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Gov. Pritzker's Statement on the Passage of the Prescription Drug Affordability Act

6 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement following the passage of the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (HB 1697): “Predatory pharmacy benefit managers have been the middlemen whose business practices too often jack up prescription drug prices and shut down small, independent pharmacies that are frequently rural communities’ lone options when people are seeking medications they need. I’m grateful for the General Assembly’s broad bipartisan partnership with me to require pharmacy benefit managers to become responsible actors and lower prescription drug prices. “For far too long, pharmacy benefit managers’ business practices have operated with little regulation, transparency, and accountability. Illinois is putting an end to that. We will lead the nation in bringing transparency to PBM drug pricing. This bill grants the state full access to their books and records so we can follow the money and prevent exploitation

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Schmidt's Legislation That Improves Community Integrated Living Arrangements Passes Both Houses

6 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) wants to see Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) up to par with other facilities in the state. Rep. Schmidt filed House Bill 57 to include CILAs to the Essential Support Person Act, passed in 2023. Rep Schimdt said the purpose of his bill is to ensure residents in CILAs have the same visitation rights for essential support persons as other facilities. “My bill aligns CILAs with state run facilities and it breaks a barrier that has excluded certain community-integrated living arrangements from visitation rights,” said Schmidt. “This change was needed and I’m happy to see HB57 pass through the General Assembly.” Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) is a living arrangement for adults in a group home, family home or apartment where eight or fewer unrelated adults with developmental disabilities live under supervision of the community developmental services agency. Residents

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Spencer Homes Male Athlete Of Month For Tigers: Clayton Lakatos Ends Remarkable Track Career With Strong State Times

6 months 3 weeks ago
CHARLESTON - Clayton Lakatos concluded his track and field career with notable performances on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the sectional finals meet, showcasing his sprinting talents in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the 4x100 relay for Edwardsville High School. Lakatos secured third place in the 100-meter dash with a personal record time of 10.51 seconds. In the 200 meters, he finished sixth, clocking in at 21.65 seconds, slightly off his personal best of 21.32 seconds set earlier on May 14, 2025, at the Southwestern Conference Meet. Additionally, Lakatos was an integral part of Edwardsville’s 4x100 relay team, which placed second with a time of 41.10 seconds. Running the third leg, he was joined by teammates Darren Wilson, Cincere Ruffin, and Zach Lane. A key contributor to the Tigers’ sprint relay teams in recent years, Lakatos has been recognized for his versatility and speed. He has competed in multiple events, including the 110-meter high hurdles and the 300-meter

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Gov. Pritzker's Statement on the Passage of the Public University Direct Admission Program Act

6 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD - Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement following the passage of the Public University Direct Admission Program Act (HB3522): “Every year, high school students and their families across Illinois navigate a complex college admissions process, often facing the burden of paying multiple application fees along the way. With the General Assembly’s bipartisan passage of the Public University Direct Admission Program Act, we’re offering a more streamlined and affordable path to a postsecondary institution in Illinois. “This bill creates a one-stop shop for students, allowing eligible high schoolers to receive direct admission to public universities based on their academic performance. It’s a commonsense solution that reflects our commitment to breaking down barriers and expanding opportunity to higher education. “Education is the foundation of a thriving future, and the passage of this bill reflects our resolve to use every

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Budzinski Criticizes Trump's Nippon Rally, Vows to Defend Granite City Jobs

6 months 3 weeks ago
GRANITE CITY — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s appearance in Pennsylvania, where he touted the merger between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel. “Today, President Trump took a victory lap, claiming he single-handedly saved American steel – but he failed to mention Illinois, failed to mention Granite City Works, and failed to consult the hundreds of workers who built this industry as a bedrock of our community. “While the details of this ‘deal’ remain murky, any agreement struck between President Trump and Nippon is unenforceable unless steelworkers are at the table. The current collective bargaining agreement requires robust investment to keep Granite City competitive worldwide. Given that the current proposal fails to meet those standards, it simply cannot move forward. “Granite City deserves more than broken promises and publicity stunts. I’m fighting to

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Gov. Pritzker Provides Remarks On Passage Of State FY26 Budget

6 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois General Assembly passed the $55.1 billion state FY26 budget that will deliver for working families, demonstrating strong fiscal discipline and responsible governance, Gov. J.B. Pritzker says. This is the Governor’s seventh consecutive balanced budget that continues to get the state’s finances back on track while investing in economic development, education, and healthcare without raising taxes on working families. “The passage of the FY26 balanced budget is a testament to Illinois’ fiscal responsibility,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Even in the face of Trump and Congressional Republicans stalling the national economy, our state budget delivers for working families without raising their taxes while protecting the progress we are making for our long-term fiscal health. I’m grateful to Speaker Welch, President Harmon, the budget teams, and all the legislators and stakeholders who collaborated to shape and

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Beer Master Tour

6 months 3 weeks ago

The biggest fans of Budweiser must book a Beermaster Tour while they’re in St. Louis. The two-hour tour gives guests an all-access look at how the King of Beers is […]

The post Beer Master Tour appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman

Day Fresh Tour

6 months 3 weeks ago

The most popular tour at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis explains the life of an Anheuser-Busch beer from seed to glass. Along the way, you’ll visit the Clydesdales Paddock […]

The post Day Fresh Tour appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman

Rep. Schmidt Issues Statement On 2026 Budget

6 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Democrats have passed a whopping $55.2 billion budget, adding $2 billion more than last year. Since Governor Pritzker took office, spending has increased by 38%. State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) issued the following statement after the budget vote. “This massive budget does not reflect the needs of Illinois citizens. Bad public policy has cost the state billions,” said Rep. Schmidt. “I’m disappointed to see Democrats tap into the pockets of working families to accommodate their appetite for spending on pork projects in Democratic districts.” The FY 26 budget includes another $1 billion in taxes on Illinois’ working families and job creators. Illinois Democrats have turned over unprecedented authority to Governor Pritzker in order to make spending decisions in this budget. This near-record spending budget continues the downward tax-and-spend spiral that has caused disastrous financial results for the

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Custom Engraved Bricks to be Installed at James Killion Park

6 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - Community members can purchase a brick to be dedicated at James Killion Park. The James Killion Beautification and Enhancement Committee is sponsoring a brick campaign to install personalized bricks around the bandshell at James Killion Park in Alton. For $200, you and your family or business can have a 12 by 12 concrete brick in the park. “The brick campaign came to be to have people in our community have ownership of what’s going on at Killion Park,” said Lee Barham, Brick Campaign Chair. “It’s also a way to enlighten people about what’s going on at Killion Park. We’ve got a new bathroom. We’ve got an amphitheater. It’s just the growth. That’s the first park people see coming and going from Alton.” Barham explained that the campaign aims to beautify the park while inspiring people to learn about its namesake, James Killion. The new amphitheater was recently dedicated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony

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