initially made an interior attack but had to pull back when the roof peak began to sag. They then shifted to a defensive strategy. A box alarm was requested, bringing additional support from the Wood River, Rosewood Heights, Roxana, and Alton Fire Departments. The response was complicated by several challenges, including a water supply problem caused by a water main break, an aggressive dog in the backyard, and power line issues, Dively said. The Illinois State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire, which remains unknown. No injuries were reported.

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June 28th and 29th are dates that echo through the corridors of history. One of the most impactful events in global history associated with June 28th occurred in 1919, when the Treaty of Versailles was signed, officially ending World War I. The treaty was signed at the Palace of Versailles in France and marked a monumental moment in international relations. The agreement held Germany accountable for the war and imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses. While it aimed to secure lasting peace, the treaty’s harsh terms sowed seeds of discontent that would eventually contribute to the outbreak of World War II two decades later. This pivotal moment reshaped political boundaries and international diplomacy, influencing global affairs throughout the 20th century. Going back further, June 28th, 1389, is etched in history for the Battle of Kosovo, fought between the Serbian Prince Lazar and the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Murad I. This battle was significant in the expansion

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court heeded his call and ruled 5-4 in favor of maintaining the strength of the bipartisan First Step Act in Hewitt v. United States : “This is a win for criminal justice reform at the Supreme Court. “Our historic criminal justice reform law is a beacon for successful, smart-on-crime policies and continues to withstand the test of time. Congress wanted to make sure that sentencing reforms applied to all individuals subject to federal sentencing after the law’s enactment.” “I’m pleased that the Supreme Court rejected the Fifth Circuit’s faulty interpretation that would’ve narrowed the scope of our law, so that the First Step Act can continue making our justice system fairer and our communities safer.” Championed by Senators Durbin, Grassley, Booker, and Lee,

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) along with U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) today introduced a resolution recognizing Tunisia’s leadership in the Arab Spring and expressing support for upholding its democratic principles and norms. Under the country’s current President Kais Saied, Tunisia has seen a recent backslide of the democratic gains made in the years following the Arab Spring. This includes a notable increase in arrests of political opponents and critics of his Administration. Specifically, the Senators’ resolution: Recognizes Tunisia as the symbolic birthplace of the historic Arab Spring movement and the country’s notable democratic reforms that emerged during that period; Commends the Tunisian people for their courage and democratic achievements made in the immediate years following the Arab Spring; Expresses deep concern for more recent reversals

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