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SPRINGFIELD – With cases of measles being reported in more than 20 jurisdictions around the United States, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has unveiled a new data dashboard to help school officials and members of the public assess the potential severity of any outbreaks of measles, should one occur in Illinois. The new Measles Outbreak Simulator Dashboard makes it easy for the public to find out the measles vaccination rate in any school in Illinois, public or private, and to determine the risk of a child being exposed to measles if a case is introduced in their school. Illinois has had no reported cases of measles since an outbreak in Chicago in early 2024 and there are currently no active measles outbreak investigations in Illinois. However, IDPH officials are closely monitoring an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico that has resulted in more than 530 confirmed cases, including three deaths, two of them children. “IDPH continues to work closely wit

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JERSEYVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting 18 workshops throughout the state to help local governments and communities learn about and apply for funding opportunities. The Special Programs Assistance Conferences are designed to help potential grantees take part in the department’s Economic Development Program, Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program and Safe Routes to School Program. “Thanks to Gov. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, there is more opportunity than ever for our local partners to work with us to accomplish projects that improve mobility, safety and quality of life in their communities,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “These workshops are a one-stop shop to learn about some of our more popular programs, as well as to get help tapping into the tools and resources that can make a positive impact in cities, towns and neighborhoods across Illinois." The events are geared

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is spearheading an effort to recognize the legacy and impact of former Governor and Secretary of State Jim Edgar by designating the Jim Edgar Reading Room at the Illinois State Library. “It’s a privilege to honor the legacy of Governor Jim Edgar – an incredible statesman, advocate and friend – for his career of service to our state and its citizens,” Giannoulias said. “The Jim Edgar Reading Room celebrates the former Governor and Secretary of State’s vital contributions to the state’s library and literacy programs, which continue to have had an indelible impact throughout our state.” Giannoulias drafted House Joint Resolution 0025 , which formally names the Reading Room in Edgar’s honor. The bipartisan resolution passed the Illinois House Tuesday and now heads to the Senate for a vote. Serving as State Librarian during his term as Secretary of State, Edgar oversaw

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) today introduced the Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act . The bipartisan legislation would correct abuses of the bankruptcy process that deprive employees and retirees of their hard-earned wages, benefits, and retirement savings. As businesses’ bankruptcy filings have increased, jobs, pensions, and long-promised benefits are at risk. Yet, laws have not adapted to give employees and retirees a fair shake in the bankruptcy process. The Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act would modify Chapter 11 bankruptcy procedures by expanding available claims for employees and retirees and granting them improved priority, while placing restrictions on excessive compensation for executives. “When their company files for bankruptcy, employees should not have to worry that the

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 22 attorneys general, today sent a letter to the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives and the House Financial Services Committee urging the House to vote against a resolution that would overturn the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) 2024 rule limiting overdraft fees imposed by the country’s largest banks. The rule prevents big banks from charging excessive overdraft fees that can hurt their customers’ credit and sometimes lead to account closures. “Vulnerable families cannot afford the burden of overdraft fees and resulting damage to their credit as they try to pay for necessities on top of additional debt they may have. That is why I am urging the House to vote against the overturning of CFPB’s 2024 rule limiting excessive overdraft fees,” Raoul said. “I will continue to protect consumers in Illinois and across the nation from excessive fees tha

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today led U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tina Smith (D-MN) in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers about the closure of five regional Head Start offices across the country, including the Region 5 office in Chicago. The Region 5 office serves Head Start grantees in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. In their letter, the lawmakers made clear that Secretary Kennedy’s decision will harm children’s access to early education and cut jobs for hardworking Midwesterners dedicated to early childhood development. “We are writing to express concern with your April 1, 2025, announcement that the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Head Start (OHS) plans to close five regional offices across th

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois youth turkey hunters harvested a preliminary record total of 2,091 birds during the 2025 youth turkey season, breaking the previous harvest record of 2,010 set in 2024. The dates for this year's season were March 29-30 and April 5-6. A total of 6,573 youth turkey permits were issued this year, compared to 6,541 in 2024. The top five counties for harvest during this year's youth season were Jefferson, 69; Pike, 69; Randolph, 67; Fayette, 62; and Macoupin, 60. The following table shows preliminary harvest figures for the youth turkey season by county for 2024 and 2025: County 2024 2025 AD 49 50 ALEXANDER 24 13 BOND 18 20 BOONE 4 4 BROWN 35 39 BUREAU 14 19 CALHOUN 24 38 CARROLL 8 9 CASS 19 24 CHAMPAIGN 3 6 CHRISTIAN 6 7 CLARK 32 28 CLAY 49 49 CLINTON 30 31 COLES 7 7 CRAWFORD

