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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and 14 of their colleagues in pressing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to reinstate employees placed on administrative leave after they signed a “Declaration of Dissent” expressing concern with the agency’s direction under the Trump Administration. In their letter, the Senators stress that employees have the legal right to speak out on matters of public concern in their personal capacities under the First Amendment, as affirmed by the Supreme Court. “We write to you with deep concerns regarding recent reporting that you placed more than 140 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees on administrative leave after they signed a ‘Declaration of Dissent’ on June 30, 2025. Federal employees are permitted to speak out on matters of public concern in their personal capacities

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor’s (IDOL) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (IL OSHA) has released a new fact sheet highlighting the top 20 safety violations identified during water and sewer department inspections conducted in recent years. IL OSHA inspects municipal water and sewer departments across the state to help ensure employees working in high-risk environments are protected from hazards that can lead to serious injury or death. The fact sheet provides a summary of the most frequently cited standards and offers corrective recommendations that municipal departments can use to improve workplace safety and health. Common violations cited in the latest fact sheet involve working in tight spaces, breathing safely, protection from moving machine parts, and making sure machines that are turned off stay off. “Many of these hazards can be mitigated with proper training, written procedures, and regular maintenance,” said IL OSHA Division

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Canvassing the neighborhood "means that we're supportive, it means that we care, it means that we work with them for whatever they need."

ALTON - The Alton Police Department has announced preparations for Puddle of Mudd’s concert at the Alton Amphitheater this Saturday evening, Aug. 2, 2025. The rock band is scheduled to perform at 1 Riverfront Drive, Alton, with gates opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase, with VIP admission priced at $80.50 and general admission at $42.75. Organizers advise attendees to secure valuables and lock vehicles to prevent theft during the event. The Alton Police Department outlined several venue rules that will be strictly enforced, including prohibitions on weapons, smoking or vaping in seating and lawn areas, outside food and beverages, pets, tailgating, loitering near vehicles, stage diving, crowd surfing, and alcohol consumption on public property outside the venue. Alton Police said officers and private security personnel will be present throughout the concert to maintain safety and order. The department encouraged concertgoers to prepare for an enjoyable

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GLEN CARBON — Several key initiatives led by State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) were officially signed into law today following the 2025 Spring Legislative Session. The measures address critical issues ranging from disability rights and public safety to fiscal responsibility and environmental accountability. “Each of these new laws represents common-sense reforms that put people first,” said Senator Harriss. “Whether it’s protecting vulnerable residents, simplifying government processes, or holding polluters accountable, I’m proud to see these efforts become law.” House Bill 57 updates the Essential Support Persons Act to include Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs) under the law’s protections. This change ensures that residents of CILAs have the same rights to receive essential visitors as those living in other state-regulated facilities. “This law guarantees that no resident is left isolated, and that

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SPRINGFIELD - Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed the following bills into law: Bill Number: HB0032 Description: Amends the Township Code. Permits a temporary deputy township supervisor to administer the township’s general assistance program and allows township parks and recreations departments to employ minors for youth sports activities. Action: Signed Effective: Immediately Bill Number: HB1715 Description: Repeals the statutory authority for the Department of Children and Family Services to appoint members of a police and security force. Action: Signed Effective: Immediately Bill Number: HB1754 Description: Creates the Tracking Infectious Cases Knowledgeably (TICK) Act, requiring DPH to provide educational materials and undertake a public awareness campaign on the tick-borne allergy, alpha-gal syndrome. Action: Signed Effective: Immediately Bill Number: B1806 Description: Prohibits licensed mental health professionals from using AI to make independent therapeutic

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today responded to official confirmation that the U.S. Department of Education has released previously withheld education funding to Illinois. Raoul joined a coalition in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s abrupt and unlawful decision to freeze this funding earlier this month. “This announcement is a significant victory for students, families and school districts across Illinois,” Raoul said. “The Trump administration’s attempt to withhold funding already appropriated by Congress was illegal and reckless. The move caused unnecessary chaos for many families who depend on vital programs supported by that funding, as well as school districts that were faced with exploding budget deficits overnight. I will continue to stand with other attorneys general to hold this administration accountable when it threatens the separation of powers and the rule of law.” On June 30, the Trump administration

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GODFREY – New and returning Lewis and Clark Community College students are invited to the Godfrey Campus for Trailblazer Welcome Day, from 1-4 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in preparation for the start of the fall semester. This new event is designed to help students become familiar with campus and learn what resources and services are available to them at the college. "Starting college can be overwhelming, especially for students who are the first in their families to attend," said Edwardsville Community Education Center (CEC) Coordinator Cathy Laramee. "This event aims to reduce some of that anxiety and stress by allowing students to explore the campus, locate their classrooms, and connect with individuals who are here to support them." Laramee hopes students leave the event feeling a sense of belonging, knowing where to find help if they need it, and having more confidence about their future. She emphasized the importance of creating a positive first experience.

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SPRINGFIELD - The hunting and trapping seasons for gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) are closed effective immediately. Surveys and preliminary results of current research indicate a substantial decline in gray fox distribution and abundance in the last ten years. Even though Illinois hunters and trappers harvest very few gray foxes, this closure will remove any additional pressure and additive mortality from harvest. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will continue to conduct annual surveys and evaluate the gray fox population in Illinois. On June 30, Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law Public Act 104-0019 , which changed language in the Illinois Wildlife Code and allows IDNR to open or close the gray fox season by administrative rule. This bill was an IDNR initiative with broad support from diverse conservation groups including the Illinois Trappers Association and support from legislators across the state. On July 9, the department filed administrative rules

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EVANSTON- Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders, Chief Officer for Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Dr. Dana Weiner, bill sponsors, and local elected officials to sign SB1560. Supported by the Illinois State Board of Education and children’s behavioral health advocates, the bill builds on previous legislation by offering cost-free mental health screening tools to Illinois public schools and partnering with psychiatric hospitals to inform parents and caregivers about the BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) Portal. “Access to mental healthcare—especially for children—is too often overlooked or ignored. Since the formation of the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, we’ve seen our state agencies work closely together and swiftly make progress in evaluating and redesigning the support systems we need to ensure that our children are healthy,” said Governor

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Cartersville, GA – Doehler Dry Ingredient Solutions, LLC is recalling Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack 15 count boxes, UPC 1 93968 50900 2 due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes . Listeria monocytogenes , an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. No illnesses have been reported to date. Products affected are: PRODUCT SIZE UPC LOT/MFG CODES USE BY DATE Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack 15 count 1 93968 50900 2 25175 06/24/2027 Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack 15 count 1 93968 50900 2 25176 06/25/2027

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ST. LOUIS - With nearly 1.5 million people suffering from rheumatoid and juvenile arthritis in the United States, researchers at Shriners Children’s St. Louis have discovered a new way to potentially minimize flare-ups and symptoms while also preventing the progression of the disease. Shriners Children’s St. Louis Director of Research Dr. Farshid Guilak recently published findings on a revolutionary new method of “chronotherapy,” the administration of drugs based on the body’s circadian rhythm, potentially changing the way the condition is treated in the future. Circadian rhythm refers to the body's 24-hour clock, which is regulated by the brain and responds to light. Using a combination of synthetic biology and tissue engineering, Dr. Guilak’s research team developed circadian-based gene circuits, termed “chronogenetics,” that can be programmed into stem cells that, once implanted in the body, align with a patient’s natural

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After reaching the end of their automotive lives, the batteries are being reused to provide lower-cost grid energy storage.