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SPRINGFIELD – Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois issued the following statement in response to the death of Pope Francis. “Today, our church mourns and prays. Pope Francis showed what it means to be a witness of love. This is beautifully reflected is his fourth and final Encyclical Letter, issued October 24, 2024, Dilexit nos , Latin for ‘He loved us,’ quoting Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans , in which he wrote that Christians can overcome all adversities through Him [Jesus} who loved us’ (Romans 8:37). “Pope Francis challenged the world daily through his words and actions that we are all called to something greater, not of this world, but the next. His life was a testament that if we are to go to heaven, we must embrace our crosses and sacrifices, and we must live an authentic Catholic life. That means we must show empathy, compassion, and love to our neighbors. We must live humbly and selflessly.

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TRILLA, Ill. — The Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a small, single-engine plane that occurred Friday morning in Trilla, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board. The crash happened at approximately 10:15 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2025, on County Road 1400 N, near the intersection of 551-587, about three miles south of Mattoon in Coles County, according to the Illinois State Police. The Coles County Sheriff’s Department initially contacted ISP to investigate the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are also involved in determining the cause of the crash. All four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The aircraft remained in the roadway, which was closed until around 5 p.m. on April 20. The Coles County coroner identified the victims as Ross R. Nelson, 46; Raimi A. Rundle, 45; Courtney L. Morrow, 36; and Michael H. Morrow, 48 — all from Menomonie, Wisconsin.

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Did you know that the term “4/20” originated not from a government decree or a marketing campaign, but from a group of high school students in the early 1970s? Today, 4/20 is globally recognized as an informal holiday celebrating cannabis culture, but its roots and evolution reveal a rich tapestry of social movements, cultural shifts, and legal battles. Understanding the cultural history of 4/20 provides insight into broader conversations about drug policy, counterculture, and social identity. Origins: From a Secret Code to a Cultural Phenomenon The most widely accepted origin story of 4/20 traces back to 1971 in San Rafael, California, where a group of five high school friends, known as “The Waldos,” coined the term “420” as a secret code for their after-school cannabis sessions. They chose 4:20 p.m. as their meeting time, and “420” soon became shorthand for marijuana use. This innocuous code, initially known only within a small circle,

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April 19th and 20th are dates that resonate through history. One of the most pivotal events associated with April 19 occurred in 1775 when the Battles of Lexington and Concord ignited the American Revolutionary War. Often considered the opening salvo in the fight for American independence, these skirmishes marked the moment when colonial militias confronted British troops, setting the stage for a new nation to emerge. The phrase “the shot heard ’round the world” is commonly linked to this day, symbolizing the global impact of the struggle for liberty. Earlier in history, on April 19, 1770, Sweden witnessed the coronation of King Gustav III. His reign was notable for efforts to strengthen royal authority and promote the arts and culture, leaving a lasting imprint on Swedish society. Although his time on the throne was cut short by his assassination in 1792, Gustav III’s influence remains significant in Swedish history. Moving forward to the 20th century,

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BELLEVILLE — Belleville Police are investigating a reckless discharge of a firearm after multiple shots were reported in the area of Dale Allen Drive and Chaucer Drive on the evening of April 16, 2025. At approximately 7:30 p.m. on April 16, Belleville officers responded to calls of gunfire and found two unoccupied parked vehicles that bullets had struck. No injuries were reported in the incident. Police recovered evidence at the scene and learned from witnesses that two groups of juveniles were involved in the shooting. Detectives and the Crime Scene Unit arrived to continue the investigation. Belleville Police said two juveniles found near the scene were interviewed and detained by officers. Detectives have identified the two groups involved and are in the early stages of the investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Belleville Police Department at (618) 234-1212 or CrimeStoppers at (866) 371-TIPS (8477).

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, today announced they have joined the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) lawsuit to block the acquisition of Surmodics Inc. (Surmodics) by GTCR BC Holdings LLC (GTCR) alleging that the deal, which seeks to combine the two largest manufacturers of critical medical device coatings, is anticompetitive. “The proposed acquisition of Surmodics by a private equity firm represents a troubling trend of wealthy investors attempting to limit competition and innovation in a market while extracting advantages that come from eliminating competitors,” Raoul said. “If approved, this acquisition would increase prices for Illinois residents by putting profits before people. I will continue to work to increase options for consumers and rein in anticompetitive behavior wherever it occurs.” In their lawsuit, Raoul and the FTC allege that private equity firm GTCR’s proposed acquisition

