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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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GODFREY - At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Godfrey Village Board next Tuesday, May 20, 2025, newly elected officials will be sworn in for the start of their new terms in office. In anticipation of a larger than normal crowd, the meeting will be moved from Godfrey Village Hall to the Trimpe Auditorium at Lewis & Clark Community College. Meetings of the committees and the board are always open to the public, and Mayor Mike McCormick welcomes all to attend.

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VENICE - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and local leaders to announce eight awards totaling just over $10 million through the Illinois Grocery Initiative New Stores in Food Deserts Program ($9.6 million) and Equipment Upgrades Grant Program ($600,000) to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in Illinois. Grantees were selected through competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) processes “When I signed the Illinois Grocery Initiative into law the vision we had in mind was reducing costs, fighting food insecurity, and boosting the local economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This $10 million investment will go directly toward construction and renovation of quality, affordable grocery options in neighborhoods across the state. From Champaign to Marion to Venice, we’re fighting food insecurity while investing directly into the lifeblood of our economy, supporting farmers,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies successfully passed through the U.S. Senate. Senator Duckworth’s Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act — co-led by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)—would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula and other related nutrition products, including ice packs, in consultation with leading maternal health groups. “After pushing for this for years, I’m proud the Senate passed this long overdue legislation that would make it easier for new moms to travel with their breast milk and the breastfeeding equipment they need to pump and feed their babies,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’ll continue

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HAZELWOOD, Mo. - IMPACT Strategies, Inc., is pleased to announce the completion of the new Averhealth Laboratory. The project, which began last fall, involved the renovation and expansion of their facility in Hazelwood, MO at 601 Lambert Point Drive located off Lindbergh between Hwy 270 & Hwy 70. With outgrowing their current space causing the need to expand, this 26,000 SF renovation/tenant finish included specialized labs, private offices, training office, conference room, and break areas along with necessary coolers and freezers. The renovation and expansion project successfully enhanced the facility's technical capabilities, added important capacity, and improved the overall experience for clients. IMPACT Strategies managed the demolition and preparation of the existing building to receive the new specialized construction improvements for this Lab. Averhealth collaborated with IMPACT early in the preconstruction phase to maximize efficiencies for a progressive construction process.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) slammed Congressional Republicans for continuing to enable Donald Trump’s harmful cuts to VA services and its workforce, undermining the VA’s ability to keep up with new demand for care and benefits for our nation’s Veterans under the bipartisan PACT Act . During her remarks at a forum today, Duckworth called out Republicans for defending Trump slashing our VA while failing to exercise their own oversight and accountability for the proven deterioration of PACT Act implementation since Donald Trump returned to office. Duckworth’s remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube. “The PACT Act was a historic, overwhelmingly bipartisan victory that changed millions of Veterans’ lives,” said Senator Duckworth. “But just like other critical services for our Veterans, Donald Trump has taken a sledgehammer to PACT Act care and benefits as well as

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Brian Quintenz, who has been nominated to serve as Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). During their meeting, Durbin emphasized the need for regulation and steady oversight on cryptocurrency, as well as explicit consumer protections within the industry. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Durbin also discussed funding that is needed to enforce cryptocurrency regulation at CFTC. “As cryptocurrency rises in popularity, it’s critical that we institute oversight and regulations that adequately protect consumers,” said Durbin. “Today, I met with Brian Quintenz, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Chairman of CFTC, to reiterate that, if confirmed, he must put American consumers first and ensure that the digital asset market plays fair.”

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Office of the Attorney General (OAG) reached a settlement on behalf of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) and taxpayers of Illinois to recover $45 million from CVS Caremark in pharmacy benefit rebates. The settlement negotiation, led by OAG in conjunction with the Illinois Governor’s Office and CMS attorneys, resolves allegations that the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) failed to properly disclose and remit pharmaceutical rebates owed to the State under a longstanding contract. “PBMs have gone from being useful administrative service providers to behemoths that control the pharmaceutical industry at the expense of patients and independent pharmacies,” said Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “This settlement is part of my office’s ongoing work to hold PBMs accountable to the people of Illinois, which also includes calling on Congress to take federal action to reign in PBMs. I will continue to advocate for

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GREENVILLE—The graduating class of 2025 at Greenville University enjoyed a well-deserved celebration last weekend, featuring a Baccalaureate service and an outdoor Commencement ceremony attended by hundreds of family members and friends. Two speakers inspired the graduates during the weekend: Professor Ben Wayman, who delivered the Baccalaureate message Friday evening, and LaShanna (Sha) Farley, who gave the Commencement address. The Baccalaureate ceremony allows the Greenville University community to express gratitude to God for his faithfulness throughout students' collegiate journeys. It highlights the gifts of friendships, faculty, and sacred spaces that have transformed lives at Greenville, reflecting Christ's call to service. Additionally, it offers a moment for the community to pray for graduates and their families as they embark on this significant transition. Ben Wayman, speaker for the evening, holds the James F. and Leona N. Andrews Chair for Christianity at Greenville

