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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois students struggling to obtain traditional college loans have a new option to borrow money for in-state higher education costs thanks to a new program Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs unveiled today. The new Funding U Illinois No-Cosigner Loan is part of the Student Empowerment Fund , Treasurer Frerichs’ plan to provide private college loans for Illinois residents at lower rates than private competitors and help bridge the gap with federal financial aid. The No-Cosigner Loan joins ISL Education Lending’s Illinois Partnership Loan and Illinois College Family Loan options. “The costs of college continue to rise, and the chaos in Washington is hurting, not helping our families,” Frerichs said at a Thursday news conference at 555 W. Monroe. “Financial aid often doesn’t cover all of the costs, and we are offering a solution to help students bridge the gap.” Funding U is working with the State Treasurer’s Office

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MASCOUTAH – MidAmerica St. Louis Airport today announced a new record of more than 40,000 passengers served during the month of March, continuing an overall trend of positive passenger growth. The airport saw a 47% increase in passenger traffic compared to March 2024, when 27,000 passengers traveled through its terminal. This noteworthy milestone in passenger growth also marks a 23% increase from March 2022, which held the previous record of more than 32,000 passengers. “The sustained growth at MidAmerica Airport is very exciting and it’s due to numerous factors,” said St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern. “Passengers can count on easy access from Interstate 64, hassle-free parking and efficient airport and security operations, and they appreciate Allegiant’s strong route network serving several popular vacation spots at affordable rates.” MidAmerica St. Louis Airport offers nonstop flights year-round or on a seasonal basis to a host of popular

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced today that Summer EBT benefits will be issued to families for the 2024-25 school year starting in May. The Summer EBT program aims to provide essential support to economically disadvantaged children during the summer months, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals. IDHS and ISBE are working together to inform families facing food insecurity about the eligibility process for Summer EBT this year. Each eligible school-aged child will receive a one-time benefit of $120. "No child should ever have to wonder where their next meal will come from — not during the school year and not during the summer. With the Summer EBT program, Illinois is ensuring our most vulnerable children have access to the nutritious meals they need to thrive," said Governor JB Pritzker. "After becoming one of the first states to successfully launch this assistance program last summer,

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EDWARDSVILLE – Nominations are open for the City’s long-running Green Thumb Awards program, which honors some of the most eye-catching gardens, landscaped areas and floral settings in Edwardsville. Have you spotted a beautiful yard that dazzles with color and contrast? Is there a flower-filled patch, a gorgeous garden or an artfully landscaped spot at a residence, business or other site that deserves recognition? The Green Thumb Awards are an easy way to honor the time and effort that has gone into projects that help beautify the City. Nomination categories include residential, neighborhood (or block or subdivision), commercial and civic settings. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. Green Thumb recipients receive an award sign to place on site for about a month to publicly tout the recognition. Award eligibility guidelines, an online nomination form and photos and lists of recent winners are available at: www.cityofedwardsville.com/greenthumb The deadline

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted a violent crime suppression detail on April 16-18, 2025, in St. Clair and Madison counties, focusing its efforts on East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities. The operation utilized intelligence and technology to target known high crime areas, violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East. Detail Results Arrests 34 Felony Charges 37 Criminal Charges 60 Firearm Related Charges 31 Firearms Seized 18 Controlled Substance Seized 9.7 grams Stolen Vehicles Recovered 2 There were several notable events and arrests during the detail. On April 16, 2025, troopers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC) violations. A probable cause search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a loaded firearm and a large amount of illegal cannabis. One subject was taken into custody.

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EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE’s Lovejoy Library will host a special event to commemorate Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month. At 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, community members are invited to Lovejoy Library on the SIUE campus for “An Afternoon of Traditional Chinese Music.” Four artists with the Nanjing Music Ensemble will perform traditional Chinese music and share history about Chinese musical traditions. “I would just encourage people to show up,” said Simone Williams, Diversity and Engagement Librarian at SIUE. “ It’s a way to have community with other people, to learn other people’s cultures.” Williams explained that she didn’t originally plan to bring the Nanjing Music Ensemble to campus. But after a successful Lunar New Year celebration at Lovejoy Library, a few students and faculty members asked if she would consider collaborating with the ensemble for APIDA Heritage Month. Not onl

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HIGHLAND – The Highland Jaycees will host their annual Schweizerfest on June 6 through 8, 2025, at the town square in Highland. The event runs Friday evening from 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. A total of 100% of all profits are donated back to many different organizations that make up our wonderful community of Highland. The event will kick off Friday night with food and beer vendors opening around 5 p.m. and rides from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (wristbands). Vendors will be selling a variety of cuisines and beverages, including BBQ, Tacos, Empanadas, Corn Dogs, Funnel Cakes, Burgers, Philly Cheesesteaks, and Lemon Shake-ups. There will be plenty of games, rides, and entertainment for both children and adults all three days. On Saturday, the Jaycees will kick things off with food and beverages open around noon and run till close. Ride hours are 2-11 p.m. There are several events for everyone to enjoy throughout Saturday.

