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SPRINGFIELD – Get Covered Illinois announced today that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved Illinois’ transition to a state-based health insurance marketplace. Launched in 2013 as a branded portal to access Healthcare.gov , Get Covered Illinois will now operate as a full state-based marketplace. “Today marks a pivotal step towards bringing quality, affordable healthcare to all Illinoisans,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Operating a state-based marketplace will allow our state more flexibility to provide health insurance coverage that is tailored to the needs of our residents.” “It was an honor to carry the bill establishing the state-based marketplace while I was a member of the General Assembly and is even more of an honor leading the Department to implement it,” said Illinois Department of Insurance Director Ann Gillespie. “At a time when the federal government is announcing healthcare cuts, Illinois is investing

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SPRINGFIELD – In direct response to the deadly tornado that struck an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville in December 2021, State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure creating the Warehouse Tornado Preparedness Act was signed into law. “This tragedy revealed major shortcomings in emergency planning at large warehouse sites,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “New warehouse developments will now have to keep workers safe during tornadoes, no longer leveraging workers’ lives for cost savings.” Under Belt’s measure, warehouse operators must develop and file tornado safety plans for each facility within 120 days of the law’s effective date. Plans must include detailed evacuation procedures, shelter locations, emergency equipment inventories and post-disaster response protocols. Shelters must be stocked with supplies like food, water, first aid kits and communication tools. Newly constructed warehouses are also required to meet higher safety standards

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On This Day, Aug. 18, 1986…Bon Jovi released their third studio album, Slippery When Wet, which wound up being a huge breakthrough for the band.The album, produced by Bruce Fairbairn,…

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Did you know that the average American household accumulates over 300,000 items in a lifetime? Many of these belongings quietly gather dust in storage spaces, closets, and garages, often outliving their usefulness. A garage sale can be more than just a way to declutter—it’s an opportunity to connect with your community, earn extra cash, and give your unused items a second life. However, pulling off a successful garage sale requires more than simply putting your things on a table and hoping for the best. Strategic planning is key to maximizing both your profits and your satisfaction. Setting Clear Goals and Expectations Before diving into the logistics, it’s crucial to define what success looks like for you. Are you aiming to make a specific amount of money? Or is your primary goal to clear out space quickly? Perhaps you want to attract neighbors and build community ties. Your objectives will shape the scope and style of your sale. For example, if maximizing profit

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The Zoning Upgrade - a modern code to meet the moment - will be the first major rewrite and map update to the city’s zoning code since the 1950s.

Did you know that expressive writing can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, sometimes as effectively as therapy? According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology , individuals who engage in regular journaling report significant improvements in mood and emotional regulation. Yet, despite its proven benefits, many people hesitate to start journaling because they’re unsure how to begin or fear their thoughts won’t “make sense.” If you’ve ever wondered how putting pen to paper might help you better understand your mind and improve your mental well-being, this article will guide you through the essentials of starting a journaling practice tailored for mental health and self-reflection. The Power of Journaling for Mental Health Journaling is more than a daily to-do list or a diary of events; it’s a tool that enables introspection and emotional processing. When you write about your thoughts and feelings, you externalize internal

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Did you know that Americans consume millions of fajitas every year, making this Tex-Mex favorite a staple across the country? Yet, few pause to consider the story behind the sizzling strips of grilled meat wrapped in warm tortillas or the significance of the day dedicated to celebrating this beloved dish. National Fajita Day, observed annually on August 18th, offers a perfect opportunity to explore the origins of fajitas and discover ways to honor this flavorful culinary tradition. The Origins of the Fajita: From Ranch Hands to Restaurant Menus The fajita’s story begins in the ranchlands of Texas during the mid-20th century. The term "fajita" derives from the Spanish word "faja," meaning “strip” or “belt,” referring to the cut of meat traditionally used—skirt steak, a relatively inexpensive and tough cut that ranch workers were often given as part of their pay. These workers devised a method to marinate and grill the meat, making it tender and flavorful

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August 18 marks a day rich with historical significance, echoing moments that have shaped our modern world in profound ways. Moving back in time, August 18, 1587, saw the founding of Roanoke Colony, the first English settlement in the New World, located in present-day North Carolina. Although the colony famously disappeared under mysterious circumstances, its story captivated imaginations and highlighted the challenges of early colonization. The fate of the “Lost Colony” remains one of America’s oldest unsolved mysteries and continues to be a subject of historical inquiry and popular legend. August 18, 1920, was a milestone when the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote. This was a monumental achievement in the struggle for gender equality and women's rights, marking a significant expansion of democratic participation. The suffrage movement’s victory on this day inspired similar efforts worldwide

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The premiere date for a BBC documentary on the late Ozzy Osbourne has been postponed.The film, titled Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home, was set to air Monday, but has been moved to an…

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SILVER SPRING, Md. — Daniel Zare worked one-on-one as an AmeriCorps member with students going through rough times in school, lightening teachers’ workload in the classroom. At AmeriCorps Project CHANGE, based in Silver Spring’s Sligo Middle School, Zare was one of several in his group who tracked adolescents’ emotional and social wellbeing over months using […]

Ronnie Rondell, Jr., the American stuntman who appeared on the cover of Pink Floyd’s 1975 album Wish You Were Here, has died.An obituary announcement posted online reveals that Rondell passed…

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Today on TAP: One silver lining: new unity and resolve on the part of democratic Europe

Today, expect a hot and humid day with a high of 94 degrees and a low of 72 degrees. It will be mostly sunny. However, the heat and humidity put us under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, and avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent dehydration and heat stroke. Allergy reports show moderate ragweed levels, low mold, and low grass pollen, so allergy sufferers should take note. Tomorrow's Outlook: High 87°, Low 70°, partly sunny with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Looking ahead to tomorrow, temperatures will drop a bit but remain warm, with a high near 87 and a low around 70 degrees. Expect a mix of clouds and sun with a chance of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. It will continue to feel humid. Be prepared for changing weather and stay updated at https://riverbender.com/weather .

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A fusion of authoritarianism and corporatism is destroying what’s left of already soggy U.S. federal consumer protection and corporate oversight. You might not know this because the U.S. press and many policymakers genuinely don’t appear to care, but it’s happening all the same. Whether by dodgy Supreme Court ruling, executive order, or captured regulators, the U.S. authoritarians, often […]

CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. - A three-year-old boy from Tuscumbia, Mo., drowned Sunday afternoon in the Lake of the Ozarks. According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the drowning occurred around 12:25 p.m. on the 4.8 mile mark of the Glaize Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. The drowning occurred after [...]