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SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and the national non-profit Freedom Reads announced the opening of 22 new Freedom Libraries in Decatur and Illinois River Correctional Centers. Six were installed in housing units at Decatur Correctional Center, a women’s prison, and 16 were installed in housing units in Illinois River Correctional Center, a men’s prison. The new libraries make a total of 28 Freedom Libraries in four IDOC facilities, with five in Logan Correctional Center and one in Lincoln Correctional Center, opened in 2022. Freedom Reads also facilitated book discussions, voting, and author events for the second annual Inside Literary Prize at Decatur and Western Correctional Centers. Launched in 2023 by Freedom Reads, the National Book Foundation, and the Center for Justice Innovation with support from Lori Feathers, the Inside Literary Prize is the first-ever US-based literary prize awarded exclusively by currently incarcerated

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CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced his appointment of emergency management executive Theodore ‘Ted’ D. Berger to lead the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), pending Senate approval. Berger joins the agency with decades of experience in emergency management and homeland security, most recently serving as Executive Director of the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security. “Our Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security is on the front lines every day, working to equip our communities with the programs and resources needed in times of crisis,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With decades of emergency management experience and a wealth of knowledge about our State’s many regions, Ted Berger is an exceptionally qualified candidate to lead Illinois’ critical support efforts.” Berger began his career in state government with the Office

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SPRINGFIELD - The annual Illinois Peace Officers Memorial Service to honor law enforcement officers killed in Illinois in the line of duty, including nine who died during 2024, will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Illinois Peace Officer Memorial sculpture on the Illinois State Capitol grounds in Springfield. For the first time, K-9 partners killed in the line of duty will also be recognized during the May 1 ceremony. “This annual ceremony honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities,” said Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge President Chris Southwood. “Every man and woman in this difficult and dangerous profession knows the risks they face every time they put on the badge. Like their human partners, the faithful dogs who serve in police K-9 units are also brave public servants who sometimes pay the ultimate price to keep citizens safe. As a former K-9 officer myself I’m proud and humbled to recognize

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VIRDEN – North Mac High School will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 231 W. Fortune St., inside the ImpactLife Donor Bus. What: North Mac High School Community Blood Drive When: Wednesday, May 7th, 8:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Can’t make it to the Blood Drive? Stop by our ImpactLife Springfield Donor Center at 1999 Wabash Ave. to donate & credit North Mac High School on the Sign In Sheets! Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, 231 W. Fortune St., Virden, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Tina Leonard at (217) 965-4127 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60085 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 to schedule. 2801 S. 10th St. | Springfield, Ill. | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of

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CHICAGO – Today, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressing alarm about potential delays to the timely delivery of critical student financial aid caused by the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The letter also conveys deep concerns about the potential risks to student loan borrowers if the $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio is moved to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The letter shares concerns about significant cuts in staffing at ED that can put in peril not only students’ ability to access financial aid, but also the timely disbursement of that aid to students and institutions that rely on it. Indeed, recent news reports indicate that calls and emails to ED are going unanswered and systems to disburse grants and loans are experiencing more frequent outages. The letter also flags risks to borrowers of the President’s plan t

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JERSEYVILLE – An upcoming “Needle and Thread Workshop” l ead by Joannie and Meredith Dougherty will guide Jerseyville area residents on how to make some of their own alterations. S et for Monday, April 28, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m., participants are asked to bring an item from home they’d like to mend or hem; instructors will offer their expertise to help teach the hand sewing skills needed to complete your project. Needle and Thread Workshop classes will be held in the Jersey County Arts Council (JCAC) space in the First Presbyterian Church at 400 S. State St. in Jerseyville. These classes are for ages 8 and up, but class sizes are limited. A non-refundable donation of $25 to the JCAC is required to secure your spot and help cover the cost of supplies. To register and get more details on the upcoming Needle and Thread Workshop, contact sewingismysuperpower8@gmail.com . For other upcoming class offerings and more, visit sewingismysuperpower.com

