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Budzinski Bill to Simplify the VA's Correspondence with Veterans Passes House

7 months ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski's (IL-13) Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives. This vital legislation aims to simplify the language used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in written communications, making it easier for veterans to access the benefits they’ve earned. To watch the Congresswoman’s remarks during floor debate on the bill, click HERE . By eliminating overcomplicated language, the bill will streamline the process and improve veterans' experiences. Budzinski introduced the bill alongside Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) and House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12). Barrett and Budzinski serve as Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization. "This is a real victory for veterans who have long been frustrated by overcomplicated language when trying to access the benefits they’ve

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Illinois 3 Pavement Patching Begins April 14 In Madison County

7 months ago
GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent lane closures on Illinois 3 between the McKinley Bridge and Interstate 270 in Madison County will begin, weather permitting, Monday, April 14, 2025 for pavement patching. One lane will remain open in each direction. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The project is expected to be completed by June. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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Edwardsville School Board Discusses Potential Warehouse Purchase

7 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE - During the work session of the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education, Board members and Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton discussed the possibility of purchasing warehouse space for the district. Shelton said that he wanted to “build some understanding and context around our need for a warehouse” by discussing the district’s current solutions and how Hadley House is utilized. He explained that there was previously 5,000 square feet of storage and office space in Lincoln Middle School that was torn down to make way for the new gym that is currently being constructed at Lincoln. Following this, the district leased 17,000 square feet of space between BJC Healthcare and Kohl’s in Edwardsville from April 2023 to June 2024, at which point BJC Healthcare evicted the district because they needed the space. Since then, the district has stored maintenance items, chairs and desks, orders and other items in the schools. Shel

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Cole County judge upholds state funding for new Missouri cancer center

7 months ago
An appropriation to help Hannibal Regional Healthcare System provide cancer treatments in Kirksville complies with all laws governing new health facilities, a Cole County judge ruled Monday. In a 32-page decision, Circuit Judge Cotton Walker found no reason to block the $15 million in this year’s state budget for Hannibal Regional to build a radiation […]
Rudi Keller

Durbin Questions Witnesses During Spotlight Hearing On The Trump Administration's Attacks On The Rule Of Law

7 months ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a bicameral spotlight hearing entitled “Restoring Accountability: Exposing Trump’s Attacks on the Rule of Law.” Today’s spotlight hearing was led by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary. Durbin began by asking Liz Oyer, the former head of the Justice Department’s Office of the Pardon Attorney who was fired for refusing to give actor and Trump “Special Ambassador” Mel Gibson special treatment to own a firearm despite a domestic violence conviction, about President Trump granting “full, complete and unconditional” pardons to every person convicted of offenses related to the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. “It

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One Month Out From REAL ID Enforcement Date, Giannoulias Lays Out the Facts

7 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - With 30 days left until the REAL ID enforcement date takes effect on May 7, 2025 Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wants Illinoisans to get the facts about REAL IDs as many scramble to get one. “The federal REAL ID rollout has caused a great deal of confusion across the country, including here in Illinois,” Giannoulias said. “We’re monitoring REAL ID demand and adjusting our services to efficiently accommodate the unprecedented surge.” Giannoulias noted if you’re not traveling after May 7, you probably don’t need a REAL ID right away. Given the recent surge at Illinois DMVs, Giannoulias advised Illinoisans who don’t need a REAL ID in May to consider holding off to avoid waits at facilities. He added that the May 7 “deadline” isn’t really a deadline. On May 7, Americans will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID, or a valid passport, to board a domestic flight; however, DMVs will

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Here During Turbulent Times

7 months ago
Just days after the world shut down because of a global pandemic, the Missouri Historical Society released this video: The message was clear: St. Louis has always found ways to stay strong in tough times. St. Louis’s history—from fires and floods, to cholera and flu epidemics, to the time we literally blacked out the sun …
Brittany Krewson

Attorney General Raoul Helps Secure $335 Million Settlement From Pharmaceutical Company Mylan For Role In Fueling Opioid Crisis

