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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) today called on Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley to convene a hearing on the Trump Administration’s violations of the right to due process. Senator Welch and Ranking Member Durbin were joined by every Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. “The Senate Judiciary Committee has a special responsibility to examine whether the Executive Branch has circumvented the Constitution in carrying out its policy agenda. We urge you to schedule an immediate hearing on the administration’s infringement of this critical constitutional right,” Democratic Senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee write. The Senators add, “For over two centuries, America’s commitment to due process has helped define us as a free nation. In recent months, President Trump has repeatedly departed from

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ALTON – YWCA Southwestern Illinois is now enrolling children for its 2025 Summer Camp, a dynamic 10-week adventure filled with hands-on learning, creativity, and nonstop summer fun! Running from June 2 through Aug. 8, 2025, the camp offers full-day programming Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with core activities scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Designed for working families and curious kids alike, this summer camp is the perfect blend of enrichment and excitement. Each two-week theme gives campers the opportunity to dive deep into new worlds and explore big ideas through engaging, age-appropriate activities: ? Weeks 1–2: Space Explorers ? Weeks 3–4: Dino Mania ? Weeks 5–6: Artistry Adventures ? Weeks 7–8: STEM-tastic ? Weeks 9–10: Around the World in 10 Days Campers will participate in daily STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities, Social Emotional Learning, and experience enriching visits from special guests

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S T. LOUIS — Soldiers Memorial Military Museum will hold its annual Memorial Day Program on Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10 a.m. This solemn and powerful event honors the memory of America’s fallen service members and includes a wreath-laying ceremony, keynote address, and musical tribute. The program features a keynote address by Maj. Gen. Charles D. Bolton, Commander of the 18th Air Force at Scott Air Force Base. The Red and Black Brass Band will perform the National Anthem and “Taps,” while representatives from the American Legion and the City of St. Louis will offer remarks. “This Memorial Day, we invite the community to join us in reflecting on the sacrifice and service of those who gave their lives in defense of our country,” said Mark Sundlov, Managing Director of Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. Program: Invocation by Rev. James Williams POW/MIA Remembrance Service Remarks from the office of the Mayor of the City of St. Louis Procession

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul and a coalition of attorneys general issued a joint statement after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in their case fighting the Trump administration’s attempt to end birthright citizenship. Attorney General Raoul joins the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington in issuing the following statement: “We were proud to stand together to defend birthright citizenship and the rule of law at the U.S. Supreme Court today. For 127 years, since the Supreme Court settled the issue, the law has been clear: If you are born in this country, you are a citizen of the United States and of our states. Administrations of both parties have consistently respected that right ever since. As every court to have considered the policy agrees,

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CHICAGO – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-led a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting a legal challenge to two of President Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives. Raoul and the coalition filed their brief in National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education v. Trump before the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. The plaintiffs in the case, higher education associations and the city of Baltimore, challenged vague provisions in the executive orders that direct federal agencies to terminate “equity-related grants or contracts” and to include in contracts or grant awards a requirement that recipients certify that they do not operate programs promoting “diversity, equity and inclusion.” One of the orders also directed the U.S. Attorney General to encourage the private sector to end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting where he outlined how Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi’s Justice Department is already stonewalling the Committee’s oversight efforts. Durbin also reiterated his calls for AG Bondi to provide to the Committee a memo she purportedly gave to the White House Counsel’s Office deeming President Trump’s attempted acquisition of a private jet as a gift from the royal family of Qatar “legally permissible,” despite its unconstitutionality and her clear conflict of interest with Qatar from past lobbying work. During his remarks, Durbin also noted that by this time in the Biden Administration, Durbin, as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, had convened Judiciary Committee oversight hearings with the FBI and the Bureau of Prisons. He

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today nonfarm payrolls increased +4,100 (+0.1%) over-the-month to a new record high of 6,172,500 in April. The previous record was set in last month, with 6,168,400 jobs. Additionally, the March monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report of +14,800 to +10,900. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.8 percent in April, while the revised unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, unchanged from the preliminary March unemployment rate. The April payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. The industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job increases included: Government (+2,700), Private Education and Health Services (+1,700), and Leisure and Hospitality (+1,500). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll job decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-1,400), Manufacturing (-1,200) and Other Services

