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Did you know that children who spend at least an hour a day playing outside are 50% more likely to develop stronger social skills and exhibit greater creativity? Outdoor play isn’t just about burning off energy; it’s a critical component of healthy childhood development. Yet, creating a space that is both fun and safe can be a challenging balancing act for parents and caregivers. How do you design an environment where kids are free to explore and imagine, while minimizing risks and hazards? This article delves into the essential considerations and practical strategies for crafting an outdoor play area that captivates children’s imaginations and keeps them secure. Prioritizing Safety Without Sacrificing Fun Safety is often the first concern when designing a play space, but it doesn’t need to come at the expense of enjoyment. In fact, thoughtful safety measures can enhance the play experience by allowing children to explore diverse activities confidently. Choosin

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ALTON - Following a ceremony to honor local World War II veteran Robert Ryan last month, a filmmaker has created a video to highlight Ryan’s contributions to the area. On April 23, 2025, Marquette Catholic High School and Jostens presented the 101-year-old Ryan with a new class ring , replacing his original ring that he traded for a can of sardines while he was a prisoner of war in Germany. Michael Gebben, working with Route 3 Films, documented the ceremony to showcase Ryan’s grit and grace. “It was an electric, super special, emotional moment that day,” Gebben remembered. “To see the smile on his face when he received the ring was a really special moment. There’s a number of things that make it unique across all the things I’ve gotten to experience through the years.” Gebben worked with Ryan Hanlon, owner of Route 3 Films, to film, edit and produce the video. Both graduates of Marquette, Gebben and Hanlon were eager to document

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ALTON - Alton’s Wreaths Across America campaign has begun fundraising efforts. Organizer Margaret Hopkins stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about the Wreaths Across America program, in which volunteers lay wreaths on every grave at Alton National Cemetery. She shared that the Alton group needs to raise at least $9,500 by December to make this happen. “We need financial support. We’d like to have a wreath on every grave at the Alton National, which is about 560. So we need to raise about $9,500 to get that done. Each wreath is $17,” Hopkins explained. “And then after we raise the money for the 560, we always like to pay it forward to people who have veterans laid to rest at other cemeteries. We have those extra wreath reservations. Unless we have an overage of the 560, we won’t be able to do that this year.” The Wreaths Across America campaign is a national program that lays wreaths on the graves

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SPRINGFIELD - The Prairie State welcomed a fresh crop of new physicians on May 17, as Southern Illinois University School of Medicine awarded degrees to the Class of 2025. The commencement ceremony at the University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center celebrated achievements of the 74 graduates and featured remarks from faculty members, alumni and honorees. SIU School of Medicine Dean and Provost Dr. Jerry Kruse presented diplomas to the students and Dr. Daniel Mahony, president of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, conferred the medical degrees. In his commencement address, Dr. Kevin Simon emphasized the importance of curiosity, humility and empathy. “The most powerful medicine is sometimes invisible. It’s made of attention. Stillness. Dignity,” he said. Simon is a psychiatrist and the inaugural chief behavioral health officer for the city of Boston. He is also a graduate of SIU School of Medicine (Class of 2015) and of SIU’s MEDPREP. Simon

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O’FALLON, Ill. — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital honored all nurses during National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2025, and proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Nursing Exemplar Awards. National Nurses Week is a dedicated time to thank and recognize the hundreds of nurses who serve throughout the country and world. The nurses of St. Elizabeth’s are the heart of our hospital, often working long hours under stressful conditions to save lives, help the sick heal and assist doctors in providing care. HSHS Southern Illinois Market Chief Nursing Officer, Regina Peterson, shared her pride in the care provided by the nursing staff. “Nursing isn't just a career; it's a calling. Our team is passionate about serving our patients and community with compassionate, high-quality care. We’re proud to recognize them during Nurses Week and to thank them for all that they do,” she said. During National Nurses Week, St. Elizabeth’s hosted the annual

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DUBUQUE, Iowa - This spring, the University of Dubuque celebrated the academic accomplishments of undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students with two commencement ceremonies on campus. A Glen Carbon woman graduated in one of the ceremonies. The University of Dubuque Spring Commencement was held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, in the Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center. The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary Commencement was held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Blades Chapel, Blades Hall. HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, DEGREE, HONORS Glen Carbon, IL Sasha Daughrity, Bachelor of Science

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ALTON - Metro East Humane Society will partner with the Alton River Dragons for “Bark in the Park” night. On July 20, 2025, a portion of River Dragon ticket sales will go to MEHS. Mady O’Reilly, MEHS Development Manager, said MEHS will have dogs at the ballpark and people are encouraged to bring their pets. “We really stress how important it is to be in the community,” she said. “I think that by having these community organizations reaching out to us to partner, it’s just a really fun way for us to be involved even more.” Tickets to the July 20 River Dragons game cost $10, and $5 of each ticket sale will go back to MEHS if attendees purchase tickets from the MEHS Edwardsville location, their Highland location, or Meow Town in Alton. MEHS will sponsor several raffles and giveaways at the event. Depending on the weather, O’Reilly said they plan to bring adoptable dogs to the game for people to meet. O’Reilly encourage

