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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the bipartisan Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act , which would support financially vulnerable rural hospitals facing risk of closure. The legislation would update Medicare’s “Critical Access Hospital” (CAH) designation so more rural hospitals can qualify for this financial lifeline and continue to serve their communities with quality, affordable health care services. Small and rural hospitals are the backbone of their communities, and often the largest employers, contributing nearly $5 billion in direct spending on payroll, goods, and services in Illinois. Yet more than 135 rural hospitals have closed nationwide in the past dozen years, an estimated 50 percent of rural hospitals ran operating losses last year, and more than 400 hospitals are facing closure risk. “Rural hospitals are the backbone of the communities in Illinois and across

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SPRINGFIELD – Nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow is coming to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Tuesday, August 12 . Crow’s is a career beyond dreams, with songs that defined the third wave of feminism, sweeping the pop charts without losing any edge and enough wide-open Midwestern joy to captivate the world. Her first nine studio albums have sold 35 million copies worldwide; seven charted in the Top 10, and five were certified for Multi-Platinum sales. “Since 1994, Sheryl Crow has been one of the most influential singer-songwriter-musicians in country-rock music,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “Her music lifts people up, brings them together, and we can’t wait for that to happen at the Illinois State Fair.” “We are thrilled to welcome Sheryl Crow back to the Grandstand stage after 29 years,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark . “Her extensive music catalog wil

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Grown, a new program from the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), will make it easier to support local farmers and businesses. The Illinois Grown logo will soon appear on products across the state, signaling that items are either grown in Illinois or contain at least one ingredient sourced from the state. The program is designed to connect consumers with products grown or produced in Illinois. The Illinois Grown logo helps consumers identify local products, supporting the state’s agricultural industry and economy. “The Illinois Grown initiative is not just about food – it’s about supporting local communities,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “Consumers who buy Illinois Grown products can feel good knowing their money is going directly to Illinois farmers and producers.” The program also encourages consumers to pledge to spend $10 of their weekly grocery budget on Illinois Grown items, reinvesting millions

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SPRINGFIELD, IL – Tahlequah, Oklahoma kings of Red Dirt music Turnpike Troubadours will perform at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Sunday, August 17. After releasing five genre-defining albums and building a fiercely loyal fanbase, Turnpike Troubadours took a three-year hiatus beginning in 2019 to find clarity amidst the noise of a red-hot career. After the break, the band returned more popular and stronger than ever with their sixth studio album, A Cat in the Rain. “Turnpike Troubadours perform a unique kind of music that we are happy to have at the Illinois State Fair,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II . “This band will feel right at home here in central Illinois.” Turnpike Troubadours have racked up 1.5 billion streams globally and are selling out arenas and headlining festivals. “We are excited to bring the Turnpike Troubadours to the Grandstand Concert Series,” said Illinois State Fair

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense (SACD), yesterday sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to warn him against the politicization of the Department of Defense (DoD). Durbin’s letter comes after several thinly-veiled political orders by the Trump Administration related to the nation’s military, including removing protection from former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, using the military for immigration enforcement, and impounding congressional approved DoD funding. “I write to express my concern that President Trump’s personal agenda is counter to defending against our country’s serious national security threats. Since the President’s inauguration less than one month ago, the Trump Administration has pursued several dubious executive actions that threaten our military’s long-standing ethos to remain nonpartisan

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WASHINGTON, DC — Today, House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) delivered the following opening statement at today's full committee hearing titled “Examining the Economic Crisis in Farm Country”: Remarks as prepared for delivery: Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the first hearing of the 119th Congress for the House Committee on Agriculture, Examining the Economic Crisis in Farm Country. And a crisis is exactly what hundreds of thousands of farm families are facing as we speak. Across the board, commodity prices have fallen precipitously while input costs remain at or near record-high levels. For some commodities, returns have been in the red for several years. Producers are burning their hard-earned equity and being forced to have incredibly tough conversations with their lenders to just figure out how to hold on for one more year. Unfortunately for some, there won’t be one more year. In fact, the Agriculture and Food

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Did you know that nearly 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year in the United States alone? With such a staggering number, it’s clear that this holiday is not just about love; it’s about connection and creativity. While adults often focus on romantic gestures, Valentine’s Day is an excellent opportunity for families to bond through fun and engaging crafts. Here, we explore how crafting can deepen relationships, spark creativity, and create lasting memories. The Importance of Family Crafts Crafting isn’t just a pastime; it's a meaningful way to foster connection among family members. Engaging in creative activities together enhances communication, promotes teamwork, and often leads to laughter and joy. According to a study by the American Journal of Play, children who engage in creative activities with family members are more likely to develop strong problem-solving skills and higher self-esteem. Valentine’s Day crafts are not

