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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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BELLEVILLE - St. Clair County Transit District and Citizens for Modern Transit are gearing up for National Bike to Work Week (May 12-19) by reminding area residents that bicycling to work is easier than ever thanks to the availability of the MetroBikeLink System. It boasts 39 miles of paved bike pathways in St. Clair County, Ill., that directly connect to six Metro Transit Centers, offering seamless integration of bike and transit use via MetroBus or MetroLink to get to thousands of places of employment in the bi-state region. To help spread the word and encourage participation, partners are asking those who bike to work to post photos to social media platforms using #BringYourBikeOnBoard . Street teams will be at the Shiloh-Scott, Belleville and Fairview Heights Transit Centers on Monday, May 12 from 6 to 8 a.m. passing granola bars out to morning commuters, along with information about the MetroBikeLink System and the #BringYourBikeOnBoard effort. Those who post a photo

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GRANITE CITY – A case of kidnapping involving a high-speed police chase has yielded major felony charges against a Granite City resident. Donte T. Pryor Sr., 27, of Granite City, was charged on April 25, 2025, with three counts of aggravated kidnapping, each Class X felonies. He was also charged with a Class X felony count of home invasion, a Class 4 felony count of unlawful restraint, and two Class 4 felony counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer. On April 25, 2025, Pryor allegedly kidnapped two toddlers and an adult after unlawfully entering a Granite City residence, then led police on a high-speed chase. According to a petition filed to deny Pryor’s pretrial release, he “forced two 3-year-old children and into a vehicle against their will and then fled as attempted to exit the vehicle.” The petition adds Pryor proceeded to flee at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, “fled the state, had to be pursued by multiple

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JERSEYVILLE – Jerseyville City Council members tackled several items of city business at their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. First on the agenda was a request to rezone a property in the 300 block of June Street. DanceWorks Owner Adam Krueger requested the zoning classification be changed from R-2 “One-Family Dwelling District” to B-3 “Business District” for use as a dance studio and recreation facility. However, Mayor Kevin Stork announced the item had been tabled after another owner of the property asked to rescind the request and reconsider the rezoning at an undetermined future date. In other business, the City Council approved a resolution to request the closure of State Highway 67 from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to facilitate this year’s Memorial Day Parade. The 2025 installment of the long-running annual parade is set for 9 a.m. on Monday, May 26. Both the parade and ceremony are sponsored

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Did you know that "Star Wars Day," celebrated annually on May 4th, has grown from a simple pun into a global phenomenon embraced by millions? The phrase "May the Fourth be with you," a clever wordplay on the iconic line "May the Force be with you," has evolved into a day that transcends fandom, influencing popular culture, commerce, and even social movements. This article delves into how Star Wars has shaped the significance of May 4th and examines the broader cultural ripples that continue to resonate across generations. The Origin of May the 4th and Its Rise to Prominence The connection between May 4th and Star Wars began as a grassroots joke rather than a planned celebration. The earliest recorded use of the pun dates back to 1979, when Margaret Thatcher became the UK’s Prime Minister. Supporters displayed the message "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations," a play on words linking the political event to the beloved sci-fi franchise. However, it wasn’t

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May 3rd and 4th have been dates marked by remarkable events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most impactful events in modern history took place on May 3rd, 1791, when the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth adopted the Constitution of May 3rd. This constitution is celebrated as the first modern codified national constitution in Europe and the second oldest in the world after the United States Constitution. It was a pioneering effort designed to strengthen the political system and promote civil rights in the Commonwealth, aiming to curb the abuses of the nobility and improve governance. Despite its relatively short lifespan due to political turmoil, the May 3rd Constitution remains a symbol of progressive reform and national pride in Poland and Lithuania. In the realm of sports and culture, May 3rd, 1952, saw the first official ascent of the North Face of the Eiger in Switzerland, one of the most treacherous climbs in the Alps. This daring achievement

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued its annual update of advisories related to the consumption of sport fish caught in Illinois waterways. The advisories are based on routine testing conducted by the Illinois Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program. IDPH maintains an interactive Fish Advisory Map that includes consumption advisories for more than 100 publicly accessible bodies of water across the state. The advisories detail how frequently certain types of fish from various waterways can be eaten without posing a health risk. While there is no known immediate health hazard from eating contaminated fish from any Illinois water body, there are concerns about effects of long-term exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and methylmercury in fish. More information can be found at Fish Advisories (illinois.gov) . “Fishing in Illinois is a terrific recreational activity that often leads to deliciou

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CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi to recuse herself from any Justice Department (DOJ)-related work that could benefit her former lobbying client, the GEO Group, a major private prison contractor whose largest source of revenue is from contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a letter to Attorney General Bondi, Durbin raises serious ethical concerns due to her past representation of the GEO Group and her current role in overseeing DOJ’s immigration enforcement efforts, given DOJ’s central role in advancing the Trump Administration’s immigration agenda. He also seeks clarification on whether appropriate recusals and ethical safeguards have been implemented, considering Bondi’s prior lobbying for the GEO Group and recent actions undermining internal ethics oversight. Durbin began with a specific call for recusal, writing:

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