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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ)—founding co-chairs of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus —joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and other Senate colleagues in introducing bicameral legislation to permanently codify the Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). The introduction of the Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act comes after Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent order eliminating all environmental justice efforts at the DOJ on her first day as Attorney General. “The Trump Administration seems determined to undermine the protections aimed at helping every American—no matter their zip code—to be able to breathe safe air, drink clean water and live, work and play on uncontaminated land,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our bill would help ensure the Justice

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville concluded its annual Black Heritage Month (BHM) on Feb. 28, 2025. The month of February was amply seasoned with presentations, speakers, information, activities and events that challenged the mind, fed the soul and stirred the spirit. This year’s theme was Black Legacy: Embers of Resilience. The time evoked pride and joy, smiles and laughter. It provoked thought and raised questions. On display were creativity, community engagement and culture. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who seek something greater. A premier metropolitan university, SIUE is creating social and economic mobility for individuals while also powering the workforce of the future. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced investments in Holcim’s Chicago operational headquarters for the planned spin-off of its North American business to be named Amrize. Holcim’s $18.6 million investment in capital expenditures, bolstered by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with DCEO, will establish Chicago as the operational headquarters for its planned North American spin-off, poised to meet the growing needs for advanced building solutions across the country. “Illinois is thrilled that Holcim will continue to grow its presence in our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to our competitive incentive programs, paired with our skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and commitment to innovation, Illinois continues to position itself as a premier destination for businesses to grow and locate.” As part of the State's comprehensive

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced up to $10 million in funding for the Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program to support workforce programs that expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and pre-apprenticeship programs leading to RAPs. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Since day one, my administration has prioritized expanding access to apprenticeship programs as a pathway to high-paying jobs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the new Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant program, we’re building on that commitment, initially prioritizing non-traditional and in-demand sectors to increase apprenticeship opportunities and support employers. These are the types of strategic investments that ensure we have a strong workforce in critical fields that drive future growth. And most importantly,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in reintroducing the Farm to Fly Act to create new, robust markets for American agricultural products and to strengthen domestic energy resources. The bill would foster the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) within existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, allowing for greater collaboration, and ensuring USDA’s SAF definitions reflect eligibility for American agricultural crops. “By utilizing sustainable aviation fuel, we can cut harmful emissions, support family farmers and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m proud to join Congressman Max Miller and colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the Farm to Fly Act — legislation that will allow homegrown biofuels to power our aviation sector while supporting growth in rural economies. With this bill we can

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced the application process for candidates interested in serving as the next U.S. Attorney or U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois. The Southern District encompasses 38 counties ranging from the Metro East region eastward to the Illinois-Indiana line and all points south. U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT: There are 94 federal districts nationwide, each with a presidentially appointed U.S. Attorney. The U.S. Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer in their district and is also involved in civil litigation where the United States is a party. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Southern District of Illinois has branch offices in Fairview Heights, Benton, and East St. Louis. The district is currently served by Acting U.S. Attorney Ali M. Summers. U.S. MARSHAL FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT: U.S. Marshals are appointed by the president to serve the 94 federal districts nationwide.

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Dear Editor: The people of Godfrey are fortunate to have a dedicated public servant in Village Clerk Susan Robbins. Clerk Robbins has served well since she started in the Clerk's Office in 2019. Clerk Robbins' previous experience in Godfrey Township and Clerk Robbins' prior experience in management have been very beneficial to the people of Godfrey. Clerk Robbins has learned and mastered all of the skills needed to continue her high performance as the Clerk of the Village of Godfrey. In this year's local election there is no need to settle for anything less than the high caliber that Clerk Robbins will continue to give us in Godfrey. There is no need to train a new Clerk. There is no need for anything less than the excellence that Clerk Robbins is already giving to Godfrey. On or before April 1, 2025, I ask you to join me in voting Clerk Susan Robbins to a full term in office to continue the high-quality work she has already shown to us. Take your friends and neighbors with you

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ALTON - Dr. Jerrica Ampadu knows the importance of helping young nursing students; after all, someone helped her. Ampadu, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. She serves as the Interim Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), where she also teaches. After a lifetime of helping young nurses get their start, she’s proud of the work she has done to advocate for others. “For 30 years, I have been mentoring and advocating for people who look like me who want to become nurses,” she said. “I firmly believe it is my purpose. It’s very humbling and it’s also very rewarding to know that humanity begets humanity. Someone helped me, so I help other students, and then they help other students.” After graduating from college, Ampadu immediately started mentoring other nursing students through various pathwa

