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GLEN CARBON - In Illinois, families shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table and filling a prescription. Yet every day, that’s exactly the choice too many parents, grandparents, and caregivers are forced to make. Not because they’ve done anything wrong, but because a powerful, hidden middleman known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) has made it nearly impossible to keep up. Most people have never heard of PBMs, but they feel their impact every time they stand at the pharmacy counter and wonder why a much-needed medication suddenly costs so much. PBMs are the secretive middlemen between drug manufacturers, insurance companies, and local pharmacies. They negotiate drug prices, decide which drugs your insurance will cover, determine how much your neighborhood pharmacy gets paid, and then benefit from the savings that should be going to you. Illinois families work hard, budget carefully, raise kids, and care for aging parents, yet too often, they

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the Illinois State Fair invite veterans and their family members to enjoy a free day at the Illinois State Fair on Sunday, August 10, 2025. This celebration marks the 250th Birthdays of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. The speaking program will include readings and music relevant to the histories of the branches, and period clothing displays. The all-day veterans resource fair features representatives from veteran service organizations from across the state to provide valuable information and resources to veterans. The annual Veterans Day parade through the fairgrounds will conclude the celebration. A complimentary lunch is offered to veterans and their immediate family. “This is a special year for Veterans and Gold Star Families Day as we celebrate the birthdays of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps,” said IDVA Director Terry Prince.

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that Champaign County will receive $6.4 million in Head Start and Early Head Start funding. The competitive grant will serve 269 children and 111 infants and toddlers across the county. This announcement follows a letter of support that Budzinski, alongside Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), sent in December 2024 to secure this necessary funding. “Head Start programs provide vital educational and developmental support to working families in Central and Southern Illinois,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m pleased to announce that after our advocacy to secure these dollars, Champaign County has been awarded $6.4 million in Head Start and Early Head Start funding. Supporting early childhood education is one of my top priorities, and I’m going to keep fighting to protect programs like these that ensure every child is set up for success.” “Providing

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that 25 more license types are now available for licensure via the Department’s new online licensing system, CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment) . Today’s announcement marks the successful completion of CORE’s Phase 2, during which IDFPR added 88 license types to CORE. The license types added today are: Athletic Trainer Continuing Education Sponsor Optometry Continuing Education Sponsor Barber/Cosmetologist/Esthetician/Nail Technician Continuing Education Sponsor Prescribing Psychologist Clinical Rotations Program Canine Handler Training Course Professional Counselor Continuing Education Sponsor Dental/Dental Hygienist Continuing Education Sponsor Psychologist Continuing Education Sponsor Dietitian/Nutrition Counselor Continuing Education Sponsor Respiratory Care Practitioner Continuing Education Sponsor Environm

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA)—co-chairs of the U.S. Senate Environmental Justice Caucus— issued the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced his proposal to rescind the 2009 endangerment finding , a landmark determination that requires the EPA to address greenhouse gas emissions and pollution because of the threat that climate change poses to public health and welfare. By rescinding the endangerment finding, the Trump administration will effectively declaw the EPA, giving big businesses a green light to pollute our air and devastate environmental justice communities. “Once again, the Trump Administration is sacrificing our children’s future to protect polluters in the present. Trump and Zeldin are annihilating the key legal foundation that requires our government to act on climate change because it threatens the

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EAST St. Louis - Three people were shot outside a nightclub in East St. Louis early Saturday morning, according to authorities. East St. Louis police received a report of gunfire with a man down at 2:37 a.m. at Another Level nightclub, located at 600 Martin Luther King Drive. Officers responded along with agents from the Illinois State Police’s Public Safety Enforcement Group. Upon arrival, they found three victims who had been shot, the Illinois State Police said in a news release. All three victims were transported to a local hospital. There was no immediate information available about their conditions or the circumstances that led to the shooting. The Illinois State Police said the case remains under investigation. They are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact ISP at 847-294-4400 or email ISP.CrimeTips@Illinois.gov.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Young players participated in a clinic and heard from guest speakers Devon Alexander and Kweisi Kenyatte as a part of the annual Diversity Day program, presented by McConnell And Associates, on Wednesday aa a part of the Edwardsville Futures tennis tournament, presented by The EGHM Foundation, with the clinic held at Liberty Middle School, and the program in the auditorium of the Jon Davis Wrestling Center at Edwardsville High School. The annual event is designed to created playing opportunities for underserved communities, and three organizations participated in this year's clinic. The Net Rushers Community Tennis Association from north St. Louis City and County, the East St. Louis Community Tennis Association, and Breakpoint Tennis and Life Skills Academy of St. Louis, who all provide tennis opportunities for children and players in underserved communities and areas of St. Louis. The players were all treated to pizza and soda for lunch during the program,