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February 11th holds a significant place in the annals of history, marked by transformative events across various domains, from politics and social movements to science and culture. Starting with a monumental event in 1990, February 11th saw the release of Nelson Mandela after 27 years of imprisonment. His release was a watershed moment not just for South Africa, but for the world at large. Mandela's long fight against apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, had captivated global attention. His release symbolized hope and the possibility of reconciliation in a nation deeply divided by race. Mandela would go on to become South Africa's first Black president in 1994, leading efforts to dismantle the legacy of apartheid and foster a new, inclusive society. Fast forward to 2011, and we find another significant event on this date: the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. After 18 days of mass protests in Cairo’s Tahrir Square,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) introduced the bipartisan Rural America Health Corps Act. This bill will establish a student loan repayment demonstration program for eligible providers who agree to work for five years in a rural area with a shortage of primary, dental, or mental healthcare providers. Specifically, this bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to pay one-fifth of the principal and interest on a provider's qualifying loans, totaling no more than $200,000. “Every American deserves access to high-quality health care — no matter where they live. But, a shortage of healthcare professionals in rural communities continues to impact folks in Central and Southern Illinois,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m proud to introduce the Rural America Health Corps Act to address this issue. This bipartisan legislation will help rural communities recruit and retain

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WOOD RIVER – Chestnut Health Systems™ has acquired Behavioral Health Alternatives (BHA), expanding access to integrated behavioral health services in Wood River and surrounding communities. Effective February 10, 2025, the transition ensures seamless care while enhancing vital health and wellness resources. “This acquisition aligns with our mission to improve lives through excellence in service,” said David Sharar, Ph.D., CEO, Chestnut. "By integrating Behavioral Health Alternatives into Chestnut, we are expanding access to critical health services and strengthening support for individuals in Wood River and beyond.” As part of this transition, patients will continue receiving care from the same trusted providers while gaining access to expanded resources, including: Integrated behavioral health and primary medical care to support whole-person care. On-site medical laboratories and pharmacies at three nearby locations. Comprehensive wraparound support

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that a jury has returned a guilty verdict in the trial of a Troy man charged in the killing of his mother. The jury found Neil Howard, 46, guilty of first-degree murder following a trial that began last week. The jury found that Howard killed his mother, Norma J. Caraker, 60, by strangling her with a bungee cord in September 2023. The jury deliberated about three hours before returning the verdict. Evidence and testimony presented by Assistant State’s Attorney Luke Yager and Assistant State’s Attorney Ryan Kemper suggested Howard was unhappy about his mother’s dating. The evidence and testimony showed that she was killed shortly after she had a date. Yager, in his closing argument, said Caraker’s dating was making Howard “angrier and angrier and angrier, until he got drunk enough that he couldn’t take it anymore.” Howard resided in the basement of Caraker’s

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Durbin Statement On President Trump's Pardon Of Former Gov. Blagojevich WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after President Donald Trump pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, amid speculation that Blagojevich is in consideration for an ambassadorship. President Trump commuted Blagojevich’s 14-year prison sentence in February 2020. “In a state with more than its fair share of public corruption, the Blagojevich chapter still looms as one of the worst. America and Serbia deserve better.” Comptroller Mendoza: Rod Blagojevich is unworthy of a pardon "President Trump has the power as president to pardon whomever he wants. The president can pardon someone as unworthy as Rod Blagojevich, who threatened to hold up funds from a children’s hospital unless the hospital’s CEO donated to his campaign. That was my bill to fund treatment for sick children that Blagojevich held

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ALTON – Alton Public Works Director Mike Parsons defended his department’s progress improving city streets at Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting. Alderwoman Carolyn MacAfee, citing several calls from her constituents, asked when Ward 2 residents will start to see street improvements in the area, noting she found at least 10 “undriveable” roads in her ward. “I understand that we have a $7 million surplus in the city. I’ve had several people ask me, ‘Why are our streets not being fixed?’ Or at least subcontracting this out if it’s us that can’t do it?” MacAfee asked. “What’s the problem here? If we’ve got all this money, why aren’t we using it?” Parsons responded that his department has, in fact, been using the funding it receives. Under Goins’ administration – and with $800,000 in equipment funding from the City Council – he said Public Works has made unprecedented

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) today announced it has been awarded $200,000 in grant funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the development of Phase 3 of its Fairview Heights – Swansea Trail. This new, 1.1-mile trail segment is part of three trails in Fairview Heights that, once complete, will combine to create a 4.5-mile bike trail corridor extending from the intersection of Highway 161 and Sullivan Drive to The REC Complex of Fairview Heights on Bunkum Road. The corridor will add to St. Clair County Transit District’s ever-evolving MetroBikeLink System, which currently consists of 39 miles of interconnecting trails and bike paths in Southwestern Illinois. Phase 3 of SCCTD’s Fairview Heights – Swansea Trail will feature a 10-foot-wide paved bike and pedestrian pathway that will extend along Union Hill Road from Frank Scott Parkway north to Longacre Drive, connecting more than 1,500 residents to the trail.

