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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—joined her fellow Democratic SFRC colleagues, including U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the State Department’s recently announced plans to restructure the Department and fold USAID into the Department of State. In their letter, the SFRC Democrats emphasize that the State Department’s proposal for USAID is an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers, and that broader efforts to restructure, including the closure of U.S. embassies and consulates, are illegal without Congressional action and would be an unjustified seismic shift in the U.S foreign policy enterprise. “The proposal, if implemented, and action taken to date to gut USAID, are clearly an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers,” the Senators

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would eliminate the licensing requirements for hair braiders in Illinois. “It is common sense to eliminate unnecessary licensing requirements for hair braiders,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Illinois is one of the few states that imposes these stiff requirements, and it’s time we get out of the way and allow individuals to practice their craft and earn a living without unnecessary barriers." Currently, hair braiders are required to obtain licensure under the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Aspiring hair braiders must complete 300 hours of training at a cosmetology school, which can cost over $5,000. Illinois is one of only 14 states that have these licensing requirements. Senate Bill 2348 would eliminate the need for hair braiders to get licensed with the state. Hair braiding businesses would still have to obtain a normal business license an

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HIGHLAND – A man from Highland faces seven felony counts of child pornography after possessing and distributing the material through online platforms. Beau D. Imming, 21, of Highland, was charged on April 8, 2025 with seven counts of child pornography. The five charges of dissemination were classified as Class X felonies, while the two charges of possession were classified as Class 2 felonies. Charging documents state that from Sept. 21 to Dec. 8, 2024, Imming used Snapchat and Microsoft Bing to disseminate images and videos depicting child pornography involving prepubescent toddlers and infants. The investigation unfolded on Dec. 26, 2024, after the Madison County Sheriff’s Office received several cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), according to a petition to deny Imming’s pretrial release. “26 of the cybertips were connected to matching internet protocol (IP) addresses,” the petition states. “These

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O'FALLON - This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis (MCS), a task force established in 1965 that plays a crucial role in investigating homicides and other violent crimes in the region. The MCS comprises nearly 600 investigators from 120 agencies throughout the St. Louis area, allowing for a collaborative approach to addressing serious criminal cases. The O'Fallon Police Department noted this week that several members of its department are actively involved in the MCS, serving in various capacities, including investigators, supervisors, and board members. This partnership enhances the department's ability to respond to and solve violent crimes, drawing on a wealth of resources and expertise from across the region. "The anniversary serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to work together in pursuit of justice and public safety," the O'Fallon Police Department said this week. "The MCS not only supports individual

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Graduate School has presented its 2025-26 Hoppe Research Professor Award to Kevin R. Tucker, PhD, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry. “I’m honored to receive this year’s Hoppe Professor Award,” said Tucker . “Many of the previous recipients are the best at SIUE in their scholarly pursuits, and it’s humbling to join that group. This award is a meaningful investment in not just me, but also in the students that I mentor and support as we develop methods for analysis in environmental samples.” Tucker, who started at SIUE as an assistant professor in 2016, noted his significant contributions through the years. “My work, most notably in the area of mass spectrometry method development, has covered fields ranging from bioconcentration of pharmaceuticals in aquatic ecosystems to investigating the effects of testosterone i

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JERSEYVILLE – The City of Jerseyville has ambitious plans for its parks, both in the works and on its wish list. Parks and Recreation Director Tyler Hermans and other c ity officials announced s everal ongoing and possible future park improvement projects at a “workshop” meeting held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. No formal action was taken at the meeting, which was for discussion purposes only. C hanges Made, Coming To Wock Lake H ighlighted during the meeting were the upgrades made to Wock Lake in recent years, including the replacement of a pedestrian bridge along the walking path that circles the site. However, Hermans noted the narrow strip of land bending toward the center of the lake is now becoming unsafe for visitors. “The horseshoe landmass there in the middle used to be wide enough to get out there and mow and maintain, but … it’s too narrow to maintain safely,”

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department has initiated an investigation into the death of a 38-year-old male detainee who was found unresponsive in a holding cell. The Illinois State Police are conducting the investigation at the request of the Sheriff's Department. The incident occurred at approximately 3:12 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025, when correctional officers discovered the individual unresponsive. CPR was administered by jail nursing staff and correctional officers until emergency medical services arrived on the scene at 3:20 a.m. The detainee was pronounced dead at 4:12 a.m. Authorities have stated that the individual had been extradited from a neighboring county due to an outstanding warrant related to a 2024 felony charge for possession of methamphetamines. While the investigation is ongoing, officials indicated that foul play is not suspected. In accordance with protocol, the Illinois State Police will oversee the investigation, and the incident has

