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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate Floor today after Russell Vought, Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), announced that the Trump Administration would “put on hold” $2.1 billion in federal funding for Chicago infrastructure projects, including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)’s Red Line Extension Project and CTA’s Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Program. Durbin began by outlining the history of the Red Line Extension Project and the importance of public transit for Illinoisans. Durbin said, “In 1969, 56 years ago, former Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley proposed extending the Red Line of the Chicago Transit Authority. And yet, still to this day, residents of the far South Side of Chicago don’t have that transit option, at least not as they should.” Durbin continued, “Transportation can make or

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OAK BROOK – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and NANO Nuclear Energy Inc . (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, will establish a manufacturing and research & development facility in Illinois. NANO Nuclear plans to make an investment of more than $12 million with the support from the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) program, which will enable the company to establish its operations and create 50 new full-time jobs. “I’m proud to welcome NANO Nuclear to Illinois’ growing clean energy economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our qualified workforce, unmatched infrastructure, and competitive incentives all make Illinois the best state for companies investing in clean energy production. With support from REV Illinois, this critical investment

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued a statement on efforts by state and local law enforcement to protect public safety and First Amendment rights amid ongoing protests in Broadview, Illinois. “At the request of the Broadview Police Department, the Illinois State Police (ISP), Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple state and local law enforcement agencies have combined to form a unified command to coordinate public safety measures in Broadview. I support the mission of the unified command to create a safe space for the exercise of First Amendment rights while also protecting businesses and access to nearby roads. My office has been in ongoing consultation with ISP regarding the establishment and purpose of the unified command. In accordance with the TRUST Act, the purpose of the activities conducted by the unified command is to maintain public safety and the ability to lawfully exercise First Amendment rights – not to engage in federal immigration

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) have announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared Illinois to be “unaffected” by H5N1 avian influenza , a recognition of the state’s efforts working with local health departments, dairy farms, and agricultural organizations to keep the illness from impacting the state’s dairy supply. The USDA defines “unaffected” as “Ongoing testing and surveillance activities demonstrate absence of disease in dairy cattle in the State." At the same time, the agencies are reminding the public that with migration season underway, infected wild birds may be found in Illinois, and stressed the need for appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of H5N1. “Public health truly excels through the power of partnership,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We, at IDPH, are grateful for our colleagues

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that she is a cosponsor of the Feed Our Families Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act to support families and federal workers during the government shutdown. “Federal workers and families in my district shouldn’t be paying the price for Republicans’ refusal to make a deal to reopen the government and save healthcare,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “That’s why I’ve cosponsored legislation to help protect the services and programs that folks rely on during this shutdown, as well as ensure that federal contractors - like food service and janitorial workers - receive fair backpay to make up for their lost wages and benefits.” The Feed Our Families Act would appropriate three months of funding into the SNAP reserve fund so that families do not lose access to nutrition benefits during the lapse of government funding.

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that after he led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a multistate lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the DOJ has now dropped its plan to impose illegal conditions on nearly $1.4 billion in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants. Earlier this year, the Trump administration, disregarding the clear letter of the law and intent of Congress, declared that states would be unable to access VOCA funds unless they agreed to the administration’s demands that states assist in federal immigration enforcement. VOCA funds are used to support victims and survivors of crimes and are not related to immigration enforcement. “This is a win for survivors of violent crimes who rely upon this funding for programs that help them recover from the physical and emotional trauma they have endured,” Raoul said. “These funds have no relationship to civil immigration policy, and the Trump administration’s

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SPRINGFIELD - Upon learning through media sources that Secretary Kristi Noem is visiting Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement. “Federal agents reporting to Secretary Noem have spent weeks snatching up families, scaring law-abiding residents, violating due process rights, and even detaining U.S. citizens. They fail to focus on violent criminals and instead create panic in our communities. “Secretary Noem should no longer be able to step foot inside the State of Illinois without any form of public accountability. Last time when the secretary was here, she snuck in during the early morning to film social media videos and fled before sunrise. It's been nearly 45 days since Secretary Noem has held an official press conference, so it’s time she faces the public and takes questions from the press to be held accountable for the Trump Administration’s gross misconduct. “Illinois is not a photo opportunity or warzone, it’s a

