CHICAGO, Illinois, April 13 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois issued the following news release: A federal judge has sentenced a Chicago-area firearms trafficker to nearly six years in prison for unlawfully dealing handguns, rifles, and "switch" devices capable of converting semi-automatic firearms into machine guns. Over a three-month period last year, ROGELIO CASTANEDA sold nine firearms and 28 "switch" devices, also known as "Glock switches," to underc  more

ARGONNE, Illinois, April 13 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory issued the following news release: * * * The two institutions agree to exchange researchers, data sets and technical resources * * * Leaders in high performance computing in the U.S. and Japan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishing a cooperative relationship in support of artificial intelligence (AI) computing projects. The MOU was signed during a virtual event by Paul K  more

WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The U.S. Department of Education issued the following news release: The Biden-Harris Administration announced today the approval of $7.4 billion in additional student loan debt relief for 277,000 borrowers. These discharges are for borrowers who signed up for President Biden's Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan and are eligible for its shortened time-to-forgiveness benefit and as a result of fixes made by the Administration to income-driven repayment (IDR) fo  more

CHICAGO, Illinois, April 13 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Midwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on April 12, 2024, entitled "Average Energy Prices, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin - March 2024": * * * Gasoline prices averaged $4.009 a gallon in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area in March 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Regional Commissioner Jason Palmer noted that area gasoline prices were up 18.8 cents compa  more

DENVER, Colorado, April 13 -- The Colorado House Democrats issued the following news release: The House today gave preliminary approval to gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Representatives Tim Hernandez and Elisabeth Epps to prohibit the manufacture, import, purchase, or sale of assault weapons and rapid-fire trigger activators. "Columbine High School, Aurora movie theater, Club Q, and the Boulder King Soopers shooting - Our state has endured too many tragedies that we can easil  more

SACRAMENTO, California, April 13 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on April 12, 2024: Francisco Sanchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded small nonfarm businesses in 21 Iowa counties and neighboring counties in Illinois and Wisconsin of the May 13, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offs  more

CHICAGO, Illinois, April 13 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release on April 12, 2024: Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his office filed a lawsuit against JET Enterprises & Holding Company LLC (JET) alleging the company's improper storage of numerous hazardous chemicals, illegal open dumping of dangerous metal and chemical waste, and contamination of standing water pose a danger to the environment and to the health and welfare of local residents.   more

PEORIA, Illinois, April 13 -- The Illinois House Democrats issued the following news: Thanks to state support backed by state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, the Peoria region will soon see new electric vehicle charging stations installed around the community. "This is another step forward as part of Illinois' investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, preparing us to meet the current and future demands of travelers," Gordon-Booth said. "Additional charging stations are not just a conve  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 13 -- The Illinois House Democrats issued the following news: State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, has advanced several bills out of key legislative committees that promise to help usher in a cleaner, healthier and more equitable and sustainable future. "I've spent my time in office focusing state resources on the problems of food access, equity and sustainability in agriculture, because our environment and our food are some of the most important and often overlooke  more

