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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) kicks off its third annual consumer education campaign highlighting mental health parity during Mental Health Awareness Month. The Department continues to raise awareness about mental health parity laws which require that insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorders is no more restrictive than coverage for physical health conditions. The 2025 campaign consists of radio, digital, and social media ads running in local markets, including Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, and Peoria, along with billboards and transit station signs. The animated character named “Yarney” is featured again this year as the Department’s mental health parity ambassador to connect with insurance consumers. “We are engaging Illinoisans with ads, educational website videos and outreach to ensure they understand what mental health parity is and how our Department enforces parity laws to protect them,” sai

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ALTON — Marquette Catholic High School junior Jack Beaber has emerged as a leading competitor in area outdoor track and field this season, excelling in both the shot put and discus events. Beaber recently secured second place at the Madison County Small Schools Meet with a personal record throw of 47 feet, 4.25 inches in the shot put and a discus toss measuring 159 feet, 4 inches. Earlier this season, on April 17, 2025, he set a personal best in the discus with a throw of 161 feet, 9 inches during the Wood River Relays. Throughout the season, Beaber has claimed first place in the discus at the Roxana Open, Southwestern Co-Ed Relays, and Carlinville Relays. He also won the shot put at the Wood River Relays. Beaber's consistent performance has earned him the title of Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. Beaber has developed a competitive rivalry with Maryville Christian’s Josh Coulby, with both athletes pushing each other in the

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NORMAL – Governor JB Pritzker and Rivian today announced that the company is constructing a new 1.2 million-square-foot supplier park in Normal. As part of this, Rivian will invest nearly $120 million, which will enable the company to develop the supplier park and create nearly 100 new direct jobs. This significant investment will pave the way for EV suppliers to locate in the park and create hundreds of new jobs while bolstering the supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem in Illinois. Construction on the supplier park is underway and is expected to be completed in 2026. “In Illinois, we aren’t just making electric vehicles: we are creating an entire ecosystem – attracting investments, bolstering our workforce, and strengthening the EV manufacturing supply chain,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Rivian’s investment will attract suppliers from across the globe to invest in Illinois and continue to create good-paying jobs, providing Illinois with

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC)—joined fellow Veteran and SASC member Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and a group of Veteran colleagues in Congress in calling out President Trump and demanding accountability for the reckless mishandling of classified military information by senior administration officials. In the letter, the lawmakers called out Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, specifically. The lawmakers warn that these actions put American servicemembers’ lives at risk and undermined the integrity of U.S. national security operations. “This was a major security breach. There are appropriate and secure places and platforms

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC)—exposed how President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier is unfit to do the job, pointing out that he violated his professional ethics as a military officer by choosing to skirt good order and discipline in order to speak out publicly against lawful orders that he personally didn’t agree with. Drawing from her own military experience, Duckworth warned that confirming Mr. Lohmeier would send troubling signals to our servicemembers that insubordination for personal views is acceptable, eroding combat effectiveness. Duckworth’s full remarks at yesterday’s SASC hearing can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . “The lethality of our military depends on our servicemembers maintaining good order and discipline—sometimes even when it goes against their own personal opinions,”

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey will host their annual Youth Fishing Derby. On Saturday, May 10, 2025, community members can stop by Glazebrook Park in Godfrey for a free catch-and-release fishing derby. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and fishing runs from 10–11:30 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 12 p.m. “People can come out there with their kids, enjoy a free fishing derby, and then get a hotdog and some chips, too,” said Chris Logan, Godfrey’s Parks and Recreation Director. “We’re looking like it’s going to be good weather and we’re just hoping that everybody has a good time. It usually is.” Kids will compete in age groups, broken down into ages 4–6, 7–9 and 10–12. Logan said they usually welcome 15–20 kids in every age group. Participants must provide their own fishing poles and bait. The department will give out trophies for the most fish caught, the biggest fish caught, and the strangest

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FAIRMONT CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered on EB I-55/70 between Mile Marker 6 and Mile Marker 7.5, just east of the exit to IL 111 Washington Park/Wood River exit (Exit 6), that began today, Monday, May 5, 2025, at 9 a.m. The two left lanes on EB I-55/70 will be closed to allow IDOT District 8 Operations forces to perform emergency bridge deck patching on the bridge over Alton Southern Railroad. All exit and entrance ramps will remain open. All lanes are expected to re-open by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the 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 the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) led the Illinois delegation in a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging the importance of maintaining Head Start programs. The members sent the letter after the release of an alleged internal memo from the Office of Management and Budget, which instructed HHS to fully dismantle the Office of Head Start. The members write , “This year, Illinois Head Start and Early Head Start programs are expected to receive over $478 million in grants to serve over 28,000 children and their families across the State of Illinois. If Head Start were to lose this funding and shut down, it would be a direct attack on our most at-risk children, their well-being, and their families.” Congresswoman Budzinski, a strong advocate for increased funding for Head Start, emphasized the importance of these programs in fostering early childhood development. Head Start supports