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 17 states on Thursday in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration to restore access to critical U.S. Department of Education (department) funds that support programs for students across the state, including low-income and unhoused students, and provide funding for other essential school services to address the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 students. Raoul and the coalition’s lawsuit comes after the department notified states on March 28 that it was unilaterally ending access to hundreds of millions of dollars in grants from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which the department had previously determined the states could access through March 2026. The department’s sudden change in position and arbitrary termination of states’ access to these funds will cause serious harm to students throughout the country. Illinois alone will lose access to over $77 million in essential

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ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that the outer lane of westbound Illinois 140 at the intersection of Fosterburg Road will close beginning, weather permitting, Monday, April 14, 2025. The lane closure is part of an ongoing improvement project that will add new turn lanes to the Fosterburg Road intersection. The entire project is expected to be completed by November. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to choose alternate routes during this time. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone.

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KAMPSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host a pond management seminar at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the McCully Heritage Project in Calhoun County. IDNR fisheries biologists will field participant questions regarding private pond management, the ecological health of ponds as well as fish and weed management. Biologists will explain pond ecology and functions, which fish species work best in a pond, and proper fish stocking. Additional topics will include site selection and construction, general maintenance, harvesting, and pond plant control. “Spring is a great time to develop pond management goals for your private pond,” said IDNR district fisheries biologist Blake Ruebush. “IDNR pond management seminars are an opportunity for landowners to dive into pond management and ask specific questions related to their pond. IDNR district fisheries biologists will provide recommendations on fish stocking, aquatic plant control,

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EDWARDSVILLE – In order to make road repairs, a section of Franklin Avenue will be closed beginning Monday, April 14, 2025 . The road will be inaccessible to traffic just east of Lautner Lane between approximately 1017 and 1022 E. Franklin Avenue. The closure will begin about 7 a.m. Monday, and is expected to last through Friday, April 18, weather permitting. Since the impacted section of Franklin Avenue is in close proximity to Leclaire Elementary School, the work was scheduled to coincide with spring break week for the Edwardsville School District. Franklin Avenue will be accessible on either side of the construction zone, but alternative routes will be necessary to avoid the closure. The City apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates everyone’s patience. Anyone who must drive in that area is asked to please use caution for the safety of the City’s Public Works crews completing the repairs. Questions about these improvements can be emailed

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce (QCC) to discuss the Trump Administration’s haphazard tariff policies that will harm Illinois’ agricultural industry, QCC’s priorities to help the Quad Cities remain competitive for new jobs and investment, and workforce development. QCC also raised its tax policy priorities, and Durbin discussed the dangerous Republican plan for cutting Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. QCC and Durbin also discussed his bipartisan legislation, the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act , which would boost workload at Army arsenals like Rock Island Arsenal. “Today, I sat down with the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce to hear their concerns about the President’s volatile tariff policy and maintaining support for regional employers like Rock Island Arsenal,” said Durbin. “While the Trump Administration continues to be a force of chaos

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is continuing her push for tax relief at the Illinois State Capitol by filing extensions on bills aimed at saving Illinois residents money. The push comes following the assignment of her bills to the Revenue Committee, where she hopes to present them this week. “High taxes are a constant concern for the people I represent, who are struggling to pay their bills and raise their families,” said Senator Harriss. “Providing tax relief is a top priority for me, and I will continue to advocate for legislation that eases the burden on Illinois residents.” The following legislation has been granted a committee deadline extension: Senate Bill 2086 : This bill raises the income eligibility for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption to $75,000 and ties future increases to inflation. Senate Bill 2095 : This bill would increase the general homestead exemption to $10,000 for tax year

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and other Senate Democratic colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to immediately reinstate Title X family planning funding in 23 states after the agency began withholding grants that support basic health care for approximately one million people. “We are alarmed at the Trump administration’s attacks against providers that enable access to health care for low-income and uninsured people,” the Senators wrote in a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We urge you to swiftly reinstate funding to avoid extended gaps in service for vulnerable communities who rely on Title X funded health centers and programs.” Title X is the nation’s only dedicated source of federal funding for family planning. In 2023, the program