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WASHINGTON – During today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on the White House to work in good faith with Senators from both sides of the aisle to find U.S. Attorney candidates who will have home state support. Durbin cautioned that while this has been the case for filling some vacancies, not all Democratic Senators have been afforded the same opportunity to consult with the Trump White House. Durbin also noted that because of then-Senator J.D. Vance holding U.S. Attorney nominations during the Biden Administration, there is now a new precedent for roll call votes on the Floor for confirming U.S. Attorney nominees. For decades, the Senate confirmed U.S. Attorneys by voice vote or unanimous consent after they had been considered in the Judiciary Committee. That precedent changed during the Biden Administration when a Senate Republican refused

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Branch of the NAACP proudly announces its 60th annual Freedom Fund Banquet, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 3 p.m. in the elegant Meridian Ballroom on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). This year’s banquet carries the timely and empowering theme: “Champions of Change: Building a Better Tomorrow.” The keynote address will be delivered by Orvin Kimbrough, Chairman and CEO of Midwest BankCentre and author of the inspiring memoir, “Twice Over A Man: A Fierce Memoir of an Orphan Boy Who Doggedly Determined a Finer Life.” Mr. Kimbrough’s journey from hardship to executive leadership embodies the perseverance, vision, and transformative impact that the NAACP continues to promote and support. Evening Highlights Include: Keynote speech by Orvin Kimbrough Recognition of local community leaders and youth scholars A full-course dinner and live entertainment Reflections on th

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STAUNTON – Rural broadband is more than making an Internet connection, it’s about connecting people and giving back to our local communities. This year marks the 20th year that Madison Communications has sponsored the Teacher of the Year Awards contest! Madison has proudly contributed over $35,000 to local area schools through this program. The Teacher of the Year program annually presents an award to three teachers, however this year they celebrated by awarding the top five teachers to celebrate their 20th contest year! The contest takes place from March 1 – May 1 and is divided into the nomination and voting phase. During the month of March, Madison received a total of 212 nominations and during the month of April, the teachers received OVER 20,000 votes! The five teachers who received the highest number of votes were announced May 1 on social media platforms as well as on their website! The 2025 Teacher of the Year winners are Breanna Seely from Mt. Olive Elementary

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt held a press conference to highlight legislation that would stop gyms and fitness centers from cancelling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership. “This bill is about fairness, trust, and making sure that when a business offers a lifetime membership, it actually means lifetime membership — not one year, not until they decide to change the deal, but for the life of the customer,” said Belt (D-Swansea). "We’re setting a fair and clear standard that responsible businesses are already following and that gym-goers deserve.” Senate Bill 314 requires physical fitness centers that offer so-called “lifetime memberships” to be upfront and transparent about any provisions in the contract that would allow them to raise prices or reduce benefits. These terms must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed — no fine print, no legal gymnastics. The bill also includes commonsense exceptions.

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ALTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project, in partnership with Jacoby Arts Center, is excited to announce its inaugural Plein Air art competition, “Mississippi Riverscapes.” This event is an open-air painting and drawing competition at Rivers Project recreation areas throughout the month of June and is open to all amateur and professional artists ages 16 and up. Artists will compete for regional and cash prizes, including a weekend artist retreat at the Green Tree Inn in Elsah, IL. The competition will conclude with the opening of the new “Mississippi Riverscapes” temporary art exhibit at the National Great Rivers Museum which will feature the artwork of all participants, as well as information about the featured Rivers Project recreation sites. Artists may paint or draw independently at any of eight selected Rivers Project recreation sites, any time between June 1st and June 22nd, 2025. For a one-time entry fee of $25, artists may submit

