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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) re-introduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for veterans to access the benefits they’ve earned. The Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eliminate overcomplicated language from written communications with veterans. Budzinski introduced the legislation with Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12). Budzinski introduced this legislation last Congress and it successfully passed out of the House. However, it did not receive a vote in the Senate. “Every day, my office hears from veterans who are struggling to access the benefits they’ve earned due to confusing processes and complicated paperwork,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m proud to be working with my new colleague, Congressman Barrett, to streamline the VA’s communication with our veterans

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ALTON — Two juveniles were taken into custody on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, after an Alton Police officer observed them fleeing at the sight of a marked police vehicle in a known area of recent criminal activity. At approximately 9:48 p.m., Alton Police Lt. Jim Siatos was patrolling the vicinity of 9th Street and Hamilton Street when he noticed the two individuals, both with concealed faces, who appeared to be evading the police presence. Earlier, the officer had seen them walking improperly in the roadway, which contributed to his decision to pursue them on foot. During the encounter, one of the juveniles was found to be in possession of a stolen firearm. Both males were identified as juveniles, and under Illinois law, their identities cannot be released. Following the incident, one of the juveniles was taken to the Madison County Juvenile Detention Home, while the other was released to a guardian. The proactive approach taken by Lt. Siatos has been acknowledged by the police

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COLLINSVILLE – A St. Louis man faces multiple felonies after committing armed robbery with a stolen firearm following an automobile accident in Collinsville. Ronald Futon III, 19, of St. Louis, was charged with armed robbery (a Class X felony), unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (a Class 2 felony), and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons (a Class 4 felony). After being involved in a motor vehicle collision on Jan. 27, 2025, Futon allegedly threatened the driver of the other vehicle with a stolen firearm. The incident was outlined in a petition filed to deny Futon’s pretrial release. “Officers responded to a robbery report … provided she was involved in been in a car accident with defendant’s vehicle,” the petition states. “The defendant exited his vehicle and approached the victim. The defendant demanded payment from the victim for the damage to his vehicle. She reported observing the defendant brandish a firearm while making

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ALTON/EAST ALTON – An Illinois appellate court has upheld a Madison County jury’s award of $3.31 million for a former boat worker who developed a life-altering respiratory disability from exposure to unsafe working conditions. In January of 2023 , SCF Lewis and Clark Fleeting, LLC was ordered by a Madison County trial court to pay $3.31 million to former deckhand Kevin Mogensen. The ruling aimed to compensate Mogensen for lost wages, past and future medical costs, and more after a 2018 worksite exposure to corn gluten fertilizer permanently impacted his once-active lifestyle. Mogensen was part of a team tasked with cleaning excess material off the surface of an SCF barge after bulk product and material had been loaded onto the barge via conveyor belt. SCF Safety Manager David Totsch testified that workers cleaned the material off barge surfaces using brooms and leafblowers, and “admitted that employees were not given a mask or respirator as part of their safety

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BELLEVILLE - Mueller Furniture & Mattress is proud to announce the 4th generation family-owned business has completed a $300,000 remodel for its historic Belleville location that opened its doors nearly 100 years ago. The remodel consists of expanding the showroom with new flooring, ceiling, lighting, paint and in-store kiosks. “We are so excited for our customers to see our investment in our store and the Belleville community,” said Owner and President Mark Mueller. “With all of our previous expansions, we know it’s important to not lose sight of our past. We are committed to keeping our original Belleville location on Main Street and committed to the future. We promise this will be a building that continues to provide an amazing shopping experience for decades to come.” Mueller said these renovations are unique because they focus on enhancing the overall customer experience. The new in-store kiosks use technology to help customers design and envision

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CHICAGO – As the State of Illinois celebrates the fifth anniversary of the legalization of adult use cannabis in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that 2024 marked the fourth consecutive year of record-setting sales. Overall, dispensaries report that more than $2 billion of cannabis product was sold in 2024, a 2.5% increase from last year. The $2 billion of product includes a record-setting $1.722 billion in adult use cannabis sales in 2024, with medical cannabis sales exceeding $285 million. Sales taxes collected at Illinois cannabis dispensaries totaled more than $490 million in 2024, per the Illinois Department of Revenue. “The numbers are clear: five years after we legalized adult use cannabis in Illinois, we’re seeing the economic impact of a thriving cannabis industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With $2 billion in record-setting sales and $490 million generated in tax revenue,

