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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressional Postal Service Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01), Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) sent a letter to the newly appointed Postmaster General, David Steiner, outlining their top priorities for improving the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and addressing concerns with previous reform plans. In their letter, the Co-Chairs express concern over aspects of the Delivering for America (DFA) and Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) plans, urging a careful reassessment to ensure postal operations continue to meet the needs of Americans nationwide. The Members wrote, “While we fully support modernization efforts within the Postal Service, these changes must not come at the expense of postal employees or the millions of Americans who rely on reliable, on-time delivery every day...We respectfully urge you to temporarily pause any implementation of the

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that rehabilitation of a crossing by Norfolk Southern railroad on Illinois 163 between Bond Avenue and Lakewood Place in St. Clair County will require a full closure beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Nov. 3. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude Friday, Nov. 7. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in 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 X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered a speech on the Senate floor praising the hundreds of high school students in Little Village who walked out of class yesterday to protest the Trump Administration’s cruel “Operation Midway Blitz” in the Chicagoland area. Durbin has continuously gone to the Senate floor and made clear that the increased presence and enforcement actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in Illinois are not about public safety, but instead are part of the President’s political theater. “ICE the Department of Homeland Security creating a reign of terror in the city of Chicago. I do not exaggerate. Why are they in force in Chicago? Because the President said over and over again that immigrants are the problem in America. You’ve heard the

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CHICAGO – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 22 state attorneys general, filed two amicus briefs supporting the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) in two lawsuits challenging the U.S. Department of Education’s recent decisions to cut off funding for long-standing federal TRIO programs that increase access to higher education for low-income, first-generation, disabled and underrepresented students. “Ensuring students from all backgrounds have a chance to achieve success through higher education benefits our communities and our state’s economy,” Raoul said. “Unlawfully discontinuing these grants would harm our institutions of higher education and make it more difficult for students to reach their full potential.” The amicus briefs, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, support the COE’s lawsuits seeking to stop the discontinuation of many active TRIO grants and the denial o

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor demanding that congressional Republicans work with Democrats to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which allow tens of millions of Americans nationwide to afford their health insurance premiums. Instead of meeting with Democrats to address this health care crisis, Republicans have shut down the federal government. If these enhanced tax credits are allowed to expire at the end of the year, more than four million Americans are expected to lose their health care coverage, including more than 140,000 people in Illinois. Durbin began his speech by stressing that the government shutdown is driven by the fact that Congressional Republicans would rather keep the government closed than negotiate to extend the enhanced premium tax credits. “We have a problem we face that we need to correct and need to correct it now because the decision

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, along with the Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies across the state, is reminding the public that becoming an impaired driving monster this Halloween – whether due to alcohol, cannabis or other drugs – can result in needless horrors. The message is clear: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High, Get a DUI.” Remember: “It’s Not a Game.” “Stay safe this Halloween by planning ahead,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Choosing a sober driver or ride is the best way to avoid a costly DUI, the loss of your driving privileges and the criminal, employment and insurance consequences that can follow alcohol- or cannabis-impaired driving. Most importantly, it saves lives.” This year’s Halloween enforcement and awareness safety campaign began Oct. 24 and extends into

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board (ISHRAB), overseen by Illinois Secretary of State and State Archivist Alexi Giannoulias, has awarded grants to enable 11 historical records repositories across the state to digitize, preserve and expand access to archival materials that document Illinois’ cultural heritage. The grants support projects that make historically significant records – from rare photographs and correspondence to community bulletins, board proceedings and film collections – more accessible to the public through online platforms. “History lives in our communities, not just in museums or textbooks. These grants help ensure that our shared story is preserved and available for everyone to access, regardless of where they live,” Giannoulias said. “By supporting historical archives across Illinois, we’re opening new windows into the local culture, industry and civic life. The work these organizations

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered a speech on the Senate floor to again denounce the Trump Administration’s cruel so-called “Operation Midway Blitz” in the Chicago area, which has sown fear among communities in the city. In his remarks, Durbin made clear that the increased presence and enforcement actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in Chicago are not about public safety, but instead are part of the President’s political theater. “For the last two months, the people of Illinois have been living under President Trump’s so-called ‘Operation Midway Blitz.’ I’ve watched it up close. I’ve seen its victims. I’ve seen its methods, and I want to tell you that this ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ is trampling over

