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Second Annual Alton Midwest Nationals Returns to Alton

2 days 3 hours ago
ALTON – Get ready for the return of Formula 1 Powerboat Championship Series racing presented by Simmons Hanly and Conroy national law firm, when this highly anticipated event returns to the Mississippi River July 18-20, 2025 at Alton's Riverfront Park. Tickets are on sale now for this exciting two-day series of races that take place on the Mighty Mississippi in Alton. General Admission tickets start at $15 per person per day plus fees and includes access to bleacher seats on a first-come first-served basis and entry to the music area for Saturday’s live music. VIP tickets are $125 per day or $200 plus fees for the weekend experience including parking, food/drink and driver meet and greets. Tickets are available here: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/f1-powerboat-championship/ “We are excited to welcome back the Alton Midwest Nationals Championship,” Cory Jobe, President/COE of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau said. “When racing returned

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Raging Rivers WaterPark to Celebrate Fourth of July with NEW Splashy Event and Daily Summer Fun

2 days 3 hours ago
GRAFTON – Raging Rivers WaterPark invites families and thrill-seekers to make a splash this Independence Day with exciting rides and contests. On July 4, 2025, guests can enjoy a day packed with fun, laughter, and friendly competition at the waterpark. Season Pass holders or guests with day tickets on July 4, can sign up for the following contests to win prizes and swag: Best CannonBall Competition Best Belly Flop Wave Pool Races and Relays Competitions will begin at 1 p.m. Participants will need to register at the park on the day of the event. Other surprises will take place throughout the day. The park also offers free fountain drinks this summer to keep patrons hydrated. “This Fourth of July, we’re excited to introduce new ways for our guests to have fun and make memories,” said Jeremy Hayes, General Manager of Raging Rivers WaterPark. “There’s something for everyone—from friendly competitions to relaxing in the sun.” Raging

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Attorney General Raoul Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration For Illegally Sharing Personal Health Data With Immigration Authorities

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 20 attorneys general, filed a lawsuit today challenging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) decision to provide unfettered access to individual personal health data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which houses Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In today’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Raoul and the coalition argue that the mass transfer of this data violates the law and ask the court to block any new transfer or use of this data for immigration enforcement purposes. “This decision by the Trump administration will likely have a devastating effect on Illinois’ safety net hospitals and community-based health care providers, and a chilling effect on the most vulnerable populations’ willingness to enroll in Medicaid programs for which they are legally eligible,” Raoul said. “I will

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Attorney General Raoul Wins Court Order Blocking Trump Administration's Dismantling Of Health And Human Services

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today secured a preliminary injunction halting Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ensuring continued access to critical public health and social service programs. On May 5, Attorney General Raoul and a coalition of state attorneys general filed a lawsuit to stop the administration’s sweeping and unlawful restructuring directive, which left HHS unable to carry out many of its most vital functions. Today, Judge Melissa R. Dubose of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island blocked the administration’s mass layoffs at several key HHS agencies while the case proceeds. “Since its founding, HHS has administered crucial offices and programs dedicated to protecting and advancing the health and well-being of all Americans. Programs like the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System are critical to families because they

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Opinion: Chris Klay: Medicaid Cuts Threaten Healthcare Access in Southern Illinois

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Letter to Editor/Opinion: Submitted by: - HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, IL HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, IL HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, IL Medicaid funding cuts: a threat to our communities and our rural hospitals. As a leader of a rural hospital committed to serving our community, I wanted to express my continued concerns about the proposed Medicaid cuts currently in front of Congress. These changes would have a devastating impact on the patients we serve and the hospitals, like us, that they rely on for care. The legislation threatens access to health care for millions of Americans, especially in our rural areas who may be our friends, family and neighbors who rely on Medicaid and other safety net services for their basic health needs. The legislation, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” would harm critical health and social safety net programs, especially

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Giannoulias Awarding $20 Million in Grants to Benefit Illinois Libraries

2 days 4 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is awarding nearly $20 million in grant funding to libraries across the state to ensure access to quality resources and programming for all Illinois residents, Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced. “A library is more than just a building with books, it’s the epicenter of opportunity, discovery and community connection,” Giannoulias said. “From early childhood education to workforce development, libraries empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Properly funding our libraries will ensure that they are able to continue generating an outsized impact in communities across Illinois.” News of the grants comes amid federal cuts to library budgets nationwide. In March, the Trump administration signed an executive order to eliminate and defund the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which issues $180 million annually to libraries nationwide. Illinois receives

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Lanes Reopening Where Possible For Independence Day Holiday Travel

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Independence Day holiday to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Thursday, July 3, to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2025. The following lane closures will remain in place during the holiday weekend. The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through these areas. 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 stay alert for workers and equipment. At all times, please buckle and drive sober. District 1 City of Chicago Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) reversible lanes; outbound only, lane reductions continue. Foster Avenue over the Kennedy; closed. Westbound Foster Avenue ramp to outbound Kennedy; closed. Eastbound Ohio Street feeder

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IDOT: Make Sure Your Independence Day Travel Checklist Includes Driving Sober Or Picking A Designated Driver

2 days 4 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement across Illinois are sending a strong reminder: Whether you’re drinking alcohol, using cannabis or under the influence of any other impairing substance, if you get behind the wheel, you’ll face the consequences. During the July Fourth “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, zero tolerance will be showed for those driving impaired by alcohol, cannabis or other drugs. “If you drive impaired, you’re putting yourself and others at risk of being injured or killed,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Don’t make this year’s Independence Day one that’ll be remembered for a tragedy that could have been avoided if you drove sober or had a designated driver.” According to provisional IDOT data, last year in Illinois during the Independence Day holiday

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Illinois Arts Council Announces Fiscal Year 2026 Creative Projects Grant Guidelines and Application

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is pleased to announce the release of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Creative Projects Grant (CPG) guidelines and application. The goal of CPG is to provide up to $12,000 to support art projects for Illinois artists, eligible not- for-profit organizations, municipal entities, or colleges and universities. CPG projects must culminate with a public release or presentation of the work accomplished during the grant period. “Illinois is already known across the globe as a hub of art and creativity, from our world-class museums and galleries to our many renowned artists and artistic organizations,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Creative Projects Grant is an opportunity to further develop that creative ecosystem, support talented artists of all backgrounds, and enrich communities across the state. I want to encourage all eligible individuals and organizations to apply to make their artistic vision a reality.” “This

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Like Water

2 days 4 hours ago

An international and multigenerational group of artists will take over the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis for Like Water, which considers water from different angles – from fonts of inspirations […]

The post Like Water appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman