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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced that 2025 Spring enrollment at Illinois Community Colleges continues to surge, increasing to 8.9% compared to the previous Spring. The nearly 9% increase is the largest Spring-to-Spring enrollment increase since the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) began collecting systemwide enrollment in the late 1990s, and the third straight year of Spring enrollment increases according to the state’s latest 2025 Spring Enrollment Report . “With the largest Spring-to-Spring enrollment increase and the third straight year of growth, our community colleges have not only bounced back from the pandemic – they are now stronger than ever thanks to our historic investments in education,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We are the home to the third largest community college system in the nation, and we want to continue seeing growth and opportunity for working families by making higher education more affordable and accessibl

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EDWARDSVILLE - The following students have been named to the Honor Roll at Metro-East Lutheran High School for the third quarter of the 2024-2025 school year: Grade 9 - Honor Roll with High Distinction (g.p.a. 4.0) Madison Dunn, Edwardsville Liam Hazelwonder, Godfrey Marion Hemmer, Fairview Heights Claire Houck, Maryville Collin Hudzik, Edwardsville Ryan Sullivan, New Douglas Lily Walloch, Collinsville Grade 9 - Honor Roll with Distinction (g.p.a. 3.75-3.99) Abby Ayer, Shiloh Elijah Ball, Worden Abby Dulaney, O'Fallon Lyla Eggebrecht, Wood River Oliver Elmer, Edwardsville Noah Gray, Collinsville Caitlyn Hardage, Caseyville Lily Hartzel, Troy Moira Krueger, Glen Carbon Laynie Menard, Glen Carbon Preston Menossi, Edwardsville Cole Payne, Edwardsville Matthew Redden, Edwardsville Henry Reiseck, Hamel Molly Schulmeister, Staunton Calista Stults, Collinsville Owen Trackwell, Maryville Josie Wright, Edwardsville

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY – A head-on collision on U.S. Route 50 in St. Clair County resulted in the deaths of three individuals in a crash that was reported at 8:49 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025, according to a statement from the Illinois State Police Troop 8. The crash occurred west of Clinton County Line Road in St. Clair County, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. Upon arrival, authorities discovered two occupants deceased at the scene, while a third was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. U.S. Route 50 was closed for several hours as officials investigated the incident, with the roadway reopening at approximately 1:35 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. As of now, no further details have been released regarding the circumstances of the crash or the identities of those involved. The Illinois State Police said the investigation is ongoing.

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BETHALTO - Desiree Potter is passionate about Bethalto. Potter, one of nine candidates running for a seat on the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education, shared more about who she is and what she stands for. She noted that her family moved to Bethalto for the school district, and she has been pleased to see how the district has treated her children. “My number one thing is, I’m a mom,” Potter said. “We feel so strongly about Bethalto. This is our roots. I’m not originally from here, but I love Bethalto, and we put roots here. I’m hoping one day my kids will have grandkids and we’ll be here for generations.” Potter has two sons at Civic Memorial High School. She also helped raise her nephew, and she noted that she saw a major transformation in him when he transferred to Bethalto schools. She is pleased with how the district has nurtured and educated her children, and she wants to be a part of that. Over

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SPRINGFIELD - Returning to the Illinois State Fair for the first time since 2017, Brad Paisley will perform on the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage on Thursday, August 14, 2025. With three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards, including a highly coveted Entertainer of the Year honor and recognition as the most successful CMA Award co-host in history, Brad Paisley has earned his place in country music history as one of the genre’s most talented and decorated male solo artists. “Three-peat, Grandstand crowd favorite, Brad Paisley is always welcome at the Illinois State Fair,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “His award-winning songwriting and showmanship are unmatched, and we’re honored to bring him back to our Grandstand.” In addition to his superstar status, becoming the first artist to achieve 10 consecutive Billboard Country Airplay

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Board of Education recognized Collinsville High School student Taylor Dawson at the March 17, 2025, board meeting. Taylor was honored for winning the IHSA state championship in the girls wrestling at pounds. Taylor won the 140-pound division by defeating Christiana Finley of Country Club Hills Hillcrest by fall 5:59 and then pinned Maggie Zuber of Chicago Mother McAuley Catholic at 45 seconds of the final to capture the crown. The Kahoks wrestling sensation was introduced by Kahoks Athletic Director Clay Smith, who presented her with a certificate of recognition signed by board president Gary Peccola and Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich. Taylor was joined and congratulated by Kahok varsity wrestling coach Jordan May.

