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WOOD RIVER - Devon Barboza, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for his dedication and achievements in baseball. Barboza, who has played the sport since tee-ball, credits his hard work and commitment both on the field and in the classroom for reaching this milestone. “I’ve always been a hard worker, whether it be for sports or school,” Barboza said. “I always make sure my grades are up and I don’t have missing assignments. I'm putting in work during the off time whether I feel like it or not.” Barboza is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of Month for the Oilers. Barboza expressed appreciation for the support he has received throughout his athletic career. “I would like to thank both of my parents for always making sure I was at practice and always supporting me. Also want to thank every coach I have had to help me get to this point,” he said. His current coach, Tim Bond, has played a significant

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WOOD RIVER - Jadyn Watson, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been recognized for her achievements in girls soccer, where she has played throughout her high school career. Watson credits her dedication and hard work both on the field and in the classroom as key factors in earning this recognition. She is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month. “I’ve been playing soccer for four years, and what I like most is building new friendships and working hard to improve,” Watson said. “Ball is life.” In addition to soccer, she serves as captain of her bowling team and is actively involved in clubs such as Big Sisters and the National Honor Society. Watson expressed gratitude to those who have supported her journey. “I’d like to thank my parents for making sure I know that I can achieve whatever I put my mind to. I’d also like to thank my best friend and Papa for showing me how to be the best person I can be,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Cassie Flynn does more than teach; she inspires students to care. Flynn is an art teacher at Edwardsville High School in the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7. She works with students in grades nine through twelve to teach art techniques. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she’s reflecting on the hundreds of students she has worked with throughout her 18 years in the classroom. “My favorite part of teaching art is guiding students through the creative process,” Flynn explained. “Even though their artwork may not turn out as they hoped or planned, they always learn something — if nothing else, a deeper appreciation for the arts as they enter adulthood.” Flynn always loved art. As a high schooler, art classes became “really the reason” she attended school every day. When it was time for her to decide what she wanted to do in her career, she realized she received the most joy from creating and sharing art.

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GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic High School crowned seniors Kylie Becker and Brock Holzinger as prom queen and king during the school’s prom on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Becker, the daughter of Brian and Amy Becker of Highland, has been recognized as a respected leader both academically and socially. She is involved in tennis, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Art Club, and has served as a House leader. The school highlighted her participation in the McGivney Mission Trip to New Orleans as one of her most meaningful experiences, where she helped serve others while building lasting memories. Outside of school, Becker enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and reading. She looks forward to traveling and exploring future opportunities. Holzinger, son of Duane and Ruth Holzinger of Highland, is known for his enthusiasm, leadership, and school spirit. His activities include the Announcement Team, Drama Club, Liturgical Ministry, Math Team, Scholar

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COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander Captain Casey Faro announces the results of Roadside Safety Checks (RSC) held in Madison and St. Clair counties in April. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Citations: 1 Other Alcohol/Drug Citations: 11 Occupant Restraint Offenses: 21 Registration Offenses: 21 Driver’s License Offenses: 21 Insurance Violations: 12 Total Citations/Arrests: 78 Total Written Warnings: 25 Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes in the United States. RSCs are designed to keep our roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road. This project was funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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SPRINGFIELD – While a hurricane won’t hit Illinois, some tropical storm remnants move far inland to cause flooding and wind damage. “I know it’s unusual to ask Illinoisans to be prepared for hurricane season June 1 – November 1, but the Midwest could feel the effects of any strong hurricane,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Interim Director Khayyat. “It was just last year that the remnants of Hurricane Helene brought damaging winds, heavy rain, and flooding to our state,” Khayyat continued. “This is why IEMA-OHS continuously monitors the National Weather Service forecasts so we are prepared if severe weather tracks from the coast into Illinois.” Residents are encouraged to subscribe to weather alerts through a local National Weather Service office and/or their local media. That is good advice whether you are susceptible to hurricane remnants or if you plan to travel to

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grants through June 13, 2025. Eligible applicants are conservation land trusts exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code and whose originating documents include in its purposes the restoration and stewardship of land for conservation purposes. The goal of the grant program is to increase the delivery of much-needed stewardship activities to natural areas protected within the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) system. Stewardship needs at natural areas throughout the state have continued to outpace the ability to deliver these services by individuals, volunteers, organizations, and government agencies. This grant program is designed to fund projects that immediately address this deficiency and begin to expand on the stewardship capacity of conservation land trusts through grants that will expand

