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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced five new recipients as official State-Designated Cultural Districts. The State-Designated Cultural Districts program aims to uplift the unique contributions of historic cultural districts throughout Illinois with the overarching goal of increasing economic development opportunities. “People in cities and towns across the state have vibrant cultural identities, and through the State-Designated Cultural Districts program we’re helping them preserve their history and traditions while promoting economic development,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Cultural Districts reflect the diversity of our great state, and Illinois is proud to recognize their cultural significance while empowering them to expand their reach and share their culture with Illinoisans and visitors alike.” State-Designated Cultural Districts are communities, towns, or

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ALTON - During the quarterly “What’s Up Downtown” meeting, entrepreneurs shared more about their businesses in downtown Alton. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the community gathered at the RiverBender.com Building to hear from local business owners and community leaders. Hosted by Alton Main Street, these quarterly meetings allow people to share information about their businesses and organizations. Scot Heathman, CEO of The Wedge Innovation Center , spoke about The Wedge’s coworking spaces and partnership with SIUE. He explained that The Wedge has several office spaces for lease, classrooms, 14 conference rooms, a rooftop area, a gym, a mother’s room, a wellness room, kitchens, and “lots of amenities” in addition to their coworking spaces. “This is a place where we can do some good for the community. We can do some good for the people. We can do some good for the region,” Heathman added. “And it’s kind of

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 16 attorneys general, sent a comment letter to the Trump administration opposing a proposed rule by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to rescind the regulatory definitions of “harm” under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). This change, if finalized, would significantly weaken the law’s ability to protect imperiled wildlife, especially from threats to the habitat upon which these species depend for their survival and recovery. This would include destroying breeding and feeding grounds, polluting or draining critical water sources, or degrading habitats, even if those actions lead to the death or injury of protected ESA-listed species. “For more than 50 years, the federal Endangered Species Act has achieved recovery success stories for imperiled species and helped to preserve our nation’s priceless natural heritage,”

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today sent a letter to the CEO of Prime Healthcare, Dr. Prem Reddy, about the company’s recent acquisition of eight Illinois hospitals that were formerly owned by Ascension. Since acquiring these hospitals in March 2025, Prime has suspended or terminated pediatric, trauma, and maternal care services at some of the locations, creating even more barriers for Illinoisans to access health care. These hospitals, now owned by Prime, a for-profit hospital system operating 51 hospitals across 14 states, provide health care to Illinoisans who rely on federal health programs, and several of these locations serve a population in which more than two-thirds of inpatients are covered by Medicaid or Medicare. Despite commitments by Prime to “not make any material reductions to, or material changes in, the mix or level of services offered at any Hospital… to meet community

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Defending Against Drones: Setting Safeguards for Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Authorities.” Today’s hearing highlighted the growing use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, and how Congress can strike the right balance in response. It also examined the existing statutory authorities that enable the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track, disable, seize, and even shoot down drones. Finally, the hearing also provided an opportunity to consider how to provide sufficient authorities to law enforcement while also safeguarding the national airspace and important privacy rights and civil liberties—including ensuring that actions to counter drones respect First and Fourth Amendment rights and Fifth Amendmen

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt presented Senate Resolution 5 to bring attention to the pressing issue of online safety for K-12 students and to support continued education aimed at preventing cyberbullying and promoting responsible digital behavior. “Illinois students face real dangers in the digital world, and education is our strongest tool to keep them safe,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This resolution highlights the vital work already being done and encourages greater collaboration to expand these life-saving lessons.” The resolution commends the work of organizations like the Illinois Judges Association, which partners with schools across the state to educate students about the risks associated with internet and social media use. These efforts include assemblies, classroom presentations, and family-focused events that emphasize the importance of online safety and the consequences of illicit digital behavior. “When judges step int

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today participated in a Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to review the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). During the hearing, Durbin questioned Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. about the dramatic cuts to medical research and the mass layoffs at HHS. Durbin began by questioning Secretary Kennedy about gutting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office of Smoking and Health, eliminating it from HHS’ budget request and laying off its entire staff. “Do you know the number one cause of preventable death in America today?” Durbin asked Secretary Kennedy. Durbin followed up after Secretary Kennedy stunningly admitted that he did not know the answer. “I’m talking about tobacco. Yo

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GREENVILLE - The following students were placed on the Dean's List at Greenville University for the spring 2025 semester: Alton Chloe Greenberg Chau Nguyen Hailey Wright Brighton Jillian Beilsmith Brady Salzman East Alton Stephanie Kamp Edwardsville Gloria Bremer Lauren Garver Colton Hulme Kristen Krampf Tristan McMeen Godfrey Andrea Chamberlain Granite City Brennan Bronnbauer Jerseyville Josephine Lohr Wood River Kaitlin Barger Jacey Trask To qualify for the Greenville University Dean's List, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours for the semester. Freshmen (0-29.5 credits) must have a semester GPA of 3.5 or above. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors must have a semester GPA of 3.7 or above. This list reflects both on-campus and online undergraduate students. About Greenville University Greenville University is an accredited Christian liberal arts university with over 1,000 students, including