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District #9 announced plans for its summer food service program, which is set to begin on Wednesday, May 28. Breakfast and lunch will be served Monday through Friday, and all meals must be consumed in the cafeteria. Meals will be free and available for children ages 0-18. Breakfast and lunch will be served at two schools in June: Granite City High School and Lake Educational Support Services Center, and just GCHS in July and August. The District will be closed on Thursday, June 19. Granite City High School - 3148 Fehling Road May 29-June 27 (Monday-Friday) July 7-31 (Monday-Friday) August 1-8 (Monday-Friday) Breakfast: 7:30-10 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Lake Educational Support Services Center - 3201 E. 23rd Street May 28-June 25 (Monday-Friday) Breakfast: 7:30-10 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. To view the breakfast and lunch menus, visit: https://www.gcsd9.net/info/breakfast-and-lunch-menus

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SPRINGFIELD – Last month, Governor JB Pritzker proclaimed April to be Innovation and Technology Month in Illinois. To celebrate, the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) co-hosted its second annual Career Spark STEAM Expo, in collaboration with Junior Achievement and the Learning Technology Center of Illinois, where they hosted more than 1,400 8th grade students and over 60 exhibitors. School districts representing Central Illinois students and professionals came together and explored the career possibilities in Illinois with an emphasis on those pertaining to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics fields. “As someone married to a teacher, I see firsthand how curiosity and learning shapes young minds,” said Acting Secretary and State CIO Brandon Ragle . “Events like this help bridge the classroom and real-world careers, inspiring students and supporting our community’s future.” The STEAM Expo was a vibran

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is inviting the campus and community to its first ever summit on artificial intelligence at 2:15 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, in the Hatheway Cultural Center’s Ann Whitney Olin Theatre, following the State of Trailblazer Nation at 1 p.m. “AI is here and it’s not going anywhere,” LC President Ken Trzaska said. “We are interested in how we can utilize AI as a tool and a partner, rather than a roadblock to higher education.” An interdepartmental mover team comprising faculty and staff have spent the last year or so diving into the world of AI and developing policies and a guidebook for how its use might look like at the college, for both administrative and academic use. Joliet Junior College President Clyne Namuo will share his experience with an AI version of himself called “Cyber Clyde” that is utilized at JCC. Canyon GBS Founder Joseph Licata will be the keynote speaker, offering a

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MADISON COUNTY - Hand Up Housing has started a new initiative where high school students can build shelters for unhoused community members. The 2025 Tiny Build Partnership has allowed students from Alton High School, Roxana High School, Southwestern High School and Triad High School to construct tiny shelters, which will be used to house individuals experiencing homelessness. The nonprofit Hand Up Housing has spearheaded this program to combat street homelessness in Madison County. “Our main goal right now is the Tiny Shelter Build Program with high schools,” said Maddie Bugger, the Hand Up Housing Director of Finance & Marketing. “I think people in our community really get engaged with the youth side of nonprofits. We have built this nonprofit to have an umbrella effect. There’s so many different puzzle pieces to make this a big picture that’s going to work and be successful.” The Madison County Employment and Training Workforce Program provide

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GODFREY - A special ceremony is planned this weekend to honor lost loved ones in Godfrey. The Village of Godfrey will host their annual Arbor Day celebration on May 10, 2025, at Glazebrook Park. The day kicks off at 9 a.m. with a Youth Fishing Derby , followed by face painting, crafts, games, and vendors until 3 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., a Memorial Tree Dedication Ceremony will recognize the people for whom trees, benches and bricks have been dedicated to them in the park. “I think just about anybody in town knows of someone or has a family member that has a tree that’s been planted for them,” said Chris Logan, Godfrey’s Parks and Recreation Director. “It’s a very symbolic gesture. I think when you lose someone and you can plant a tree, which represents new life and growth, kind of moving on and learning to live without them, which is hard, but it’s a nice way for people to remember those they love.” A local reverend will bless the ceremony,

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CHICAGO – An Illinois Lottery player is basking in joy after recently taking home the top prize of $2 million on a brand new $20 scratch-off ticket, Mega Bucks . “It was a typical morning like any other – until it wasn’t,” explained the lucky winner, nicknamed ‘Classic Car Collector.’ “I was on my way to work and I stopped at a gas station to buy a cup of coffee. At the checkout, I decided to grab a scratch-off lottery ticket, too – a purple one lit up on the screen at the exact second I looked at it, so I said, ‘I’ll take that one.’” The $2 million winning scratch-off ticket was purchased at Lenny’s Gas N Wash, located at 1201 W. Jefferson Street in Shorewood, a suburb about 45 miles southwest of Chicago.