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ALTON – The National Scenic Byway Association is proud to recognize the Great River Road and the Mississippi Parkway Commission with the 2025 Byway Partnership Award, celebrating a multi-state collaboration that is turning the iconic route into a model for environmental stewardship and public engagement. Spanning 3,000 miles through 10 states along the Mississippi River, the Great River Road is a lifeline for wildlife and communities alike. In recent years, the Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) and its state partners have launched an ambitious and wide-reaching effort to support pollinators — including bees, butterflies, and birds — whose health is critical to ecosystems and agriculture. Through partnerships with the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, the U.S. Forest Service, and Rotary International, the byway was officially designated as the Great River Road Pollinator Trail. The Commission has developed a pollinator playbook, public brochures,

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls increased +14,800 (+0.2%) over-the-month to a record high of 6,172,300 in March. The previous record was set in December 2024, with 6,161,000 jobs. Additionally, the February monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report of -6,500 to +900. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.8 percent in March, while the revised unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, unchanged from the preliminary February unemployment rate. The March payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. The industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job increases included: Government (+4,500), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+2,600), and Private Education and Health Services (+2,200). The industry sectors with monthly payroll job decreases included Information (-400) and Financial Activities (-300). Compared to a year ago,

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ALTON - Community members gathered in downtown Alton to protest the Donald Trump administration. On Saturday, April 19, 2025, protests across the country called for Trump’s impeachment. Dozens of Riverbend residents met at the intersection of Broadway and Highway 67 for the protest in Alton. Clayton Monroe, who has organized weekly Sunday protests against the Trump administration in Alton for the past several weeks, explained the purpose behind the rally. “To put it simply, we're just here to let the current administration know that we're not going to take this lying down and that they do not speak for the majority of people,” Monroe said. “We want to make that very clear. We also need it known that beyond the current administration, our current system is fundamentally broken and it needs fixed severely.” Monroe emphasized that the protests have been peaceful, with a “generally positive” response. He said community members have engaged

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PONTOON BEACH – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that nightly ramp closures at the Interstate 270/Illinois 111 interchange in Madison County will begin, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2025. The closures are necessary for pavement patching. Each ramp will be closed for one night and reopen by 5 a.m. the following morning. All ramps will remain open daily between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. throughout the project. The anticipated order of ramp closures is: Northbound Illinois 111 to eastbound I-270 Westbound I-270 to southbound Illinois 111 Westbound I-270 to northbound Illinois 111 Southbound Illinois 111 to eastbound I-270 Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during these closures. 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,

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) officials, legislators, and community leaders convened today to recognize progress made to reduce gun violence in Chicago and Illinois due in part to the Peacekeeper Program. The State of Illinois adopted this model in 2023 as a strategy of the OFVP. A recent Northwestern University evaluation report found a 41% reduction of gun violence rates in Chicago and Cook County suburban hotspots targeted by the program. “Corner by corner, block by block, and neighborhood by neighborhood – we are freeing our communities from the age-old patterns of crime and violence,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From Day One, violence intervention and reduction has been a focus of my administration, and I established the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention and worked with the General Assembly to pass the Reimagine Public Safety Act to organize and support efforts such as these exactly because I believe

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ALTON/BETHALTO/EDWARDSVILLE/GODFREY - As the Riverbend community celebrates Easter, Schnucks and Dierbergs encourage you to get everything you need from their stores ahead of time. All Schnucks locations will be closed on Sunday, April 20, 2025. In a statement, Schnucks said they decided to close stores so that their employees could enjoy the holiday. “All Schnucks stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 20 so that our teammates can spend time with their families and loved ones,” Schnucks said. “Stores will reopen at their normally scheduled time on Monday, April 21.” For more information about this, visit their official website at Schnucks.com . On their official Facebook page , Edwardsville's Dierbergs Markets location said they will also be closed on Easter Sunday. The store will reopen at 6 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025.

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SPRINGFIELD — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated data revealing that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) now affects approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States—an increase from the previous estimate of 1 in 36. Experts attribute this rise not to a surge in incidence, but to improved diagnostic tools, heightened awareness, and more inclusive screening practices that are helping identify children earlier and across a broader spectrum of communities. “This updated prevalence reflects the strides we’ve made as a society in understanding autism,” said Erica Duijzer, Chief Operating Officer of Hope Clinical Care. “Early and accurate diagnosis is critical—it paves the way for timely interventions that can transform the developmental path for individuals on the spectrum.” The CDC report underscores positive trends in early detection, with more children being diagnosed at younger ages

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ALTON - Due to the threat of heavy rainfall, the Alton Amphitheater Commission is canceling the free concert with NKG Blues Band that had been scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2025. The Amphitheater Commission looks forward to working with NKG Blues Band to find another opportunity for them to perform at the amphitheater.

