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Durbin Questions Witnesses In Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing On Defending Against Drones

7 months 1 week ago
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Defending Against Drones: Setting Safeguards for Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Authorities.” Today’s hearing highlighted the growing use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, and how Congress can strike the right balance in response. It also examined the existing statutory authorities that enable the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track, disable, seize, and even shoot down drones. Finally, the hearing also provided an opportunity to consider how to provide sufficient authorities to law enforcement while also safeguarding the national airspace and important privacy rights and civil liberties—including ensuring that actions to counter drones respect First and Fourth Amendment rights and Fifth Amendmen

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Belt promotes online safety, cyberbullying prevention for students

7 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt presented Senate Resolution 5 to bring attention to the pressing issue of online safety for K-12 students and to support continued education aimed at preventing cyberbullying and promoting responsible digital behavior. “Illinois students face real dangers in the digital world, and education is our strongest tool to keep them safe,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This resolution highlights the vital work already being done and encourages greater collaboration to expand these life-saving lessons.” The resolution commends the work of organizations like the Illinois Judges Association, which partners with schools across the state to educate students about the risks associated with internet and social media use. These efforts include assemblies, classroom presentations, and family-focused events that emphasize the importance of online safety and the consequences of illicit digital behavior. “When judges step int

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In Appropriations Hearing, Durbin Blasts HHS Secretary Kennedy For Cutting Medical Research, Hope For Patients

7 months 1 week ago
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today participated in a Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to review the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). During the hearing, Durbin questioned Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. about the dramatic cuts to medical research and the mass layoffs at HHS. Durbin began by questioning Secretary Kennedy about gutting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office of Smoking and Health, eliminating it from HHS’ budget request and laying off its entire staff. “Do you know the number one cause of preventable death in America today?” Durbin asked Secretary Kennedy. Durbin followed up after Secretary Kennedy stunningly admitted that he did not know the answer. “I’m talking about tobacco. Yo

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Local Students Named To Greenville University Spring 2025 Dean's List

7 months 1 week ago
GREENVILLE - The following students were placed on the Dean's List at Greenville University for the spring 2025 semester: Alton Chloe Greenberg Chau Nguyen Hailey Wright Brighton Jillian Beilsmith Brady Salzman East Alton Stephanie Kamp Edwardsville Gloria Bremer Lauren Garver Colton Hulme Kristen Krampf Tristan McMeen Godfrey Andrea Chamberlain Granite City Brennan Bronnbauer Jerseyville Josephine Lohr Wood River Kaitlin Barger Jacey Trask To qualify for the Greenville University Dean's List, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours for the semester. Freshmen (0-29.5 credits) must have a semester GPA of 3.5 or above. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors must have a semester GPA of 3.7 or above. This list reflects both on-campus and online undergraduate students. About Greenville University Greenville University is an accredited Christian liberal arts university with over 1,000 students, including

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MCT Announces Summer Trails Closures

7 months 1 week ago
PONTOON BEACH – Madison County Transit (MCT) is advising trail users of several major closures across the MCT Trails system this summer, which will impact many of the popular trail loops. Some of these closures are due to municipal utility and roadwork others are MCT initiated and are necessary to complete overdue infrastructure repairs and improvements to ensure the long-term safety and usability of the trails. Due to the scale of work, estimated closure dates may change as projects progress. Riders are encouraged to check the MCT Trails Facebook page or utilize the MCT Trails Web Map (MCTtrails.org/map) for the most current closure information. Scheduled Closures Include: MCT Confluence Trail Reconstruction Closure: 7th Street (Hartford) to Canal Road (Wood River) Date: May 1 – September 30, 2025 Details: This section of the Confluence Trail will be reconstructed to improve surface conditions and safety. MCT Schoolhouse Trail (Sewer Work – Village

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Exploring the Cultural History of National Waitstaff Day

7 months 1 week ago
What if the people who serve you your meal could tell you stories not just about the food, but about centuries of social change and cultural traditions? National Waitstaff Day, observed annually on May 21st, is more than just a nod to the hardworking individuals in the hospitality industry—it is a celebration rooted in complex social dynamics, economic shifts, and evolving cultural values. The Origins of National Waitstaff Day National Waitstaff Day is a relatively recent addition to the calendar of observances, yet it taps into a much older tradition of recognizing service workers. The day was established to honor waiters, waitresses, and all those who serve food and beverages in various settings—from restaurants to catering events. Its creation reflects a growing awareness of the essential role waitstaff play in the dining experience and the broader hospitality industry. Unlike many holidays that have religious or political origins, National Waitstaff Day emerged largely

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This Day in History on May 21: 2003 Earthquake Strikes Algeria

7 months 1 week ago
May 21 has witnessed a range of significant historical events across the centuries. One of the standout global events on May 21 occurred in 1969 with the launch of Apollo 10, NASA's critical dress rehearsal for the first Moon landing. Apollo 10 was the fourth crewed mission in the United States Apollo program and the second to orbit the Moon. The spacecraft was launched from Cape Kennedy (now Cape Canaveral), Florida, carrying astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, John W. Young, and Eugene Cernan. The mission's primary goal was to test all components and maneuvers without actually landing on the lunar surface, setting the stage for the historic Apollo 11 landing just two months later. Apollo 10's success was crucial in proving that the lunar module could operate in lunar orbit and safely rendezvous with the command module—a pivotal step in space exploration history. In a political context, May 21, 1881 also saw the founding of the French Third Republic's first socialist political

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