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Remember When MAGA Thought A Few Stern Emails From The Gov’t Made Twitter A State Actor? About That…

1 month 1 week ago
Here’s a question about the First Amendment and social media companies that used to just be in the realm of crazy law school hypotheticals: What makes social media sites “state actors” subject to constitutional constraints? For years, we heard from some that merely talking to government officials was enough — at least according to Vivek […]
Mike Masnick

Granite City Toddler Battles Rare Eye Cancer With Help From Community

1 month 1 week ago
GRANITE CITY — A Granite City family is facing a challenging journey after their 1-year-old daughter, Laiana Witt, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer. Laiana is currently receiving intra-arterial chemotherapy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., a treatment that requires specialized care and frequent travel. Laiana’s mother, Teela Witt, said the family has been staying at St. Jude’s Hospital for the past week, with Laiana’s first round of chemotherapy scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The treatment involves delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor via a catheter inserted into a blood vessel near the groin. Provided there are no complications, the family expects to return home to Granite City by Wednesday, May 21, 2025, or Thursday, May 22, 2025. The family faces a demanding schedule, with trips to Memphis every three to four weeks for the next six months to complete the chemotherapy regimen.

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How to Care for Your Mental Health During Menopause

1 month 1 week ago
ALTON - To mark Mental Health Awareness Month and National Women’s Health Week, Dr. Isha McConkey stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about mental health during menopause. McConkey, D.O., serves as the managing medical director with OSF Medical Group in Alton. She explained that fluctuations in hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect neurotransmitters that impact mood, processing and more. Understanding how your body and brain are affected by menopause can help people manage these symptoms and feel better. “If your estrogen is not stable, neither is your mood,” McConkey said. “What I would like is for women to just trust themselves and trust their bodies and bring all of their concerns to their doctor and kind of let us tease that out.” McConkey explained that a neurotransmitter like serotonin, which impacts happiness, is affected by fluctuating hormone levels. While people with consistently low serotonin

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Daily Deal: Curiosity Stream Standard Plan

1 month 1 week ago
Whether you’re a science enthusiast, history buff, or technology geek, Curiosity Stream has something for everyone. Unleash the power of on-demand streaming that allows you to choose what you want to watch, when you want to watch it, and where you want to watch it. From the comfort of your living room to the remote […]
Daily Deal

Illinois Department of Revenue Awarded 2025 Bell Seal Certification for Workplace Mental Health

1 month 1 week ago
CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) has been formally recognized by Mental Health America (MHA) as a recipient of the 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health. The Bell Seal is the nation's preeminent certification, recognizing employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. IDOR joins an elite group of recipients awarded this distinction and is the first state governmental agency in Illinois to receive this award. Only two out of five employers meet the criteria for certification and IDOR underwent a rigorous evaluation of its policies and practices during the review process. “We are truly honored to receive this award, as it serves as a powerful affirmation of our efforts to create a culture that prioritizes mental health,” said IDOR Director David Harris. “I am especially proud that IDOR is the first governmental agency in the state to earn this recognition as it underscores our leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment

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Rep. Davidsmeyer Sponsors Photo Contest

1 month 1 week ago
JACKSONVILLE - State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) is inviting everyone in the 100th District to participate in a photo contest to update the decor in his Capitol office in Springfield. People of all ages are encouraged to take a picture of a place, object or an event in the 100th District and email the picture with contact information to RepCDDavidsmeyer@gmail.com . Information to include with the photo submitted: First Name, Last Name, Mailing Address, E-mail Address, and Phone Number. The 100th District includes all or portions of Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Morgan, Pike, and Scott Counties. Please visit https://cddavidsmeyer.org/district/ for a map of the 100th District. “There are so many amazing places and cool events throughout the 100th District,” said Rep. Davidsmeyer. “Pick a local landmark, a festival, a farm, business, wildlife, or anything that tells the story of our region. I can’t wait to continue

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IDOT, ISP: Buckle Up And Drive Sober - It Could Save Your Life During Memorial Day Holiday Travel

1 month 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and more than 200 law enforcement agencies throughout the state are participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s high-visibility “Click It or Ticket” campaign to stop seat belt law violators and impaired drivers. During the campaign, law enforcement will step up efforts to ticket unbelted motorists and arrest drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs or other substances. “Make sure everyone in your vehicle, whether they’re in the front seat or back seat, is buckled up before hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Not only is a seat belt your best defense if you’re in a crash, wearing one is the law in Illinois.” 40 years ago, Illinois became the third state to mandate seat belt usage, requiring drivers and front-seat passengers