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Illinois Invent2Prevent statewide partnership between Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, EdVenture Partners, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency-Office of Homeland Security will convene to establish the Invent2Prevent program in Illinois. This inaugural Illinois Invent2Prevent statewide symposium and competition that highlights interventions by high school students to reduce targeted violence and hate crimes in their communities will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, May 19 at SIUE’s Morris University Center (MUC) in the Conference Center. “These student competitions are what we live for, and it is especially exciting as this will be the very first one showcasing Illinois Invent2Prevent teams,” said Tony Sgro, founder and CEO of EdVenture Partners. “These students are addressing difficult issues that they are personally facing in their schools, on their campuses, and in their communities and they are providing credible,

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GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City accused of being part of a “street gang” faces felony charges for possessing an illegally modified firearm. Blake A. Giles Jr., 23, of Granite City, was charged on May 15, 2025, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member and unlawful use of weapons – machine gun, both Class 2 felonies. Giles is accused of being “a member of a street gang” who unlawfully possessed a Glock 21 .45 caliber handgun, which had been illegally modified with a switch to make the weapon fire automatically. He also reportedly had no valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card at the time of the offense. According to a petition to deny Giles’s pretrial release from custody, the investigation began after Giles was seen armed with the weapon in a music video on YouTube. “The Venice Police Department received an email directing them to a video posted on YouTube on March 16, 2025,” the petition states.

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ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Tuesday, May 20th at 5:30 p.m. at the Riverbender building, located at 200 W. 3rd Street in Alton, Illinois. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. You’ll be in the know on topics from the evening’s featured speakers: Andi Campbell, Deputy Director of Planning & Development, will speak about the City of Alton’s forthcoming comprehensive planning process Scot Heathman, CEO of The Wedge Innovation Center, will present about amenities of this innovation hub and coworking space Hugh Halter will share details of the partnership to bring Good News Brewing microbrews and wood fired pizza to Post Commons Sean and Tish Emerick will announce

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BELLEVILLE - The Belleville Police Department announced the addition of three new officers to its ranks on this week. Officers Poole, Jackson, and Hernandez are set to begin their training at the police academy next week. The Police Department expressed optimism about the new officers' future contributions to both the force and the Belleville community. Belleville Police's move reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen local law enforcement and enhance public safety in the area.

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VIRDEN - Marquette Catholic's 4 x 100 varsity girls relay is state-bound. The four girls - Lilly Hannigan, Tyra Wells, Madison Bassett and Karly Davenport - punched their ticket to Charleston with an amazing 4 x 100 performance in second place with a time of 52.27. The girls competed in the IHSA Riverton Sectional at Virden on Friday. The Explorers were behind only Virden (North Mac's) foursome of Kaelyn Swift, Lakin Whited, Addison Cole and Kiara Sticker, who won with a time of 50.98. The four girls are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athletes of the Month for the Explorers. Marquette Catholic head girls' track and field coach Billy Sprague said: "Seeing Tyra pull up to the gate and get out of the car definitely inspired our relay team. They've had this goal for a long time now and to see it become a reality was an emotional moment for them. I'm so proud of their performance." Tyra Wells had testing she had to take on Friday morning at Marquette, but still managed to make

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GRANITE CITY — The Prather Pre-K/Kindergarten Center sustained damage during a severe storm Friday afternoon, May 16, 2025. District officials communicated with families early Friday evening. In a message sent at 7 p.m., Chris Mitchell, manager of district communications and transportation School District, said local contractors will work throughout the weekend to address the damage and make necessary repairs. Despite the damage, school is planned to proceed as scheduled on Monday. Granite City School officials emphasized that the safety and well-being of students and staff remain the district’s top priority. “We will continue to keep you updated should any changes occur,” Mitchell wrote. “Thank you for your understanding and support as we work through this situation.”

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Video submitted by Pat Harper. GRANITE CITY - Granite City was hit hard during a storm that the National Weather Service in St. Louis said struck just before 3 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025. Granite City School District's Manager of Communications and Transportation, Chris Mitchell, issued this statement Friday evening: "Due to the impact of today’s storm, which damaged the scoreboard and speakers at Kevin Greene Field, the Granite City High School Class of 2025 graduation has been postponed. The ceremony has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 17, at 9 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding." Prather Elementary in Granite City encountered roof damage from the storm and students were detained until the storm had left the area. Stoplights throughout Granite City were down after the storm. Mary Janes Solid Oak Furniture off Chain Of Rocks Road encountered heavy roof damage during the storm. There were several older trees in Wilson Park in Granit

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Police posted information on Friday, May 16, 2025, as part of its Fugitive Friday feature, and this time it was about a warrant for Desiree Mitchell. The Collinsville Police Department said: "Desiree has an active felony warrant after stealing over $10,000 from her employer. If you have any information about her whereabouts, please contact the Collinsville Police Department at 618-344-2131 extension 5209. You can remain anonymous. "Desiree, feel free to turn yourself in to any police department so this matter can be taken care of in court." These charges and statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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