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and the national non-profit Freedom Reads announced the opening of 22 new Freedom Libraries in Decatur and Illinois River Correctional Centers. Six were installed in housing units at Decatur Correctional Center, a women’s prison, and 16 were installed in housing units in Illinois River Correctional Center, a men’s prison. The new libraries make a total of 28 Freedom Libraries in four IDOC facilities, with five in Logan Correctional Center and one in Lincoln Correctional Center, opened in 2022. Freedom Reads also facilitated book discussions, voting, and author events for the second annual Inside Literary Prize at Decatur and Western Correctional Centers. Launched in 2023 by Freedom Reads, the National Book Foundation, and the Center for Justice Innovation with support from Lori Feathers, the Inside Literary Prize is the first-ever US-based literary prize awarded exclusively by currently incarcerated

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CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced his appointment of emergency management executive Theodore ‘Ted’ D. Berger to lead the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), pending Senate approval. Berger joins the agency with decades of experience in emergency management and homeland security, most recently serving as Executive Director of the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security. “Our Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security is on the front lines every day, working to equip our communities with the programs and resources needed in times of crisis,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With decades of emergency management experience and a wealth of knowledge about our State’s many regions, Ted Berger is an exceptionally qualified candidate to lead Illinois’ critical support efforts.” Berger began his career in state government with the Office

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SPRINGFIELD - The annual Illinois Peace Officers Memorial Service to honor law enforcement officers killed in Illinois in the line of duty, including nine who died during 2024, will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Illinois Peace Officer Memorial sculpture on the Illinois State Capitol grounds in Springfield. For the first time, K-9 partners killed in the line of duty will also be recognized during the May 1 ceremony. “This annual ceremony honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities,” said Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge President Chris Southwood. “Every man and woman in this difficult and dangerous profession knows the risks they face every time they put on the badge. Like their human partners, the faithful dogs who serve in police K-9 units are also brave public servants who sometimes pay the ultimate price to keep citizens safe. As a former K-9 officer myself I’m proud and humbled to recognize

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VIRDEN – North Mac High School will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 231 W. Fortune St., inside the ImpactLife Donor Bus. What: North Mac High School Community Blood Drive When: Wednesday, May 7th, 8:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Can’t make it to the Blood Drive? Stop by our ImpactLife Springfield Donor Center at 1999 Wabash Ave. to donate & credit North Mac High School on the Sign In Sheets! Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, 231 W. Fortune St., Virden, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Tina Leonard at (217) 965-4127 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60085 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 to schedule. 2801 S. 10th St. | Springfield, Ill. | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of

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CHICAGO – Today, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressing alarm about potential delays to the timely delivery of critical student financial aid caused by the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The letter also conveys deep concerns about the potential risks to student loan borrowers if the $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio is moved to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The letter shares concerns about significant cuts in staffing at ED that can put in peril not only students’ ability to access financial aid, but also the timely disbursement of that aid to students and institutions that rely on it. Indeed, recent news reports indicate that calls and emails to ED are going unanswered and systems to disburse grants and loans are experiencing more frequent outages. The letter also flags risks to borrowers of the President’s plan t

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JERSEYVILLE – An upcoming “Needle and Thread Workshop” l ead by Joannie and Meredith Dougherty will guide Jerseyville area residents on how to make some of their own alterations. S et for Monday, April 28, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m., participants are asked to bring an item from home they’d like to mend or hem; instructors will offer their expertise to help teach the hand sewing skills needed to complete your project. Needle and Thread Workshop classes will be held in the Jersey County Arts Council (JCAC) space in the First Presbyterian Church at 400 S. State St. in Jerseyville. These classes are for ages 8 and up, but class sizes are limited. A non-refundable donation of $25 to the JCAC is required to secure your spot and help cover the cost of supplies. To register and get more details on the upcoming Needle and Thread Workshop, contact sewingismysuperpower8@gmail.com . For other upcoming class offerings and more, visit sewingismysuperpower.com

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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School students recently saved 400 lives. The high school hosted their annual blood drive, which encourages eligible students to donate blood. Angie Parish, a teacher and organizer of the event, expressed her excitement for the annual drive. “It was a huge success, the most lives we have saved yet,” she said. “Each time, the students do a better job than the time before of donating, and we continue to break our own record each time.” Civic Memorial High School has formed a reputation as one of the top donors in the region, surpassing bigger schools and Lewis and Clark Community College. An ARCH Air Medical Transport helicopter landed on the high school’s baseball field to show support to the students. After donating blood, students ventured to the field to explore the helicopter and ask questions. Several of the students shared this was not their first time donating blood. Three-time donors received cords to

