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SPRINGFIELD - In a video message shared with Illinois voters today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026. Durbin is an East St. Louis native. “The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy. I truly love the job of being a United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch. So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term,” Durbin said in the video. “The people of Illinois have honored me with this responsibility longer than anyone elected to the Senate in our state’s history. I am truly grateful,” Durbin said. “Right now, the challenges facing our country are historic and unprecedented. The threats to our democracy and way of life are very real, and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to fight for Illinois and the future of our country every day of my remaining time in the Senate.”

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SPRINGFIELD - At the invitation of the Illinois House Ethics and Elections Committee, the League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) gave expert testimony at the committee’s subject matter hearing in Springfield on Tuesday, April 22 to explain the potential implications that the federal SAVE Act could have on Illinois elections and ballot access. LWVIL Vice President for Issues and Advocacy Kathy Cortez testified that, “We believe every citizen should be protected in the right to vote, and that electoral systems should encourage participation and enhance representation for all voters. The League of Women Voters opposes the SAVE Act because, by imposing inequitable economic and administrative requirements, the bill would create unnecessary barriers to voting participation and disenfranchise large numbers of eligible voters.” The SAVE Act places a burden on women that is not equally placed on men. Because many Illinois women opted to change their names when they

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CHICAGO – Illinois has faced an alarming surge in hate and extremism, following national trends. Hate crimes have skyrocketed 125% statewide since 2021, with bias based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity driving over 95% of incidents. Now, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC) urgently call on all residents to report acts of hate through the Help Stop Hate initiative—a safe, confidential service that provides support and resources. “At this moment in time, when some are influencing or condoning hateful violence and rhetoric, we are encouraging Illinoisans to take action by reporting all acts of hate,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Help Stop Hate not only empowers impacted individuals to break the cycle of silence and seek specialized support, but it also helps us foster a safer, more inclusive Illinois.” “The surge in vitriol, violence and hate-fueled

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SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) welcomed two local women to Springfield to be recognized at ‘Women to Watch,’ the House Republicans’ annual conference that highlights rising stars from around Illinois. Rep. Elik chose Kristen Burns and Amber Scott to be her guests at this year’s conference. Kristen Burns is the Executive Director of the Wood River Business Alliance, a group focused on revitalizing Wood River and bringing new development to the area. Burns has also volunteered with organizations throughout the region, including Habitat for Humanity, Wood River Library Foundation, Mustache March 4PD, Illinois COPS, Arthritis Foundation, Alton Main Street, and serves as a member of the East Alton-Wood River School Board. Amber Scott is the Chief Experience Officer at 1st Mid America Credit Union. She serves the board at Senior Services Plus, the Southwest Illinois District Auxiliary Board of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, and

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COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander, Captain Casey Faro, announces the ISP will conduct Distracted Driving Enforcement Program patrols in Madison and St. Clair counties during May. This program allows ISP to focus on distracted driving laws to prevent traffic deaths and serious injury crashes. Distracted Driving is doing another activity that takes the driver’s attention away from driving. Distractions can increase a driver’s risk of being in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Over 3,000 people annually are killed in crashes involving distracted driving. Reading a text message can take a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. Nearly 1 in every 10 injury crashes involved a distracted driver. Officers will be on the lookout for drivers who disobey Illinois’ distracted driving laws. All drivers are prohibited from reading, sending, or receiving text messages or

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MARYVILLE, IL. – The Pavilion for Women’s, Molli Gieseking, RN, of Anderson Hospital was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. The nomination submitted read: “My daughter Ashleigh recently gave birth at Anderson's Pavilion for Women on 2/26/25. She was a high-risk pregnancy, and had been referred to a specialist to take over her care several months ago by Dr. Hulsen. On the evening of February 25th her water broke at 35 weeks. She knew she had to get to the hospital quickly as her previous two boys came fast & furious. Upon arrival she was greeted and taken to a patient room to get situated. Everything from that point escalated quickly.... As she was examined by the OB Nurse it was discovered that she had complete umbilical cord prolapse. "Without going into complete details, this Nurse jumped on the bed with my

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BEECHER CITY – State Representative Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) is calling on the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to testify before one of the house oversight committees on education after blatantly ignoring President Trump’s executive order banning biological males from competing in girls’ sports. Wilhour, who serves as the Minority Spokesman on the K-12 Education Appropriations Committee and is also a member of the House Education Policy Committee, said the IHSA’s refusal to follow federal direction is not only outrageous—it’s a direct violation of an executive order. “Chairpersons Will Davis and/or Michelle Mussman need to do the right thing and haul the IHSA before one of their oversight committees so they can explain to the people of Illinois why they think they can ignore this directive,” Wilhour said. “Their excuse that the Executive Order conflicts with state law is nonsense. Student safety and fair

