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Losing construction sectors under Trump

9 months 2 weeks ago
From Construction Dive:  The construction industry faces a shifting landscape as the Trump administration sets about reshaping some of the country’s most impactful federal policies. With changes in infrastructure priorities, regulatory rollbacks and economic shifts, contractors and developers are bracing for both new opportunities and potential setbacks. Some sectors, such as data centers and infrastructure, […]
Kacey Crawley

Attorney General Raoul Obtains 15-Year Prison Sentence For Swansea Man Who Disseminated Child Sexual Abuse Material

9 months 2 weeks ago
SWANSEA - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a St. Clair County man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to the dissemination of 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 pornography online. Raoul’s office prosecuted Elijah I. Ames, 19, of Swansea, Illinois, who was sentenced on Wednesday by St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge Robert Haida after pleading guilty in November 2024 to two Class X felony counts of dissemination of child sexual abuse material. “This sentence represents justice for minor victims who have been exploited and abused,” Raoul said. “My office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force works tirelessly to identify and track down individuals who download or trade these horrific photos and videos,

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Gov. Pritzker and First Lady Pritzker Announce Open Applications for Next Illinois Poet Laureate

9 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker announced an open call for poets statewide to apply to be considered as the next Illinois Poet Laureate. The Illinois Poet Laureate is an honorary state position appointed by the Governor, tasked with promoting access to literary arts and raising awareness through statewide community engagement. The Office of the Governor is partnering with the Illinois Arts Council, Illinois Humanities, and the Poetry Foundation to collaborate on the search process and in supporting the position. “The selection of a poet laureate is a unique opportunity to bring awareness to our state’s rich history of literary arts and shine a spotlight on the amazing poets that call Illinois home,” said Governor JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker. “We were proud to name Angela Jackson as Illinois Poet Laureate in 2020 and are excited to review another group of amazingly talented candidates to select from.” Illinois

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Community Spirit Shines As Mac's Treats Alton Police To Lunch, Expansion Also Nears

9 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON — A move this week by Mac's Pizza and Poker to donate lunch to the Alton Police Department is a prime example of what a business can do to fully serve the community. The Alton Police Department expressed gratitude this week to Mac's Pizza and Poker for providing lunch to officers, highlighting the importance of community support for local law enforcement. The event took place as part of a broader effort to foster relationships between the police and the community they serve. The lunch, which included pizza and calzones, was delivered to the department on an unspecified date. Officers noted that such gestures of kindness from local businesses are appreciated and contribute significantly to morale. "A huge shoutout to Mac's Pizza and Poker for bringing down some delicious pizza and calzones for lunch today," the police department said in a statement. "Your generosity and support mean the world to us, and we truly appreciate the kindness you show to our department." Rob Lenhardt

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Letter To The Editor: A Morning Walk Leads To A Powerful Message On Public Responsibility

9 months 2 weeks ago
Letter To The Editor: Nothing but love for the public worker. This is a spiritual story so if it's not to your liking please scroll on by. My morning walks consist of about two hours of walking alone in the dark, listening to podcasts, recalling conversations on various topics, and arguments on such topics, both real and imaginary. I have several scenarios playing in my head, and I frequently go down each avenue thinking what if I had only said this or that? You never know the results until the conclusion, so we keep prodding along, doing our best. Yesterday I received God's message, and because of my anger, I almost missed it. It wasn't God who spoke to me it was a Golf Course Supervisor, but it was God's wisdom that was left with me. Yesterday, on my way to the park I noticed cans and trash scattered along the road, so I parked my truck and started picking it up. In a short time, I picked up three bags of mostly beer cans. I have no idea what beer they sell at the Golf course

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Budzinski Unveils Tax Priorities for the 119th Congress  

9 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) outlined her key priorities for the upcoming tax package in the 119th Congress by submitting testimony to the House Ways & Means Committee. With the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) later this year, Congress faces the critical task of shaping the next phase of tax policy. Budzinski is advocating for measures that will not only enhance American competitiveness but also prioritize the needs of working families in her district and across the nation. “These changes will support American workers, encourage agricultural innovation, and expand apprenticeship opportunities. I championed these initiatives during my first term and I’m excited to continue advocating for them this Congress,” said Congresswoman Budzinski . “I came to Congress to fight for working families. The best way to do that is through a tax code that prioritizes the needs of working people by investing in workforc

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Elik: 'We Will Not be Pawns in Democrats' Political Games'  

9 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, the entire Illinois House Republican Caucus walked out of legislative session in protest of politically motivated resolutions introduced by Illinois House Democrats. In response, State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) released the following statement: "House Republicans stand united in refusing to take part in the House Democrats’ political grandstanding and theater. We are here and ready to do the work of Illinois, and we will not be pawns in their political games." More information about Rep. Elik can be found at RepElik.com

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