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in sending a bipartisan letter to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to restore integrity, stability, and growth to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the U.S. biofuel sector by raising Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) levels for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels. In a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the Senators pressed EPA to implement multi-year RVO standards to provide certainty and growth for the biofuels industry. “The biofuels market continues to expand to new frontiers including marine shipping, aviation and rail. These markets are driven in part by demand for low carbon fuels that biofuels can uniquely provide … biofuels provide a buffer to market fluctuations in the liquid fue

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Foreign Relations (SFRC) Committees—and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-DE) and other Senate Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump expressing concern over the firing of the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) General Timothy Haugh, as well as the reassignment of the Deputy Director of the NSA Wendy Noble. “These actions severely compromise our ability to keep Americans safe,” the Senators wrote. “As you are well aware, our nation currently faces serious cyber threats from foreign adversaries, such as from China’s Salt Typhoon, with near-daily attacks against our critical infrastructure. In addition, our nation’s military is engaged in ongoing

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and 22 Senators in writing to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Tedd Lyons. The Senators’ letter urged Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a father who was living legally, under a protected status, in Maryland with his family until he was wrongfully deported without due process by the Trump Administration last month to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. The Administration has admitted that Abrego Garcia’s deportation was the result of an “administrative error.” In their letter, the Senators call on the Trump Administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return and ask for responses to questions regarding ICE’s enforcement policies

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the Senate floor slamming the Trump Administration for its attempts to dismantle the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the harmful impacts it will have on medical research across the country, including in red states. Durbin began his remarks by highlighting the importance of NIH funding to patients nationwide. Durbin said, “There is certainty in funding medical research. Certainty in knowing that while not all trials, experiments, and grants will result in a breakthrough—some of them will. Because of medical research, kids with ear infections or pneumonia can find relief in antibiotics; because of medical research, we have vaccines that have saved tens of millions of lives worldwide; because of medical research, we have anesthesia that allows patients to safely undergo major surgeries; because of medical research, people are surviving heart attacks, beating cancer, living with HIV/AIDS

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ranking Member Diana DeGette (CO-01), and five more members of the Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee marched to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today to demand a meeting with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. After waiting in the lobby for almost half an hour, Secretary Kennedy nor his office responded to schedule a meeting to explain recent layoffs and restructuring of HHS. “RFK Jr. is a coward. He followed orders from Elon Musk to fire 10,000 HHS employees, eliminated half of the HHS regional offices – including the one in Chicago that serves the Midwest – and now refuses to answer questions,” said Rep. Kelly . “Americans’ health should not be in the hands of RFK Jr., who refutes basic scientific truths. These DOGE-led layoffs are cruel, politically motivated, and will irreversibly damage public health.” On March 27, Secretary Kennedy announced the termination of

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GODFREY – The New Horizons Band of Godfrey presents Sounds of Spring on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 7 p.m. at the McNicholas Club (Godfrey KC Hall). Be prepared to mambo, tango, polka and waltz at the upcoming spring concert under the direction of Stanley Chytil on Saturday, April 26 at 7 p.m. at the McNicholas Club. The band will play some new and familiar hits and encourages everyone to tap their feet on the dance floor. Doors open one hour before the concert starts. Admission is $15 per person, children 12 and under are FREE. The McNicholas Club is located at 1713 Stamper Lane in Godfrey. A limited menu with many desserts and a cash bar will be available. The band currently consists of 40 adult musicians. This full-sized band presents the finest in Big-Band sounds. The New Horizons Band of Godfrey is a member of New Horizons International Music Association (NHIMA) and is one of many such bands across the United States that offer older citizens a chance to get back playing