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a standing order that will allow Illinoisans to obtain the HIV preventive medication known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) directly from a pharmacist without first requiring a doctor’s prescription. PrEP is one of the most effective means of preventing HIV infection. Studies have shown that when taken as directed, it reduces the risk of HIV infection through sexual transmission by as much as 99 percent. The order, signed by IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, will make it easier for people at risk of exposure to HIV to obtain either of the two oral medications used in the PrEP regimen. It also streamlines the process for pharmacists to receive reimbursement for providing PrEP services. HIV remains a concern in the state, although the picture is improving under Governor JB Pritzker’s Getting to Zero Illinois (GtZ) program, with a goal of zero new HIV transmissions in the state by the yea

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SPRINGFIELD – Twelve Illinois students who brought new dimensions to their artwork were named winners of the annual art contest sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education. The top entries in four age groups were from George Bandik, 6; Uthman Serir, 10; Alaina Karban, 13, and Steven Jiang, 15. They will be displayed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, alongside eight runners-up. Karban, 13, a Belleville student, won in the grades 6-8 category with a colorful farmscape. “As my car pulls up in the rocky driveway of my great-grandpa’s farm, I can see the vibrant colors and fun that awaits. … What more could I ask for as my great grandpa lifts me off my feet to give me a big hug,” said the student at Blessed Sacrament School in Belleville. Their entries took viewers from a peaceful farm to the depths of the sea and celebrated relationships ranging from two friends to the

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Did you know that employees who work in well-designed home offices are up to 20% more productive than those working in makeshift spaces? With remote work becoming a staple rather than an exception, the environment in which you work has a profound impact on your efficiency, creativity, and overall well-being. Crafting a home office that promotes productivity isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic investment in your professional success. Understanding the Foundation: Space and Ergonomics The first step in creating a productive home office setup is choosing the right location. While it might be tempting to work from your couch or kitchen table, these spaces often lack the structure needed for sustained focus. Choose a Dedicated Space: Ideally, select a quiet corner or a spare room where you can establish a boundary between work and personal life. This physical separation helps condition your brain to switch into “work mode,” reducing distractions. Prioriti

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April 23rd is a date steeped in historical significance, weaving together a tapestry of cultural, political, and scientific milestones that have left an indelible mark on the world. One of the most celebrated events on April 23rd is the birth and death of William Shakespeare, often regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language. Born in 1564 and believed to have died on April 23, 1616, Shakespeare’s works continue to resonate globally, influencing literature, theater, and modern storytelling. His plays—ranging from tragedies like Hamlet to comedies such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream —explore the depths of human emotion, societal structures, and the complexities of identity, securing his place as a timeless cultural icon. In 1564, the same year as Shakespeare’s birth, Miguel de Cervantes was baptized, who would later author Don Quixote , another cornerstone of Western literature. This coincidence highlights April 23rd as a day of prolific

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GLEN CARBON – Preparations are well underway for the 2025 Glen Carbon Homecoming, with new food vendors and other details announced at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. Held every year during Father’s Day weekend, this year’s Homecoming is set for Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14, 2025. The weekend of community festivities will precede Father’s Day on Sunday, June 15. The village’s Communications Manager, Nicole Dicks, gave a brief update on the status of this year’s event. “We do have some new food vendors for this year that I’m excited about,” she said. “Hertz Chicken just signed on, Spud Shack, and Franko’s Dogs and Bratz – we’ve never had a hot dog vendor.” At least two food vendors from past Homecomings will also return this year, so far including Taste of Romeo’s BBQ and the Mexican Honorary Commission. Dicks said the village also secured a contract with Fountain City Amusements

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CLINTON COUNTY - On the evening of April 21, the sheriff’s office responded to emergency calls reporting individuals trapped in floodwaters on Airport Road, just east of Billhartz Road. At 8:22 p.m., neighbors from three nearby residences arrived at the scene after hearing calls for help. They found a man who said his vehicle had been swept away, with his wife still inside. First responders soon arrived and heard a woman screaming for help. Two of the neighbors, Brandon and Lucas Wobbe, returned to their home to retrieve a small boat. They launched it and navigated the dark floodwaters using only flashlights. Within minutes, the Wobbe brothers located the woman clinging to vegetation and rescued her by pulling her into the boat. They then traveled through the woods and down a deep ditch to reach a waiting ambulance, where emergency personnel took over. The coordinated efforts of neighbors and first responders played a crucial role in the rescue during the dangerous flooding