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EAST ST. LOUIS - He was dressed in a bright orange jumpsuit. She was clad in a gold one. Both, with their wrists and ankles chained together, sat under watchful eyes of armed law enforcement officers. Mr. Scott and Ms. McCottrell, detainees at St. Clair County Jail, spoke to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students on Wednesday, Feb. 26 in the Multipurpose Room on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. The dialogue was part of the East St. Louis 40 Days of Nonviolence and Beyond initiative that started Jan. 25 and will conclude March 4. SIUE was one of many partners working with the project’s committee in its ongoing mission to deter and ultimately eliminate violence in the East St. Louis area. The two detainees, sitting at their respective tables in front of the roomful of CHS students, relayed their experiences and advice. “Jail ain’t fun,” said Scott. “I encourage everyone

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ALTON - Two environmental advocates recently stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to talk about trash pickup. Rusty Wheat, the one-man “Chain Gang” who picks up trash in Roxana and Wood River, has collaborated with Sparks Junk Removal owner Denise Sparks to spread the word about reporting litter and disposing of trash. They shared information about new laws that have taken effect and new resources in Madison County that aim to combat litter. “All I want to do is get the community cleaned up. That’s all,” Wheat said. “I think you’re going to see more concentrated police effort coming on because those new laws have only been in effect a short period of time and Chris Slusser has only been in office a short period of time. The police, I can only envision that they’re putting their brains together and their attack plan. I suspect there are going to be some big changes. In fact, if there’s not, that’s

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SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration: Employment Security Advisory Board Kelli Harrison will serve as a Member of the Employment Security Advisory Board.* Harrison has dedicated her career protecting working families across the Midwest. She began her career working at the Mitsubishi plant in Normal, IL from 1989-2016. She currently serves as the UAW Legislative Coordinator for Region 4. Prior to her current position, she served as the Financial Secretary of UAW Local 2488 and served as a trustee with Labor Discussion Leader. Harrison also teaches classes about strengthening the labor movement at the USAW Pat Greathouse Center in Ottawa. Rob Karr will continue to serve as a Member of the Employment Security Advisory Board.* Karr joined the Illinois Retail Merchants Association staff in 1994, coordinating IRMA’s government relations efforts. In that capacity,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the 10100 block of Maraldo Place in the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors that resulted in the death of an adult male. At 8:22 p.m., on February 28, 2025, police officers from the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 10100 block of Maraldo Place. An adult male suffered life-threatening gunshot injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man accused of throwing a hammer at a police officer’s head faces multiple felony charges. Jimmy W. Overturf, 46, of Granite City, was charged on Feb. 28, 2025 with two count of aggravated battery, one being a Class 2 felony and the other being a Class 3 felony. On Feb. 27, 2025, Overturf allegedly threw a hammer at a Granite City Police officer, striking them in the head. The incident unfolded after officers responded to a report of someone trespassing. The property owner told officers Overturf was “located in her shed and was refusing to leave,” according to a petition to deny Overturf’s pretrial release from custody. Once the officers made contact with Overturf, he reportedly “became verbally combative with officers and threatened to harm them.” “Officers were required to force open the shed. Upon opening the shed, the defendant began throwing items at them,” the petition states. “Officers

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EDWARDSVILLE - When the Academy Awards air on Sunday, March 2, an actor cast in his first film role will be paying close attention to the double Oscar nominee, “Nickel Boys.” Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus Trey Perkins (‘24) plays Chickie Pete in the feature, directed by RaMell Ross, nominated for both best picture and best adapted screenplay. Perkins says working on this project “was an amazing experience. This was my acting debut for real.” Perkins was born on an Air Force base in Nebraska but grew up in Belleville. While at SIUE he majored in theatre and dance and during his first two years he simultaneously attended online acting classes at LS Acting Studios. It was through participating in one of the Studios showcases in Los Angeles that he was seen by an agent who called with an interest to sign him the following day. The agent eventually requested that Perkins, who was now a client, produce a self-tape audition for a new film

