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Did you know that nearly 80% of Americans report feeling overwhelmed by their daily responsibilities? In a world where the demands of work, family, and social commitments can feel relentless, self-care is often the first thing to fall by the wayside. However, prioritizing self-care during busy months is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As we dive into the intricacies of self-care amid a whirlwind of obligations, we will explore strategies to not only survive but thrive during life’s most hectic periods. Understanding the Importance of Self-Care Self-care is often misconstrued as indulgence—think spa days and lavish vacations. In reality, it encompasses a wide range of practices aimed at nurturing one's health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, mental health is just as critical as physical health, with neglect leading to conditions such as anxiety and depression. During particularly

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Welcome to this day in history, March 13th. First and foremost, one of the most impactful global events occurred on March 13, 1969, when the United States, amidst the fervor of the Cold War, launched the Apollo 9 mission. This mission was critical for the development of the lunar module, which would later play a key role in landing humans on the Moon. The Apollo 9 mission was also the first time that astronauts tested the Lunar Module in space. The successful completion of this mission marked a significant step towards the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing in July 1969, and it helped to cement the United States' position as a leader in space exploration during a time of intense rivalry with the Soviet Union. In a different realm, on this day in 1996, the world of sports witnessed a significant event as the National Football League (NFL) announced the creation of the NFL Europe League. This league was intended to promote American football in Europe and provide a platform for players

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ALTON – After a few passionate public comments, the Alton City Council voted on Wednesday to put a TIF agreement on hold which would expand the parking lot of a proposed tattoo parlor. As first reported on Riverbender.com , developer Kyle Hulker plans to open a tattoo parlor at 629 Ridge St. under the name “Blue Bird Tattoo.” Hulker was previously the owner of Alton Tattoo Company and Sherry’s Snacks, which were formerly located on College Avenue. The Ridge Street property is properly zoned, but lacks the required amount of on-site parking. Under the tabled agreement, the city would reimburse Hulker for up to $10,000 of a planned parking lot expansion totaling $40,000. Most of the evening’s public comments focused not on the parking lot expansion, but Hulker himself. Multiple members of the public claimed Hulker has been accused of sexual assault by up to 50 women. They asked council members not to allow Hulker to open another business in Alton.

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PEORIA — Twelve-year-old Cameron Travis of the Young Warriors Wrestling Academy in Granite City, secured a fifth-place finish in the Novice Boys-215 weight class at the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation state tournament held this past weekend in Peoria. Having wrestled for four years, Cameron expressed his excitement about his recent accomplishment, and said, “It was really cool and exciting. I’m glad I got the opportunity to place and be on the podium with the best wrestlers in the state.” Cameron is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for Granite City. In addition to wrestling, Cameron has participated in soccer and baseball, and he plays the saxophone at school in Granite City. His diverse interests reflect a well-rounded approach to both athletics and academics. Looking ahead, Cameron has set ambitious goals for his future. “I see myself wrestling for the USA team or playing in The NFL,” he said. As he prepares for next season

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DUPO — A Dupo man faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder, following a lengthy investigation by the Illinois State Police (ISP) into the disappearance of a local resident. Kaylon T. List, 39, was charged on March 3, 2025, by the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office with first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping inflicting harm, kidnapping, concealing a homicidal death, aggravated unlawful restraint, and unlawful restraint. These charges stem from the investigation into the case of Eric Grindstaff, of Wood River, who was reported missing on June 23, 2021. Authorities said at the time of the disappearance, Grindstaff was moving from his grandmother’s house in Wood River. The investigation began when the Dupo Police Department sought assistance from the ISP in locating Grindstaff. Officers responded to List's residence in the 4000 block of Elm Street in Dupo, where they discovered a suspicious vehicle partially concealed near

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PIASA — Cason Robinson, a sophomore guard for the Southwestern High School Piasa Birds, has emerged as a key player on the basketball team, contributing an average of 7.6 points per game during the 2024-2025 season. His performance has not gone unnoticed, as he has been named an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month. Robinson's development from a talented freshman to a pivotal ballhandler/shooter has impressed both fans and coaches alike. "Cason was a talented freshman player last year and developed even more in the 2024-2025 season," said Southwestern head boys basketball coach Jason Darr. Coach Darr noted Robinson's grit and defensive skills, highlighting his ability to handle the pressure against some of the region's most athletic teams. Coach Darr emphasized that Robinson is not only solid on the offensive side with scoring and handling the ball, but very tenacious on the defensive side and is also a key to the team in that area. "He plays