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ALTON — The City of Alton will honor the late James Killion Jr. on May 30, 2025, with a special celebration marking what would have been his 107th birthday. The event, taking place at James Killion Park in Alton, will begin at 4 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new pavilion, hosted by the Riverbend Growth Association. Following the ceremony, Mayor Goins will present a proclamation officially declaring May 30 as James Killion Day. Born in Alton in 1918, Killion was a pioneering figure in the community. He was the first African American hired by Laclede Steel, where he worked for 38 years before retiring in 1983. Killion’s educational background included attendance at the segregated Alton School System, Shurtleff College, and earning degrees from the University of Illinois and the University of Missouri. Killion also served in the U.S. Army during World War II, becoming the first person of color from Alton to enlist. He participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy

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GRANITE CITY – This summer, the sweet sound of success has a name — Karlisa Brent . The Granite City High School junior and All-State flute player has been awarded the coveted Tomasi Flutes Scholarship to attend the Midwest Flute Institute at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), a nationally recognized summer program for aspiring flutists. Brent stood out not only for her musical excellence but also for her genuine passion and dedication to the art of flute playing. From achieving All-State recognition to maintaining music as a heartfelt hobby, her journey is an inspiring testament to perseverance and love for music. “I want to continue in music for as long as I can,” she shared in her scholarship application. “Of all of the hobbies I've ever enjoyed ... Music has stayed close to my heart for the longest. It gives me a temporary moment of stillness and calm without the stress and realities of the world.” H

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DUBUQUE, Iowa. - The University of Dubuque congratulates the following student on being appointed to the Spring Semester 2025 Academic Dean's List: Sasha Daughrity - Glen Carbon, IL Full-time students in good academic standing (registered for and having earned 12 or more letter grade credits for the term) who earn a term grade point average of 3.5 or above and who do not have any grades of Incomplete for the term are named to the Dean's List. Once grades have been submitted for any Incompletes, the Office of Academic Affairs will review eligibility again for possible placement on the Dean's List for the given term. Dean's List is awarded for the fall and spring semesters only and may be awarded retroactively. About the University of Dubuque The University of Dubuque (UD) is a private, coed university founded in 1852 that offers undergraduate, graduate, and theological seminary degrees as well as other educational opportunities with the intention of educating and forming

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GODFREY – Ballroom dance classes are in full swing at Lewis and Clark Community College. The community is invited to step onto the dance floor and explore timeless styles in a fun, structured and welcoming environment. During these five-week courses, students will learn the fundamentals of social and American-style ballroom dance. Under the guidance of professional dance instructor William Trent, “You will gain confidence on the dance floor in no time.” Participants must register with a dance partner, and the cost is $55 per person. “Put on your dancing shoes and join the fun,” Community Education Division Assistant Becky Moore said. “Ballroom isn’t just for the pros; it’s for the whole community.” Shoes with leather or vinyl soles are recommended. Classes take place in Hatheway 107 on the Godfrey Campus. Class Schedule Rumba for Beginners (CEPE-152-60) Tuesdays, June 10 - July 8, 6-7 p.m. Cha-Cha for Beginners (CEPE-153-60)

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his office has reached a settlement with 401 North Wabash Venture LLC, known as Trump International Hotel & Tower. Once approved by a judge, the settlement will resolve violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and Illinois Pollution Control Board regulations relating to the building’s cooling water intake system, which uses water from the Chicago River. “The Chicago River is one of our city’s most treasured natural resources, and future generations should benefit from the opportunities for recreation and commerce it provides,” Raoul said. “I am pleased to have reached this agreement, which will protect the Chicago River and the important habitat that it provides to local wildlife. I am committed to continuing to vigorously enforce our environmental laws.” “The proposed settlement represents years of work by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and Illinois

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CHICAGO – With summer just around the corner, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is reminding parents and caregivers of the importance of always supervising children when they are in or near water to avoid the tragedy of accidental drowning deaths. “Children are easily attracted to water, and even turning your attention away from a child near water for a moment to answer a phone call or tend to a child in the next room can result in dire consequences,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller . “Drownings happen quickly and silently in as little as one inch of water. We ask all caregivers to be responsible for watching their children no matter how well that child can swim as not all drownings involve waving, yelling and splashing. Please remember to be water wise and supervise your children if you are near water this summer.” In 2024, 19 Illinois children lost their lives to accidental drowning: eight in pools, four in