7 months ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with a bipartisan coalition of 13 attorneys general, today announced a $335 million national settlement in principle with pharmaceutical company Mylan Inc. (Mylan) over allegations the company deceptively promoted its opioid products as being less prone to abuse despite knowing for years that many of its opioid products – particularly its fentanyl patches – were actually more vulnerable to abuse. Illinois will receive more than $9 million in abatement funds from the settlement. “This bipartisan settlement represents the latest development in the work state attorneys general are doing to hold entities responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic that has wreaked havoc in communities across our country,” Raoul said. “I remain committed to ensuring funding is equitably distributed across Illinois to help fund services that mitigate opioid addiction.” Mylan, which is now a part of Viatris, has manufactured

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Refrigeration: The Emerging Cold Storage Market 

7 months ago

This article originally ran in St. Louis Business Journal on April 1, 2025. The events of the past few years have significantly impacted the consumer experience, resulting in a positive operational shift for businesses in the cold storage market. As this specialized sector continues to grow, a trend report from Colliers anticipates cold storage real estate to experience an increase of 13.2% […]

The post Refrigeration: The Emerging Cold Storage Market  appeared first on St. Louis Regional Freightway.

Jasmine Thomas

Bravery In Action: Swansea Officers, Three Young Boys Recognized For Rescuing Trapped Resident

7 months ago
SWANSEA — Three young boys and three police officers were recognized for their heroic actions in saving a resident from a fire during a Swansea Village Board meeting. The Swansea Police Department and Swansea Fire Department honored the individuals for their quick thinking and bravery in an incident that occurred on March 28, 2025. The boys, identified as Roman, Xavier, and Darius, were playing outside when they noticed smoke coming from their neighbor's house. They promptly alerted an adult, who called 911, ensuring a swift response from emergency services. Swansea Police officers Schutzbach, Lindley, and Sgt. Kemper-Damm were the first responders on the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered that a resident was trapped inside the garage. The Swansea officers collaborated to breach the garage door and successfully rescued the individual. This incident underscores the vital role of community involvement in public safety, showcasing how the actions of both the children and

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Attorney General Raoul Obtains Guilty Plea, 12-Year Prison Sentence From Granite City Man Who Possessed Child Sexual Abuse Material

7 months ago
GRANITE CITY – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a Granite City man was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office prosecuted Sergio Alberto Zuniga-Chapol, 26, who was sentenced by Madison County Circuit Court Judge Amy Maher after pleading guilty to four Class 2 felony counts of possessing child pornography involving children under the age of 13. His sentence will be followed by three years to life of mandatory supervised release, and he will also register as a sex offender for life. “This sentence represents a degree of justice for the young victims who are exploited and abused by child sexual abuse material,” Raoul said.

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IDOT, ISP: 'Don't Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward.’

7 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is teaming up with the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies to promote Distracted Driving Awareness Month, reminding drivers to pay attention or pay the price. Distracted driving, which involves cellphone use or any activity that takes attention away from the task of operating your vehicle, is a risky behavior that endangers everyone on the road. “Arriving late is better than never arriving. Stay focused, stay safe and reach your destination without distractions,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Remember: Don’t Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward.” According to IDOT statistics, 260 people died and 29,458 people were injured in crashes involving distractions between 2019 and 2023. In 2023, 58 people were killed in crashes involving at least one distracted driver, 4.7% of all traffic fatalities that year. All o

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Free Event In Shiloh For Growing Families Features Expert Healthcare Insights

7 months ago
SHILOH — New and soon-to-be parents in the Shiloh area are invited to attend the Baby in Bloom Pop-Up Shower for Growing Families, a free event hosted by Memorial Hospital Shiloh on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the main lobby of the hospital, located at 1404 Cross St., Shiloh, IL 62269. The Baby in Bloom event aims to provide essential resources for parents, covering topics such as planning a healthy pregnancy, infant safety, and the transition into parenthood. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with healthcare professionals and access a variety of informative offerings. Among the highlights of the event are discussions on childbirth, breastfeeding, and the various care options available at Memorial Hospital. Participants will also be able to tour the Family Care Birthing Center and learn about the hospital's Level II E Special Care Nursery. Additionally, information will be provided about the OB Emergency Department,

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