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered opening remarks in today’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing that examined political violence—following the recent assassinations of Charlie Kirk, Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the attempted assassination of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. During his opening, Durbin recognized the law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol on January 6—including fallen officer Brian Sicknick, whose brother was in the Committee room today—condemned far-right extremists for their hate-fueled massacres targeting ethnic and religious minority communities, and debunked a Senate Judiciary Committee Republican’s claim that political violence only stems from the left. Key Quotes: “This hearing examines a critical issue: political violence in America… to seriously address

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PEORIA — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) joined local officials, transportation stakeholders, and labor leaders today to celebrate another historic round of investments in Peoria area infrastructure. As part of $400 million specifically identified to support 223 local projects, Gov. Pritzker announced a $10 million commitment to Peoria County to reconstruct and modernize Peoria’s Sheridan Road, as well as other projects across the region. The investment is part of the largest infrastructure program in state history , totaling $50.6 billion over six years. “Sheridan Road is a critical access point that connects residents to vital community institutions, but for too long, it’s been run down, congested, and unsafe for drivers and pedestrians alike,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With a $10 million investment, we’re converting it into a modernized, urban three-lane road with sidewalks and a multi-use path.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—author of the historic, bipartisan Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act that was signed into law in 2023—led her colleagues in denouncing Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr’s decision to block Duckworth’s law from going into effect, a critical reform that will help end egregious prison phone rates and make it easier for innocent family members to regularly communicate with their incarcerated loved ones while reducing recidivism rates. In the letter, the Senators urge Chairman Carr to follow the law and withdraw his efforts to delay the implementation of this bipartisan, commonsense law—concluding the letter with a simple directive: “We do not require, nor desire, a response to our letter. We simply want you to enforce the law.” Along with Duckworth, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Maria Cantwell (D-WA),

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WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, praised religious leaders for condemning the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for unlawful raids, encouraging Americans to join in condemning the Trump Administration’s anti-immigrant agenda. Durbin began by praising and entering a homily by the Archbishop of Washington and a letter to the editor from Jewish rabbis in Illinois condemning the actions of ICE and DHS into the Congressional Record, saying: “The Cardinal from the District of Columbia and the Jewish rabbis know—and we all know—that this is a reign of terror from this Administration aimed not to make America safer, but to make sure that people who weren’t born here leave.” Durbin then shared insights from a visit to suburban Elgin, Illinois, one of the first targets

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ROCKFORD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) for Startups agreement for Rockford Brake Manufacturing’s $6.6 million investment to reestablish the company and reopen a historic Rockford factory. Four former employes of Gunite Corporation have created a new business, which will save Rockford’s longest-standing factory since parent company Accuride closed Gunite’s doors in February 2025 after announcing Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bolstered by State incentives, the former Gunite employees are purchasing the idled factory and are relaunching operations as Rockford Brake Manufacturing. “Here in Illinois, we strive to support our businesses and strengthen our communities through new economic opportunities — and that’s exactly what we’re doing in Rockford. Our state incentives are empowering Rockford Brake Manufacturing to

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JERSEYVILLE – Jerseyville City Council members on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, unanimously approved amending two sections of the City Code regarding video gaming cafes and terminals. The current Jerseyville City Code clearly states video gaming cafes are “not permitted in the City.” It defines a “video gaming cafe” as an establishment whose primary focus is on video gaming, with food and alcohol sales being “secondary to the video gaming operation.” Mayor Kevin Stork said at Tuesday’s meeting that an updated version of the ordinance will clarify that the majority of a business’s revenue must come from food and/or alcohol sales, not video gaming. The ordinance will also be “cleaned up” to make certain sections less “cumbersome” and easier for the city’s Planning & Zoning Board to enforce. Stork said any new business seeking a video gaming license will have to prove the majority of their revenue

