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CHICAGO - Today Governor JB Pritzker joined advocates, healthcare professionals, and patients to announce that the latest round of relief in the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program has abolished more than $220 million dollars in medical debt for approximately, 170,000 additional individuals statewide. The average amount of debt abolished per person during this round is nearly $1,300, bringing the program’s total erased debt to more than $345 million dollars for nearly 270,000 Illinois residents. This event comes on the heels of the Governor’s State of the State address and FY26 proposed budget, where he laid out the state’s plans to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Illinoisans. “We started this program with a simple premise: in a healthy and functioning society, no one should be in financial ruin simply because they get sick,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This program makes a major impact on the lives of the most vulnerable Illinoisans

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Springfield, IL – On Wednesday, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) joined Senator Celina Villanueva and Representative Will Davis to unveil legislation to reform the Illinois Commercial Safety Towing Law and crack down on predatory towing practices. ICC Chief of Police Ruben Ramirez Jr. joined the lawmakers at a Springfield press conference to express support for the enforcement changes. “As ICC Chief of Police for the last five years, predatory towing operations have been a consistent thorn in our side. My officers conduct weekly joint details to catch irresponsible towers in the act, and our agency has raised violation fines, but we’re limited with what we can do in our enforcement efforts,” said ICC Police Chief Ruben Ramirez Jr. “Instead of fining the same bad actors again and again, the ICC needs stronger enforcement tools to stop predatory towers from being able to tow peoples’ cars in the first place.” Repeat offenders have racked

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement after voting against the House Republican budget resolution. The resolution would raise the federal deficit by more than $4 trillion through tax breaks for billionaires and large corporations. At the same time, it calls for making as much as $2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, nutrition assistance, education programs, and other vital public programs. "This budget proposal from President Trump and House Republicans clearly signals that they care more about tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations than protecting healthcare, nutrition assistance, child care, or early childhood education,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “By proposing devastating cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, they are risking the well-being of more than 90,000 children in my district. A 60-year-old couple with a household income of $85,000 could see their health insurance costs increase by more than $24,000.

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CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker, Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth, and various members of the Illinois congressional delegation issued a joint letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director, Russell Vought. The letter demands action and accountability from OMB on the approximately $1.88 billion in funding that is being withheld from taxpayers despite numerous court orders and a rescission of the original OMB memo issued on January 27, 2025. The letter provides an update that as of mid-February many agencies and organizations in Illinois have reported an inability to access funds, with some in danger of needing to pause operations, cancel projects, or lay off staff. Impacted grant programs and organizations include, but are not limited to: Nine state agencies, boards, and commissions have a total of $692 million in federal funds obligated but not yet received, and they are unable to access those funds. 10 state agencies, boards, and commissions

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CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker delivered remarks on day one of the 2025 Together for Democracy conference, hosted by Democracy Forward at the National Press Club. The Together for Democracy Conference audience included around 250 lawyers, advocates, and organizational leaders working to navigate and counteract the unlawful actions of the Trump administration. Other speakers included Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and former Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The Governor’s full remarks are included below. 2025 Together for Democracy Conference Tuesday, February 25, 2025 *Remarks as Prepared for Delivery* Good afternoon, everyone! I am honored to be here at the 2025 Democracy Forward Conference. I want to begin with a thank you. Thank you to the lawyers, activists, advocates, and thought leaders assembled here today. Thank you for your late nights, for your early mornings, thank you for leaving family functions to formulate legal

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ALTON – Coming Spring of 2025 Print Media Corporation and PMC Signs are proud to announce the official opening of their new facility at 3401 E Broadway, Alton, IL 62002 . The opening marks an exciting new chapter for both companies, offering expanded space, enhanced capabilities, and an even greater commitment to delivering high-quality signage, digital and traditional marketing, and printing solutions to clients across the region. The new location will serve as the central hub for PMC Signs, known for providing innovative custom signage solutions, including Digital Messaging LED Centers, Channel Letters, Wayfinding Signs, Monument Signs, and much more. The facility also houses Print Media Corporation, a leading provider of custom printing, branding, and design services, offering everything from business cards and brochures to custom apparel. Lance A. DeMond , President of PMC Signs, expressed his excitement about the expansion: "Today marks a significant milestone for

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, in a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) asked for unanimous consent (UC) to pass a resolution he introduced with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), as well as 21 other Senators, that would pledge support for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as President Trump and Elon Musk continue to illegally cut funding and resources at NIH. The resolution simply says that the work of NIH should not be subject to interruption, delay, or funding disruptions in violation of the law, and it reaffirms that the NIH workforce is essential to sustaining medical progress. U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) rejected Durbin’s UC request. “All the progress we have made , all the progress we hope to make is in danger because of Donald Trump and Elon Musk. That’s right—these two men promised to bring down the price of eggs, gasoline, and make housing more affordable. None of that ha