OAK PARK, Illinois, April 13 -- The Illinois House Democrats issued the following news: State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, will further contribute to environmental justice efforts in Illinois after joining the Illinois Justice40 Oversight Committee. "Environmental justice is all about making sure communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change and pollution are given an equitable share of green initiatives," said Lilly. "Black communities have historically suffered the   more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: Infertility treatment is notoriously expensive, and many women in Illinois struggle to afford this care. In response, State Senator Cristina Castro is leading a measure to remove this barrier and make treatments like in vitro fertilization more accessible. "While other states restrict access to reproductive care, we are committed to remaining a safe haven where those seeking to start or grow their famil  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: In an effort to increase patient safety at state run mental health or developmental disability facilities, State Senator Laura Fine passed Senate Bill 857. This legislation increases the Office of the Inspector General's (OIG) ability to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect. "Since 2022, I have visited state-operated mental health and developmental disability facilities across the state to recei  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: For people purchasing a home, an upfront cash payment from a real estate agency in exchange for signing a contract seems harmless. What these homebuyers may not realize is this signed agreement can lead to added costs and barriers when they try to sell their home in the future. This type of predatory contract is what State Senator Ann Gillespie is working to prevent in Illinois. "People deserve transpar  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: State Senator Napoleon Harris, III passed a measure inspired by constituent concerns for individuals fighting cancer who were unable to afford a hair prosthesis on Friday. "Individuals who are experiencing hair loss due to alopecia, chemotherapy or radiation have had endless hurdles to overcome," said Harris (D-Harvey). "Standardizing medical insurance for wigs and other scalp prostheses will help allev  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: Illinois is one step closer to having a law on the books to help guarantee insurance coverage for medically prescribed infertility treatments, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings. "My daughter was born via in vitro fertilization, so this initiative is near and dear to my heart," said Hastings (D-Frankfort). "Unfortunately I know firsthand the heartbreak and stress that families and individuals f  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: Under a measure from State Senator Robert Martwick, the property tax system in Illinois would face review by the Department of Revenue. "Taxpayers all across the state of Illinois are aware that the property tax system needs to be reformed," said Martwick (D-Chicago). "This bill represents an acknowledgement that our property tax system needs to be reevaluated and the best reforms can only be achieved b  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: To protect buyers, lenders and homeowners, State Senator Robert Marwick has advanced legislation that would lay out regulations for online foreclosure sales. "Losing a home through foreclosure proceedings is one of the most difficult experiences a person can face," said Martwick (D-Chicago). "This legislation both permits and sets regulations for online foreclosure sales, which can ensure the best possi  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: State Senator Laura Murphy has advanced a measure that would make medications easier to obtain during shortages. "Maintenance medications -- those that must be taken on a regular basis to treat long-term conditions -- aren't the kind that can be skipped," Murphy (D-Des Plaines) said. "We need to ensure that patients have access to the medications they need to survive." Murphy's measure would require he  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: To support the educational aspirations of refugees from Iraq and Afghanistan, State Senator Mike Porfirio has steered legislation through the Senate that would waive transcript evaluation fees for these individuals. "Denying refugees equal access to education reinforces marginalization," said Porfirio. "By waiving transcript evaluation fees, we are not only promoting access to education, but also recog  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news on April 11, 2024: Individuals with asthma could see significant savings on their prescription inhalers thanks to legislation from State Senator Mattie Hunter that passed the Senate on Thursday. "No one should struggle to afford their medication while big companies profit," said Hunter (D-Chicago). "While insurance plans cover a portion of asthma treatment costs, we can do more to eliminate the barriers   more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: To more accurately represent public health, State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation through the Senate Public Health Committee and Senate, successively, to amend the title of the "Illinois Sexually Transmissible Disease Control Act," to be the "Illinois Sexually Transmitted Infection Control Act." Additionally, the Act will include human papillomavirus and mpox within the updated definition of sexu  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: State Senator Steve Stadelman's legislation aimed at enhancing transparency in the ticketing industry has passed the Senate. "This bill is a win for Illinois consumers," said Stadelman (D-Rockford). "By requiring ticket sellers to disclose the total price of event tickets upfront, we are empowering consumers to make informed decisions and eliminate the frustration of hidden fees. Transparency is essenti  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: If a person's license plate or sticker is stolen from their car, they wouldn't be on the hook for paying the replacement fee under a measure led through the Senate by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. "Imagine the stress of seeing someone violated your personal belongings," said Sims (D-Chicago). "Now imagine the exacerbated stress of wondering how you are going to pay to fix the problem so you don't get  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: State Senator Doris Turner led a measure through the Senate that would increase public safety by suspending EMS professionals who have been charged with a crime while performing their duties. "EMS professionals who cause harm to the public need to be held accountable," said Turner (D-Springfield). "Public safety has to be at the forefront of our priorities, especially during an emergency." Senate Bill   more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: To protect university and community college employees, State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure that would ensure employees receive their pay and benefits if a campus is closed due to a winter weather emergency. "Some employees are left without pay when we get hit with a winter storm," said Turner (D-Springfield). "This initiative protects the workers who play an important role in the normal, day-to-  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: School has become increasingly stressful for students, leading State Senator Rachel Ventura to spearhead legislation that would help students reduce anxiety and focus on their physical and emotional needs during school time. "A student's life consists of a variety of stressors - from homework to friend groups and life at home. Giving them at least 20 minutes to relax and focus on their mental health wil  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: To tackle growing emission rates from automobiles and trucks, State Senator Rachel Ventura spearheaded legislation through the Senate that would create a grant for local governments to help mitigate the impact of climate change. "By encouraging local governments to plant native trees and grasses, which are proven to help mitigate climate change through carbon capture, we can aid the process of healing o  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 12 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure to make the college transfer process easier and more equitable by waving certain admissions fees. "Equitable access to education is of the upmost importance, and students in their final semester should have the opportunity to transfer without the burden of application fees," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). "It is our responsibility to ensure every studen  more