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PONTOON BEACH – Madison County Transit (MCT) is advising trail users of several major closures across the MCT Trails system this summer, which will impact many of the popular trail loops. Some of these closures are due to municipal utility and roadwork others are MCT initiated and are necessary to complete overdue infrastructure repairs and improvements to ensure the long-term safety and usability of the trails. Due to the scale of work, estimated closure dates may change as projects progress. Riders are encouraged to check the MCT Trails Facebook page or utilize the MCT Trails Web Map (MCTtrails.org/map) for the most current closure information. Scheduled Closures Include: MCT Confluence Trail Reconstruction Closure: 7th Street (Hartford) to Canal Road (Wood River) Date: May 1 – September 30, 2025 Details: This section of the Confluence Trail will be reconstructed to improve surface conditions and safety. MCT Schoolhouse Trail (Sewer Work – Village

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What if the people who serve you your meal could tell you stories not just about the food, but about centuries of social change and cultural traditions? National Waitstaff Day, observed annually on May 21st, is more than just a nod to the hardworking individuals in the hospitality industry—it is a celebration rooted in complex social dynamics, economic shifts, and evolving cultural values. The Origins of National Waitstaff Day National Waitstaff Day is a relatively recent addition to the calendar of observances, yet it taps into a much older tradition of recognizing service workers. The day was established to honor waiters, waitresses, and all those who serve food and beverages in various settings—from restaurants to catering events. Its creation reflects a growing awareness of the essential role waitstaff play in the dining experience and the broader hospitality industry. Unlike many holidays that have religious or political origins, National Waitstaff Day emerged largely

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May 21 has witnessed a range of significant historical events across the centuries. One of the standout global events on May 21 occurred in 1969 with the launch of Apollo 10, NASA's critical dress rehearsal for the first Moon landing. Apollo 10 was the fourth crewed mission in the United States Apollo program and the second to orbit the Moon. The spacecraft was launched from Cape Kennedy (now Cape Canaveral), Florida, carrying astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, John W. Young, and Eugene Cernan. The mission's primary goal was to test all components and maneuvers without actually landing on the lunar surface, setting the stage for the historic Apollo 11 landing just two months later. Apollo 10's success was crucial in proving that the lunar module could operate in lunar orbit and safely rendezvous with the command module—a pivotal step in space exploration history. In a political context, May 21, 1881 also saw the founding of the French Third Republic's first socialist political

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Key takeaways: Parkinson's Disease cases are expected to drastically increase in the next 25 years Longer life expectancy, increased awareness and population growth are key factors Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical option for certain PD patients Within 25 years, the world can expect to see a 112% increase in the number of people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) since 2021. A new report in the British Medical Journal (BMJ ) links population growth and longer predicted lifespans as two main causes for an expected 25 million patients with Parkinson’s across the globe by 2050. What is Parkinson's disease? “Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder which causes a person to move less. It happens because the brain is not making enough dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter required for movement,” says Kavya Moravineni, a movement disorders neurologist with OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute (INI). “Our

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ALTON – Community members gathered at the Wedge Innovation Center in Alton on Tuesday night to ask representatives from development firm McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS) about the proposed Lovejoy apartments project. MBS representatives were on hand to answer questions from the public, surrounded by poster boards and flyers with more detailed information about what the Lovejoy project is – and is not. The Lovejoy is described on one flyer as “a proposed $27 million development with high-quality rental housing” meant to rival similar developments in “peer communities” like Edwardsville and O’Fallon. Proposed at 324 Ridge St., the 71-unit apartments would feature a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom options with a fitness room, Mississippi River views, rooftop amenities, and much more. Joseph Weatherly, senior vice president of development for MBS, described the meeting as an “open house” with a focus on transparency. While MBS has

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O’FALLON, Ill. — The St. Clair County States Attorney’s Office has charged 18-year-old Julian G. Holloway of O’Fallon with murder following the death of 17-year-old Cadence Eileen Prince on May 18, 2025. The incident occurred in the 300 block of Kyle Road in O’Fallon, where authorities say Holloway allegedly caused the death of his girlfriend, Prince. Holloway is currently held at the St. Clair County Jail awaiting further court proceedings. The O’Fallon Police Department expressed condolences to Prince’s family and community members affected by the loss. O'Fallon Police Director of Public Safety Kirk Brueggeman said the tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with teen dating violence and domestic abuse, urging families, schools, and community leaders to engage in conversations about healthy relationships and recognizing signs of abuse. The O'Fallon Police Department also provided resources for those experiencing abuse or