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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School students recently saved 400 lives. The high school hosted their annual blood drive, which encourages eligible students to donate blood. Angie Parish, a teacher and organizer of the event, expressed her excitement for the annual drive. “It was a huge success, the most lives we have saved yet,” she said. “Each time, the students do a better job than the time before of donating, and we continue to break our own record each time.” Civic Memorial High School has formed a reputation as one of the top donors in the region, surpassing bigger schools and Lewis and Clark Community College. An ARCH Air Medical Transport helicopter landed on the high school’s baseball field to show support to the students. After donating blood, students ventured to the field to explore the helicopter and ask questions. Several of the students shared this was not their first time donating blood. Three-time donors received cords to

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JERSEYVILLE – Friday afternoon marked a longtime dream come true for the Jerseyville Public Library. The library’s first expansion since 1987 officially opened with a ribbon-cutting and Grand Opening ceremony at 12 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, kicking off an entire weekend’s worth of festivities as the community checks out their newly expanded library. “We all stood here 300 days ago … to break ground to erect this beautiful structure we see here today,” JPL Director Judy Pruitt said at the event. “After the relentless hard work and hands-on involvement of literally hundreds of folks from our community, we stand here today to celebrate the completion of this new space.” Pruitt thanked Superintendent Caleb Goode and his team with construction firm SMWilson for their professionalism – not only ensuring the expansion was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, but also keeping the library open and operational while

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HARTFORD — A medical helicopter crashed and caught fire Thursday evening during a training event hosted by the Hartford Fire Department, authorities said. The incident occurred around 8:51 p.m. on April 24 as Arch Medical Helicopter took off from the training site. An unknown cause led to the crash, according to officials. The Hartford Fire Department, with assistance from the South Roxana, Roxana, Mitchell, and Wood River fire departments, responded to the scene. Madison County HazMat and Madison County Emergency Management also provided support. Three crew members aboard the helicopter, including the pilot, were transported by ambulance to hospitals in St. Louis. All suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were reported in stable condition. Hartford Police said the road affected by the crash would reopen soon. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

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ELSAH - Three Rivers Community Farm will continue their 10th annual Plant Sale this upcoming weekend on May 3 and 4, 2025. On Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, 2025, the event started. It continues next weekend on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, 2025, where community members can stop by Three Rivers Community Farm to stock up on vegetable starts, herbs, native perennials and more. Located at 22935 Chautauqua Road in Elsah, the family-owned farm looks forward to the sale every year. “It’s not only different plants that you can find at our plant sale. It’s different varieties,” explained owner Amy Cloud. “Big box stores kind of have the same varieties nationwide, whereas our plant sale, we know the varieties that work best in our climate, in our area, and these plants are going to be good-yielding for you.” On Saturday, April 26, Post Commons was onsite selling coffee and the farm will also have pastries from Whisk Bakery available

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ALTON — An Alton Police officer went beyond his typical duties this week by assisting a motorist with a flat tire on Homer Adams Parkway, the Alton Police Department said. Officer Derek Vetter is a Difference Maker in his community. Alton Police Officer Derek Vetter responded to a call for help from Chana Wooden, who was stranded with a flat tire in a location with limited roadside space. To ensure her safety, Vetter positioned his squad car behind Wooden’s vehicle before changing the tire himself. Roadside assistance arrived shortly after to complete the job. “We’d like to give a big shoutout to Officer Vetter for going above and beyond the call of duty,” the department said. “We’re proud of the everyday actions our officers take to serve and protect the Alton community.” Wooden expressed her gratitude to Officer Vetter for his help and for taking the time to recognize his efforts. If you have an idea for a Difference Maker submission,

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ALTON - Several community partners have collaborated to create the Soulcial Center at Challenge Unlimited. This center brings together Fresh Harvest 365, LaMay’s Catering, the Food is Love Foundation and Theodora Farms to provide fresh food to those experiencing food insecurity. Located at Challenge Unlimited in Alton, the goal of the Soulcial Center is to fight food insecurity while supporting Challenge Unlimited clients. “Dignity through food…meets dignity through work, where the place individuals come every day is a place that’s adding value to their community,” explained John Michel, founder of Soulcial Kitchen and president of the Food is Love Foundation. “They get pride in being a part of the solution for people who are struggling, and that’s what we think the definition of community is really about.” Challenge Unlimited works with adults with disabilities to help them find employment. When a community member purchases

