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WASHINGTON, D.C . — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity Act (Ag BIO Act), a bipartisan bill to support the biofuel economy in Illinois and across the country. The legislation updates the USDA’s Section 9003 program to expand access to grants, streamline loan guarantees, and provide $100 million in mandatory funding over five years. “My district is home to world-class research facilities like the University of Illinois’ Integrated Bioprocessing Research Lab and SIUE’s National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center—both at the forefront of biomanufacturing innovation,” said Congresswoman Budzinski . “I’m honored to partner with my colleague Zach Nunn on bipartisan legislation that supports the groundbreaking agricultural research led by students and scientists at these institutions. Strengthening America’s bioeconomy

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GRANITE CITY – In April, Revity Credit Union came together to raise $2,900 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois through the Revity Threads of Kindness Program. This program, funded by employees, allows Revity Credit Union staff to embody the credit union's philosophy of people helping people. By contributing a monthly monetary donation to a local organization, employees can enjoy wearing jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays throughout that month. In 2025, Revity Credit Union is committed to impactful giving and community support, weaving kindness into the fabric of our daily lives and ensuring that every jeans day makes a difference. BBBSIL was nominated as the recipient of our April Threads of Kindness donation, receiving $2,900. April also marks Credit Union Youth Month. To celebrate with our members, Revity Credit Union offered stuffed Revels, which are miniature versions of Revity’s mascot. Each Revel was available for a $10 donation to

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SPRINGFIELD – Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois issued the following statement in response to the election of Pope Leo XIV. “With profound joy and deep gratitude to God, the universal Catholic Church celebrates the election of Pope Leo XIV, our new Holy Father! This moment fills the hearts of the faithful with renewed hope, as the Church receives a new Vicar of Christ, a shepherd to lead us in truth, charity, and love. We give thanks for Pope Leo's XIV’s humble acceptance of this sacred responsibility. “As people of faith, let us lift up Pope Leo XIV in prayer that he may be strengthened in wisdom, courage, and compassion as he begins his ministry. Let us also pray that under his leadership, the Church will continue to be a beacon of light in a world overshadowed by confusion, hatred, and violence. May he inspire within us a deeper commitment to the holy Eucharist, prayer, and the Gospel message, and spark greater unity

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EDWARDSVILLE - Ashley Ridler prioritizes her students. Ridler, a third grade teacher at Albert Cassens Elementary School in the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7, shared that she decided to become a teacher so she could support her students’ growth and make sure they always had someone on their team. “I decided to become a teacher because I wanted to make a positive impact on children's lives and be a safe and supportive person for them,” she said. “I enjoy working with students because of the way they look at the world. They are so innovative, kind, and compassionate. They really make you look at the world differently!” Ridler is constantly inspired by her previous teachers and the teachers around her. She aspires to provide the same opportunities and love that her teachers gave to her. Because Ridler cares so deeply about each student, she tries to meet them where they’re at and give them the individualized support they nee

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department recognized the contributions of correctional officers during National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, observed May 4–10, 2025. This annual observance, established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, honors the role correctional professionals play in maintaining safety and order within correctional facilities. On May 7, 2025, the department presented its correctional officers with gift bags as a token of appreciation for their commitment and professionalism. The gift bags were prepared in partnership with Sacred Spaces of CARE, highlighting community support for the officers who work behind the scenes to ensure safety and rehabilitation. “Each officer received a thoughtfully prepared gift bag filled with goodies — a small token of our immense appreciation for their unwavering commitment and professionalism,” the Alton Police Department said in a statement. The week serves as a reminder to acknowledge

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SPRINGFIELD – On April 16, 2025, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) and the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) closed the State of Illinois Clean Water Initiative Revolving Fund Revenue and Refunding Bonds, Series 2025 (Green Bonds), and successfully yield $544.2 million of proceeds for Illinois EPA’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs. “Illinois continues to receive strong bids from the bond market, amid the economic uncertainty being created on the federal level,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our strong fiscal discipline is allowing us to save taxpayers money, while also providing local governments the capital to replace lead pipes and create economic opportunities across the state.” Consistent with prior bond issues, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, the Series 2025 Green Bonds were priced at a premium on March 31 and April 1. These new funds will support Illinois EPA’s mission of financing critical water infrastructure

