WASHINGTON, D.C. – In her opening remarks at today’s committee hearing on the horrific DCA aircraft collision, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)— a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Aviation Subcommittee—reiterated the long-pressing, ever-growing need to expand our air traffic controller workforce and invest in more safety technology in order to safeguard passengers, crew and our entire aviation system. For years, Duckworth has been sounding the alarm that we must make these critical aviation safety investments immediately to prevent all-too-often near-misses from becoming catastrophic tragedies. Despite the Senator’s calls, the Trump Administration began making cuts and firing hundreds of FAA employees in the wake of multiple deadline airplane crashes, including the DCA crash that killed 67 passengers and crew on January 29, 2025. Video of Duckworth’s opening remarks
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision today upholding a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rule regulating ghost guns, which are untraceable weapons often made at home from kits that are sold online. Today’s ruling comes after Raoul and a coalition of 24 attorneys general filed an amicus brief in Bondi v. VanDerStok in July 2024, asking the court to reverse a decision by an appeals court overturning the ghost gun rule. The coalition argued that the rule is a commonsense clarification of existing law that is necessary to prevent gun violence and help law enforcement to solve serious crimes. “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court will help us save lives. Untraceable firearms without serial numbers are attractive to individuals who are not legally able to purchase a firearm or pass a background check. These guns fuel criminal activity, destabilize neighborhoods
From Spectrum News: The East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWGCOG) discussed, on Wednesday during their March meeting, the impacts of President Trump’s recent executive orders related to “discretionary programs” already awarded or in the works. An executive order has the U.S. Department of Transportation reviewing federally funded programs that were red flagged for including words […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) — alongside U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to place a memorial honoring women’s contributions to World War II on the National Mall. The legislation builds on Senator Duckworth’s 2023 law that authorized the establishment of a WWII women’s memorial in D.C. “It’s long past time we memorialize the contributions hardworking women made during World War II beside all the other historic memorials on the National Mall,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud our legislation was signed into law to establish a memorial in D.C. to honor the millions of women who rolled up their sleeves and took whatever job was necessary to help move our country forward during World
From Construction Dive: The Biden-era infusion of federal funding helped improve the condition of the country’s infrastructure, bringing it up from a “C-” to a “C” grade, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. The report, released Tuesday, shows grade increases in eight of the 18 categories assessed, […]
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today met with members of the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) to discuss a variety of issues, including labor shortages related to the Trump Administration’s mass deportations, a path forward for Dreamers, and steps necessary to protect their workforce. “In just the first few weeks of the Trump Administration, they have unleashed havoc and fear on our immigrant communities,” said Durbin. “What the Trump Administration fails to recognize is that immigrants helped build our nation and contribute greatly to our society and the economy. During my meeting with ABIC leaders, I reiterated my support for our immigrant communities and stressed the importance of finding a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers. I am hopeful to reintroduce the Dream Act on a bipartisan basis this Congress, just as I have done in previous Congresses.”
Doctors and other health professionals could face the death penalty if they don’t offer life-saving care to a baby born after an abortion is induced under legislation that cleared the Missouri House Thursday. Critics have raised concerns about how such a bill could affect families who choose to induce early labor following a fatal fetal […]
EAST ST. LOUIS - Briana Morales, an educator at Bush Alternative in East St. Louis School District 189, has been nominated for the 2024-2025 LifeChanger of the Year Award, an honor that recognizes exceptional K-12 educators and school employees who significantly impact students' lives. The announcement was made on Thursday by East St. Louis School District 189, highlighting Morales' dedication to excellence, leadership, and positive influence in education. The LifeChanger of the Year Award is a national recognition, with only 17 individuals selected each year from across the country. The award aims to celebrate those who inspire and transform the educational experience for their students. Morales' nomination has drawn attention to her commitment to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment. The East St. Louis School District community has expressed pride in her recognition, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging educators who make a difference in the lives
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general, today announced he filed for preliminary approval of a $39.1 million settlement with generic drug manufacturer Apotex over allegations of a conspiracy to inflate pharmaceutical prices and limit competition. Raoul is also alerting Illinoisans that they may be eligible for compensation if they purchased a generic prescription drug listed here between May 2009 and December 2019. To determine eligibility, consumers can call toll-free at 1-866-290-0182, email info@AGGenericDrugs.com or visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com . “This settlement builds on the work my office is doing to hold drug companies accountable for engaging in practices to maximize profits at the expense of the health and pocketbooks of Illinoisans. I encourage any Illinoisan who may have purchased a generic prescription from Apotex to check their eligibility for compensation that is included in this settlement,”
From CoStar: Commercial development of the year for St. Louis. Financial institution First Bank has opened its new 87,000-square-foot headquarters near St. Louis, Missouri, just down the road from where the company said it began more than a century ago. Construction of the new office building at 11901 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur, Missouri, was […]
A Dellwood man with pending felony cases in St. Louis and St. Charles counties appeared in court on Thursday morning for burglarizing apartments in Maryland Heights.
ron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson is celebrating a year since releasing his new solo album, The Mandrake Project, with a commemorative package.The release, dubbed The Mandrake Project: Year One, collects the first four…
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the Illinois chapter of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) to discuss the Trump Administration’s harmful rhetoric on privatizing the United States Postal Service (USPS). Durbin and the letter carriers spoke about the future of USPS leadership as Postmaster General Louis DeJoy resigned earlier this week. Additionally, Durbin reiterated his opposition to the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) proposal to cut 10,000 USPS employees at the detriment of Illinoisans who rely on USPS to receive medications, critical communications from the federal government, Social Security payments, and more. On Sunday, Durbin joined NALC in Chicago at the Rally to Save USPS to oppose any effort to dismantle the Postal Service. “Our letter carriers are dedicated federal employees who provide a critical service to our communities. It’s shameful that President Trump doe
The Missouri House on Wednesday advanced a bill that would enact new regulations on kratom products, which the National Institute on Drug Abuse defines as “an herbal substance that can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects.” Kratom products are currently legal both federally and in Missouri, and the legislation that received initial approval Wednesday would put […]
The beatings will apparently continue, whether or not morale improves. The Trump Administration’s latest move from far-right towards open fascism involves, unsurprisingly, the gutting of more government components tasked with ensuring the federal government doesn’t treat civil rights like privileges only afforded to those who can afford them… or anyone else willing to lick the […]
GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is debuting a new Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Human Services beginning with the Fall 2025 semester, and enrollment has officially begun. Program Coordinator Chad Keller said the degree is for students who have an interest in helping others develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide direct support to clients seeking social services. Those clients might include individuals with intellectual or physical differences or those dealing with mental health concerns. Professionals in this field often also help youth and older adults access support services at area community organizations. “This degree is about helping people make in a difference in their communities,” Keller said. “It reflects the unique opportunity LC has as a community college to offer a degree pathway for students who are passionate about social work and psychology but who are not interested in pursuing a bachelor's or who want t
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