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SPRINGFIELD – Joining advocates, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, facility staff and others across the country, the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) will honor the individual rights of long-term care residents by celebrating Residents’ Rights Month this October. Designated by the National Consumer Voice for Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice) , Residents’ Rights Month highlights residents living in all long-term care settings, as well as gives special recognition to the work of the individuals who help assure their dignity, privacy and other basic human rights are maintained. “The Older Americans Act mandates the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program inform residents of their rights,” said Kelly Richards, the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. “This is something we do all year long. However, the designation of October as Residents’ Rights Month allows us to shine a larger spotlight and highlight the right

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Did you know that the average homeowner spends over $300 on outdoor decorations each fall, yet many end up with items they rarely use again? Transforming your porch into a warm and inviting autumnal retreat doesn’t have to break the bank or result in clutter. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can achieve a stylish and cozy look that welcomes guests and reflects the spirit of the season. Embrace Natural Elements from Your Surroundings One of the most cost-effective ways to decorate your porch is by using what nature offers. Leaves, pine cones, branches, and pumpkins are all readily available and free or inexpensive. Gather fallen leaves and branches: Layer vibrant leaves in a decorative bowl or scatter them along the porch steps. Use sturdy branches to create a rustic frame for your porch or to build a simple wreath. Incorporate pine cones and acorns: These small treasures can be placed in mason jars, mixed with fairy lights, or glued onto wreaths and garlands

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October 7th has been a date marked by transformative moments across history, spanning dramatic battles, groundbreaking discoveries, and notable cultural events. One of the most impactful events on October 7th occurred in 1571—the Battle of Lepanto. This monumental naval clash saw the Holy League, a coalition of Southern European Catholic maritime states, decisively defeat the Ottoman Empire's fleet in the Gulf of Patras. It was a turning point in the struggle for control over the Mediterranean Sea, curbing Ottoman naval dominance and marking a significant shift in European and Middle Eastern power dynamics. The victory was celebrated across Europe, inspiring art, literature, and a renewed sense of unity among Christian states. On October 7th, 1949, the German Democratic Republic, commonly known as East Germany, was officially established. This event was a pivotal moment in the post-World War II geopolitical reconfiguration and the Cold War era. East Germany emerged as a socialist

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ALTON – Alton officials are moving forward with applying for a Madison County grant to cover part of the cost to prepare an updated plan for the city’s park facilities. The city has determined its current Park, Open Space, and Recreation Facilities Management Plan – which was prepared in 2012 by HeartLands Conservancy – is “outdated and in need of replacement,” according to a resolution passed on Monday by the Committee of the Whole. The grant funding sought by the city comes from the Metro East Parks and Recreation District’s (MEPRD) Community Planning Grant program. If the city’s application is approved, the grant would cover up to 40% of the cost for HeartLands to prepare the updated parks plan. Alton would agree to contribute at least 60% of any awarded amount in local matching funds. At Monday’s meeting, Alderwoman Rosetta Brown suggested city officials gather feedback from community members about improvements they’d

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CHICAGO, IL, AND WASHINGTON, DC — The League of Women Voters of Illinois and the League of Women Voters of the United States issued the following joint statement in response to reports that the federal government is preparing to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago and other communities across Illinois: “The League stands with our members, residents of Illinois, and the elected government of our sovereign state in renewing our condemnation of troop deployment in Illinois because there is no justification for such action. Chicago is not experiencing an emergency that requires federal force. To be clear, there is no war zone in Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois unless federal troops are bent on creating one. “Illinoisans will not be bullied into submission by acquiescing to warrantless attacks on our citizens nor to inhumane treatment of our neighbors and family members. We have no interest in federal troops descending on our neighborhoods to impose terror

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COLLINSVILLE — A collision between a pickup truck and a semi-truck on Interstate 55 northbound south of Fairmont Avenue early Sunday morning, Oct. 5, 2025, resulted in one fatality and one injury, according to the Illinois State Police. The crash occurred at approximately 3:01 a.m. Oct. 5 near milepost 8, when both vehicles caught fire following the impact. Emergency responders from ISP Troop 8 arrived at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck was pronounced dead at the scene, while the semi-truck driver was taken to a regional hospital with injuries, the Illinois State Police said. The northbound lanes of I-55 remained closed until about 10:26 a.m. as authorities conducted their investigation, ISP added. No additional information has been released. The Illinois State Police continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