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April 18th marks a day rich with historical significance across the globe, spanning groundbreaking scientific achievements, pivotal political moments, and cultural milestones. Our story begins in the early morning hours of April 18, 1906, when a massive earthquake struck the city of San Francisco, California. Measuring an estimated 7.9 on the moment magnitude scale, this seismic event remains one of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history. The quake’s epicenter was near the San Andreas Fault, a notorious geological boundary responsible for much of California’s seismic activity. The earthquake’s shaking lasted less than a minute, but the destruction it caused was catastrophic. Buildings crumbled, bridges collapsed, and essential infrastructure was severely damaged. However, the quake alone was not the only source of devastation; the fires that ignited across the city in the quake’s aftermath raged uncontrolled for several days, fueled by broken gas line

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JERSEYVILLE – The City of Jerseyville has several street improvement projects planned over the next few years. At an April 8, 2025 “workshop” meeting of the City Council, several past, present, and future street projects around Jerseyville were discussed between city officials. Hollow Avenue One major project taking place in the near future is the next phase of Hollow Avenue improvements . The narrow, deteriorated road has long had no sidewalk and sight-distance issues for drivers. Phase 2 improvements included repaving and widening the road, installing ADA-compliant sidewalks, and more along Hollow Avenue from Baxter Avenue to North Hickory Street. The continuation of this phase over the next two years will see these improvements extend west towards the city limits near Waggoner Avenue . The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will open bids for the next phase of the Hollow Avenue project on April 25, 2025. Highway

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EDWARDSVILLE - Sophomore infielder Sophie Antonini came through in a big way on Apr. 15, delivering a game-winning single that scored pinch-runner Lily Stone with the winning run in a thrilling 8-7 win for Edwardsville over Belleville East in a Southwestern Conference softball game played at the Edwardsville District 7 Sports Complex. It was a clutch hit in many ways for Antonini, who's currently hitting .447, with no homers and seven RBIs in helping the Tigers to a 12-4 record after a 22-0 Edwardsville win over East St. Louis on Apr. 17. Sophie is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. To coin a phrase from Yogi Berra himself, it was deja vu all over again for Antonini, who found herself in the same situation a year ago against the Lancers. "I feel great," Antonini said in a post-game interview following her big hit. "I did this similar to last year, in our conference game against them. It's got a sense of deja vu, but it feels great." The pitch that she

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College held its annual Trebuchet Competition April 4, 2025 in River Bend Arena. This year’s event drew 19 teams and 93 students from six area high schools. Competition organizer and LC Mathematics Professor Kevin Bodden saw this year’s event improve in several areas. “I’m thrilled to share that this year’s high school Trebuchet Contest was a resounding success,” he said. “With a 12 percent increase in attendance compared to last year and a significant boost in scoring across the board, the event was more exciting and competitive than ever!” The event is comprised of two areas of competition: reporting and trebuchet. Taking first place in the trebuchet was Team Angels Raining Down Destruction from St. Joseph’s Academy in St. Louis. Members included Emily Rybak, Elizabeth Kirsch, Kate Hulsen and Ava Muehlemann. Second place in the trebuchet category went to Team Mitchell and Wings from

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at EAWR High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. April's winner is Chase Butler. Chase is a Senior at EAWR and is involved in EAWR Drama Club, Student Council, Saturday Scholars, Senior Mentor and Spirit Club. Chase has received honors with the Silver Medallion, National Honor Society and Dual Credit college courses. In Chase's free time, she enjoys volunteering at Hartford Elementary, helping Lewis & Clark Junior High Drama Club, working the Soap Box Derby at EA Rec Center and volunteering at her church. After graduation, Chase is planning on attending University of Illinois and majoring in Elementary Education. Congratulations

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EDWARDSVILLE – Award-winning author and journalist Elizabeth Donald is proud to announce her latest book, Blackfire Rising , released April 3, 2025 from Falstaff Books. A long-time resident of Edwardsville, Ill., Elizabeth Donald is a writer fond of things that go chomp in the night. She is the author of the Blackfire urban fantasy series and Nocturne vampire mystery series, as well as other novels, novellas and short stories in the horror, science fiction and fantasy genres. She is a three-time winner of the Darrell Award for speculative fiction and recipient of the Mimi Zanger Literary Award. More recently Donald was runner-up in the Imadjinn film festival in the screenplay division, and a finalist for the Knost Award. Among Donald’s previous fiction publications are Nocturne Infernum (Seventh Star Press), Moonlight Sonata (Dark Oak Press), Dreadmire (Spellbinder Publishing), Yanaguana (Crone Girls Press), Setting Suns (New Babel Books), Abaddon (Cerridwen

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