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Letter To The Editor: ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis election marked a major turning point for our city. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Mayor-elect Cara Spencer and Comptroller-elect Donna Baringer on your victories. The people of St. Louis made clear that they believe in your distinct visions and leadership. I look forward to working together, identifying where our priorities align, and building a path forward that serves all of our residents. I also want to honor Mayor Tishaura Jones and Comptroller Darlene Green. Their contributions to this city, and to my own journey, cannot be overstated. I grew up under Darleen’s watch in the Comptroller’s office, and she has been a mentor and example throughout my career. Her legacy is one of strength, integrity, and service. Tishaura has been a trusted ally, friend, and advocate, and I remain aligned with her unwavering commitment to equity, especially in uplifting North St. Louis. As the new composition of the

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EDWARDSVILLE - On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Mallory Sidarous, Director of University Housing, and Kim Watson, Associate Director of University Housing Facilities Management at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, were recognized with the prestigious Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a program of the U.S. Department of Defense. This distinguished award honors individual supervisors for their extraordinary support of employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserve. Sidarous and Watson were nominated by a service member within University Housing in recognition of their commitment to supporting those who serve. The directors’ efforts include providing flexible schedules, granting leaves of absence and offering support to families before, during and after deployment. David Balai, an electrician with University Housing Facilities Management, nominated Sidarous and Watson for the award in recognition of their unwavering support durin

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JERSEYVILLE – The Jersey County Arts Council is hosting classes coming soon for those looking to learn the art of hand-stitched embroidery. Classes will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jersey County Arts Council space in the First Presbyterian Church at 400 S. State St. in Jerseyville. Attendees will get a hands-on education covering the fundamental basics of the decorative art form. Classes are open to interested embroiderers ages 8 and up, though class sizes are limited. A non-refundable $25 donation to the Jersey County Arts Council is required to secure your spot and help cover supply costs. To register and get more details about the event, including a list of supplies, email sewingismysuperpower8@gmail.com . To learn more about other upcoming class offerings from the Jersey County Arts Council, visit their Facebook page or sewingismysuperpower.com .

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BELLEVILLE – Residents of Belleville and East St. Louis have been accused of mob action in related and recently filed criminal cases. The following individuals were each charged on April 11, 2025 with a Class 4 felony count of mob action: Ahmad J. Grady, 21, of Belleville Trequion D. Holman, 28, of East St. Louis Gabriel E. Boyd, 32, of East St. Louis On March 27, 2025, Grady, Holman, and Boyd allegedly acted together in physically attacking another individual. Holman and Boyd were specifically accused of striking the victim about the body with their hands and fists, while Grady was accused of kicking the victim about the body with his foot. Each of the cases against Grady, Holman, and Boyd were presented by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. All three men have since been granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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WOOD RIVER — Firefighters responded to a structure fire early Saturday morning, April 12, 2025, in the 500 block of State Street. The Wood River Fire Department arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the residence. In response to the situation, a box alarm was requested, prompting assistance from neighboring departments, including Roxana, East Alton, and Rosewood Heights. Fire Chief Wade Stahlhut praised the collaborative efforts of the responding units. "Wood River and East Alton Fire Department responded quickly and was able to get a fast hit on the fire. It is great to have mutual aide to help us," Stahlhut said. The fire originated in a bedroom and spread to two rooms and the attic, causing significant damage. "The house appears fixable," Stahlhut noted. One occupant was able to evacuate the home but required treatment for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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SWANSEA — Launched in 2020 and relaunched in 2025 after a nearly four-year hiatus, the podcast Pondoff’s Anonymous is making significant strides in the St. Louis Metro East recovery and mental health community. With new episodes released every Monday, the show features guests from across the country discussing topics ranging from substance use and trauma to shame, identity, and healing. Hosted by Chris Pondoff, Jeff Allen, and Jakob Miller, the podcast blends unfiltered conversation, personal storytelling, and dark humor to create a relatable and impactful listening experience. Pondoff, who started the podcast as a creative outlet during his own recovery journey, emphasizes the importance of authenticity in their discussions. “We’re unfiltered. We curse, we laugh, and we’re serious—we don’t pretend to have it all figured out,” Pondoff said. “People don’t come to us for polished answers—they come because it’s real.&rdquo

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