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11), and Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) announced the reintroduction of the Federal Retirement Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation to address a gap for federal employees who began their careers as temporary workers and were thus unable to make retirement contributions. The Federal Retirement Fairness Act will allow these workers to make catch-up contributions to ensure they can retire as planned. In the absence of this provision, many face an unfair choice: exit the federal service without complete retirement benefits or delay retirement to achieve full benefits. “Federal workers keep America running and these dedicated public servants deserve to retire with dignity,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “However, many federal workers – like postal employees – got their start in “non-career” roles that do not count

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CHICAGO - The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, has contracted leading global education company Kaplan to provide free test preparation courses to all students enrolled in Illinois’ public universities. Five Illinois community colleges are also included as part of a pilot program. Students at these institutions will have free access to Kaplan’s best-in-class preparation for professional licensing exams, graduate-level admissions exams, and credential exams, including comprehensive prep for the GRE®, GMAT®, LSAT®, MCAT®, NCLEX-RN®, USMLE®, Illinois State bar exam, real estate and securities exams, and more. They will also have access to a suite of professional and academic skills development courses from Kaplan. “Providing free test and licensing preparation courses for students is an important measure to help remove some of the financial barriers students face in advancing

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ALTON - Community members came out to the YWCA to speak one-on-one with Alton’s candidates ahead of the April 1, 2025, consolidated election. On Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, the YWCA and National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) hosted a Coffee with Candidates event that allowed community members to meet Alton’s mayoral, aldermanic, City Clerk and treasurer candidates. Attendees could chat with the candidates about their platforms and ask specific questions about issues affecting them. “We definitely want everybody to vote, but we want you to be educated,” explained Tanjela Johnson, president of NCNW. “We know a lot of people will hear Republican, Democrat, Independent, but we want you to be educated on what each candidate is standing for, what you’re voting for…We want you to be able to have conversations. Rather than being a debate, have conversations with the people that are running. Have those personal conversations and let the citizens ge

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered on Thursday, February 27 on the eastbound I-55/64 Poplar Street Bridge in East St. Louis, weather permitting. The eastbound center lane will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to repair the center attenuator. IDOT District 8 Operations crews will make the needed improvements and restore full access as soon as possible. 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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COLLINSVILLE — John Proffitt, a long-time advocate for Special Olympics, made his 17th plunge into Carlyle Lake on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Proffitt, who serves as the Crime Free Multi-Housing Coordinator for the Collinsville Police Department, has dedicated much of his life to public service, particularly in support of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Proffitt’s involvement with Special Olympics extends beyond the annual plunges. He has held various roles within the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run, including serving as a State Committee Member representing Leg 4/Region J, which encompasses the Metro East area. His commitment to the organization has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Flame of Hope Award in 2016 and the title of Leg 4 Officer of the Year in 2019. "John does not do any of this for the awards and recognition," a representative from the Collinsville Police Department said. "He is a man truly deserving of

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GRANITE CITY – 1st MidAmerica Credit Union announced its nine recipients of the Granite City Community Unit School District #9 Teacher Grants for the 2024 Fall Semester at the February 25 GCSD9 School Board Meeting. 1st MidAmerica Credit Union President/CEO Alan Meyer, Chief Experience Officer Amber Scott and Business Development Representative Martha Morse presented each honoree with a $250 grant. Below is a list of the nine honorees and how the $250 grant will be used: Allison Downing - Mitchell 3rd & 4th Grade • Bi-Lingual education tablets and portable translator device for non-English speaking students Jessica Farris - Prather Kindergarten • S.T.E.M. Kits Tiffany Kahn - Mitchell 3rd Grade • Chromebook Charging Station Kay Lanfersieck - Prather Kindergarten • Sensory Bins for Special Education classes Patrick McBride - Mitchell 3rd Grade • Chromebook Charging Station and extra chargers Tracy Noud - Frohardt/Mitchell

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EDWARDSVILLE - How many points are the Queen worth? Can the Pawn move backwards? What happens when you capture the King? These questions are answered in swift succession by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s Project Success students. They have been taking chess lessons from Phillip Berry, 40 Days of Nonviolence and Beyond staff member and longtime chess coach. Chess lessons are one of the activities provided during the project that began Jan. 28 and will conclude on March 4. SIUE is one of many partners working with the 40 Days of Nonviolence and Beyond committee in its ongoing mission to deter and ultimately eliminate violence in the East St. Louis area. “Chess is a strategy game. It’s one of the oldest games known to man, and the purpose is to capture the king on the other side,” said Berry, owner of his company, Chess for Change. “You have to learn strategic thinking, critical thinking and pattern recognition.”

