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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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EDWARDSVILLE - Aubree Briggs is a freshman girls soccer player for Granite City High School, and on April 24, 2025, at Tiger Stadium in Edwardsville, she came up big when it counted. Briggs scored off a header at the far post that snuck inside the post itself and into the net to give the Warriors a 1-1 draw with Edwardsville, undoubtedly one of the biggest goals of the season for Granite. She's scored six goals so far this season, including a hat trick against Mascoutah, as the Warriors are currently 6-4-5 on the campaign, with about two weeks left in the regular season, with the IHSA Class 4A playoffs starting on May 20, 2025, with Granite hosting a regional at Gene Baker Field. The Warriors will play Quincy at 6:30 p.m. that day, with the possibility of meeting top-seeded O'Fallon in the final on May 23. Aubree is a Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month for Granite City's girls soccer. In her post-match interview, Briggs felt very happy about the result and excited

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CHICAGO – Landmarks Illinois has announced its 2025 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois , calling attention to 10 culturally and architecturally significant sites across the state. The places on this year’s list all face uncertain futures due to a variety of threats, including vacancy, neglect, deferred maintenance, demolition, underutilization and lack of landmark protection. “This year’s Most Endangered list is wide-ranging, not only in the kinds of troubling threats these places face, but also in their historical narratives, geographical locations and building types. Yet all celebrate cultural heritage and tell the important stories of the people who have shaped our communities,” said Bonnie McDonald, President & CEO of Landmarks Illinois. “Landmarks Illinois feels a heightened responsibility this year to speak out and protect the built environment that reflects the rich diversity of our state and nation. As these irreplaceable

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department is warning residents to protect themselves from cryptocurrency scams after investigating multiple cases resulting in losses exceeding $400,000 over the past year. Cryptocurrency fraud has become a significant concern as scammers increasingly target investors with deceptive schemes, the police department said. The department issued a public service announcement outlining key precautions to help individuals avoid falling victim to these crimes. “Cryptocurrency is exciting and the latest and greatest thing — but it’s also a growing target for scammers,” the police department announcement said. Among the tips provided, the department advises skepticism toward any investment promising guaranteed returns or quick profits, emphasizing that no legitimate investment can guarantee profits. They also urge people to verify the identity of anyone soliciting cryptocurrency, noting that scammers often impersonate

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WOOD RIVER - IMPACT Strategies, Inc. recently completed the renovation of the Federico Kia dealership in Wood River, IL at 1911 E Edwardsville Rd. The relaunch of the new Kia brand identity was the catalyst of Federico’s renovation. Kia wants their “customers to engage not only through the products but also through all the experience elements.” In the new Kia store design, “Kia aims to shift the mindsets of the consumers and provide them with meaningful and relevant experience with Kia.” As the construction manager, IMPACT Strategies oversaw the demolition and renovation of the existing 33,486 SF building, including extensive updates to the exterior. IMPACT collaborated with the Federico family & Kia’s design team early in the preconstruction phase to maximize efficiencies for constructability and design standards for an aggressive construction timeline. Throughout the project, Federico Kia remained operational, showcasing the seamless execution

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What if the simple act of moving your yoga practice from indoors to outdoors could amplify the benefits you receive for both mind and body? While yoga is widely celebrated for its ability to improve flexibility, strength, and mental clarity, practicing it outdoors introduces a unique set of advantages that many practitioners have yet to fully explore. The Mind-Body Connection Enhanced by Nature Yoga has long been revered as a discipline that unites the physical and mental realms through breath control, posture, and mindfulness. Practicing yoga outdoors deepens this union by connecting the practitioner with the natural environment. Studies have shown that exposure to green spaces reduces cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and enhances mood. When combined with the meditative components of yoga, being outdoors can accelerate stress reduction and foster a greater sense of calm. For example, a 2019 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Health

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May 6th has been a date marked by significant events that have shaped the world in various ways. One of the most impactful events on May 6th occurred in 1882, when the United States Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act. This legislation was the first significant law implemented to prevent a specific ethnic group from immigrating to the United States. Reflecting the racial tensions and economic anxieties of the time, the act barred Chinese laborers from entering the country and was a direct response to widespread anti-Chinese sentiment in the American West. The Chinese Exclusion Act had profound and lasting consequences on immigration policy and the Chinese-American community, serving as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by minority groups and the complexities of American immigration history. Earlier in history, on May 6th, 1527, the Sack of Rome took place. This brutal event was carried out by troops of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and marked the end of the Renaissance

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — An 11-year-old boy was fatally shot Monday evening in St. Louis County, authorities said. The deceased has been identified as Aleksandr Lanis, 38 years of age, of the 1000 block of Hawkins Bend Drive in Fenton, Mo., 63026. At 8:14 p.m., officers from the North County Precinct responded to a shooting report in the 1800 block of Longford Drive. Upon arrival, they found the child suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The boy was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died. The St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating the incident. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under review, and officials have not released further details. Additional information will be provided as the investigation continues.

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