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JERSEYVILLE - Musician Mattie Schell will return to the Riverbend region on her Midwest Express tour with Jackson Stokes. From 7–11 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, Schell and Stokes will open the free summer concert series Rock the Block at City Center in Jerseyville. Schell recently released her album “Everything Means Nothing,” and she looks forward to sharing new music with the Jerseyville crowd. “Oh man, it’s been such a cool ride,” Schell said. “It’s called ‘Everything Means Nothing,’ but it means everything to me that I can have that out.” A Jerseyville native, Schell is looking forward to taking her music on the road with Stokes starting next week. They will travel throughout the Midwest on the Midwest Express Tour, with stops in Iowa, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. The Rock the Block concert is part of the tour. Schell explained that each show will feature an hour of her original music, followed by an

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Benny the Bull joined forces today to remind Illinoisans that the office continues to issue REAL IDs following the May 7 enforcement date. Giannoulias hosted Benny at the office’s REAL ID Supercenter, located at 191 N. Clark St., where the Bulls mascot took advantage of some downtime during the summer break to apply for a REAL ID before the NBA season kicks off in the fall. “As we’ve been saying for months, the May 7 REAL ID ‘deadline’ wasn’t really a deadline. The enforcement period has begun at airports and the unprecedented demand we experienced has started to wane,” Giannoulias said. “For those still interested in getting a REAL ID, we’re continuing to offer expanded service throughout the state for fast, specialized service.” Since the enforcement period took effect nearly two weeks ago, demand for REAL IDs in Illinois has dropped with fewer applicants

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ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, will host a meeting to provide additional information on the new 1,200-foot lock at Lock and Dam 25. The meeting will be held at Lock 25, 10 Sandy Slough Road, Winfield, Missouri, May 22, starting at 10 a.m. Project team members will have posters with designs and will be available to provide information, answer questions, and discuss the project with attendees. Attendees will also be able to tour the project. The St. Louis District, in collaboration with the Inland Navigation Design Center, or INDC, are in the process of completing the design for the new 1,200-foot lock that will expand the existing Lock and Dam 25. The project team will provide additional information on the project development and future construction as the design efforts reach the 95% design point. Feedback, comments and questions from the community members are welcome in this first of many engagements to be held throughout the completio

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday that a Troy man convicted of first-degree murder in the death of his mother has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. Neil Howard, 46, received the sentence Tuesday for the murder of his mother, Norma J. Caraker, 60, of Troy. She was strangled with a bungee cord in September 2023. Following a week-long trial in February, a jury convicted Howard of first-degree murder. Evidence and testimony presented by Assistant State’s Attorney Luke Yager and Assistant State’s Attorney Ryan Kemper suggested Howard was unhappy about his mother’s dating. The evidence and testimony showed that she was killed in her bedroom, shortly after she had a date. At a sentencing hearing Tuesday, Yager sought a sentence of at least 45 years in prison. Yager noted that Howard had previous arrests involving incidents with other family members. “It is clear that the defendant is a violent individual, and

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STAUNTON – As part of its ongoing commitment to enriching rural communities, Madison Communications is proud to announce that the Bunker Hill Public Library has been awarded the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) Community Grant of $4,200. This annual grant program, sponsored by FRS and supported by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association members, provides funding to projects that enhance the quality of life in rural America. Each year, grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 are awarded to support community-focused initiatives across four major categories. Madison Communications, a long-time NTCA member serving Internet, TV, and Voice to Madison and Macoupin counties in Illinois, partnered with FRS to secure this grant for the Bunker Hill Library. The library chose to use its awarded funds to install a custom-made interactive technology table in its children’s section. Designed as an engaging educational resource, the table encourages learning through play and supports

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School is proud to announce that its Job Shadow & Workplace Experience Program, led by business teacher Candi Parker , has been named the 2025 Madison County CTE Program of the Year . Parker was presented the award by Madison County CTE Director Kaleb Smith at the Madison Country CTE Awards Luncheon on May 15 in Edwardsville. "The exceptional quality of this year’s nominees inspired us to create a new category—the 2025 CTE Program of the Year," said Smith. "From job shadows to internships and capstone projects, students gain essential skills and connections that prepare them for life after graduation. Mrs. Parker's tireless efforts have built a program where employers are not just participants—they’re advocates." Parker, who is completing her fifth year in GCSD9, teaches business classes at GCHS and Lake Educational Support Services Center (ESSC) and also serves as the and CO-OP and Job Shadow Coordinator.

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