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ST. LOUIS — After two years of intensive collaboration, the City of St. Louis and the STL Vacancy Collaborative (STLVC) invite everyone to attend the final Vacancy Strategy Initiative (VSI) Quarterly Convening on Wednesday, May 7 , from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Deaconess Foundation (1000 N. Vandeventer Ave.). The “VSI Quarterly Convening: The State of Vacancy in St. Louis City” free event will offer a first look at the upcoming Vacancy Strategy Initiative Report, featuring new data and trends on vacancy rates in the City, and new strategies for preventing, stabilizing, and reusing vacant properties citywide. The VSI brought together over a dozen City of St. Louis departments, and hundreds of community members—who participated in eight public outreach events—to create a coordinated, data-driven plan to reduce vacancy and strengthen neighborhoods. Vacancy remains one of the most urgent and visible challenges in the City of St. Louis. Today, there are over

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and motorcycle safety advocates are reminding all users of the road to “Start Seeing Motorcycles” as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. “We want every driver and every motorcyclist to share and safely enjoy Illinois roads,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame , IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Don't take risks, always obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits and lane markings, and never drive or ride impaired.” The Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign coincides with the arrival of warmer weather and more motorcyclists on the roads. During the riding season, Start Seeing Motorcycles banners and yard signs will be on display throughout the state, reminding the public to always stay alert for motorcycles. With more than 150 deaths in Illinois each year, motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities.

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is hosting a girls’ volleyball clinic this summer in the George C. Terry River Bend Arena on the Godfrey Campus. The first session for 5th-8th grade students takes place June 16-18, 2025, and the second session for 9th-12th grade students takes place June 23-25. Sessions are 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. each day and will cover skills including passing, digging, setting, hitting, blocking and serving. The cost is $150 and includes a t-shirt. "Our all-skills clinics are a great opportunity for young athletes to grow their game, build confidence, and develop a real love for volleyball,” Head Volleyball Coach Jenna Brown said. “Whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your technique, we’re excited to help each player take the next step." Register online at https://lcedu.jotform.com/250784912422154 . For more information about the clinics, contact Brown at jekbrown@lc.edu . Learn more about L&C’s

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released a new video inviting Canadian travelers to visit Illinois, reaffirming the state’s strong relationship with Canada as a key tourism partner. In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4–10), Governor Pritzker emphasized Canadian tourists’ significant role in supporting local businesses and cultural attractions statewide. “I don’t blame anyone from Canada whose appetite for visiting the U.S. might have soured—with our current president and the shameful way he’s represented us on the national stage as of late. But as Governor, and self-designated chief marketing officer of Illinois, I want to reassure you that we’re as eager as ever to have you come here,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Here in Illinois, we’re ready and eager to prove that Midwest nice is the closest thing to Canadian

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WATERLOO – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that pavement preservation operations on Illinois 3 from Market Street to Vanderbrook Drive will begin, weather permitting, Monday, May 12, 2025. One lane will remain open in each direction during construction activities. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this time. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The work is anticipated to be completed by mid-summer.

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing a motion for a preliminary injunction to block the Trump Administration from implementing an executive order President Trump signed in March, which is an unconstitutional attempt to impose sweeping voting restrictions across the country. The executive order attempts to conscript state election officials into the president’s campaign to impose documentary proof of citizenship requirements when Americans register to vote. It also seeks to upend commonsense, well-established state procedures for counting ballots – procedures that make it easier for Americans’ voices to be heard. “I am urging the court to block this executive order because the authority to modify the rules established for U.S. elections lies with Congress. Instead of imposing voting restrictions, we should focus our efforts on encouraging more Americans across the country to participate in the

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the Senate floor slamming the Trump Administration for freezing medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) during the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency. Durbin has been a fierce advocate for NIH funding and worked with his colleagues—both Republicans and Democrats—over the years to increase NIH funding by 60 percent. NIH funding appropriated by Congress and secured by Durbin, is used for research to find new ways to fight childhood cancers, ALS, Alzheimer’s, and much more. Durbin said, “That progress, and the hope it brings to patients and families—is why I am dismayed to see how President Trump has dismantled medical research in America during his first 100 days in office… President Trump has frozen NIH funding to university labs and hospitals across the board. For example, Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois—a cancer