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 12 attorneys general, today submitted a comment letter to the U.S. Department of State opposing proposed changes to the passport application process that would prevent transgender and nonbinary individuals from obtaining a passport that matches their gender identity. “This change in the passport application process is the latest of the Trump administration’s efforts to diminish the existence of transgender and nonbinary Americans. Prohibiting transgender and nonbinary people from having identification documents that align with their gender identity makes them less safe,” Raoul said. “Transgender and nonbinary individuals have the right to choose how their identity is reflected on their passports so they are not subjected to unnecessary confusion or delays while traveling. I am proud to stand with other attorneys general to advocate for and protect the rights of transgender and nonbinary individuals

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CHICAGO - In recognition of Sunshine Week, Attorney General Kwame Raoul released the Public Access Counselor Annual Report with details of a sampling of over 4,200 new matters received in 2024, as well as other matters the Public Access Counselor (PAC) addressed last year. The PAC works to increase transparency in Illinois government by resolving disputes regarding public bodies’ compliance with the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA). The 2024 report also describes how the PAC trained thousands of individuals on Illinois’ transparency laws in webinars, seminars and conferences throughout the state. “During Sunshine Week, I’m proud to highlight the hard work and commitment of my office’s Public Access Bureau to ensuring government agencies in Illinois are accessible to the people they serve,” Raoul said. “I encourage appointed and elected officials and FOIA officers, as well as the public, to attend

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ALTON — A dump truck struck a power pole on Emma L. Kaus Lane in Alton on Tuesday morning, March 18, 2025, resulting in a significant power outage that affected approximately 2,800 customers in Alton, Bethalto and Cottage Hills, and about 60 customers in Brighton. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. According to Ameren Illinois officials, crews are currently assessing the situation to ensure safety and restore power to the affected areas. The dump truck, which had its bed partially raised, reportedly caught the cable and phone communications lines, leading to the collapse of two power poles. The impact caused power lines to short circuit, resulting in widespread outages. In response to the situation, utility crews from Ameren and JF Electric are working throughout the day to restore service. Part of the customers will likely be restored once some of the power source is rerouted. Fosterburg Road has been closed to facilitate the replacement of the downed poles and to ensure

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) has located a Cadillac CTS Sedan in connection with a March 17, 2025, incident that left an officer and a suspect injured. The vehicle, which is believed to be between 2008 and 2013 model years, was seized and is now in SLMPD custody. Authorities have also identified a person of interest related to the case. The incident began early on the morning of March 17, 2025, when the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force was investigating a carjacked Toyota RAV4 from East St. Louis. The RAV4 was spotted in the 4800 block of Cote Brilliante, leading deputies to observe the suspects exit the vehicle and enter a stolen Acura from Belleville. A description of the Acura was quickly disseminated, and District 6 officers located the vehicle in the 5400 block of Queens. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the Acura fled, swerving towards an officer deploying spike strips at the intersection of Queens and Harney. Despite nearly striking

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CHICAGO HEIGHTS – Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced Monday her office has summarily suspended and filed a complaint to permanently revoke the license of Heights Crematory, Inc. (Heights) in Chicago Heights, Illinois. This is in response to violations documented by Illinois Office of Comptroller (IOC) staff including improper storage of bodies, lying to our office’s auditors, and failing to maintain records of the bodies brought in for cremation. “I am appalled, disgusted, and deeply saddened by the disrespect Heights Crematory showed to the remains of the deceased, and we are working swiftly to strip the facility of its license,” Comptroller Mendoza said. “No family should have to wonder what happened to their loved one when they pass or learn a deceased family or friend wasn’t treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.” Upon learning of the egregious problems at Heights Crematory on Tuesday, February 18th, the Illinois

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ALTON - A dump truck struck a power pole in Alton on Tuesday morning, March 18, 2025, causing a significant outage affecting approximately 2,800 customers in the surrounding areas. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. and has led to power disruptions in Alton, Bethalto, Cottage Hills, and about 60 customers in Brighton. The location of the dump truck strike has not yet been disclosed. Ameren Illinois officials are currently assessing the situation to ensure the safety of the area and restore power. "We have anticipated a bunch of calls," a spokesperson Brian Bretsch of Ameren Illinois said. "The first steps involve securing the site and possibly controlling traffic around the area. Crews will then determine whether power can be rerouted from another source to restore service to the affected customers. As the situation develops, utility officials are focused on restoring power as quickly and safely as possible.