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ALTON - Upper Alton Baptist Church and Preschool invite the community to come out for their 27th annual Chocolate Festival. From 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, community members can stop by Upper Alton Baptist Church at 2726 College Avenue for all-you-can eat chocolate treats. A plate or a to-go box cost $7, and kids under age 5 are free. You can also purchase a 15-inch platter for $20. Proceeds from the festival benefit the preschool. “We’re all chocolate connoisseurs,” said Tammi Bramley-Cash, who oversees the preschool. “Every year, there are weirder things that somebody decided to put in chocolate.” Buckeyes and chocolate-covered strawberries are “staples,” but Bramley-Cash also promises chocolate-dipped potato chips, bacon covered in chocolate, a three-layer chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, chocolate pudding, chocolate drinks and plenty more. Reverend Brad Donoho added that the 15-inch platter is the perfect contribution

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued the following statement after a federal judge in Washington granted his motion for a nationwide preliminary injunction in a lawsuit he, with three state attorneys general, filed challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship. “As I have previously indicated, the issue of birthright citizenship is a personal one to me. I am pleased the court has granted our request for a nationwide preliminary injunction and refused to let ‘the beacon of light’ that is the rule of law darken. The 14th Amendment was enshrined in our nation’s Constitution more than 150 years ago, and since then, the right of an individual born in this country to be a citizen of this country has been uniformly recognized. The judge correctly said today, ‘It has become ever more apparent that to our president, the rule of law is but an impediment to his policy goals.’ But despite his actions

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SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) secured a $7 million USDA grant to launch I-COVER, the Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystem Resilience Program, which offers cost-share/financial incentives to producers and landowners who are new adopters of cover crops or who utilize new techniques for earlier establishment of cover crops. The multi-state USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grant between Illinois, Indiana and Iowa establishes a three-year program for cover crops planted in 2025, 2026 and 2027. "Research shows that cover crops improve soil health, reduce erosion, increase drought resistance, and reduce pests, weeds and diseases," said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Director of Agriculture . “Illinois is home to some of the most fertile soil in the world, and I encourage farmers to participate in this important new program to conserve and protect it.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to help modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available successfully passed the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST). The bipartisan She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act would help enhance passenger vehicle safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures. The bill is estimated to help save more than 1,300 lives while saving billions of dollars in economic impact from preventing and mitigating deaths and tens of thousands of injuries. “We can be doing so much more to improve roadway safety and make sure visiting a family member or a routine trip to the grocery store doesn’t end in tragedy,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud our bipartisan legislation passed through committee

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ALTON — YWCA Southwestern Illinois and the Alton Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) invite all voters in the Alton School District to attend a School Board Candidates’ Forum on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the YWCA Gym, located at 304 E. Third St., Alton, IL. With six candidates vying for four four-year seats on the Board of Education in the April 1 election, this forum offers voters a vital opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to shape the future of local education. The candidates are Jack Cox, Jr., Tiana Gipson, Jason Harrison, Barry Macias, Christina Milien, and Aline Russell. The event will begin with each candidate providing a brief introduction, followed by a structured Q&A session using prepared questions. If time allows, audience members will have the chance to submit questions. "School board elections directly impact our children’s education and the future of our community," said Dorothy Hummel, Executive Director, YWC

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WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement on Musk’s efforts to overhaul the federal government. Budzinski also joined over 150 Members of Congress in a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, expressing concern regarding recent reports that he granted Elon Musk and his team access to the federal government’s payments system. Since the Trump Administration began, Musk has led efforts to shutter key government agencies and push federal workers to resign. "Right now, millions of Americans are scared that their livelihoods are at the whim of an unelected billionaire. Elon Musk may have joined the Trump Administration with promises to improve efficiency, but from day one, all we’ve seen is chaos. There’s nothing efficient about illegally accessing confidential information, slashing funding for essential programs like SNAP and Head Start or offering illegal buyouts to thousands of dedicated federal

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Co-Chairs of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, met today with Baltic Foreign Ministers and their ambassadors. During the meeting, they discussed the increase in Russian hybrid attacks in the Baltics and across Europe, and the need to maintain allied support for Ukraine and NATO. The meeting comes not long after Finland seized a Russian shadow fleet ship suspected of destroying an energy cable linking Estonia and Finland, and growing evidence of Russian arson, assassination, malign cyber activities, and sabotage on NATO soil. In addition to Durbin and Grassley, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) also attended. The Senators met with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys and Ambassador Audra Plepyte; Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and Ambassador Elita Kuzma; an

