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Attorney General Raoul Leads Coalition Defending Firearms Restrictions In Sensitive Places

4 months 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb today in leading a coalition of 18 attorneys general that filed an amicus brief in support of the state of Maryland in Kipke v. Moore and Novotny v. Moore, two consolidated challenges to Maryland’s restrictions on carrying firearms in various sensitive places. Raoul’s brief urges the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to uphold the constitutionality of Maryland’s Gun Safety Act of 2023 and other firearms regulations, noting that the Supreme Court has consistently recognized that the Second Amendment does not preclude states from enacting reasonable regulations to protect communities from gun violence. “States have the right to enact reasonable restrictions on where firearms can and cannot be carried in public spaces,” Raoul said. “I will continue to advocate with my fellow attorneys general for commonsense solutions that address the scourge

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Duckworth Highlights 2024 Accomplishments in Year-End Round Up

4 months 3 weeks ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As 2024 comes to a close, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) highlighted several key accomplishments she secured over the last year: “From helping almost 2,600 Illinoisans recover more than $11 million the Federal Government owed them to bringing home hundreds of millions of dollars to get the lead out of our children’s drinking water, and from protecting IVF access for hopeful parents across the nation to helping make flying safer and more efficient for traveling Illinoisans and travelers with disabilities, I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished this year,” Duckworth said. “It’s a true honor to continue serving Illinoisans in the United States Senate and while I know the year ahead may look different than many of us hoped it would, I also know there’s still much we can accomplish to help save working families money, end preventable gun violence, invest in communities that have been ignored for too long, advocate

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North Mac High School to host Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife Wednesday, January 15

4 months 3 weeks ago
VIRDEN - North Mac High School will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 at 231 W. Fortune St., inside the ImpactLife Donor Bus. What: North Mac High School Community Blood Drive When: Wednesday, January 15, 8:45 am - 1:30 pm Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, 231 West Fortune Street, Virden, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Tina Leonard at (217) 965-4127 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60085 to locate the drive. You may also call ImpactLife to schedule at 800-747-5401. Appointments are requested. 2801 South 10th Street | Springfield, Illinois | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org ) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call

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Madison County Courthouse Creates Forever Families for 30 Children during Home for the Holidays Celebration

4 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - 30 children in foster care will join their forever families when their adoptions are finalized this morning at the Madison County Courthouse in Edwardsville. Similar events took place at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago and the Williamson County Courthouse last month and at hundreds of locations across the country in celebration of National Adoption Day. Madison County 3rd Judicial Circuit Court Judge Amy Maher, Illinois DCFS and private agency staff will come together to make the day memorable for these new families. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and the finalizations will begin at 9 a.m. A celebration, including refreshments, will take place throughout the event. “Adoption Day is a very special day in Madison County, and I look forward to it every year,” said Judge Maher. “It is immensely satisfying to see these children find their forever homes through adoption.” “We have all heard the expression about giving our children ‘roots’

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Attorney General Raoul Urges U.s. Supreme Court To Protect Minority Voters' Rights

4 months 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, alongside a coalition of 20 attorneys general, urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reaffirm that states, in exercising their responsibility to draw voting districts, should be given the first opportunity to redraw legislative maps in response to court orders identifying likely violations of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Raoul and the coalition filed an amicus brief in Louisiana v. Callais supporting Louisiana and a group of Louisiana voters seeking to uphold a congressional map that includes two majority-Black districts. “Everyone deserves the right to vote, regardless of where they live or the color of their skin,” Raoul said. “As demographics shift around the state of Illinois and across the country, states should have the ability to redraw their legislative maps to ensure everyone has equal voting opportunities.” In 2022, a Louisiana federal court found the state’s congressional map likely diluted the votes

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Belleville Approves Splash Pad Upgrades

4 months 3 weeks ago
BELLEVILLE - Improvements are on the way for the splash pad area of Bicentennial Park in Belleville. At their last meeting, Belleville City Council members approved two resolutions related to splash pad improvements. Among the items passed was a $217,903 contract with Hemmer Construction LLC for improvements to the Bicentennial Park splash pad. Under the approved contract, new fencing will be installed around the splash pad area. A new shade structure will also be constructed, and the current number of nearby parking spaces will be expanded. Also approved was a separate but related resolution authorizing Gonzales Companies LLC to perform construction management services for the splash pad improvement project. Gonzales is set to work specifically on upgrades related to the parking lot expansion, including construction layout, material testing, site inspection, and more. A total of $21,000 has been allocated to cover the cost of their construction management services, bringing

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How to Host a New Year's Eve Party at Home

4 months 3 weeks ago
As the year comes to a close, the excitement of New Year’s Eve fills the air. Hosting a New Year’s Eve party at home can be a fantastic way to celebrate the past year while ushering in the new one with friends and family. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large bash, creating a memorable experience requires thoughtful planning and organization. This article outlines key steps to ensure your New Year’s Eve party is a success. Setting the Date and Time While New Year’s Eve is traditionally celebrated on December 31, the time you choose to start the festivities can impact the overall vibe of your party. Many hosts opt for an early evening start time, allowing guests to arrive, enjoy food and drinks, and engage in activities before the countdown to midnight. A typical schedule might involve guests arriving around 7 PM with dinner served by 8 PM, leaving ample time for games, conversations, and the all-important countdown. Choosing a Theme

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This Day in History on December 31: First New Year's Eve Times Square Ball Drop in 1907

4 months 3 weeks ago
As we stand at the cusp of a new year, December 31st has been a day of both reflection and transformation throughout history. One of the most significant events that took place on December 31st occurred in 1907 when the first New Year's Eve ball drop took place in Times Square, New York City. This iconic tradition began as a way to celebrate the opening of One Times Square and has since evolved into a global symbol of New Year's celebrations. As the clock strikes midnight, millions gather in the heart of Manhattan to witness the spectacular descent of the illuminated ball, marking the transition into a new year with hope and anticipation. Fast forward to 1946, December 31st marked a pivotal moment in the realm of international relations. The United Nations General Assembly held its first meeting in London. This was a significant step towards fostering global cooperation and peace following the tumultuous events of World War II. The UN was created to prevent future conflicts and

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