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement: “My aunt Cindy Pritzker passed away on Saturday, and it leaves a hole in my heart. She was not only a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, a loyal friend to so many, and a committed Chicagoan through and through, but she also played an important role in my life. When my father died and my mother was ill and I was just 12 years old, she and my uncle Jay took me in and made sure I felt safe and loved. I would not be who I am today without her love, laughter, and kindness. "Cindy grew up in the Kenwood neighborhood and embodied the spirit of the city she dedicated much of her life to – fierce, caring, and full of joy. From leading the Chicago Public Library Board and her work to build the Harold Washington Library to helping create the Pritzker Architecture Prize and Chicago’s Millennium Park Music Pavilion, Cindy shaped the city of Chicago just as much as it shaped her. She will live

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement today regarding VA Secretary Doug Collins’ announcement that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will phase out medical transgender treatments: “The Department of Veterans Affairs shouldn't be a battlefield in the Left's war on truth - and our taxpayer dollars shouldn't pay for transgender treatments at the VA. There are two God-given genders with unique needs and differences that don't disappear or reverse at the whim of woke bureaucrats. We are fortunate to have a president like Donald Trump who isn't afraid to restore common sense at the VA and refocus the agency 100% on serving the needs of America’s veterans.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to enhance early literacy education for students in kindergarten through third-grade. “It’s so important that kids receive early intervention if they are having difficulties reading,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The earlier a student is identified as potentially struggling with reading, the sooner intervention and support can start for the student.” The Illinois State Board of Education created and adopted a Comprehensive Literacy Plan in 2024. The plan acts as a roadmap to enhance and unify core literacy instruction efforts statewide. It is designed to outline necessary supports and resources for literacy reform, ensuring all students receive developmentally appropriate and evidence-based literacy instruction. The purpose of Belt’s measure is to ensure kindergarten through third-grade students receive regular screenings for potential reading difficulties so those needing additional

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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, along with 29 Senators, sent a letter demanding a reversal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) cancellation of food purchase programs across the United States, warning of the harmful impacts this move will have on both families and American farmers. Slashing funding for locally sourced, nutritious food in schools showcases the hypocrisy of the Trump Administration’s claims about wanting to improve healthy food for children. “We ask that you reverse the cancellation,” the Senators wrote. “We have grave concerns that the cancellation... poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.” In Illinois, cancellation of purchases through

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Peter Welch (D-VT) issued the following statement after President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, claiming wartime power to deport noncitizens without due process: “Over the weekend, President Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport noncitizens without due process. This attempt to use an archaic wartime law—not used since World War II—for immigration enforcement is yet another unlawful and brazen power grab. “Let’s be clear: we are not at war, and immigrants are not invading our country. Furthermore, courts determine whether people have broken the law—not a president acting alone, and not immigration agents picking and choosing who gets imprisoned or deported. It’s what our Constitution demands, and it’s the law Trump is bound

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ROODHOUSE - A juvenile bald eagle injured in Roodhouse, Ill. on May 29, 2024, is on the road to freedom after an extensive rehabilitation process. The young eagle, believed to be around year three, was discovered with a left humerus fracture and was quickly transported to Treehouse Wildlife Center by dedicated volunteer Tabatha Morris. The eagle's recovery was made possible thanks to the expert care of Dr. Lindsay Trickel, who performed a successful surgery to repair the fractured humerus via pinning on June 8, 2024. The surgery was critical to ensure the eagle’s return to a healthy, wild life. Dr. Trickel's skillful work was instrumental in giving this bird a second chance. Following the surgery, the bird’s rehabilitation included a structured physical therapy regimen, using wing extensions to regain strength in her injured wing. The rehabbers at Treehouse Wildlife Center worked diligently to help her regain full range of motion and strength. After six weeks of therapy,

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Did you know that the average person wears only 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time? This staggering statistic highlights a common dilemma: we often find ourselves overwhelmed by choices yet stuck in a cycle of wearing the same few pieces repeatedly. This is where the concept of a capsule wardrobe comes in—a curated collection of versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfits without the clutter. For those looking to refresh their style this spring, a capsule wardrobe offers a practical and efficient approach to dressing with intention. Understanding the Capsule Wardrobe Concept A capsule wardrobe is more than just a trend; it's a lifestyle choice that promotes simplicity and sustainability. Originating in the 1970s, the idea is to select a limited number of clothing items that harmonize with each other, allowing for endless outfit combinations. The appeal lies in reducing decision fatigue, saving time, and minimizing clutter while still

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March 18 has seen its fair share of significant events that have shaped the world in numerous ways. One of the most noteworthy events in history on March 18 occurred in 1965, when cosmonaut Alexei Leonov made the first-ever spacewalk. This groundbreaking achievement was part of the Soviet Union's Voskhod 2 mission and marked a significant milestone in the Space Race during the Cold War. Leonov spent 12 minutes outside his spacecraft, floating in the vacuum of space, and his successful extravehicular activity (EVA) paved the way for future space exploration. The event not only showcased the technological prowess of the Soviet Union but also inspired generations to dream of the stars. Fast forward to 1990, when the world witnessed a pivotal moment in the fight for global democracy. On this day, the Lithuanian parliament declared independence from the Soviet Union. As the first Soviet republic to assert its sovereignty, Lithuania's move was a significant step towards the dissolution

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