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SPRINGFIELD - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) co-sponsored House Bill 1607 that creates the Commission on Eliminating Food Deserts Act. The bill helps state-led efforts to eliminate food deserts in Illinois, specifically in underserved communities and rural areas across the state. State Representative Kevin Schmidt said he’s proud to co-sponsor legislation that will expand access to healthy food and daily essentials for families in Illinois, including the East St. Louis community. “I support HB1607 because families should never have to struggle to find groceries and other daily essentials due to inadequate access to grocery stores,” said Rep. Schmidt. “This bill will help fill the gap in food insecurities we continue to see around the state, and it will also help create healthier lifestyles for families by having access to fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods.” Many factors contribute to causing a food desert,

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SPRINGFIELD — Today Governor JB Pritzker joined British officials at the Illinois State Capitol to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Illinois and the United Kingdom, building on a decades-long trade relationship between the two entities. The MOU, which focuses on advancing manufacturing in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors, was first agreed to during the Governor’s visit to the United Kingdom in 2023. “Now more than ever, it’s essential that states like in Illinois build and maintain healthy relationships with major trade partners—and for years, the United Kingdom has met Illinois with equal enthusiasm and desire for increased cooperation and partnership,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Signing this MOU is the next step in growing our strong trade relationship that will benefit both Illinois and the UK, and I look forward to seeing how this agreement will spur additional opportunities across sectors.” ‘The

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RIVERBEND - Hop into Easter fun with an Easter egg hunt! We’ve compiled the ultimate list of Easter egg hunts in the Riverbend, perfect for you and your little bunnies to enjoy. SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025 FSS Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt Date : Saturday, April 12, 2025 Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Location: Scott Event Center, Paegelow Street at Scott AFB Cost: Free More info: https://www.riverbender.com/events/details.cfm?seriesid=49360 Wood River Parks and Recreation Easter Egg Hunt Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025 Time: 10–11:30 a.m. Location: Central Park, 633 N. Wood River Avenue in Wood River Cost: Free More info: http://riverbender.com/events/details.cfm?seriesid=49304 Egg-strava-ganza Egg Hunt Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025 Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Location: Bethalto Church of God, 800 East Bethalto Boulevard in Bethalto Cost: Free More info: https://www.riverbender.com/events/details.cfm?seriesid=48971

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ALTON/JERSEY COUNTY - A man and a woman were apprehended following a vehicle crash that occurred after a police chase that began in Alton and extended into Jersey County on Tuesday night, April 8, 2025. The pursuit initiated in Alton and continued north into Jersey County. According to Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns, the suspect lost control of the vehicle near a sharp curve on Centennial Road, north of Highway 16, and crashed into a field. After the crash, the male driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot but was apprehended shortly thereafter. The female passenger remained in the car and was also taken into custody at the scene. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered drugs in the vehicle, Manns said. Sheriff Manns confirmed that both individuals were arrested and said that further details regarding the incident would be forthcoming.

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COLLINSVILLE – For the 24th consecutive year, Collinsville High School's student council has been named a National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils. The National Council of Excellence is an award program created by NASC to recognize student councils that maintain strong year-round programs and work to improve their schools and communities through their leadership activities. The award is founded on the four tenets of NASC (Leadership, Service, Engagement and Student Voice) and provides broad recognition for worthy efforts of NASC member councils. A student council must meet a variety of criteria to earn a National Council of Excellence Award. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings and a democratic election process, the councils must have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Student councils

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Local crime survivors, families of crime victims, and city leaders will gather on Saturday for a healing vigil aimed at raising awareness about victim compensation and other resources for recovery. The event, taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 5108 State St. in East St. Louis and is part of the nationwide observance of National Crime Victims Rights Week, organized by Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. Attendees will hold photographs of their lost loved ones while mourning and sharing their stories. The vigil will also serve as a platform for participants to learn about the state's victim compensation program, which provides financial assistance for expenses such as counseling and funeral costs. A national poll revealed that only 4% of violent crime survivors are aware of such compensation options. “Every state has a program, but 96% of victims of violent crime did not receive victim compensation to help in their recovery,&rdquo

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ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced intermittent lane closures will be encountered on the US 67 Clark Bridge over the Mississippi River beginning Thursday, April 10, 2025, weather permitting. These intermittent lane closures are necessary to allow for the completion of cable inspections scheduled for this structure. All work is estimated to be completed by Friday, June 13. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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