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Gov. Pritzker Visits Local Businesses to Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

1 month 1 week ago
CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Representative Hoàn Huynh visited two Asian-owned businesses in Uptown to meet with business owners and celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The visits build on Governor Pritzker’s efforts to support small and minority-owned businesses, including the 23,000 AAPI-owned businesses and 87,000 AAPI-solopreneurs across Illinois. “The Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across Illinois have made vast cultural impacts—persisting even in the face of discrimination and adversity,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, I’m proud to acknowledge the thousands of thriving AAPI-owned businesses across our state and their unique contributions to our history and economic growth.” Small businesses are the livelihood of our communities— they drive our economies, creating jobs, and adding vibrancy and diversity to our neighborhoods,”

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IDNR, Conservation Police Urge Life Jacket Use And Sober Boating

1 month 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to the summer boating season, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Conservation Police are urging people to wear life jackets anytime they're on the water and to only operate boats while sober. National Safe Boating Week is May 17-23, the week leading up to the Memorial Day holiday weekend, to raise awareness of boating safety. “As the boating season approaches, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Law Enforcement, reminds all waterway enthusiasts that safety is a shared responsibility. Every boater plays a vital role in creating a secure and enjoyable environment on the water,” said Office of Law Enforcement Director Jed Whitchurch. “Understanding and adhering to boating regulations such as navigation rules, safety equipment requirements, designated no-wake zones, and staying informed about weather conditions are essential to ensuring positive experiences

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Budzinski Bill to Enhance VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Clears the House with Unanimous Support

1 month 1 week ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski’s (IL-13) legislation, Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Claims Act (H.R. 2201), passed unanimously out of the full House of Representatives. Congresswoman Budzinski led this bipartisan effort with Representatives Young Kim (CA-40), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). The bill now heads to the United States Senate for further consideration. "Today marks a significant victory for veterans who have endured unimaginable trauma. Those who come forward with Military Sexual Trauma claims have already faced tremendous hardship, and seeking support should never add to that pain, said Congresswoman Budzinski. “It has been an honor to work alongside Congresswoman Kim on this bipartisan bill, which ensures the VA’s claims process avoids retraumatizing MST survivors. With unanimous support from the House, we are one step closer to seeing this bill signed into law and delivering the

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Attorney General Raoul Urges Federal Court To Keep Open U.S. Department Of Homeland Security's Civil Rights Offices

1 month 1 week ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in urging the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to maintain three offices within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that are meant to oversee the agency, protect people’s civil rights and help noncitizens with immigration matters. In March, DHS announced plans over Congressional objection to shut down three offices within the agency, the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman), and the Office of Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO), that were created by Congress to exercise oversight of various DHS programs. The offices’ sudden closure affects pending complaints and investigations, and DHS did not provide individuals or employers any alternative avenue for redress. “These offices provide essential services employers and residents rely upon. The sudden closures are

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Edwardsville Police Donate $1,680 to Help Provide Shoes for Students

1 month 1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department and Edwardsville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 244 are stepping in to offer a financial boost to a program aimed at providing shoes for area students in need. Officers and other department members recently donated $1,680 to benefit the Sole Purpose program, which is being overseen by Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 in collaboration with the police department and the Cyclery & Fitness Center in Edwardsville. The donation was contributed by officers and staff participating in the police department’s periodic “no shave” fundraiser. This charitable effort allows participants to pay to get around the department’s “no beard” rule. Previous recipients have included Edwardsville Neighbors, Glen-Ed Pantry, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Main Street Community Center, Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, the Metro East Humane Society and others. Officer Ryan Grimes, who works

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Worker Wellness Blog: Decrease in US Overdose Deaths in 2024

1 month 1 week ago
by Dr. John Gaal Editor’s Note: Each week, Dr. John Gaal, director of worker wellness for the Missouri Works Initiative, a non-profit workforce formed by the Missouri AFL-CIO, collects and comments on news and trends in workforce wellness and life balance. Construction Forum carries the Worker Wellness & Well-Being Blog as a regular feature. The […]
Dede Hance