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MINNEAPOLIS/EAST ST. LOUIS - A 33-year-old East St. Louis native died at a Minneapolis hospital shortly after being shot late Sunday night, April 27, 2025, according to authorities. The Minneapolis Police Department responded to a report of a shooting near 29th Street and Clinton Avenue around 11:45 p.m. on April 27. The victim, identified by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner as Lamont Agnew Jr., suffered multiple gunshot wounds and later died at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis. Janice Rose, who organized a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of the family, described the family as “shocked by the loss” and unprepared for the expenses related to funeral arrangements. “We are in need of help getting his body transported back home to East St. Louis to give him a proper funeral,” Rose said. “Lamont left behind two children who will also need support. No matter how small the donation is, it will be appreciated.” Rose said Lamont was the son of her twin

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) introduced bipartisan legislation to help older veterans avoid injuries from costly, dangerous falls. The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act would establish an Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and create a falls prevention coordinator role. The legislation would also create a pilot program for incorporating falls prevention programs into VA home modification programs and establish an assessment for veterans to identify those most at risk of falling. Since veterans, on average, have more chronic conditions than their non-veteran counterparts, additional programs could help to prevent unnecessary injuries or hospitalizations — and the massive expenses associated with falls. “Preventative health care measures give our nation’s veterans a healthier, more

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ALTON - People across Illinois looking to the sky the tonight, May 6, 2025, will see a powerful tribute: OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center glowing red in celebration of The Power of Nurses™ during National Nurses Week, May 6–12. The American Nurses Association is illuminating more than 100 buildings and landmarks across the country as part of its #NursesLightUpTheSky initiative —honoring the 5 million+ registered nurses whose contributions power health and healing in every community. "Nurses are essential to the health of our families and communities-and this week, we honor the impact they make across every corner of Illinois and the nation," said Dr. W. Zeh Wellington, DNP, RN, NE-BC, President ANA-Illinois, lighting up our skyline is just one way we're shining a spotlight on the incredible work nurses do every single day."

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EAST ALTON – The Regional Office of Education #40 is hosting “Soaring into Aviation” at St. Louis Regional Airport. This is an aviation focused STEM workshop for local educators to emphasize the various career opportunities available within the aviation industry. Participating in the aviation workshop will be various local businesses and aviation organizations to include West Star Aviation, West Star Aviation Academy, Piston Aviation, EAA Chapter 864, Midwest Air Traffic Control, Civil Air Patrol, the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics, AeroCareers, Air Evac Lifeteam 156, Learning Technology Center of Illinois, and St. Louis Regional Airport Authority. The Regional Office of Education #40 is made up of fourteen school districts located across the four Illinois Counties of Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, and Macoupin. Director of STEM Initiatives, Kelly Remijan, is organizing the event which is expected to bring out approximately 30 local educators to experience

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois will host their annual “Cocktails at Camp” event to promote their programs at Camp Torqua. From 4:30–6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, community members age 21 and older are invited to Camp Torqua in Edwardsville for snacks, drinks and conversation. The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce will also sponsor a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. to unveil the camp’s new cabins and paved trail. “It’s just going to be a fun little get-together at camp,” said Tricia Higgins, Director of Marketing and Communications. “This is an event for people ages 21 and over to learn more about what's going on with Girl Scouts, about Camp Torqua, and ways that they can support our organization. It’s always a fun evening. It is very relaxed and casual, and people can experience camp who may not know that Camp Torqua was out there.” The event is free, though Higgins asks people

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SPRINGFIELD - Several elected officials and Illinois organizations have released statements in response to U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) recently announcing her decision not to seek re-election. Statement from Governor Pritzker on Congresswoman Schakowsky's Retirement Today, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker released a statement following Congresswoman Schakowsky's retirement announcement: "Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been a fearless trailblazer and a tireless fighter for Illinois. Because of Jan's leadership in Washington, working families from Illinois have had one of the strongest, reliable voices fighting for them. Jan has championed historic legislation on health care, women’s rights, gun safety, and more to support working families. MK and I are deeply grateful for her decades of service, and we wish Jan and Bob a joyful and well-deserved retirement." Rep. Kelly on Rep. Schakowsky’s Retirement, Decades of Public Service WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin

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