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SIUE Earns 2025-26 Military Friendly® School Gold Status

10 months 4 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has once again earned Gold Tier recognition as a 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School, placing the University among the top 10% of institutions nationwide for its commitment to serving military-affiliated students, including active-duty service members, veterans, and military-connected families. The prestigious designation is awarded by VIQTORY, publisher of G.I. Jobs® Magazine, and is based on a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process. More than 1,800 institutions participated in the 2025-2026 survey, with 537 receiving special awards for exceeding Military Friendly® standards. SIUE was evaluated in the small public institution category and also earned the designation of Military Spouse Friendly® School, reflecting its broad support for military families. “This designation reflects our deep commitment to serving those who have served,” said Kevin Wathen, EdD, director of Military and Veteran Services.

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TODAY IN SPRINGFIELD: Congresswoman Budzinski to Host Roundtable on Strengthening Postal Service in Central and Southern Illinois

10 months 4 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD — On Monday, July 28, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) will convene a roundtable discussion in Springfield focused on improving mail delivery and protecting postal services across Central and Southern Illinois. Local leaders, postal workers, and community stakeholders from across downstate Illinois will join the conversation. The discussion will cover key issues impacting mail service in the region including efforts to improve on-time delivery, protect local postal jobs, oppose privatization, and stop harmful facility consolidations that reduce access in rural and underserved areas. WHAT: Congresswoman Budzinski to Host Roundtable on Strengthening Postal Service in Central and Southern Illinois WHO: U.S. Congresswoman Budzinski, Illinois’ 13th District State Senator Doris Turner State Representative Mike Coffey Springfield Chamber President Mike Murphy Barbara Bridges, Champaign Postal Worker and Activist President Pam Shumard, Illinois Rural

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Suspect Arrested: Mount Vernon Police Identify Two Victims in July 27, 2025, Shooting

10 months 4 weeks ago
MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon Police Department, in coordination with Mayor John Lewis, has identified the victims of a shooting that occurred on July 27, 2025, and announced the arrest of one suspect in connection with the incident. The victims have been named as Zomarrius Williams, a 20-year-old male from Mount Vernon, and Demonta Woodward, a 26-year-old male from Mounds, Illinois. Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Jerria J. Smith of Mount Vernon, charging her with reckless discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice. Officials stated the investigation is in its early stages and that additional arrests and charges are expected as they continue to gather evidence and develop leads related to the shooting, which resulted in multiple casualties and injuries. The Mount Vernon Police Department is urging anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators to come forward. Witnesses or those with video evidence can contact the department at 618-242-2132,

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Attorney General Raoul Releases Statement On Agreement To Pause Federal Restrictions On Public Benefit Programs

10 months 4 weeks ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today released a statement after the federal government agreed to temporarily halt implementation of harmful new restrictions on access to public benefit programs. “I am glad that the administration agreed to pause its notices prohibiting state safety net programs from serving all residents, regardless of immigration status, to allow time for the court to hear from both parties in this case. These burdensome rules would endanger some of Illinois’ most crucial social service programs, including preventative health care and maternity care from community health centers, violent crime victim counseling and legal services, Head Start early education and adult literacy education. I will continue to work to defend these programs from unlawful requirements.” Earlier this week, Attorney General Raoul and 20 other attorneys general filed a lawsuit opposing the federal government's attempt to change how eligibility for federally

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Budzinski Convenes Roundtable with LGBTQ+ Leaders in Champaign

10 months 4 weeks ago
CHAMPAIGN — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) convened a roundtable with Uniting Pride in Champaign, to address the ongoing attacks facing the LGBTQ+ community and listen to local leaders on how they can work together to protect this community. “Since taking office, the Trump administration has launched relentless attacks on the LGBTQ+ community – such as eliminating suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth and attempting to ban transgender servicemembers from the military. These actions send a dangerous message—that LGBTQ+ people are not welcome or valued. That is wrong,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I will continue to fight for safety, dignity, and equity of the LGBTQ+ community in the Halls of Congress, and I am committed to convening with the community regularly to listen and learn from their lived experiences.” "We appreciate Congresswoman Budzinski taking the time to visit Uniting Pride and see firsthand the work being

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Attorney General Raoul Issues Statement After Dismissal Of Lawsuit Challenging Trust Act

10 months 4 weeks ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement after a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Illinois’ TRUST Act that was filed by the Trump administration: “I am pleased with today’s decision, which follows the 7th Circuit’s dismissal of a similar lawsuit filed during the first Trump administration. “Today’s decision could not have been possible without the dedicated team of lawyers and staff who have worked tirelessly defending this latest attempt by the Trump administration to dismantle the TRUST Act. “Illinois’ TRUST Act acknowledges that civil immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government, and that state and local law enforcement resources are most appropriately utilized protecting the communities in which they serve. “I will continue to defend the constitutionality of the TRUST Act against the Trump administration’s cruel and draconian immigration activities.”