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A Tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas City, Kansas, has people on edge, with not much public knowledge about the disease or how to prevent it. The Kansas Department of Health & Environment reported as of January 31, 67 people were infected in the latest outbreak. Two people died and roughly half have finished treatment and are considered cured. What is Tuberculosis? “TB is referred to as ‘the great mimicker,’ says Sharjeel Ahmad, MD, a staff physician of infectious disease with OSF HealthCare, meaning the signs and symptoms are like many other viruses and bacterial infections people get. “Tuberculosis is a very contagious bacterial infection,” Dr. Ahmad says. “It’s caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis . It is spread when people cough, sneeze or spit. So, if you cough, spit or sneeze, you generate tiny particles. When someone else inhales that, you can get infected by TB.” While active TB disease cases are

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PONTOON BEACH – Just in time for spring, Madison County Transit (MCT) and Agency for Community Transit (ACT) have welcomed four new "Trail Critter" sculptures along the MCT Trails, expanding the popular "Art on the Trails" initiative. Building on the success of the eight sculptures introduced in 2023, the latest additions bring color, creativity, and whimsy to four new areas along the MCT Trails. Produced by artist Jeffie Brewer, each sculpture is crafted from durable steel, painted vibrant colors, and thoughtfully placed along the MCT Trails throughout Madison County, transforming the trails into an interactive outdoor gallery that blends art, nature, and community engagement. The sculptures were a gift to the MCT Trails from ACT. The latest critters to join the MCT Trails family include: “Cory – The Calf at the Confluence” – Measuring an impressive 10 feet in length, this striking lilac colored bison stands proudly along the MCT Confluence Trail,

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GODFREY - Amber Dyer, the owner of Peachy Paws, took “paws” to reflect and express her appreciation for the Village of Godfrey amid a recent vote that will allow her to expand her business to a new location. On March 4, 2025, the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees voted to rezone 1610 W. Delmar Avenue from R-3 Single Family Residential to B-4 Highway Business. This rezoning will allow Dyer to open her dog grooming business, previously located at 509 Pearl Street in Godfrey, at the new location. “I got a little emotional at the meeting because of all the support I was getting from everybody,” Dyer said. “I’ve always lived in Godfrey…I’ve grown up here, I went to school here, I was raised here, and I don’t want to leave here.” Dyer thanked Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick and Building and Zoning Administrator Tony Cain, adding that they treated her “like family” throughout the process. McCormick noted how

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MARYVILLE – A Missouri man authorities say targets Madison County for his criminal activity faces new charges after breaking into a Maryville laundromat. Gage L. Wille, 29, of St. Charles, Mo., was charged with burglary, a Class 2 felony, and possession of burglary tools, a Class 4 felony. Wille allegedly broke into a Sudz Wash laundromat at 112 W. Perry St. in Maryville on Jan. 9, 2025, intending to commit a theft. He was found with an orange pry bar in his possession, which court documents describe as “suitable for use in breaking into a building.” A petition to deny his pretrial release states Wille burglarized the business before fleeing the scene. Wille previously failed to appear in court from a prior theft case and has “been in warrant status since October 2019.” “It appears this defendant has no connection to Madison County and comes here only with the intent to steal,” the petition states of Wille. The Maryville Police Department

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SPRINGFIELD - The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today the recipients of the 2024 Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $4 million was awarded to 178 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. This program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that have hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The purpose is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase. The OSFM received 347 applications, requesting around $7.7 million in funding for this grant period. "Grant programs like our Small Equipment Grant Program are critical in providing fire departments and ambulance providers with

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls were almost unchanged, down -1,100 (0.0%), while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.9 percent in January, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The December monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +8,800 to +12,200 while the revised unemployment rate was 4.9 percent, -0.3 percentage point lower than the preliminary December unemployment rate of 5.2 percent. The January payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +36,000 jobs. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+27,500), Government (+25,300), and Leisure and Hospitality (+5,800). The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included:

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SPRINGFIELD – At a Capitol news conference Tuesday, Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) criticized the bad bills and misplaced priorities of the Democratic supermajority in the Illinois General Assembly. “Illinois is facing significant problems with our budget, with public safety, with high taxes and the high cost of living,” Rep. Davidsmeyer said. “With the State of Illinois facing a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, Democrats are pushing bad bills that will make Illinois’ budget problems even worse.” Last week, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA), which Davidsmeyer co-chairs, released its FY 2026 Economic Forecast and Revenue Estimate and FY 2025 Revenue Update . CGFA projected a $737 million State budget shortfall for FY26 and an additional $500 million shortfall for the current fiscal year. The Auditor General recently released an audit of the taxpayer-funded healthcare program