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BELLEVILLE — A 17-year-old from East St. Louis has been charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree murder, in connection with the shooting death of Dirico V. Washington. Joseph P. Flagg was taken into custody by Belleville detectives on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, following an investigation into the incident. The Belleville Police Department presented evidence to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, leading to the charges against Flagg. He faces serious allegations, including first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a handgun under the age of 18, among others. The complete list of charges includes: First Degree Murder, Class M Felony First Degree Murder in the Commission of a Forcible Felony, Class M Felony Unlawful Sale or Delivery of a Firearm, Class 2 Felony Attempt Unlawful Sale or Delivery of Firearm, Class 3 Felony Unlawful Possession of Handgun Under 18 Years Old, Class 4 Felony Unlawful Delivery

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GRANITE CITY - Monica Cooper, of Granite City, a beloved mother and friend, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, after a brief battle with pneumonia. She was 42 years old. Cooper is remembered for her vibrant personality and infectious laughter. Described as a dynamic and fun-loving individual, she touched the lives of many with her honesty, warmth, and generosity. "Her ‘shoot from the hip’ honesty, tempered with humor, and her warm smile will be deeply missed by all who knew her," her family shared in a heartfelt statement. She is survived by her children, Justin and Samantha Clark, and Casie and Jeremy Wright, along with her grandchildren, Emma and Miley. Cooper was the daughter of Vernon Gale Cooper and Linda Lentz, and she leaves behind siblings Tommy and Peggy Cooper, Kevin Cooper, and Michelle and Toby Wallace. In light of Cooper's passing, her family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and other unforeseen costs, as she did not

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Chick-fil-A restaurant located at 2319 Troy Road, Edwardsville, temporarily closed due to a boil order on Thursday morning, Feb. 6, 2025. However, at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, the restaurant reopened, initially with drive-thru only. In a statement, Chick-fil-A expressed its commitment to safety earlier in the day and said at that time: “We are working to reopen safely as soon as possible.” The restaurant also acknowledged the impact of the closure on its customers, adding, “We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to serving you soon.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) and Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-2) today introduced bicameral legislation aimed at reducing gun violence by preventing the theft of firearms from federally-licensed gun dealers (FFLs). The Safety Enhancements for Communities Using Reasonable and Effective (SECURE) Firearm Storage Act would address the problem of “smash and grab” gun store burglaries by requiring all firearms to be securely stored when a federally-licensed gun dealer is not open for business. Additionally, the bill would authorize the Attorney General to review and put forth additional security measures to reduce the risk of theft, and require a new section on the FFL application for an applicant to describe security plans before a license can be approved. Gun thefts from FFLs are a significant problem across the country. In 2023, FFL

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ST. LOUIS – Following an 11-year-low in homicides in 2024, the City of St. Louis experienced a continued decrease in violent and property crimes in January of 2025, with the number of homicides committed in the City decreasing by 55% compared to January of 2024. “Each life lost or affected by crime is one too many, so these continued improvements encourage us to keep the momentum going,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “We will keep building a safer St. Louis with the help of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Circuit Attorney’s Office, the Office of Violence Prevention, and our community partners. I invite legislators in Jefferson City to take a look at this month’s report and the data available on our police department’s website.” According to the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) January report , available at slmpd.org/stats , there were nine homicides in the City in January 2025, down from 20 in the

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CHICAGO - The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a lawsuit against the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago, alleging that their “sanctuary” policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement. The suit names several officials, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, among others. The 23-page lawsuit asserts that state laws are “designed to and in fact interfere with and discriminate against the federal government’s enforcement of federal immigration law in violation of the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution.” It contends that both Pritzker and Johnson, in their official capacities, claim to share an interest with the federal government in enforcing immigration laws to facilitate the removal of offenders from the United States. According to the lawsuit, “The challenged provisions of Illinois, Chicago, and Cook County law reflect their intentional

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced it is accepting applications from eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations to participate in the state’s Home Repair and Accessibility Program (HRAP). Through HRAP, IHDA will provide funding to approved agencies who will then provide grants to low- and extremely low-income homeowners to make health and safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency repairs to their homes. “Many homeowners are forced to prioritize their spending causing many to delay vital and necessary home repairs leading to a potentially unsafe environment for them and their families,” said IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust. “It is imperative that our low-income and aging populations live in healthy, stable housing. I encourage local governments and nonprofit organizations apply for HRAP so they can receive and then provide this vital assistance to help vulnerable homeowners in their communities.”

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