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CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Homeownership Department (IHDA Mortgage) is proud to announce the recipients of its “2024 Lender and Loan Officer Awards.” These awards recognize the banks, mortgage lenders, credit unions, and loan officers who assisted the most homebuyers utilizing IHDA Mortgage programs over the past year. With more than 160 lenders currently partnered with IHDA Mortgage across Illinois, the lender awards recognize the institutions and individuals who excelled in serving low- to moderate-income homebuyers. “Affordable homeownership isn’t just about family stability. It’s about building strong communities and a competitive economy that offers opportunities for all Illinoisans,” IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said. “Our lending partners play a key role in this work, ensuring homebuyers in every community across the state have direct access to IHDA’s housing counseling, mortgage

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SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday, more than 70 nurses from Illinois’ Magnet hospitals met with Illinois lawmakers to stress the importance of investing in healthcare, while also advocating for policies that prioritize patient safety, support clinical leadership and innovation, and preserve access to quality care for all Illinois residents. "Illinois is home to world-class hospitals dedicated to excellence,” said A.J. Wilhelmi, Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) President and CEO. “IHA congratulates Illinois’ Magnet hospitals for this significant distinction and celebrates all Illinois hospitals for their unwavering commitment to patient care. We are especially grateful for our nursing workforce, whose dedication goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service and improve health outcomes across the state." During Magnet Hospital Day, attendees had the opportunity to network, celebrate the journey to Magnet status, and share with legislators

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WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, asked for unanimous consent (UC) to pass a simple resolution he introduced condemning Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children and called on Russia to work with the international community to return all abducted Ukrainian children to their families. Since Russia’s full-scale war of aggression started in 2022, the Russian government has abducted, forcibly transferred, or facilitated the illegal deportation of at least 20,000 Ukrainian children. Senate Republicans rejected the resolution. They also objected to every other straightforward resolution offered by Senate Democrats, including urging Russian President Putin to end the war, clarifying that Russia started the war, stating that Russia committed war crimes, reaffirming the U.S.-Ukraine relationship and support for its sovereignty, and clarifying that no nation should forcibly seize

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FIELDON — A man was pronounced dead Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Calhoun Quarry, located at 25840 Eldred Road, following an incident involving falling rock, according to the Jersey County Coroner's Office. Authorities received a call regarding the situation at 4:19 p.m. on March 5, 2025. The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office requested mutual aid, prompting responses from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and Calhoun EMS. Jersey County Coroner Kevin Ayres, who arrived at the scene, confirmed that the man was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. “The initial cause of death appears to be from falling rock,” Ayres said. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns said the victim was a 67-year-old man. "It appears to be an accidental death, which occurred during mining operations at the quarry," Sheriff Manns said. The coroner indicated that the victim's name will be released once all family members have been notified. The investigation into the circumstances

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SPRINGFIELD – The Administration of Governor JB Pritzker announced that Illinois recorded an 8.3% drop in overall drug overdose deaths in 2023, exceeding a nationwide decline of 4%. Specifically, opioid overdose deaths declined 9.7% in the state, compared to 3% nationally. The new data shows 3,502 overdose deaths in Illinois from all causes in 2023, 317 fewer than in 2022. The new data comes as the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) unveiled an expanded Overdose Data Dashboard that shares more data and makes the tool easier to use for both researchers and the general public. Governor Pritzker also announced in his Budget Address that, subject to review by the General Assembly, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will consolidate its mental health and substance use divisions into an integrated Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery in order to improve access to care and positive outcomes for consumers. “My administration has worked closely with

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SPRINGFIELD - The public overwhelmingly favors retaining the current state flag, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced following the five-week voting period to consider a redesign of the flag. Voters had the option to choose their favorite design from one of the Illinois Flag Commission’s Top 10 new designs, or one of three former flag designs, including the current one, which has not had a major redesign in the past century. Of the nearly 385,000 votes that were received, over 165,000, or 43 percent, were cast for the current Illinois State flag, which received more votes than the next five top designs combined. “Some may call it an SOB – a seal on a bedsheet – and the vexillogical community may hate it, but people overwhelmingly prefer our current state flag,” Giannoulias said. “Thank you to everyone who made their voice heard on the future of this important symbol of state pride.” The Illinois Flag Commission will prepare