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TROY, Mo. — Ellie Sitton has been named the recipient of the inaugural Troy Fire Association Scholarship, the Troy Fire Protection District announced May 17. The district recognized Sitton for her commitment to helping others and extended best wishes for her future endeavors. The scholarship aims to support individuals who demonstrate dedication to community service. The Troy Fire Protection District congratulated Sitton in a public statement, highlighting her achievements and expressing admiration for her dedication. Sitton is an outstanding Triad High School student-athlete. She was a finalist in the IHSA Girls Sectional at Edwardsville in November 2024, placing fourth in the 50 freestyle with a time of 25.18 and sixth in the 100 breast with a time of 1:13.05.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Multiple Fairview Heights Police officers were shot Saturday night during an encounter with a suspicious individual on Potomac Drive, authorities said. At 9:44 p.m., May 17, 2025, officers were dispatched to the neighborhood after a report of someone prowling near a residence. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the individual, who then opened fire, striking multiple officers. The injured officers were taken to two local hospitals and are currently receiving treatment, the Fairview Heights Police Department said. The suspect is in police custody. The Fairview Heights Police Department described the investigation as active and ongoing and said limited information is available at this time. Officials expressed gratitude for the quick response of the officers and emergency personnel. “We are grateful for the quick actions of our responding officers and emergency personnel,” the department said in a statement. “Please keep our injured

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with leadership from National Public Radio (NPR) stations across Illinois to discuss the importance of continuing to fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), NPR, and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) after President Trump issued an executive order seeking to prohibit these programs from receiving any federal funds. “As a democracy, we should pride ourselves on having freedom of the press. Yet, the Trump Administration continues to threaten journalists and news outlets, including our public media,” said Durbin. “NPR and PBS provide unbiased, informative news to Illinoisans, especially those who live in rural areas. We cannot let the Trump Administration bulldoze the press, which holds our government accountable. I will continue to fight for and protect funding and support for public media in Illinois.”

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a Montgomery County man was sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office prosecuted Troy A. Shull, 46, who was sentenced by Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Matoush after pleading guilty to three Class 2 felony counts of possessing child pornography. His 18-year sentence will be followed by three years to life of mandatory supervised release, and he will also register as a sex offender for life. “The young victims who are exploited and abused by child sexual abuse material deserve the justice this sentence represents, and I am hopeful it helps as they continue to heal fro

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and six other Senate national security leaders urging Acting Inspector General of the Department of Defense (DOD) Steven Stebbins to open an inquiry into DOD’s involvement facilitating the transfer of an unprecedented foreign gift intended for President Trump’s personal use. The Senators’ letter follows reports that President Donald Trump will accept a $400 million luxury plane as a gift from the Qatari government, in violation of the Constitution. “DOD risks becoming embroiled in a brazen attempt to evade constitutional limitations on the acceptance of personal gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval. The Constitution provides that ‘no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title,

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CHICAGO— New Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) administrative rules now require all casinos statewide to conduct mandatory human trafficking recognition training, develop, document and implement human trafficking training and reporting procedures, and post human trafficking awareness notices. “Human traffickers often target casinos and hospitality venues to conduct their illegal activities,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “By adopting mandatory human trafficking recognition training, establishing minimum requirements for that training and requiring casino operators to implement appropriate reporting and signage protocols, the IGB, while working in partnership with the Illinois State Police (ISP) and other law enforcement agencies, is taking meaningful steps to combat these heinous crimes.” “Human trafficking is one of the most underreported and under-identified crimes,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Because human trafficking

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MAKANDA - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Senator Dale Fowler and local leaders to celebrate the opening of a new enclosed horse arena at Giant City Stables. The new enclosed facility, part of Giant City State Park in southern Illinois, will offer year-round therapeutic horse-riding for youth, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, as well as riding lessons and trail rides for the park’s visitors. The design offers greater privacy for therapeutic riding lessons, while preserving the dignity of clients and their families. “My administration has worked hard to invest in facilities and programming like the ones at Giant City State Park—those that are mission-focused and community-oriented,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Over many decades, Giant City Stables has helped countless individuals, their families, and their communities

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BELLEVILLE – Illinois American Water's most recent Water Quality Reports are now available for all service areas on the company’s website at illinoisamwater.com . The company continues working to uphold its commitment to meet or surpass both state and federal water quality standards for regulated substances, including lead. “At Illinois American Water, our mission is to provide safe, clean and reliable water to our customers,” said Rebecca Losli, President, Illinois American Water. “Our annual reports inform customers about their water quality, the comprehensive testing we conduct, and our continuous investments in treatment technologies and infrastructure improvements.” The 2024 annual water quality report, also known as a “consumer confidence report,” details the quality of water the company provides to its customers using data collected from water quality testing in its local systems between January and December 2024. It highlights

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