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Poison Center (IPC), the nation’s oldest poison center, joins poison centers around the country to raise awareness about poison dangers and educate the public on ways to further protect their loved ones during National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW), which runs from March 16–22, 2025. This year’s theme is “When the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you.” For more than 70 years, poison centers have provided vital information and resources to families to help reduce the threat of poisoning and save lives. “Poison risks remain a constant threat to individuals of all ages,” says IPC Medical Director Michael Wahl, M.D. “Our team of pharmacists, nurses, and poison information experts are available 24/7 to answer questions, offer guidance on treatment, and help prevent harm. No concern is too big or too small, and all calls are free and confidential.” In 2024, IPC handled 72,500 cases involving

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Nefer Ojeda-Elenes, a 33-year-old man from California, was sentenced to 228 months in federal prison for his role in trafficking fentanyl to the Metro East region. The sentencing took place following Ojeda-Elenes’ guilty plea to conspiracy and distribution charges related to the powerful synthetic opioid. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft described fentanyl as a "ruthless killer" that devastates families and communities. He emphasized the seriousness of Ojeda-Elenes' actions, and said, “This defendant conspired to bring seven kilograms of fentanyl into the Metro East region, when as few as two milligrams is lethal to most adults.” Weinhoeft asserted that the 19-year sentence reflects a commitment to justice for those affected by drug trafficking. Court documents reveal that Ojeda-Elenes was involved in a conspiracy to deliver two kilograms of fentanyl to the Metro East in April 2020. He later agreed to deliver an additional five kilograms

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GODFREY – Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other Illinois lawmakers visited Lewis and Clark Community College Monday, March 3, 2025, to propose a new community college baccalaureate program. “Community colleges like Lewis and Clark have been at the center of our economic agenda from day one of my administration,” Pritzker said. “To build an economy where every Illinoisan can get ahead, we need an education system that can meet people where they are, regardless of their age, background or zip code.” The proposed legislation, HB 3717, would amend the Public Community College Act to allow community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees in high-demand career paths. The bill would cap the cost of the final two years of a four-year degree to 150 percent of the associate degree cost, an average of $7,500 annually. Tuition and fees at Lewis and Clark are currently around $4,500 per year for a full-time student, lower than the average paid by full-time student

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison led a coalition of 21 attorneys general today in filing an amicus brief in continued opposition to President Donald Trump’s unlawful attempt to remove Gwynne Wilcox, a member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Dismissing Wilcox would leave just two members remaining on the five-member board, which cannot act without a quorum of at least three members. Last week, a federal judge ruled in Wilcox v. Trump, that Trump’s attempt to fire Wilcox was illegal and ordered that she remain on the board. The Trump administration has asked for a stay to stop the ruling from going into effect while it seeks an appeal, effectively allowing her firing to take effect. In their brief, Raoul and attorneys general urge the court to deny the administration’s request for a stay. The coalition argues that if allowed to stand, the attempt to dismiss Wilcox would undermine protections for worker

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SPRINGFIELD – The 2025 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 5 at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. An early opportunity at select trout sites – the spring catch-and-release fishing season – will open Saturday, March 22. No trout may be kept during the catch-and-release period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular season beginning April 5. The daily harvest limit for each angler is five trout. The Illinois Catchable Trout Program receives funding support by those who use the program through the sale of inland trout stamps. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the spring season. An additional 80,000 trout will be stocked for the fall trout season, which begins in October. New for 2025: In McHenry County, spring trout will be stocked into Rush Creek Pond in Harvard due to ongoing constructio

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that rehabilitation of a crossing by Terminal Railroad on Illinois 3 between Packers Avenue and North First Street in St. Clair County will require a full closure beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, March 25. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude Thursday, March 27. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in 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 us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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JERSEYVILLE - Amelia Strebel, a standout student-athlete from Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100, has earned a place on the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Academic All-State Honorable Mention team. The announcement was made following the selection of 76 students across the state, with each school permitted to nominate one male and one female student for the honor. Amelia Strebel is also a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for Jersey. The recognition comes at a time when Strebel is balancing her academic responsibilities with her participation in track and field, where she is an area standout in the shot put and discus. Jersey head girls track and field coach Kevin Strebel, who is also her father, expressed pride in her accomplishments both academically and athletically. "I am certainly proud of how she handles herself and takes care of everything the right way academically and athletically," he said. "She makes sure to prepare for any tests, and it is nice

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