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke against efforts by the Trump Administration to intimidate judges and undermine the rule of law. Durbin then asked unanimous consent (UC) to pass a resolution that simply affirms that the Constitution vests the judicial power in the federal courts. It also affirms that both the Constitution and established precedent require the executive branch to comply with all federal court rulings. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) objected to Durbin’s unanimous consent request. Durbin was joined on the Senate floor by Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee who spoke in support of his resolution. “In recent weeks, several federal judges have issued orders blocking unlawful actions taken by the Trump Administration. In response, the Administration’s officials and allies have made worrisome statements criticizin

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ALTON – Rock the Hops returns to Downtown Alton, Illinois, bringing together music lovers, art enthusiasts, and community stakeholders for an electrifying afternoon of live performances, visual artists, makers, and handcrafted libations. The festival will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. on August 9th at several locations, and the producers are excited to invite potential sponsors, venues, musicians, visual artists, beverage makers, and volunteers to be a part of this collaborative community event. Rock the Hops pairs music and art with craft beverages. Attendees can “hop” around between the official venues to catch live music and to observe and purchase art. Ticket holders gain the full experience, with access to free shuttles and the option to taste dozens of styles of locally crafted beer, seltzers, coffee, and more. Over the years, Rock the Hops has showcased over 180 local bands, totalling over 700 musicians who live, work, and create in our community. Sponsorships

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) continues to gather resumes, cover letters, and supporting documentation for applicants interested in serving as the next U.S. Attorney or U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois. The Southern District encompasses 38 counties ranging from the Metro East region eastward to the Illinois-Indiana line and all points south. Interested candidates who have yet to reply or yet to receive confirmation from Bost’s office are encouraged to contact Myles Nelson at (618) 622-0766 or myles.nelson@mail.house.gov to schedule an interview with the congressman.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today voted against the nomination of Todd Blanche to be Deputy Attorney General. In a speech on the Senate floor ahead of Mr. Blanche’s confirmation vote, Durbin spoke about the weaponization of the justice system since President Trump took office and argued that Mr. Blanche will not provide the necessary independence to rein in the President or the army of allies he has installed at the Justice Department. Mr. Blanche has served as President Trump’s personal criminal defense attorney since 2023. Although Durbin observed that nothing suggests that Mr. Blanche was unethical or unprofessional in this capacity, Durbin expressed concern that this representation calls Mr. Blanche’s independence into question. Notably, Mr. Blanche defended the President in the hush money prosecution brought by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, for which

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Letter To The Editor: ALTON – Today, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced his endorsement of Ray Strebel in the 2025 Alton mayoral race. Haine, a respected regional leader on public safety and fifth-generation resident of Alton, cited Strebel’s proven commitment to community safety and governmental reform as key reasons for his support. “I’m proud to back Ray Strebel for Alton Mayor in this crucial election. As Alderman, he took on problem businesses, pushed for real reforms, and fought to keep our parks safe. He is a strong supporter of Alton Police Department’s excellent efforts at proactive policing and will add new energy and new resources from City Hall to their fight against crime. He also knows the importance of strong and ongoing community engagement, and will renew outreach efforts to every part of our city. In short, Ray Strebel is a leader who gets things done, and as Mayor, he’ll bring the commonsense, results-driven

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing a legal challenge that, if successful, would severely limit the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) ability to carry out its responsibility of protecting American workers’ right to unionize. Raoul and the coalition filed the brief today with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit in the case of YAPP USA Automotive Systems Inc. v. National Labor Relations Board. A lawsuit filed by YAPP USA Automotive Systems Inc. (YAPP) seeks to stop the NLRB from addressing allegations YAPP engaged in unfair labor practices prohibited by federal law, arguing the NLRB’s structure and administrative proceedings are unconstitutional. Raoul and the coalition are urging the court to deny YAPP’s request for an injunction, which would hamstring the NLRB’s ability to protect workers’ right to collectively bargain for better wages and improved

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC)—issued the following statement in response to reporting on an internal memo from senior Trump Administration officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) detailing their plans to fire more than 80,000 VA employees this year, after the VA already fired over 2,400 VA employees last month: “Since the bipartisan PACT Act overhauled our VA to better care for our nation’s heroes, the VA has approved over one million claims from Veterans suffering from toxic-exposure—helping more Veterans than ever receive the care they’ve earned. And yet, by planning to fire more than 80,000 VA employees, Donald Trump is dooming not only our VA’s ability to handle the influx of claims, but also brave Veterans who will wait even longer to get the quality care they need. Let’s call this what it is: Republicans&rsquo

