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I-55/70 Closure In Madison County Begins July 11

2 months 1 week ago
COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that a full closure of Interstate 55/70 southbound/westbound between Illinois 159 and Illinois 157 in Madison County will start, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2025, for bridge repairs. The closure is expected to remain in place for 17 days. During that time, motorists should follow the marked detour as follows: Motorists heading southbound/westbound on I-55/70 should take I-270 westbound to I-255 southbound to reconnect with I-55/70 southbound/westbound. Drivers between Illinois 159 and I-270/I-70 westbound who need to travel southbound/westbound on I-55/70 should travel north to access the detour and follow it back to I-55/70. Access to Illinois 162 and U.S. 40 will remain open. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, July 28. Motorists should allow extra travel time for trips, especially during the first few days of the closure, and pay attention to additional signage

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Attorney General Raoul Joins Coalition In Filing Amicus Brief Supporting Case To Block Immigration Authorities From Unlawful Practices In Los Angeles

2 months 1 week ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 18 attorneys general, today submitted an amicus brief in support of plaintiffs in Vasquez Perdomo et al. v Noem et al., seeking a temporary restraining order to enjoin the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from engaging in unconstitutional and unlawful detentions of Los Angeles residents during immigration sweeps. The lawsuit comes amid the Trump administration conducting aggressive, militaristic immigration raids in Los Angeles that have terrified immigrant and non-immigrant residents alike, chilled community members’ participation in civic society and impeded law enforcement and public safety. “The Trump administration’s heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics do nothing but instill fear and distrust in immigrant communities,” Raoul said. “I will continue to stand with my fellow attorneys general to fight against

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SLMPD Officers Demonstrate the Power of Community Policing

2 months 1 week ago

St. Louis, MO — A long-time St. Louis resident recently shared heartfelt words that capture the impact of dedicated police work in our neighborhoods: “I felt like I was fighting these battles alone. That changed on June 1, 2025. That was the day I met Officer Kyle Ramsey of the Central Patrol Division, 3rd District.” […]

The post SLMPD Officers Demonstrate the Power of Community Policing appeared first on St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Suleima Rojas

Trump's Budget Bill Slashes Food Assistance for 360,000+ Low-Income Illinoisans

2 months 1 week ago
CHICAGO - Following the signing of Trump and Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ Illinois is raising awareness about the devastating impacts on our working families. This includes draconian cuts and alterations to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which threatens food benefits for an estimated 360,000 Illinoisans, jeopardizes jobs, grocery stores, and harms local economies. "SNAP has been a crucial federal resource for families trying to put food on the table for more than 60 years, but Trump and Republicans would rather children go hungry so their friends can receive tax cuts,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Here in Illinois, we have been working to combat food insecurity for years, and while no state can backfill these costs, the State of Illinois will continue to fight against these harmful impacts and stand up for working families.” SNAP has been a permanent, 100% federally-funded food benefit for more than 60 years. The bill

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IEMA-OHS Recognizes Extreme Heat Safety Month

2 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – July is Extreme Heat Safety Month, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is asking everyone to understand the danger to you, your family, and your pets. “The best preparedness is individual preparedness,” explained IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “If you and your family are ready for extreme heat, you can prevent inconvenience, frustration, and even illness. The recent week-long heat wave was a clear reminder in the Midwest that heat affects us too.” Extreme heat is defined as high heat and humidity temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. Older adults, children, and people with certain illnesses and chronic conditions are at greater risk from extreme heat. Take these steps to prepare for extreme heat and prevent heat-related illnesses: Hydrate with water, not caffeinated or alcoholic beverages Wear light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing

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How Public Media Cuts Hurt Kids

2 months 1 week ago
Essential education programming for children in underserved communities is threatened by the proposed elimination of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding.
Naomi Bethune

Smaller nuclear reactors spark renewed interest in a once-shunned energy source

2 months 1 week ago
ABILENE, Texas — Bolstered by $3.2 million from a former Midland oilman, this West Texas city of 130,000 people is helping the Lone Star State lead a national nuclear energy resurgence. Doug Robison’s 2021 donation to Abilene Christian University helped the institution win federal approval to house an advanced small modular nuclear reactor, which might […]
David Montgomery

Busiest Roadside Mowing Period Underway Statewide

2 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – With peak roadside mowing season underway, the Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public to slow down, proceed with caution and pay extra attention when encountering equipment and personnel. In keeping with the recent practice of timing operations to preserve and promote pollinator habitat, the heaviest mowing period will continue until Aug. 15. “By strategically scheduling when and where mowing takes place, IDOT is doing its part to help the environment and Illinois businesses,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “We need your assistance as well. Please be alert for mowing crews who work hard up and down the state, slowing down and giving them plenty of extra distance.” During the summer, IDOT conducts two primary types of mowing. Safety mowing occurs directly adjacent to the road as needed. Maintenance mowing, which lasts for approximately six weeks and starts around July 1, includes areas next t

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Employment Services and Opportunities Available for Area Veterans at Resource and Job Fair

2 months 1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE – Job interviews, employment opportunities, a plethora of services, free clothing, door prizes and more will be available to former service personnel at the St. Louis Metro Veterans Resource and Job Fair from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at the John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell Road in Florissant, Mo. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is co-hosting the fair with the City of Florissant and The Kaufman Fund. “The Resource and Job Fair allows veterans to highlight the amazing skills and talents they have from serving their country,” said VUB Outreach Coordinator Bill Schnarr, a U.S. Army veteran. “The partnership between SIUE Veterans Upward Bound, The Kaufman Fund, and the City of Florissant is an amazing opportunity that allows veterans to seek resources and careers that will help improve their lives outside of the military. Veterans have so much to offer and can still serve

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Congress plans to scrap USDA Climate Hubs, following Trump guidance 

2 months 1 week ago
Not all farmers and ranchers will agree in a discussion about climate change, but it would be difficult to find a Midwest producer who did not value climate-related data addressing drought, precipitation, temperature and frost outlooks. These are all pieces of data gathered and distributed by the Ames-based Midwest Climate Hub, which along with the […]
Cami Koons