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ALTON - Mothers Unique Grief Support Group will host a bench dedication and dove release to commemorate children who have been lost in the community. At 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025, community members are invited to take part in the ceremony at Killion Park. Mary and Joyce, two members of Mothers Unique, noted that their group works hard to support grieving mothers. “The person that loses a partner is called a widow. A child that loses a parent is called an orphan. But there’s no word to describe a parent that loses a child because that loss is like no other. And that’s true,” Joyce said. “My daughter’s been gone seven years, and it’s like — it just comes on. Some days, you’re fine. Some days, everything, birthdays, holidays, just brings something to you.” Mary shared that she lost her son in 1997. She tried to start a grief support group in 2001, but realized she wasn’t ready. In 2017, she founded Mothers

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ALTON - Community leaders gathered at OSF St. Anthony’s for a Mass and Blessing to mark the hospital’s 100th year in the community. On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki from the Diocese of Springfield traveled to Alton to give Mass and bless the hospital and its staff. The hospital was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in 1925. Those in attendance, including today’s sisters, said it was a powerful experience. “I knew this was going to be a day where I would tear up multiple times, and that came true,” said Sister Beata Ziegler, FSGM. “The sisters truly pray for this community every day. It’s an important part of what we do. We don’t just do the work, but we also support the community with our prayers. That’s a privilege for us.” Invited guests and OSF mission partners reflected on the significance of St. Anthony’s 100th anniversary. Sister Beata Ziegler, FSGM, and

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GLEN CARBON – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is proud to announce that more than $17,000 in state-funded library grants have been awarded to public school libraries throughout the 56th Senate District. These grants aim to enhance educational and research opportunities for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. “This funding is a direct investment in our students' academic success and personal growth,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad to see this investment in our local schools, giving students access to the tools and technology they need to thrive in and beyond the classroom.” The annual Library Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, supports the development of school library services by funding resources such as books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology, and educational programs. The following school districts in the 56th Senate District have been

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JACKSONVILLE – Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and local leaders in Jacksonville today to announce state-funded grant awards totaling $30 million for 25 grantees through the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets (RDMS, $20 million) and Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE, $10 million) programs to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas throughout the state and accelerate local economic initiatives. “As Governor, one of my top priorities is to reverse decades of neglect and broken promises and bring jobs, opportunity, and hope back to communities across Illinois, while breathing new life into our downtown corridors and beyond,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This program will directly support 25 communities across the state by funding critical community development projects, housing and infrastructure all while revitalizing commercial corridors.” "These investments

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SPRINGFIELD – Annually, Illinois adds more than 100 new, active Tier 2 chemical facilities and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) tracks each one of them. “We monitor stored chemicals as well as all reports of releases or spills,” explained IEMA-OHS Interim Director Adnan Khayyat during Hazardous Materials Safety Month. “We should all be familiar with the chemicals that are used near us by more than 9,000 active facilities,” IEMA-OHS Interim Director Khayyat continued. “These chemicals could be used every day as detergents, fuels, medicines, and more and IEMA-OHS is prepared for any incident that involves these chemicals.” IEMA also works with Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs), first responders, and emergency managers to inform the public about hazardous materials located at more than 8,800 active chemical facilities throughout Illinois. It addition, it partners with the Illinois Fir

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SPRINGFIELD – With construction ramping up across the state, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Illinois Tollway, industry partners, local agencies and frontline construction workers today teamed up for National Work Zone Awareness Week to remind the public to “Respect the zone so we all get home.” “Whatever the mode of transportation, we will all be traveling through work zones over the upcoming weeks and months,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “The people you see working on our roads, on equipment, or behind the cones and barricades are someone’s loved one, a friend, a neighbor, part of our community. Working together, we can ensure their safety and yours. Let’s make this the safest construction season ever in Illinois.”

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered on northbound I-55/70 at the exit to IL 157 Collinsville/Edwardsville exit (Exit 11) beginning Wednesday, April 23, 2025, weather permitting. The left lane on NB I-55/70 and the NB entrance ramp from IL 157 will be closed to allow IDOT District 8 Operations forces to perform emergency bridge deck patching on the bridge over IL 157. A detour will be marked to assist travelers to access NB I-55/70 from IL 157. The NB I-55/70 Exit Ramp to IL 157 will remain open during construction. All lanes are expected to re-open by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 25. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow

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