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JERSEYVILLE – Friday afternoon marked a longtime dream come true for the Jerseyville Public Library. The library’s first expansion since 1987 officially opened with a ribbon-cutting and Grand Opening ceremony at 12 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, kicking off an entire weekend’s worth of festivities as the community checks out their newly expanded library. “We all stood here 300 days ago … to break ground to erect this beautiful structure we see here today,” JPL Director Judy Pruitt said at the event. “After the relentless hard work and hands-on involvement of literally hundreds of folks from our community, we stand here today to celebrate the completion of this new space.” Pruitt thanked Superintendent Caleb Goode and his team with construction firm SMWilson for their professionalism – not only ensuring the expansion was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, but also keeping the library open and operational while

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HARTFORD — A medical helicopter crashed and caught fire Thursday evening during a training event hosted by the Hartford Fire Department, authorities said. The incident occurred around 8:51 p.m. on April 24 as Arch Medical Helicopter took off from the training site. An unknown cause led to the crash, according to officials. The Hartford Fire Department, with assistance from the South Roxana, Roxana, Mitchell, and Wood River fire departments, responded to the scene. Madison County HazMat and Madison County Emergency Management also provided support. Three crew members aboard the helicopter, including the pilot, were transported by ambulance to hospitals in St. Louis. All suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were reported in stable condition. Hartford Police said the road affected by the crash would reopen soon. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

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ELSAH - Three Rivers Community Farm will continue their 10th annual Plant Sale this upcoming weekend on May 3 and 4, 2025. On Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, 2025, the event started. It continues next weekend on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, 2025, where community members can stop by Three Rivers Community Farm to stock up on vegetable starts, herbs, native perennials and more. Located at 22935 Chautauqua Road in Elsah, the family-owned farm looks forward to the sale every year. “It’s not only different plants that you can find at our plant sale. It’s different varieties,” explained owner Amy Cloud. “Big box stores kind of have the same varieties nationwide, whereas our plant sale, we know the varieties that work best in our climate, in our area, and these plants are going to be good-yielding for you.” On Saturday, April 26, Post Commons was onsite selling coffee and the farm will also have pastries from Whisk Bakery available

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ALTON — An Alton Police officer went beyond his typical duties this week by assisting a motorist with a flat tire on Homer Adams Parkway, the Alton Police Department said. Officer Derek Vetter is a Difference Maker in his community. Alton Police Officer Derek Vetter responded to a call for help from Chana Wooden, who was stranded with a flat tire in a location with limited roadside space. To ensure her safety, Vetter positioned his squad car behind Wooden’s vehicle before changing the tire himself. Roadside assistance arrived shortly after to complete the job. “We’d like to give a big shoutout to Officer Vetter for going above and beyond the call of duty,” the department said. “We’re proud of the everyday actions our officers take to serve and protect the Alton community.” Wooden expressed her gratitude to Officer Vetter for his help and for taking the time to recognize his efforts. If you have an idea for a Difference Maker submission,

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ALTON - Several community partners have collaborated to create the Soulcial Center at Challenge Unlimited. This center brings together Fresh Harvest 365, LaMay’s Catering, the Food is Love Foundation and Theodora Farms to provide fresh food to those experiencing food insecurity. Located at Challenge Unlimited in Alton, the goal of the Soulcial Center is to fight food insecurity while supporting Challenge Unlimited clients. “Dignity through food…meets dignity through work, where the place individuals come every day is a place that’s adding value to their community,” explained John Michel, founder of Soulcial Kitchen and president of the Food is Love Foundation. “They get pride in being a part of the solution for people who are struggling, and that’s what we think the definition of community is really about.” Challenge Unlimited works with adults with disabilities to help them find employment. When a community member purchases

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 recognized several employees during their Golden Eagle Award ceremony. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, community members gathered at the Central Office for the ceremony, where 29 BCUSD8 employees received the Golden Eagle Award for outstanding contributions to the district. This year marked the eighth annual Golden Eagle Award ceremony. “We just want to display all the wonderful things and acknowledge all the wonderful things happening in this district,” explained Jen Weber, special education coordinator. “We’re proud of every single person here.” Each school nominated four employees for the awards. Bethalto East Primary School nominated Kathy Schollmeyer, Tammy Hyman, Lori Griffith and Melissa Meiser. Principal Chrissy Pavlinek introduced each recipient and thanked them for their work at the school. Parkside Elementary School Principal Aaron Kilpatrick introduced Kelly Wooten, Keri Lugge,

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