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DU QUOIN – The Du Quoin State Fair is thrilled to announce that renowned frontman and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer David Lee Roth will take the Grandstand stage on Saturday, August 23. Rock and roll icon David Lee Roth, the voice of Van Halen, has left an indelible mark on rock music. As the frontman of the legendary band, Roth helped define an era with anthems like “Jump,” “Panama,” “Hot for Teacher,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.” His high-energy performances and unique vocal style quickly made Van Halen one of the biggest rock bands of the 80s. With over 80 million records sold worldwide, the band’s impact on rock music remains unrivaled. Roth’s contributions were a pivotal part of Van Halen’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “Bringing a legend like David Lee Roth to the Du Quoin State Fair is a major win for our fairgoers and for Southern Illinois,” said Illinois Department

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EDWARDSVILLE – Direct Energy has been chosen to serve as the electricity supplier for the municipal electric aggregation program in the City of Edwardsville and other local communities. Direct Energy’s 24-month contract with participating residents and small businesses will begin with the June 2025 meter reading. The City of Edwardsville was authorized by voters in 2012 to oversee a municipal electric aggregation program. The program’s goal is to protect residents from ongoing volatility in electric supply charges by leveraging a pool of municipal customers to secure a competitive, fixed rate. The new rate with Direct Energy will be 10.82 cents per kilowatt hour for the entire contract period. Ameren’s rate can fluctuate throughout the year. Participating cities, counties and townships are working with aggregation consultant Good Energy LP, a New York-based company with regional offices in Edwardsville and Peoria. If you are an Ameren customer living in Edwardsville

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Did you know that nearly 70% of people say they want to give more thoughtful gifts but often feel constrained by cost? The pressure to find the perfect Mother’s Day present can quickly turn into a stressful and expensive endeavor. However, meaningful gifts don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can delight your mother with a heartfelt expression of appreciation without overspending. Understanding Thoughtful Gifting Beyond Price Gift-giving is less about monetary value and more about the message conveyed. A gift that reflects understanding, attention, and effort tends to resonate more deeply than an expensive item. The best gifts often tap into shared memories, personal interests, or practical needs in a unique way. Consider what makes your mother feel truly valued. Is it quality time, a token of appreciation, or something that eases her daily routine? Recognizing these preferences can point you toward a gift idea that’s

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 Public Safety Enforcement Group agents are investigating a shooting that injured one person on Sunday evening, May 4, 2025, in East St. Louis. ISP Enforcement Group agents responded to the 1200 block of McCasland in East St. Louis, St. Clair County, at approximately 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, after reports of gunfire and a victim struck by gunfire. ISP said the shooting victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment. "This is an active and ongoing investigation and there is no additional information available to share at this time," ISP said.

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Did you know that Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken as Mexico’s Independence Day? Despite widespread belief, this festive date commemorates a very specific event in Mexican history, marking a moment of resilience rather than independence. Understanding the true origins and cultural significance of Cinco de Mayo reveals a rich narrative of courage and identity that continues to inspire celebrations far beyond Mexico’s borders. The Historical Roots of Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo, which translates to “Fifth of May,” marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla in 1862. During this period, Mexico was struggling under financial strain and political instability, exacerbated by foreign debts and internal conflicts. French forces, under Emperor Napoleon III, sought to establish a French puppet regime in Mexico after Mexico had suspended debt payments to European creditors. On May 5, 1862, a relatively small and poorly equipped Mexican army led by General Ignacio Zaragoza

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May 5th has been a date marked by pivotal moments across centuries, continents, and fields, shaping the course of history in ways both monumental and inspiring. One of the most impactful global events associated with May 5th occurred in 1945, during the closing days of World War II in Europe. On this day, German forces in Prague, Czechoslovakia, surrendered to the Allied armies, effectively ending the Prague Uprising and signaling the collapse of Nazi control in the region. This surrender was a critical moment in the liberation of Eastern Europe, paving the way for the restoration of sovereignty to Czechoslovakia after years of occupation and conflict. The event symbolized hope and the triumph of resistance movements against oppressive regimes, adding to the collective relief as the war neared its end. Traveling back to the 19th century, May 5th, 1821, is remembered for the death of Napoleon Bonaparte on the remote island of Saint Helena. Napoleon, a towering figure in European

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