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ALTON – OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center continues fortifying its efforts in addressing the mental health and well-being needs of youth and young adults in the Riverbend region. Lisa Lawrence, M.S.W., licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), psychotherapist, is the newest addition to the robust Psychological Services department roster at OSF Saint Anthony’s. Ms. Lawrence has more than 22 years of providing outpatient and inpatient therapy services in individual and group settings in the greater St. Louis metro area on both sides of the river. “My goal is to create a collaborative relationship with clients and help them feel safe to explore challenges, identify barriers to wanted change, and develop mutually agreed upon goals,” says Ms. Lawrence. “I approach my work with curiosity, empathy and humility. My hope is that my clients experience personal growth and self-discovery in their work with me toward peace, relief and joy.” Lawrence wi

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement on her vote against House Republicans' tax package: “The Republican tax package is nothing more than a massive handout to the wealthiest Americans at the expense of everyone else. It unfairly harms the bottom 10 percent of earners while delivering the most benefits to the top 10 percent. It also cuts billions from Medicaid and SNAP, and adds more than $3 trillion to the national debt,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “This bill turns its back on working families, meaning while billionaires receive tax breaks, middle class families will instead pay more in annual living expenses. We need middle class tax relief, support for those who need it, and real fiscal responsibility. This bill fails on all counts, which is why I voted NO.” Below are some of the specific impacts the tax package would have on Illinois’ 13th Congressional District: 19,000 people

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ST. LOUIS - Ameren Corporation announced today a $1 million donation to assist in recovery efforts from the powerful storms and tornado that struck the St. Louis metropolitan region and surrounding areas on Friday, May 16. "These devastating storms struck at the heart of our communities, impacting our customers, employees, neighbors and friends," said Martin J. Lyons Jr. , chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ameren. "Seeing the damage firsthand is heartbreaking, but our crews are working tirelessly to rebuild what's been lost. This $1 million commitment is one more way we're standing shoulder to shoulder with the communities we serve as they begin the long road to recovery." Ameren will provide $750,000 to community organizations to help assist in the ongoing recovery efforts. Partner organizations receiving the recovery funds are the United Way of Greater St. Louis , the American Red Cross , The Salvation Army, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and

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EDWARDSVILLE - Metro East Humane Society recently raised over $38,000 with a 24-hour “Slumber Pawty.” The event encouraged volunteers to spend 24 hours at the shelter with the animals. Mady O’Reilly, MEHS Development Manager, explained that the experience allowed people to engage with the dogs while fundraising for veterinary care, food, facility upkeep and more. “It’s just this really awesome event where we decided that we’re going to all get together and we’re going to spend 24 hours at the shelter, because at the end of the day, shelter pets just want someone to cuddle up with just like any other dog,” O’Reilly said. “The event has been really awesome to be a part of, and it really has done so many amazing things for all of the pets here.” The idea behind the “Slumber Pawty” was started in 2017 at Gateway Pet Guardians in East St. Louis. MEHS joined in 2019. As the initiative has grown, there ar

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis region has more than 48,000 skilled workers in Advanced Manufacturing and the region ranks among the top 20 metros for aerospace employment with nearly four times more aerospace manufacturing employees than other similar-sized markets. The bi-state region also ranks first in the nation for on-the-job training programs and third for completed internships helping to contribute to workforce growth to support the number of advanced manufacturing firms in the area. Among the major employers calling the St. Louis region home are General Motors, Boeing, West Star Aviation, True Manufacturing, Evertrak, Emerson, Oasis Berco, Lear, The Greenbrier Companies, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., ICL Group and Scott Air Force Base, with several of those recently or currently expanding their operations. Boeing, which already has more than 16,000 employees in the bi-state region, is planning a multi-billion expansion to add a one million square-foot advanced aerospace manufacturing

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SPRINGFIELD - Ahead of Memorial Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced the return of a Purple Heart medal to the grandson of a late World War II Army veteran from Lansing, Ill. Army Cpl. Henry Van Der Noord was one of four brothers who fought for the U.S. during World War II, with all of them making it home. He earned the Purple Heart for wounds he suffered during the fight to liberate the Philippines in May 1945. “Mr. Van Der Noord and his brothers served their country proudly during a crucial time in our world’s history,” Frerichs said while returning the Purple Heart to Van Der Noord’s grandson, Christopher Reed, also a veteran. “I am proud to return this honor to his loving family.” Reed, the first male grandchild, got the medal when he was 8 or 9. He also received his grandfather’s Army green dress jacket, and some other medals. The Purple Heart stood out, however. “When I first got it, I didn’t know what th

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Fairview Heights man with disseminating child sexual abuse material as part of an ongoing effort to combat online exploitation of minors in Illinois. James P. Scherer, 31, was charged Tuesday in St. Clair County Circuit Court with two Class X felony counts of dissemination of child pornography, offenses punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Scherer is currently held at the St. Clair County Jail, with a detention hearing scheduled for May 27. Investigators from Raoul’s office, working alongside the Fairview Heights Police Department, executed a search warrant at Scherer’s residence on the 10th block of Pine Trail in Fairview Heights. Authorities took Scherer into custody after uncovering evidence of child sexual abuse material. “Survivors of child exploitation and their families can face life-long trauma, and the predators responsible for these heinous crimes being held accountable can help them begin

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