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Durbin Statement On Arrival Of Texas National Guard In Illinois

1 day 23 hours ago
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement today as Texas National Guard troops arrive in Illinois: “Deploying the Texas National Guard, over the objections of Illinois elected officials, is not only unnecessary, but it is also unlawful. The law, specifically the Posse Comitatus Act, expressly forbids our nation’s military to be used for domestic law enforcement without express statutory or constitutional authorization. National Guard personnel do not deserve to be used as political pawns in President Trump’s political theater. “As made clear in today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, the Trump Administration continues to shut out Illinois officials. Administration officials have recklessly sent in troops and agency leaders, including FBI Director Kash Patel, to Chicago without speaking to our state’s leaders. “If the Trump Administration

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Schmidt Hosting Mobile Office Hours October 9 in Freeburg

1 day 23 hours ago
FREEBURG - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is hosting Mobile Office Hours in Freeburg on October 9. This free event gives his constituents the opportunity to discuss state legislature and to talk about changes they would like to see from elected officials in Illinois. “I look forward to meeting my constituents to have open conversations about what matters most to them and their families,” said Schmidt. “This event is designed to give individuals the time to share their voice with me so I can better serve them during legislative session.” Mobile Office Hours Details: When: October 9th, 2025 Where: Freeburg Municipal Center Address : 14 Southgate Center, Freeburg, IL 62243 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

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Attorney General Raoul Urges Supreme Court To Grant Review To Protect Key Provision Of Voting Rights Act

1 day 23 hours ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Monday joined 22 other attorneys general to urge the U.S. Supreme Court to review a lower court decision that prevents individuals from suing to enforce the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Raoul and the coalition filed an amicus brief in Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe that defends the right of individuals to sue to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, a provision that is essential to ensuring Americans can cast ballots free from racial discrimination. “For decades, the Voting Rights Act has ensured access to the ballot box has not been restricted or obstructed based on discrimination,” Raoul said. “I am proud to join my fellow attorneys general to protect voters’ rights, as nothing is more fundamental to the preservation of our democracy than the right to vote.” Congress enacted the VRA in 1965 to guarantee that the voting rights of the American people would not be denied or restricted

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City of St. Louis Teams Up With Clark-Fox Family Foundation and Local Partners on Trick or Tree™ Collection

1 day 23 hours ago
ST. LOUIS – In an effort to restore the tree canopy and its many benefits to the St. Louis neighborhoods damaged by the May 16 tornado, the City of St. Louis Recovery Office is proud to partner with the Clark-Fox Family Foundation, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, Forest Park Forever and Commerce Bank on the Trick or Tree™ drive that will mobilize children across the region to collect donations while trick or treating on Oct. 31, 2025, with all funds directly supporting tree-replanting efforts in tornado-impacted neighborhoods. Since the tornado, City staff and contractors have removed or trimmed an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 tornado-damaged trees from parks, homes and streets. This does not include many more trees that have been removed or trimmed by private property owners and community groups, or may require removal in the future. Trick or Tree™ provides families, neighbors and community members with an opportunity to contribute to the restoration of that lost tree canopy.

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During Senate Judiciary Committee Oversight Hearing, Ag Bondi Refuses To Answer Durbin's Questions

1 day 23 hours ago
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi at a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing. Durbin’s questions focused on the weaponization of the Department of Justice (DOJ) under President Trump and AG Bondi, Bondi’s conflicts of interests as a former lobbyist for Qatar who signed off on accepting the gift of a Qatari plane, the Department’s role in the President’s surge of troops and federal agents to Chicago, and how she has failed to release the Epstein files. Durbin first questioned AG Bondi about the Trump White House deploying the National Guard to Chicago and if she was consulted beforehand or had any knowledge. Despite repeatedly asking her, AG Bondi refused to answer. “Were you consulted by the White House before they deployed National Guard troops to cities in the United States?” Durbin asked. AG Bondi responded that

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Gov. Pritzker and Illinois Elected Leaders Denounce the Freezing of Transit Funding for Chicago

1 day 23 hours ago
CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker joined Illinois’ congressional delegation and local elected officials to condemn the Trump Administration’s latest act of political retaliation — an illegal freeze of $2.1 billion in already-approved federal funding for the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line Extension and Red and Purple Line modernization projects. Together, Illinois leaders vowed to fight back against this baseless attack on Chicago’s working families and to defend the State’s right to the federal investments it was promised. “At a time when federal agents are sowing chaos in Chicago, the Trump administration is holding bipartisan funding hostage,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Using transportation funding to score political points doesn’t just hurt the hardworking people who rely on public transit to get to work or school—it weakens our economy, drives away investment, and makes it harder for businesses to

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Ballot language approved for Missouri measure that could reinstate abortion ban