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ALTON — The Hayner Public Library District is set to host a program titled “Forest Park Owls: Hiding in Plain Sight” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. The event will take place at Hayner Library, located in Alton Square Mall. Mark H.X. Glenshaw, an award-winning naturalist, will lead the presentation, sharing insights from his two decades of observing Great Horned Owls in Forest Park, St. Louis. Since December 2005, Glenshaw has meticulously documented the behaviors and lives of these owls, and he will showcase his findings through photos and videos during the talk. The program aims to educate attendees about the unique behaviors of these birds, emphasizing their remarkable adaptations and the challenges they face in their natural habitat. Interested participants are encouraged to register by calling 1-800-613-3163.

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GODFREY – What could be argued as a best choice during the month that celebrates love, Olive Oil Marketplace in Alton is being honored by the RiverBend Growth Association as the February 2025 Small Business of the Month award recipient. Located at 108 W. 3rd Street, Olive Oil Marketplace is a local, family-owned and operated gourmet market that began providing both products and knowledge to customers in 2011. First operating as a vendor at various festivals, fairs, and other events, Olive Oil Marketplace opened its first brick-and-mortar location in downtown Alton in July 2012. Owners Tim and Julie Meeks then opened a second location in downtown Belleville, at 122 E. Main St., in November 2016. When asked why they started the business, Julie Meeks said that the underlying motivation came in “providing customers with the best quality of oil and balsamic while also teaching the importance of using the products and why everybody needs it.” “We are much more

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WOOD RIVER — Avery Huddleston demonstrated her skills on the basketball court as the Civic Memorial High School girls' basketball team secured a significant victory against Pleasant Plains on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. The Eagles triumphed with a score of 49-41, bringing their season record to 22 wins. Huddleston, who played a pivotal role in both offensive and defensive strategies, scored 14 points during the game and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. Civic Memorial head coach Jeff Durbin described the win as one of the team's best performances of the season. “Avery is probably my team's best finisher, game in and game out,” Durbin said. “She had a great game against Pleasant Plains. She made some big shots and some great free throws. She deserved the player of the game.” In addition to her performance in the recent game, Huddleston has also been recognized as a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month for the Eagles. Avery's consisten

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EAST ALTON - Young entrepreneur Amoriah Gray is eager to unveil her second book and her first toy. In 2022 at age 7, Amoriah published “Amoriah’s Magic Afro Puffs,” which encourages kids to love their natural hair. Now, she is working on a new book that details how her imaginary friend helped her through her mother’s medical struggle. She is also proud to release an Amoriah Plushie that looks just like her, complete with a ballerina dress and magic afro puffs. “What I want them to know about my plushie the most is if you ever, ever, ever struggle with something and you don’t know how to write a book or make a plushie, you could always buy my plushie,” Amoriah said. Amoriah and her mother, Angela Gray, decided to create the plushie after they realized there were no dolls on the shelves that looked like Amoriah. Ever the entrepreneur, Amoriah asked if they could create a plushie, and Angela was quick to agree. “I said,

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TROY — Neil A. Howard was found guilty of first-degree murder on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, for the strangulation of his mother, Norma Caraker. The jury reached its verdict shortly after deliberations began, following the conclusion of testimony and closing arguments last week in the courtroom of Circuit Judge Amy Maher at the Criminal Justice Center in Edwardsville. The trial stemmed from events that began in September 2023, when Caraker was discovered dead in her home in Troy. Prosecutors argued that Howard, motivated by a deep-seated hatred for his mother, committed the crime in a premeditated manner. Evidence presented during the trial included DNA found on a glove used in the murder, which Howard could not adequately explain. Tom Haine, the prosecutor, expressed his relief at the verdict, and said: "Norma should be alive. She didn't deserve this. It was a horrific case, and the ripple effects will continue. This family has been torn apart in so many ways." Haine emphasized

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CARLINVILLE – Thanks to an exciting grant program, the Carlinville Public Library will be able to massively upgrade its digital capability for patrons. The library has been named a recipient of a Digital Equity Capacity Kickstarter (DECK) grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Office of Broadband. Carlinville is one of only two public libraries statewide to receive funding under the program. The other was the Chicago Public Library. In addition, the Carlinville library was one of only seven entities outside the nine-county Chicagoland region to receive a DECK award. The main goals of the program are “to sustain existing local initiatives and support other proven and pilot ideas” to “shrink often-overlooked aspects of the digital divide.” “This grant has enabled us to make huge improvements in the technology we’re able to offer our patrons,” said Hannah Miller, director

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