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EAST ST. LOUIS — During Teacher Appreciation Week, East St. Louis School District 189 has recognized Imani Dyson, an 11th-grade English teacher at East St. Louis Senior High School, for her dedication to student learning and instructional excellence. The district highlighted Ms. Dyson in its Teacher Appreciation Spotlight, noting her collaborative approach and use of data to guide her teaching methods. Assistant Principal Delicia Ferrell praised Ms. Dyson, saying, “Ms. Dyson is collaborative and uses data to drive her instruction. Her classes are always engaging and rigorous, and she encourages her students to be independent thinkers.” The East St. Louis School District expressed gratitude for Ms. Dyson’s efforts in creating a classroom environment where students are challenged, supported and inspired. The recognition reflects the district’s commitment to honoring educators who contribute to shaping strong and thoughtful learners. Thank you to

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) announced that it resolved multiple complaints of unpaid wages and is distributing more than $483,000 to affected workers. The payments are part of a settlement agreement reached with Beecher, Illinois-based contractor, Bulk Storage, Inc. In addition to the wages recovered for the workers involved in the claims, the Contractor will pay $85,000 in penalties to IDOL. “This agreement underscores the importance of ensuring that workers are paid the wages they’ve earned and are owed,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. “Recovering these funds not only makes these workers whole but underscores that every employer on public works and construction projects is expected to follow the law and uphold their obligations.” After an investigation, IDOL determined the Contractor failed to pay wages and/or benefits to more than three dozen workers as required under the Illinois Prevailing

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O’FALLON, Ill. — Nathan T. Smith was sentenced Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to 40 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Ivan J. Marshall. The conviction stems from the May 22, 2022, shooting death of Marshall, a 20-year-old employee at Bella Milano restaurant in O’Fallon, Ill., who was fatally shot in the restaurant’s rear parking lot. Smith was the last of four individuals charged and convicted in connection with Marshall’s death. The other convicted defendants are Darrayvia D. Crump of Cahokia Heights, who was convicted of armed violence and sentenced to 20 years; Nautica A. Young, also of Cahokia Heights, convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 21 years; and Shadajah J. Denton, of Cahokia Heights, convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 25 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The O’Fallon Police Department acknowledged the assistance of the Major Case

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GRAFTON – Pere Marquette State Park will host the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair, featuring fun and educational activities for the entire family, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park, which is near Grafton on Illinois 100. There are no admission or parking fees, and no fishing license or gear is needed to participate. The fishing fair will feature a variety of outdoor activities. Participating children will find a catch-and-release bluegill pond, where young anglers can have their photograph taken with their catch. The popular One-Cast station ensures everyone wins a prize. And bow-fishing stations offer youth an opportunity to shoot at moving targets in a pool or at a three-dimensional target. Every child who completes at least seven stations will receive a prize and have a chance to catch trout from the pond. New to the fair this year will be Hall of Fame fisherman Jimmy Houston, who will entertain the crowd with his fishing wit and wisdom.

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with 20 attorneys general, won a court order stopping the Trump administration from dismantling three federal agencies that provide services and funding supporting public libraries, museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses nationwide. In April, Raoul joined the coalition in suing the Trump administration to stop the implementation of an executive order that would dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued an order Tuesday granting the states’ request for a preliminary injunction to stop the administration from implementing the order and protecting the three agencies. “The administration’s actions jeopardize critical library and museum programs across the state. These programs help residents of rural communities and underserve

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ALTON/SAUGET - This Mental Health Awareness Month, Centerstone is working to break the stigma and support individuals who experience mental health or substance use challenges. Centerstone will host two local events that aim to increase awareness around mental health. At 3 p.m. on May 15, 2025, Alton Mayor David Goins will read a proclamation at Centerstone’s Alton location at 2615 Edwards Street. This will be followed by Mental Health Awareness Night at Grizzlies Park in Sauget, Illinois, on May 28, 2025, where the community is invited to enjoy a Grizzlies game while learning more about mental health resources. “Most people are private, and we get that,” said Aaron Seibert with Centerstone. “But this gives you an opportunity with these events to be around others who have gone through a lot of what you’ve gone through, or just be around people who just want to show love and care because they care about their communities.” Seibert explained

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) announced the approval of military reciprocity for service members transitioning into civilian law enforcement careers. Illinois joins 18 other states in supporting veterans and active-duty service members by recognizing military training and experience in the law enforcement certification process. This announcement comes during Military Appreciation Month, supporting those who wish to continue to serve their communities after active duty by creating a streamlined process for individuals with military experience to pursue careers in civilian law enforcement. “Today's announcement honors the commitment of our service members by opening a clear path into law enforcement careers across Illinois,” said Keith Calloway, Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “This is about honoring their experience while meeting our state's workforc