1 day 23 hours ago
COLE COUNTY, Mo. - A judge has approved ballot language for a proposed constitutional amendment that could reinstate abortion bans in most cases across the state. On Tuesday, Cole County judge Daniel Green determined a summary statement and revised fair ballot language were "fair and sufficient" for a proposal expected to appear on November 2026 [...]
Joey Schneider

Illinois Community Colleges Launch Second Annual Feed the Need Campus Food Drive

1 day 23 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Community Colleges are once again coming together this fall to address food insecurity and provide vital support to students and their communities. The second annual Feed the Need Campus Food Drive will launch on October 15, 2025, and run through December 1, 2025, engaging campuses statewide in a friendly competition to collect non-perishable food items for local food pantries and campus-based food banks. Last year’s inaugural effort proved the power of collective action, with Illinois community colleges collecting more than 91,000 food items. Organizers hope to exceed that milestone this year as colleges mobilize students, faculty, and community partners to meet growing needs. “Food insecurity remains one of the biggest barriers to student success. By joining forces across the state, community colleges can make a meaningful difference not only on campus but also in the communities they serve,” said Brian Durham, Executive Director of th

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Land of Lincoln Honor Flight Honoring 93 Illinois Veterans With Final Flight Of 2025 Season

2 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – Land of Lincoln Honor Flight ends our 2025 flying season with Mission #76 on October 21, 2025. Mission #76 will serve 93 Vietnam Era Veterans from 62 Illinois home towns of Atlanta, Beason, Bement Bloomington, Breese, Buffalo, Bunker Hill, Carlinville, Carlyle, Centralia, Charleston, Chatham, Clay City, Clinton, Cortland, Creve Coeur, Dawson, Decatur, Fairbury, Flora, Forsyth, Granite City, Green Valley, Hammond, Hillsboro, Hillview, Iuka, Jacksonville, LeRoy, Lincoln, Litchfield, Loves Park, Mechanicsburg, Monticello, Morton, New Berlin, Newton, Normal, Oakley, Oakwood, Okawville, Pawnee, Petersburg, Philo, Pontiac, Raymond, Riverton, Rochester, Rushville, Springfield, Tinley Park, Tolono, Tower Hill, Trenton, Troy, Urbana, Vandalia, Warrensburg, Watseka, Westville and Woodson as well as Carthage, Texas and Venice, Florida. Our October 21st veterans represent all branches of the military. These Veterans and their Guardians will report October 21, 2025 to the

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YWCA to Host Trivia Night to Boost Programs

2 days ago
ALTON - Get your game face on and your thinking caps ready! YWCA Southwestern Illinois invites you to an unforgettable evening of laughter, competition, and community at our Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Great Rivers Ascend Hotel in Alton. This isn’t your average trivia night—it’s the most entertaining way to make a difference! Hosted by the always-engaging Trivia Riot, guests will enjoy eight rounds of brain-teasing fun, with prizes, bragging rights, and plenty of laughs along the way. Plus, our celebrity judges will bring their wit and sparkle to the night—don’t miss your chance to rub elbows with local stars! The excitement doesn’t stop with trivia! Silent Auction – Bid on amazing items and experiences 50/50 Raffle – Win big while supporting a great cause Heads or Tails Game – Test your luck for even more prizes Mulligans – Ten for just $10 to give your team a competitive edge Tickets:

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Belleville's East Side Firefighter Pursues Recovery Through Robotic Technology

2 days ago
BELLEVILLE — Brad Blanchard, a volunteer firefighter with the East Side Volunteer Fire Department in Belleville, has faced a life-altering challenge since a motorcycle accident in October 2021 left him paralyzed from the waist down. Now, his community is rallying to support his goal of regaining mobility through advanced robotic exoskeleton technology. Blanchard joined the East Side Volunteer Fire Department in 2018, dedicating himself to serving others. Before his accident, he was training for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, an event honoring fallen firefighters. Despite his paralysis, Blanchard remains determined to walk again and continue his active lifestyle. With steadfast support from his wife, Patty, Blanchard has adapted to his new circumstances by custom-building a motorcycle suited to his needs and modifying a riding lawn mower so he can maintain his independence. He has also joined a specialized gym for individuals with paralysis, where he has lost significant weigh

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Edwardsville High School Adjusts Homecoming Guests Policy

2 days ago
EDWARDSVILLE - New this year, Edwardsville High School will limit the guests welcome at their homecoming dance. Only current high school students will be allowed to attend this year’s EHS homecoming dance, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. This change aims to promote safety and aligns EHS with many local schools that have the same policy. After last year’s homecoming dance, Principal Alex Fox and administrators raised concerns about the policies surrounding the dance. Guests up to the age of 20 were allowed to attend if invited by an EHS student, meaning the guests in attendance could range between ages 13–20. EHS administrators decided to seek parent feedback. In Spring 2025, Fox sent a survey to parents of students in grades 9–11. The survey revealed that 82% of parents supported a policy change that would limit guests to only those enrolled in high school. With those survey results in mind, this year’s homecoming dance will only welcome

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