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GODFREY - Community members and their dogs enjoyed the grand opening of the Godfrey dog park. On Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, Village of Godfrey officials and residents celebrated the new dog park at Glazebrook Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mayor Mike McCormick thanked Beth Heinz, who helped fund and advocate for the park, and expressed his excitement for the village’s newest amenity. “Once Beth walked into my office, I knew we were going to have a dog park, and I want to thank her for that,” McCormick said. “I think this is a nice addition to the Village of Godfrey.” McCormick thanked Jim Lewis and the Public Works Department for their commitment to building the dog park. He also thanked Liz Campbell, who helped connect Beth to the Village of Godfrey. Beth Heinz worked hard to make the dog park a reality in honor of her late father-in-law, Max Heinz. Max served on the Park Board for many years and always wanted to establish a dog park. Bet

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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 Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and 14 of their colleagues in pressing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to reinstate employees placed on administrative leave after they signed a “Declaration of Dissent” expressing concern with the agency’s direction under the Trump Administration. In their letter, the Senators stress that employees have the legal right to speak out on matters of public concern in their personal capacities under the First Amendment, as affirmed by the Supreme Court. “We write to you with deep concerns regarding recent reporting that you placed more than 140 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees on administrative leave after they signed a ‘Declaration of Dissent’ on June 30, 2025. Federal employees are permitted to speak out on matters of public concern in their personal capacities

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor’s (IDOL) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (IL OSHA) has released a new fact sheet highlighting the top 20 safety violations identified during water and sewer department inspections conducted in recent years. IL OSHA inspects municipal water and sewer departments across the state to help ensure employees working in high-risk environments are protected from hazards that can lead to serious injury or death. The fact sheet provides a summary of the most frequently cited standards and offers corrective recommendations that municipal departments can use to improve workplace safety and health. Common violations cited in the latest fact sheet involve working in tight spaces, breathing safely, protection from moving machine parts, and making sure machines that are turned off stay off. “Many of these hazards can be mitigated with proper training, written procedures, and regular maintenance,” said IL OSHA Division

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department has announced preparations for Puddle of Mudd’s concert at the Alton Amphitheater this Saturday evening, Aug. 2, 2025. The rock band is scheduled to perform at 1 Riverfront Drive, Alton, with gates opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase, with VIP admission priced at $80.50 and general admission at $42.75. Organizers advise attendees to secure valuables and lock vehicles to prevent theft during the event. The Alton Police Department outlined several venue rules that will be strictly enforced, including prohibitions on weapons, smoking or vaping in seating and lawn areas, outside food and beverages, pets, tailgating, loitering near vehicles, stage diving, crowd surfing, and alcohol consumption on public property outside the venue. Alton Police said officers and private security personnel will be present throughout the concert to maintain safety and order. The department encouraged concertgoers to prepare for an enjoyable

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GLEN CARBON — Several key initiatives led by State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) were officially signed into law today following the 2025 Spring Legislative Session. The measures address critical issues ranging from disability rights and public safety to fiscal responsibility and environmental accountability. “Each of these new laws represents common-sense reforms that put people first,” said Senator Harriss. “Whether it’s protecting vulnerable residents, simplifying government processes, or holding polluters accountable, I’m proud to see these efforts become law.” House Bill 57 updates the Essential Support Persons Act to include Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs) under the law’s protections. This change ensures that residents of CILAs have the same rights to receive essential visitors as those living in other state-regulated facilities. “This law guarantees that no resident is left isolated, and that

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SPRINGFIELD - Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed the following bills into law: Bill Number: HB0032 Description: Amends the Township Code. Permits a temporary deputy township supervisor to administer the township’s general assistance program and allows township parks and recreations departments to employ minors for youth sports activities. Action: Signed Effective: Immediately Bill Number: HB1715 Description: Repeals the statutory authority for the Department of Children and Family Services to appoint members of a police and security force. Action: Signed Effective: Immediately Bill Number: HB1754 Description: Creates the Tracking Infectious Cases Knowledgeably (TICK) Act, requiring DPH to provide educational materials and undertake a public awareness campaign on the tick-borne allergy, alpha-gal syndrome. Action: Signed Effective: Immediately Bill Number: B1806 Description: Prohibits licensed mental health professionals from using AI to make independent therapeutic

