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Opinion: Chris Klay: Medicaid Cuts Threaten Healthcare Access in Southern Illinois

3 days 17 hours ago
Letter to Editor/Opinion: Submitted by: - HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, IL HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, IL HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, IL Medicaid funding cuts: a threat to our communities and our rural hospitals. As a leader of a rural hospital committed to serving our community, I wanted to express my continued concerns about the proposed Medicaid cuts currently in front of Congress. These changes would have a devastating impact on the patients we serve and the hospitals, like us, that they rely on for care. The legislation threatens access to health care for millions of Americans, especially in our rural areas who may be our friends, family and neighbors who rely on Medicaid and other safety net services for their basic health needs. The legislation, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” would harm critical health and social safety net programs, especially

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Giannoulias Awarding $20 Million in Grants to Benefit Illinois Libraries

3 days 17 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is awarding nearly $20 million in grant funding to libraries across the state to ensure access to quality resources and programming for all Illinois residents, Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced. “A library is more than just a building with books, it’s the epicenter of opportunity, discovery and community connection,” Giannoulias said. “From early childhood education to workforce development, libraries empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Properly funding our libraries will ensure that they are able to continue generating an outsized impact in communities across Illinois.” News of the grants comes amid federal cuts to library budgets nationwide. In March, the Trump administration signed an executive order to eliminate and defund the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which issues $180 million annually to libraries nationwide. Illinois receives

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Lanes Reopening Where Possible For Independence Day Holiday Travel

3 days 17 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Independence Day holiday to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Thursday, July 3, to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2025. The following lane closures will remain in place during the holiday weekend. The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through these areas. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and stay alert for workers and equipment. At all times, please buckle and drive sober. District 1 City of Chicago Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) reversible lanes; outbound only, lane reductions continue. Foster Avenue over the Kennedy; closed. Westbound Foster Avenue ramp to outbound Kennedy; closed. Eastbound Ohio Street feeder

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IDOT: Make Sure Your Independence Day Travel Checklist Includes Driving Sober Or Picking A Designated Driver

3 days 17 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement across Illinois are sending a strong reminder: Whether you’re drinking alcohol, using cannabis or under the influence of any other impairing substance, if you get behind the wheel, you’ll face the consequences. During the July Fourth “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, zero tolerance will be showed for those driving impaired by alcohol, cannabis or other drugs. “If you drive impaired, you’re putting yourself and others at risk of being injured or killed,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Don’t make this year’s Independence Day one that’ll be remembered for a tragedy that could have been avoided if you drove sober or had a designated driver.” According to provisional IDOT data, last year in Illinois during the Independence Day holiday

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Illinois Arts Council Announces Fiscal Year 2026 Creative Projects Grant Guidelines and Application

3 days 17 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is pleased to announce the release of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Creative Projects Grant (CPG) guidelines and application. The goal of CPG is to provide up to $12,000 to support art projects for Illinois artists, eligible not- for-profit organizations, municipal entities, or colleges and universities. CPG projects must culminate with a public release or presentation of the work accomplished during the grant period. “Illinois is already known across the globe as a hub of art and creativity, from our world-class museums and galleries to our many renowned artists and artistic organizations,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Creative Projects Grant is an opportunity to further develop that creative ecosystem, support talented artists of all backgrounds, and enrich communities across the state. I want to encourage all eligible individuals and organizations to apply to make their artistic vision a reality.” “This

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Like Water

3 days 18 hours ago

An international and multigenerational group of artists will take over the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis for Like Water, which considers water from different angles – from fonts of inspirations […]

The post Like Water appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman

Riverbend Family Ministries Supports Community Members with "Holistic Hub" of Resources

3 days 18 hours ago
WOOD RIVER - Riverbend Family Ministries acts as a cooling center during these hot months, but their staff works year-round to support community members. Located in Wood River, RFM is a “holistic hub” that brings together eight nonprofits under one roof. The organization primarily works with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, poverty or violence. “We always say that our families are so brave to walk through our door,” said founder Tammy Iskarous. “RFM has been busy helping to meet that need. We can't meet it all, but we can meet a big portion of it in this county.” Rachael Craddick, Development Director, noted there are a lot of benefits to having so many resources under one roof. Clients can share their stories with staff members and receive the assistance they need. “There’s a wide variety of resources right there in the building that they can access,” Craddick said. “Sometimes it’s just

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