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ST. CHARLES, Mo. — Three juveniles were taken into custody after a burglary at Crown Guns in St. Charles early Tuesday morning, Oct. 28, 2025, resulting in the theft of several firearms, St. Charles County Police said on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. At approximately 3:23 a.m., on Oct. 28, 2025, St. Charles County Emergency Dispatch received an alarm notification from the gun store located at 1964 S. Old Highway 94. St. Charles County Police said upon arrival, officers found severe damage to the front door and evidence of forced entry. The business was searched, but no suspects were located at that time. The business owner confirmed that multiple firearms were stolen. St. County Police said security footage revealed several suspects and vehicles involved in the burglary, prompting the St. Charles County Police Department Property Crimes Division to open an investigation. Later that evening, at about 7:30 p.m., St. Louis County Police located one of the vehicles identified in the

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GRANITE CITY - Kyleigh Fisher has launched a GoFundMe campaign to fulfill the final wish of her mother, Helena, before her health deteriorates further. Helena was diagnosed in March 2024 with stage 4 breast cancer that has since spread to her bones, liver, lungs, and brain, her daughter said. She added that the disease has severely compromised her spine, with tumors causing fractures. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, Helena’s prognosis remains limited, with doctors estimating she may have up to 18 months to live, Fisher said. One of Helena’s greatest desires is to visit Louisiana and swim with otters at Magnolia Wilds in Ethel, an experience she has long hoped for. Helena is not only a mother to Kyleigh and her two brothers, including one with Down syndrome, but also a grandmother to five granddaughters. Before her illness, she worked as a nurse in various settings such as nursing homes, home health, hospice and behavioral health. Kyleigh’s GoFundMe campaign aims

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ST. LOUIS - President Megan E. Green addressed the temporary removal of Sheriff Alfred Montgomery from office, expressing confidence in the officials overseeing the Sheriff's Office during this period. In a statement released Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, Green said, "I have full faith and confidence in Circuit Attorney Gore, Chief Tracy, and the presiding judge to run the Sheriff’s Office following Sheriff Montgomery’s temporary removal from office." The statement also outlined the Board of Aldermen's preparedness to collaborate with the Mayor and the Comptroller should Sheriff Montgomery be permanently removed. "The Board of Aldermen stands ready to work with the Mayor and the Comptroller to run a transparent process for appointing an interim Sheriff—as it did previously in 1972, 1977, and 1978," Green said. Additionally, the Board affirmed its commitment to holding a special election in accordance with state law to ensure residents retain their democratic right to

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from illegally cutting some congressionally approved funding for K-12 mental health programs. He and a coalition of 16 state attorneys general filed suit in June , alleging Department of Education funding cuts violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and the U.S. Constitution. On Oct. 21, U.S. District Court Judge Kymberly Evanson rejected the U.S. Department of Education’s motion to dismiss the case. In a preliminary injunction issued Monday, she said the department appears to have acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner, violating the Administrative Procedure Act. Evanson limited her injunction to grantees that had submitted declarations to the court explaining how they’d been harmed by the cuts. “This preliminary injunction means that vital congressionally approved funding will not be blocked at the expense of Illinois students’ mental health,&rdquo

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Dairy foods and fiber: A smart pairing for diabetes management November is National Diabetes Month — a national proclamation designed to raise awareness and education about diabetes. In the United States, approximately 38.4 million people have this chronic disease that affects how an individual’s body turns food into energy. Food choices, in conjunction with medication and physical activity, are key to managing diabetes. Protein-rich, low-fat dairy, paired with fiber-rich foods, can play an integral role in this management. Following a meal, the body’s digestive system breaks down carbohydrates — starches and natural or added sugars — into glucose, a simple sugar that is the body’s preferred energy source. To provide the body’s cells with this energy, the pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which allows glucose to enter the body’s cells. However, when people have diabetes, they no longer make insulin (type 1 diabetes), or they make

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PEORIA — Sean Grayson was found guilty of second-degree murder on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey during a police encounter in Springfield. The verdict came after an eight-day trial. The incident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on July 6, 2024, when Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call at Massey’s residence on the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue. During the interaction inside the home, Deputy Grayson discharged his firearm, striking Massey and causing her death. Body camera footage showed Massey, who was compliant and apologetic, picking up a pot of boiling water from the stove. The footage also captured Grayson escalating the situation by shouting and drawing his weapon before firing three shots that struck Massey in the head. Grayson faces up to 20 years in prison, with the possibility of probation and parole. His sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Sangamon County. In response

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