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ)—founding co-chairs of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus —along with U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester urged EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to reopen the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR), which Duckworth and Booker led the charge to create, so the office can continue helping our most disadvantaged communities in rural, urban and tribal areas by improving access to clean drinking water, addressing legacy pollution that has led to higher cancer, asthma and death rates and more. Additionally, the Senators are demanding a more detailed explanation behind why the Trump Administration decided to abolish such a critical office and how the Administration is planning to ensure victims of environmental harm receive the attention, resources and protections they deserve. “The closure of this office which assisted underserved

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker brought together leaders and advocates in Illinois to showcase a united front and commitment to protecting Medicaid and healthcare in Illinois. Medicaid covers 3.4 million Illinoisans, approximately 25% of the state’s population, including 1.4 million children. Governor Pritzker joined patients, advocates, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, Sen. Durbin, Reps. Casten, Davis, Foster, García, Jackson, Kelly, Krishnamoorthi, Ramirez, Schakowsky, and Underwood, State Sen. Aquino, and State Rep. Moeller to raise awareness about the critical importance of Medicaid for Illinois families following the passage of the House Republican’s budget resolution targeting Medicaid. The leaders also continued sounding the alarm on the Trump Administration’s unpredictable and indiscriminate cutting of critical funding for Americans. “More than 3 million hardworking Illinoisans are enrolled in Medicaid in every corner of the state – thes

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SPRINGFIELD - To accommodate the recent surge in demand, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias introduced a new designated “Get A REAL ID” portal on the homepage of its website – www.ilsos.gov – so Illinoisans can determine: 1) if they need a REAL ID before the May 7 federal enforcement period begins; and 2) how to find a walk-in location or schedule an appointment near them. The office has also announced new Saturday hours at 12 DMV facilities exclusively for REAL ID services and expanded Saturday hours at six DMVs beginning March 1 through May 10. The ‘REAL ID Saturday’ facilities that will accommodate exclusively REAL ID requests will be open on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. include Chicago West (7301 W. Lexington Ave.) and the following suburban facilities: Addison, Aurora, Des Plaines, Elgin, Joliet, Lake Zurich, Melrose Park, Plano, St. Charles, Waukegan and Woodstock. “To meet the demand for REAL IDs, we’ve established

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15), Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04), and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) re-introduced the Leveraging and Energizing America’s Apprenticeship Programs (LEAP) Act, a bipartisan bill to expand workforce development opportunities by providing federal tax incentives to businesses that hire apprentices. Congresswoman Budzinski previously introduced the LEAP Act in 2023 as her first piece of legislation upon entering office. As part of this reintroduction, she is advocating for the bill to be included in the upcoming tax package. “I am thrilled to reintroduce the LEAP Act with Congressman Mike Carey to create new opportunities for American workers by supporting apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “These training programs are a proven way to fill the job skills gap and get folks ready for careers in growing industries. By providin

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting free virtual workshops in March as part of its continuing Building Blocks of Success series for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms interested in strengthening their skills, growing their business and bidding on state projects. New and existing DBEs, as well as firms interested in becoming certified in the program, are invited. ? ? March workshop dates and topics: March 4, 10 a.m. to noon: Understanding FHWA Rule Changes March 6, 10 a.m. to noon: TCTR Award Winners Roundtable March 11, 10 a.m. to noon: AI Technology March 13, 10 a.m. to noon: EV (Electric Vehicle) Technology March 18, 10 a.m. to noon: Consultants: EPAS Building Blocks of Success workshops conclude this season with the one on March 18. Workshop information, including dates and times, is available through Eventbrite at bit.ly/DBEworkshops . Advance registration is required. Questions can be directed to IDOT’s Bureau of Small

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ALTON - In 1980, Rose Gibson was denied a car loan because she wasn’t married. Now, she is the first female chairman of the board at the credit union. “I thought, someday, I’m going to change this,” Gibson remembered. “I got on the board for the credit union 20 years ago, and I’m the first woman chairman of the board, which was unbelievable. I wish those guys that denied my loan back then were alive. They’re all gone now. But boy, things have changed.” Gibson, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. Over the years, Gibson has been involved in several community service opportunities and served on multiple boards. She is proud of the work she has done and the changes she has witnessed. In addition to serving as the chairman of the board for First MidAmerica Credit Union, Gibson has been involved with United Way’s Power of the Purse

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