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Trump Promises To Abuse Take It Down Act For Censorship, Just As We Warned

8 months 2 weeks ago
During his address to Congress this week, Donald Trump endorsed the Take It Down Act while openly declaring his plans to abuse it: “And I’m going to use that bill for myself too, if you don’t mind, because nobody gets treated worse than I do online, nobody.” (You might think a former president openly declaring […]
Mike Masnick

Pritzker Administration Announces Illinois Overdose Deaths Declined 8% in 2023

8 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Administration of Governor JB Pritzker announced that Illinois recorded an 8.3% drop in overall drug overdose deaths in 2023, exceeding a nationwide decline of 4%. Specifically, opioid overdose deaths declined 9.7% in the state, compared to 3% nationally. The new data shows 3,502 overdose deaths in Illinois from all causes in 2023, 317 fewer than in 2022. The new data comes as the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) unveiled an expanded Overdose Data Dashboard that shares more data and makes the tool easier to use for both researchers and the general public. Governor Pritzker also announced in his Budget Address that, subject to review by the General Assembly, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will consolidate its mental health and substance use divisions into an integrated Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery in order to improve access to care and positive outcomes for consumers. “My administration has worked closely with

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Current State Flag is Decisive Winner in Flag Redesign Contest

8 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD - The public overwhelmingly favors retaining the current state flag, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced following the five-week voting period to consider a redesign of the flag. Voters had the option to choose their favorite design from one of the Illinois Flag Commission’s Top 10 new designs, or one of three former flag designs, including the current one, which has not had a major redesign in the past century. Of the nearly 385,000 votes that were received, over 165,000, or 43 percent, were cast for the current Illinois State flag, which received more votes than the next five top designs combined. “Some may call it an SOB – a seal on a bedsheet – and the vexillogical community may hate it, but people overwhelmingly prefer our current state flag,” Giannoulias said. “Thank you to everyone who made their voice heard on the future of this important symbol of state pride.” The Illinois Flag Commission will prepare

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Durbin Speaks Against Trump Administration Efforts To Intimidate Judges & Undermine The Rule Of Law

8 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke against efforts by the Trump Administration to intimidate judges and undermine the rule of law. Durbin then asked unanimous consent (UC) to pass a resolution that simply affirms that the Constitution vests the judicial power in the federal courts. It also affirms that both the Constitution and established precedent require the executive branch to comply with all federal court rulings. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) objected to Durbin’s unanimous consent request. Durbin was joined on the Senate floor by Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee who spoke in support of his resolution. “In recent weeks, several federal judges have issued orders blocking unlawful actions taken by the Trump Administration. In response, the Administration’s officials and allies have made worrisome statements criticizin

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Rock the Hops Festival Returns to Alton with Local Talent

8 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON – Rock the Hops returns to Downtown Alton, Illinois, bringing together music lovers, art enthusiasts, and community stakeholders for an electrifying afternoon of live performances, visual artists, makers, and handcrafted libations. The festival will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. on August 9th at several locations, and the producers are excited to invite potential sponsors, venues, musicians, visual artists, beverage makers, and volunteers to be a part of this collaborative community event. Rock the Hops pairs music and art with craft beverages. Attendees can “hop” around between the official venues to catch live music and to observe and purchase art. Ticket holders gain the full experience, with access to free shuttles and the option to taste dozens of styles of locally crafted beer, seltzers, coffee, and more. Over the years, Rock the Hops has showcased over 180 local bands, totalling over 700 musicians who live, work, and create in our community. Sponsorships

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Update: Bost Continues To Gather Applications For U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshal Positions

8 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) continues to gather resumes, cover letters, and supporting documentation for applicants interested in serving as the next U.S. Attorney or U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois. The Southern District encompasses 38 counties ranging from the Metro East region eastward to the Illinois-Indiana line and all points south. Interested candidates who have yet to reply or yet to receive confirmation from Bost’s office are encouraged to contact Myles Nelson at (618) 622-0766 or myles.nelson@mail.house.gov to schedule an interview with the congressman.

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Durbin Votes Against Todd Blanche To Be Deputy Attorney General

8 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today voted against the nomination of Todd Blanche to be Deputy Attorney General. In a speech on the Senate floor ahead of Mr. Blanche’s confirmation vote, Durbin spoke about the weaponization of the justice system since President Trump took office and argued that Mr. Blanche will not provide the necessary independence to rein in the President or the army of allies he has installed at the Justice Department. Mr. Blanche has served as President Trump’s personal criminal defense attorney since 2023. Although Durbin observed that nothing suggests that Mr. Blanche was unethical or unprofessional in this capacity, Durbin expressed concern that this representation calls Mr. Blanche’s independence into question. Notably, Mr. Blanche defended the President in the hush money prosecution brought by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, for which

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Opinion: Tom Haine Endorses Ray Strebel for Mayor

8 months 2 weeks ago
Letter To The Editor: ALTON – Today, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced his endorsement of Ray Strebel in the 2025 Alton mayoral race. Haine, a respected regional leader on public safety and fifth-generation resident of Alton, cited Strebel’s proven commitment to community safety and governmental reform as key reasons for his support. “I’m proud to back Ray Strebel for Alton Mayor in this crucial election. As Alderman, he took on problem businesses, pushed for real reforms, and fought to keep our parks safe. He is a strong supporter of Alton Police Department’s excellent efforts at proactive policing and will add new energy and new resources from City Hall to their fight against crime. He also knows the importance of strong and ongoing community engagement, and will renew outreach efforts to every part of our city. In short, Ray Strebel is a leader who gets things done, and as Mayor, he’ll bring the commonsense, results-driven

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Attorney General Raoul Leads Coalition Defending The Integrity Of The National Labor Relations Board

8 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing a legal challenge that, if successful, would severely limit the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) ability to carry out its responsibility of protecting American workers’ right to unionize. Raoul and the coalition filed the brief today with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit in the case of YAPP USA Automotive Systems Inc. v. National Labor Relations Board. A lawsuit filed by YAPP USA Automotive Systems Inc. (YAPP) seeks to stop the NLRB from addressing allegations YAPP engaged in unfair labor practices prohibited by federal law, arguing the NLRB’s structure and administrative proceedings are unconstitutional. Raoul and the coalition are urging the court to deny YAPP’s request for an injunction, which would hamstring the NLRB’s ability to protect workers’ right to collectively bargain for better wages and improved

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