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 13 -- Gov. Michael Parson, R-Missouri, issued the following news release on April 12, 2024: Today, Governor Mike Parson announced 23 appointments to various boards and commissions. Victoria Babb, of St. Peters, was appointed to the Missouri Community Service Commission. Ms. Babb currently serves as community resource director for Cunningham Recreation and runs the Play 4 ALL division. She previously served in the National Civilian Community Corps and Americor  more

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 13 -- Gov. Michael Parson, R-Missouri, issued the following news release on April 12, 2024: Today, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the 21st, 22nd, and 33rd Judicial Circuits. Chastidy R. Dillon-Amelung, of Creve Coeur, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit. Ms. Dillon-Amelung currently serves as a traffic court commissioner for the 21st Judicial Circuit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, law,   more

HELENA, Montana, April 12 -- Gov. Greg Gianforte, R-Montana, issued the following news release on April 11, 2024: Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the U.S. Department of the Air Force has selected the Montana Air National Guard's 120th Airlift Wing in Great Falls as the first base to receive the new C-130J model Super Hercules cargo aircraft. The 120th will receive eight of the new aircraft as a one-for-one replacement of existing C-130Hs. The C-130J improves on the C-130H with addition  more

SCOTT AFB, Illinois, April 12 -- The U.S. Air Force Scott Air Force Base issued the following news on April 11, 2024: By Senior Airman Violette Hosack, 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs A small team from the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron took part in a 26.2 mile ruck April 6 as part of a Bataan Memorial Death March. The Bataan Memorial Death March honors the memory of 78,000 American and Filipino Prisoners of War who were forced to trek 65 miles through inhospitable conditions in t  more

WASHINGTON, April 13 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Internal Revenue Service issued the following news release on April 12, 2024: The Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service today corrected Appendix A (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/appendix-a-list-of-2015-census-tract-boundary-30c-eligible-tracts-v2-1-4-2024.pdf) and Appendix B (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/appendix-b-list-of-2020-census-tract-boundary-30c-eligible-tracts-v2-1-4-2024.pdf) of Notice 2024-20 (https://  more

WASHINGTON, April 12 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the following news release: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service today announced it is issuing more than $232 million to support public schools, roads and other municipal services through the agency's Secure Rural Schools program. As the Biden-Harris administration invests in ways for forests to generate more economic opportunity in rural areas, it also aims to support the quality of life in those communities throu  more

WASHINGTON, April 13 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service issued the following news release on April 12, 2024: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service today announced it is issuing more than $232 million to support public schools, roads and other municipal services through the agency's Secure Rural Schools program. The program was reauthorized for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Fiscal year 2023 funds will be   more