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COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander, Captain Casey Faro, announces the ISP will conduct Roadside Safety Checks (RSCs) in Madison and St. Clair counties during October. The use of RSCs combine a strong sense of public awareness and enforcement in order to save lives of the motoring public. The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers working the detail will be watchful for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and transporting open alcoholic beverages, as well as improper seatbelt and child restraint usage, distracted driving, and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations. Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes in the United States. RSCs are designed to keep our roads safe by taking

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GODFREY – Prospective students of all ages and their families are invited to visit Lewis and Clark Community College during its upcoming Discover Day open house, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, from 3-5 p.m. in The Commons. Future Trailblazers, both traditional students—those coming directly from high school—and non-traditional adult learners, will explore how Lewis and Clark can support their educational and career goals. Advisors and enrollment staff will be on hand, as well as financial aid, faculty, support services, and student organizations. Information will be available on nearly 30 degree and certificate programs, including fields like healthcare, technology, and business. “Discover Day provides a great opportunity for prospective students to explore various career options and learn how Lewis and Clark can support them in achieving their goals,” said Cherise Jackson, Vice President of Student Affairs. For traditional students, Lewis

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department announced the results of its enhanced traffic enforcement efforts as part of the Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). These efforts, conducted periodically between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025, were aimed at reducing traffic crashes and saving lives. During the most recent additional enforcement campaign, mainly focused in September of this year, Edwardsville Police officers issued a total of 119 citations. The results include: • 73 speeding citations • 29 electronic device use citations • 17 other citations “The goal of this enforcement was to make our roads safer for everyone,” said Lt. Matt Senci. “By focusing on the leading causes of crashes – such as speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and failure to wear seat belts – we aimed to save lives and remind drivers that violating traffic laws will not be tolerated.” The STEP grant

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — The Fairview Heights Police Department announced lane closures on Longacre Drive beginning Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, due to concrete joint replacement work. The westbound and center lanes, starting at the rear entrance of Total Wine and More and continuing west, are closed to traffic, Fairview Heights Police said. Officials advise motorists to use caution and be alert for construction crews and equipment in the area. The closures are expected to remain in place until the work is completed, with updates to be provided once all lanes reopen.

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JERSEYVILLE — Junior Kaden Strohbeck is making a notable impact in boys' cross country this season for Jersey Community High School, earning recognition as the Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. Strohbeck has posted several personal records and strong finishes in recent meets. On Sept. 10, 2025, he placed third in the Twi-Light Meet with a personal best time of 18 minutes, 6 seconds for the 5,000 meters. He also achieved a personal record in the three-mile race with a time of 17:22.1 at the Highland Invite, where he finished 23rd. Other notable results include 14th place at the Carlinville Early Meet with a time of 18:32.8 for three miles and eighth place at the Alton Invite, completing the three-mile course in 17:37.8. When asked about his goals for the season, Strohbeck said, "I am hoping just to run some good times." He also expressed a team-oriented mindset, adding, "I just want to do the best I can and help my team try to win." In addition to cross

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has three major programs for the month of October. The 2025 Illinois Heartland Library System Library Crawl encourages people to visit different libraries across the state. Similarly, Hayner’s Adult Fall Scavenger Hunt aims to bring patrons into the library and take them through the community. Hayner will also host a “Food for Fines” amnesty program where you can return overdue materials and donate a canned good to waive your fee. “We’ve got a ton of stuff happening this month,” said Mary Cordes, Hayner’s executive director. Cordes explained that the Library Crawl features libraries across Illinois. You can kick off the crawl by stopping by Hayner and picking up a passport. Then, visit at least five participating libraries and get your passport stamped at each one. Most libraries will give you “a little freebie prize,” and Hayner has a few grand prize drawings

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and the Friends of Art are excited to announce its ANNUAL ART AUCTION on November 14, 2024, with funds raised supporting the Art & Design department’s visiting artist program as well as student scholarships, assistantships, and awards. This long-standing (since 1979) annual event will take place in the ART & DESIGN WEST GALLERY at SIUE, starting with a preview at 6 pm and the LIVE auction at 7 pm by local auctioneer Gary Niemeier. This year’s auction will showcase a diverse array of artworks from both local and national artists, faculty, alumni and current students. Some highlights include pieces by Salvador Dali, Agnes Martin, Alexander Calder, Lewis Badalamenti, Mike Smith, Jack Decoteau and many more! Proceeds from the auction provide a unique opportunity for attendees to acquire unique and original pieces while contributing to the growth of the SIUE art community. The auction directly benefits programs

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