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Did you know that the average American dinner party can generate up to 30 pounds of waste, much of it non-recyclable? The environmental footprint of our social gatherings—often overlooked—can be surprisingly large. Hosting a dinner party doesn’t have to mean excess waste, food miles, or disposable decor. Instead, it can be an opportunity to showcase creativity, mindfulness, and care for the planet, all while delighting your guests. Here’s how to host a sustainable spring dinner party that’s as eco-friendly as it is memorable. Planning with Purpose: Setting Sustainability Goals Before sending out invitations, consider what sustainability means to you in the context of your event. Is your priority minimizing food waste, supporting local producers, or reducing single-use plastics? Defining clear goals helps in making intentional decisions throughout the planning process. For example, if reducing food waste is your focus, you might plan a menu with smaller

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May 8 is a date that echoes with historical significance across the globe. 1945 – Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) Arguably the most impactful event on May 8, 1945, marks the day when Allied forces formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, effectively ending World War II in Europe. After nearly six years of brutal warfare that resulted in tens of millions of deaths, widespread destruction, and profound social upheaval, VE Day brought relief and hope to millions worldwide. On this day, celebrations erupted across Allied nations, from the streets of London to New York City, as people rejoiced at the prospect of peace after years of hardship. The victory was not just a military achievement but symbolized the triumph of democratic ideals over fascism and tyranny. However, it was also the beginning of a complex post-war period marked by reconstruction, the onset of the Cold War, and a re-examination of international relations. 1783 – The First United

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WINFIELD, MO – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, will close the Winfield Recreation Area to allow for contractor equipment and material staging associated with two active construction projects at Lock and Dam 25. The two projects, which are part of the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program, will collectively increase the efficiency of Lock and Dam 25 in Windfield by adding a new 1,200-foot lock chamber. This will make locking time over four times faster by eliminating the need to perform a “double-lockage” which is needed for a 15-barge commercial tow to get through a 600-foot lock chamber, currently standard on the Upper Mississippi River, above St. Louis. This process requires deck hands to disconnect barges from the tow, as the entire shipment will not fit in the chamber at once, conduct two back-to-back lockages, and reconnect the barges before continuing up or down stream. Locking through a 1,200-foot chamber without the

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COLLINSVILLE — Officer Stuart Patterson of the Collinsville Police Department was named the department’s Officer of the Month for March 2025, recognizing his contributions during his second year of service. Officer Patterson marked his two-year anniversary with the department in March and was credited with making multiple self-initiated felony arrests. In addition to his field work, Patterson is pursuing certification as an accident reconstructionist, furthering his professional development. The Collinsville Police Department expressed appreciation for Patterson’s dedication to both the department and the community.

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SPRINGFIELD – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 17 attorneys general, today filed a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration from illegally terminating billions in congressionally approved funding for electric vehicle infrastructure. In response to a presidential executive order, the Federal Highway Administration is withholding $117 million that it previously made available to Illinois for the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hindering Illinois from achieving its goal of having 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. “Once again, the Trump administration is attempting to usurp the power of the purse granted to Congress in our Constitution,” Raoul said. “Our transition to a clean energy future includes investing in electric vehicle infrastructure, which was rightfully acknowledged by Congress. I will continue to stand with my fellow attorneys general to fight back against the president’s illegal actions

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined her colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee to discuss the Republican plan to cut $230 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which will take food away from seniors, children, and veterans while reducing demand for the food America’s farmers grow. Budzinski focused on the impact these cuts will have on the broader economy, such as grocery stores, truck drivers and farmers who take pride in putting food on people’s tables. It’s estimated that cutting SNAP by $230 billion would reduce farm revenue by $30 billion, causing additional harm to an already struggling farm economy. WATCH: Budzinski Slams House Republicans’ Plan to Cut SNAP for Working Families Budzinski’s remarks as prepared for delivery can be found below: Thank you – as you know, SNAP is a lifeline for families across the country. That’s been made crystal clear her

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with 12 attorneys general, today filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in the coalition’s lawsuit to halt implementation of President Trump’s illegal tariffs. The motion seeks a court order pausing the tariffs imposed under four of the administration’s executive orders without congressional action. “Our states’ economies rely on international trade, particularly in Illinois, where agriculture is a top industry. The administration’s arbitrary tariffs will impose higher prices on goods our producers and residents rely on and result in unnecessary economic chaos,” Raoul said. “I am committed to continuing to partner with my colleagues to prevent hardworking Americans from footing the bill for the administration’s unlawful tariffs.” Raoul and the coalition’s motion asks the U.S. Court of International Trade to order federal agencies to stop collecting illegal tariffs

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