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today responded to official confirmation that the U.S. Department of Education has released previously withheld education funding to Illinois. Raoul joined a coalition in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s abrupt and unlawful decision to freeze this funding earlier this month. “This announcement is a significant victory for students, families and school districts across Illinois,” Raoul said. “The Trump administration’s attempt to withhold funding already appropriated by Congress was illegal and reckless. The move caused unnecessary chaos for many families who depend on vital programs supported by that funding, as well as school districts that were faced with exploding budget deficits overnight. I will continue to stand with other attorneys general to hold this administration accountable when it threatens the separation of powers and the rule of law.” On June 30, the Trump administration

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GODFREY – New and returning Lewis and Clark Community College students are invited to the Godfrey Campus for Trailblazer Welcome Day, from 1-4 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in preparation for the start of the fall semester. This new event is designed to help students become familiar with campus and learn what resources and services are available to them at the college. "Starting college can be overwhelming, especially for students who are the first in their families to attend," said Edwardsville Community Education Center (CEC) Coordinator Cathy Laramee. "This event aims to reduce some of that anxiety and stress by allowing students to explore the campus, locate their classrooms, and connect with individuals who are here to support them." Laramee hopes students leave the event feeling a sense of belonging, knowing where to find help if they need it, and having more confidence about their future. She emphasized the importance of creating a positive first experience.

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SPRINGFIELD - The hunting and trapping seasons for gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) are closed effective immediately. Surveys and preliminary results of current research indicate a substantial decline in gray fox distribution and abundance in the last ten years. Even though Illinois hunters and trappers harvest very few gray foxes, this closure will remove any additional pressure and additive mortality from harvest. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will continue to conduct annual surveys and evaluate the gray fox population in Illinois. On June 30, Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law Public Act 104-0019 , which changed language in the Illinois Wildlife Code and allows IDNR to open or close the gray fox season by administrative rule. This bill was an IDNR initiative with broad support from diverse conservation groups including the Illinois Trappers Association and support from legislators across the state. On July 9, the department filed administrative rules

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EVANSTON- Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders, Chief Officer for Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Dr. Dana Weiner, bill sponsors, and local elected officials to sign SB1560. Supported by the Illinois State Board of Education and children’s behavioral health advocates, the bill builds on previous legislation by offering cost-free mental health screening tools to Illinois public schools and partnering with psychiatric hospitals to inform parents and caregivers about the BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) Portal. “Access to mental healthcare—especially for children—is too often overlooked or ignored. Since the formation of the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, we’ve seen our state agencies work closely together and swiftly make progress in evaluating and redesigning the support systems we need to ensure that our children are healthy,” said Governor

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Cartersville, GA – Doehler Dry Ingredient Solutions, LLC is recalling Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack 15 count boxes, UPC 1 93968 50900 2 due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes . Listeria monocytogenes , an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. No illnesses have been reported to date. Products affected are: PRODUCT SIZE UPC LOT/MFG CODES USE BY DATE Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack 15 count 1 93968 50900 2 25175 06/24/2027 Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack 15 count 1 93968 50900 2 25176 06/25/2027

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ST. LOUIS - With nearly 1.5 million people suffering from rheumatoid and juvenile arthritis in the United States, researchers at Shriners Children’s St. Louis have discovered a new way to potentially minimize flare-ups and symptoms while also preventing the progression of the disease. Shriners Children’s St. Louis Director of Research Dr. Farshid Guilak recently published findings on a revolutionary new method of “chronotherapy,” the administration of drugs based on the body’s circadian rhythm, potentially changing the way the condition is treated in the future. Circadian rhythm refers to the body's 24-hour clock, which is regulated by the brain and responds to light. Using a combination of synthetic biology and tissue engineering, Dr. Guilak’s research team developed circadian-based gene circuits, termed “chronogenetics,” that can be programmed into stem cells that, once implanted in the body, align with a patient’s natural

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ALTON – A woman from Alton faces felony animal cruelty charges after she allegedly intentionally starved three dogs and left them in “deplorable conditions” inside her now-abandoned former home. Lesley L. Joe, 51, of Alton, was charged on July 29, 2025, with three counts of animal cruelty, each Class 4 felonies. Joe allegedly intentionally withheld food from three dogs: a 4-5 year-old white pit bull mix named Patron, another 4-5 year-old white pit bull mix named Ghost, and a 1-2 year-old pit bull mix named Gibbs. All three dogs reportedly suffered extreme malnourishment; Gibbs was rendered unable to walk and reportedly died as a result of Joe’s neglect. According to the state’s petition to deny Joe’s pretrial release, Joe left all three dogs in “deplorable conditions” while in the process of permanently leaving her Alton residence. The city’s Building and Zoning Department “condemned the residence as being unfit for habitation

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