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GODFREY - The Godfrey Fire Protection District took a moment to honor Captain Jacob L. Ringering on the sixth anniversary of his passing. Ringering died in the line of duty on March 5, 2019, while battling a residential structure fire. On March 5, 2025, the firefighters saluted the flag and held a moment of silence outside of the Godfrey firehouse to commemorate Ringering’s legacy. “His impact, courage, and sacrifice continue to inspire us every single day,” the Godfrey Fire Protection District said in a statement. “Jake was more than a firefighter — he was a leader, a mentor, and a brother to so many in the fire service.” Ringering had a wife, Allison, and three children named Nora, Elaina and Logan. The GFPD said his family was “his greatest joy.” The GFPD added that Ringering’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, including the firefighters at GFPD who aspire to his level of bravery. They encouraged the

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell and New York Attorney General Letitia James led a coalition of 15 attorneys general in issuing guidance to help K-12 schools, colleges and universities understand the legality, viability and importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility policies and practices in education. The guidance comes in response to concerns following a Trump administration executive order and the U.S. Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague” letter and FAQ document targeting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility policies and programming in schools. The coalition’s guidance reminds educational entities that efforts to seek and support diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible educational experiences for students are legal, and that longstanding legal precedents supporting these programs cannot be changed by an executive order or a letter from the Department of Education.

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ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s is offering a new therapeutic group for people who love someone with a substance use disorder. The Friends and Family Group meets from 5–6 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Psychological Services Department at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Marla Nelson, LCPC, explained that the group aims to provide support and coping strategies. “It is for friends and family who have a loved one who’s struggling with a substance use disorder,” Nelson said. “It’s a therapeutic group. There are other groups like Al-Anon and such. You’re going to have that support and be able to have other people who are going through that same situation.” As a therapeutic group, the meetings are led by Nelson, a therapist, and people are encouraged to share their experiences and challenges with one another. She noted that the group includes “some psychoeducation” to inform loved ones about the science and psychology behind substance

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis saw a historic decrease in crime in the first two months of 2025, with 15 homicides through March 2, 2025, a decrease of 16 compared to the same period of 2024, a year in which the city saw the fewest homicides in 11 years. Violent crime was down across the board, including a 36% decrease in burglaries, 42% decrease in auto thefts, and 53% decrease in shooting incidents. “One life affected by violent crime is one too many, which is why it is extremely encouraging to see the amount of violent crime continue to drop drastically in St. Louis,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “We have more work to do, but violent crime is on the retreat in St. Louis, and I am incredibly thankful to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Circuit Attorney’s Office, the Office of Violence Prevention, and all the community organizations and residents who do so much to make St. Louis safer.” In the past two years, Mayor Jones has raised salaries

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SPRINGFIELD - On March 18, 1925, the deadliest tornado in U.S. history tore through southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, and southwest Indiana, leaving a 219-mile path of destruction. “During this Severe Weather Preparedness Month, I want everyone in Illinois to recognize the dangers of tornadoes and other weather disasters,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “That tornado, 100 years ago this month, killed 234 residents in Murphysboro alone, making it the hardest-hit town in Illinois during that storm. A total of 695 people lost their lives across the tri-state area. We want Illinoisans to take preparedness seriously—know the risks, have a plan, and review your insurance coverage.” National Weather Service Lincoln Warning Coordination Meteorologist Ed Shimon emphasized the importance of preparedness. “Devastating tornadoes have occurred in every month of the year.

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ALTON - Centerstone has many services for individuals and families struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. A national organization with a location in Alton, Centerstone offers resources for community members across Southern Illinois. In a recent interview on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello , CEO Anne Tyree and Marketing and Community Relations Manager Aaron Seibert shared more about the Centerstone mission. “Centerstone provides a whole array of services for people with behavioral health challenges, and those could be the challenge of addiction or it could be a mental health challenge, it could be a lifelong mental health challenge or it could just be situational,” Tyree explained. “There’s a lot of longevity at Centerstone. I think we’re all connected to a larger purpose.” Tyree noted that the Centerstone employees work hard to help the community. She shared that several employees recently were

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Did you know that according to a report from the World Economic Forum, 94% of business leaders expect their employees to pick up new skills on the job? This statistic underscores a crucial reality: lifelong learning is no longer optional, but essential for career advancement and personal development. As technology evolves and industries shift, the ability to adapt and learn becomes a defining factor in both professional success and personal fulfillment. Online learning platforms have emerged as powerful tools for skill enhancement, providing a wealth of resources that cater to diverse learning needs. The Rise of Online Learning Platforms The digital age has transformed how we access information and education. Online learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Khan Academy offer courses that span various disciplines, from coding to creative writing and everything in between. The global online learning market is projected to reach $375 billion by 2026, showcasing

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