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In Chicago, Duckworth Convenes Quantum Manufacturing & Research Leaders to Discuss Illinois's Quantum Future

10 months 4 weeks ago
CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today convened more than a dozen leaders across Illinois’s burgeoning quantum sector, manufacturing and research institutions to learn more about how Illinois can harness quantum advancements to bolster our state’s manufacturing power. Today’s meeting comes on the heels of this week’s Global Quantum Forum in Chicago which brought together leaders in quantum from around the globe. Photos from today’s meeting are available on the Senator’s website. “Illinois is already a hub of agriculture, manufacturing and transportation, and we’re becoming a national and international leader for quantum technology,” Duckworth said. “As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I’m committed to promoting Illinois on a global level to help bring home investments, especially in our growing quantum industry, and making sure Illinois’s quantum projects have the federal

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Patching of I-57/72 Ramps Begins July 28

10 months 4 weeks ago
CHAMPAIGN – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that pavement patching of ramps at the Interstate 57/72 interchange in Champaign begins July 28. Beginning at 9 a.m., the southbound I-57 ramp to eastbound I-72 will close for patching for one to two days and then move on as follows (with one or two days at each location): Southbound to westbound Northbound to eastbound Eastbound to southbound Westbound to northbound Additionally, patching in the 1-57 mainline lanes will require lane closures for approximately two weeks. Current lane and ramp closures will be unaffected by this work. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For more information

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Looming Medicaid work requirements could worsen Missouri backlogs in social services

10 months 4 weeks ago
Kevin Wehner has been there for Missourians as they have dealt with unanswered questions, long wait times and the confusion as they enrolled for government insurance. He was there as the Affordable Care Act marketplace came online, and as Missouri slowly expanded its Medicaid program, known as MO HealthNet. He’s witnessed Missouri struggling for years […]
Meg Cunningham

Beer Master Tour

10 months 4 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

10 months 4 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

Budzinski Holds Field Hearing on Rural Veterans' Issues

10 months 4 weeks ago
URBANA, Ill. - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) held a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) Subcommittee on Technology Modernization field hearing on rural veterans’ issues. The hearing, titled “Beyond the City Limits: Delivering for Rural Veterans,” included testimonies from a diverse panel of local witnesses representing VA leadership, Veterans Service Organizations, county and state programs, and veterans themselves. “Rural veterans face unique challenges accessing the care and benefits they have earned, whether it’s driving hours to the closest VA medical center, or even farther for a compensation and pension exam,” said Congresswoman Budzinski, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization. “I was thrilled to bring the Veterans Committee to the 13th District today to underscore the need to shore up our rural healthcare system – a lifeline to veterans –

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More Than Just Thirst: Why Hydration and Cooling Strategies Are Vital for Health

10 months 4 weeks ago
Did you know that even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function, mood, and physical performance? Despite this, studies show that a significant percentage of adults consistently fail to drink enough water throughout the day. The importance of staying hydrated and cool extends beyond quenching thirst—it is a critical factor in maintaining overall well-being, especially during periods of increased heat exposure. Understanding the Role of Hydration in the Body Water constitutes approximately 60% of an adult’s body weight and is fundamental to nearly every physiological process. It serves as the medium for nutrient transport, temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and waste elimination. When the body loses water through sweating, breathing, or urination, it needs replenishment to function optimally. Dehydration occurs when water loss exceeds intake. Even a 2% loss in body water can lead to reduced concentration, increased fatigue, and impaired coordination. In more

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This Day in History on July 28: Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia, Leading to World War I

10 months 4 weeks ago
July 28 has been a date marked by pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most impactful events associated with July 28 took place in 1776, during the infancy of the United States. Although the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted on July 4, it was on July 28, 1776, that the newly formed Continental Congress began the arduous process of preparing the nation for governance and defense amidst the Revolutionary War. This period was crucial as leaders solidified their commitment to independence and began to build the foundations of a new republic that would influence democratic ideals worldwide. Moving forward to the 19th century, July 28, 1914, marked the beginning of a conflict that would alter the global landscape forever. On this day, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, setting off a chain reaction among allied nations that escalated into World War I. This conflict introduced modern warfare's unprecedented scale and devastation,

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