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EDWARDSVILLE - Patrick King has been officially sworn in as a Circuit Judge in the Third Judicial Circuit at the Madison County Courthouse in Edwardsville. The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Monsignor David Hoefler, who offered a prayer, as well as other clergy members Father Steven Janoski, Father Stephen Pohlman, and Father Jeff Goeckner. King’s appointment marks a significant transition in his career, moving from his previous role as a mediator and attorney at MillerKing LLC, where he practiced civil litigation, personal injury, and mediation since 2017. He has also served as a Guardian Ad Litem and has experience in various areas of law including criminal defense and estate planning. In his new position, King will preside over cases in Madison County, where he is expected to bring his extensive legal background to the bench. His experience in mediation, which he practiced from 2020 to 2025, may influence his approach to resolving disputes in court. Th

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Did you know that over 35% of American households engage in gardening activities? As spring approaches, many of these households will eagerly dig into their gardens, creating spaces that not only enhance their homes but also provide fresh produce, flowers, and a sense of tranquility. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious novice, preparing for your spring garden can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. With the right strategies, you can cultivate a thriving garden that bursts into life when the warmer months arrive. Assessing Your Space Before you plunge into planting, it’s essential to evaluate your gardening space. Every plot of land has its unique characteristics, which can influence your gardening choices significantly. Sunlight and Shade : Observe how sunlight interacts with your garden throughout the day. Most flowering plants and vegetables need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. If your yard has shaded areas, consider shade-tolerant plants like

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February 26th has witnessed some remarkable events throughout history, shaping the world in various ways. Moving back in time, let's revisit February 26, 1979, when the first successful test of the Space Shuttle took place. NASA’s Space Shuttle program was a monumental leap in space exploration, allowing for reusable spacecraft that could support missions in low Earth orbit. This pioneering event laid the groundwork for many future missions and contributed to the construction of the International Space Station, showcasing human ingenuity and the quest for knowledge beyond our planet. On February 26, 1993, the world witnessed a tragic event that shook the United States: the first bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City. A truck bomb exploded in the underground garage of the North Tower, killing six people and injuring over a thousand. This act of terrorism highlighted vulnerabilities in national security and prompted significant changes in U.S. counter-terrorism

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EDWARDSVILLE - State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is pleased to announce the return of her Traveling Office Hours for March. “I’m excited to bring back our Traveling Office Hours for 2025,” said Senator Harriss. “These events have been a great way to connect with residents across the district, and my team and I are committed to making government more accessible. Whether you have a question, need assistance, or just want to share your thoughts, we’re here to help.” Staff will be on hand to help constituents with any state issues they may have. Traveling Office Hours for March are scheduled as follows: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Hayner Public Library 132 Alton Square, Alton 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. East Alton Library 250 Washington Avenue, East Alton 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Wood River Public Library 326 E Ferguson Avenue, Wood River 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bethalto Public Library 321 S. Prairie Street, Bethalto

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ST. LOUIS - The American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis is helping to bridge access to health care for blood donors by providing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes, on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March. One-third of people lack access to regular primary care in the U.S., where diabetes affects 1 in 10 people and nearly a quarter of those living with it have been undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The free A1C screening aims to help address this gap by empowering blood donors with valuable information to maintain their health and well-being. This new offering is among the longtime work of the Red Cross to support the health of communities, which also includes disaster relief efforts such as basic disaster health and mental health services among other assistance. Visit RedCrossBlood.org , use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS to book a time to give in March

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GLEN CARBON – Major upgrades are coming to Schon Park in Glen Carbon following Village Board approval of a $260,000 agreement, putting the next phase of park improvements in motion. Phase 3 improvements include four pickleball courts, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, and a series of connecting paths, as shown in a site improvement plan from TWM, Inc. Work to be completed in future phases includes new pavillions, a soccer field, a fitness court, a new maintenance building, and a multi-purpose path. Public Works Director Scott Slemer said at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting he estimates construction on Phase 3 will begin in October of 2025. Trustees unanimously approved a $260,000 agreement with TWM, Inc. to perform engineering services for the Schon Park Phase 3 project. The full scope of the agreement includes design and construction engineering, bidding, permitting and review, grant application, and grant administration. Glen Carbon was recently awarded

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