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 recognized several employees during their Golden Eagle Award ceremony. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, community members gathered at the Central Office for the ceremony, where 29 BCUSD8 employees received the Golden Eagle Award for outstanding contributions to the district. This year marked the eighth annual Golden Eagle Award ceremony. “We just want to display all the wonderful things and acknowledge all the wonderful things happening in this district,” explained Jen Weber, special education coordinator. “We’re proud of every single person here.” Each school nominated four employees for the awards. Bethalto East Primary School nominated Kathy Schollmeyer, Tammy Hyman, Lori Griffith and Melissa Meiser. Principal Chrissy Pavlinek introduced each recipient and thanked them for their work at the school. Parkside Elementary School Principal Aaron Kilpatrick introduced Kelly Wooten, Keri Lugge,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the 5800 block of Grace Avenue that resulted in the death an adult female. At 11:15 p.m. on April 24, 2025, St. Louis County police officers from the Affton Southwest Precinct responded to a call for service for a disturbance in the 5800 block of Grace Avenue. An adult female was found suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The female was transported to an area hospital for treatment but succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. The incident appears to be the result of an altercation between two individuals known to one another. No suspects are currently in custody. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or

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GRANITE CITY — At approximately 6:39 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Granite City Police Department responded to a report of a home invasion and kidnapping on the 2100 block of Edison Avenue. Upon arrival, officers spotted a suspect driving a vehicle with an adult female and two juvenile victims inside. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the suspect fled, leading police on a pursuit that ended in a traffic crash in St. Charles County, Mo. Granite City Police said the suspect was taken into custody, and both the suspect and the adult victim were transported to a medical facility for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The Granite City Police Department stated that the incident was not random and assured the public that there is no further threat. The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not released additional information at this time.

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that repairs to eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, April 28. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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ALTON - Alton North Elementary students recently had a lot of fun while contributing to a great cause. Students participated in the “Light the Night” fundraiser, which raised money for the St. Louis chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. After over 16 years of organizing this fundraiser, second grade teacher Kim Scheurer is proud to announce the school raised $4,850, the most money ever raised by an Alton school. “It’s nice because it brings us together,” Scheurer said. “Most importantly, it brings us together, and we’re able to give back to the community.” The campaign at North lasted for three weeks. During the first week, students and family members could donate directly to the cause and participate in dress-up days. In the second week, the school sold Smencils, and all proceeds went to the campaign. “The Smencils sell like hotcakes,” Scheurer joked. “The kids are over the moon.” During th

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Did you know that nearly 50 million people in the United States alone engage in hiking each year? Beyond being a popular recreational activity, hiking offers profound benefits for physical health, mental clarity, and even creativity. But with thousands of trails available nationwide, which ones truly stand out as must-explore paths that combine natural beauty, accessibility, and unique experiences? Here, we delve into some of the best hiking trails to explore this spring, each offering something special for both novice trekkers and seasoned hikers. Whether you seek panoramic vistas, serene forest walks, or challenging terrain, these trails promise memorable adventures. Trails That Showcase Dramatic Landscapes 1. Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah Renowned for its vertiginous ridges and breathtaking views of Zion Canyon, Angels Landing is a trail that challenges both mind and body. The 5.4-mile round trip includes steep switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles and narrow

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April 25 has been a date marked by pivotal moments in world history, shaping nations and influencing global events across centuries. Moving back in time, April 25, 1915, marks the beginning of the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I. Allied forces, primarily from Australia and New Zealand, launched an assault on the Gallipoli Peninsula in modern-day Turkey. The campaign was intended to secure a sea route to Russia and knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war. However, it turned into a grueling and costly stalemate with heavy casualties, highlighting the brutal realities of trench warfare. This day is commemorated as ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of those soldiers. In a completely different sphere, April 25, 1792, witnessed the establishment of the guillotine as the official method of execution in France. This invention became a symbol of the French Revolution's radical quest for equality and justice, although it also represented the

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HARTFORD - An Arch 1 Medical Helicopter crashed near the Hartford Fire Department after training on Thursday night, April 24, 2025. The Hartford Fire Department was hosting Arch 1 for a fire training exercise. Some injured individuals were taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. More information to come.

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