Regional Media Podcast Network

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about health designations as we begin the month of May. Child Mental Health Week is celebrated from May 5th to 11th, 2025, and Nurses Week is celebrated from May 6th to 12th, 2025. Health advocates in Henry and Stark counties are spotlighting children's mental health as part of a national awareness week from May 5th to 11th, underscoring that one in six youth nationwide faces mental illness annually. Limited resources leave many without critical care, so families are urged to seek help early. Alongside this, National Nurses Week runs from May 6th to 12th, honoring nurses' critical roles—from bedside support to community leadership. Meanwhile, Clean Air Month brings a warning about radon dangers, with local data revealing high levels in most Stark County homes. Affordable radon test kits are available for $15 at Health Department offices in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon.

Today marks 50 years since the fall of Saigon, a pivotal moment that ended two decades of conflict in Vietnam. The war left a heavy toll, with Vietnamese casualties estimated in the millions and thousands more lives lost throughout Cambodia and Laos. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., stands as a solemn reminder, bearing over 58,300 names of U.S. service members who died or remain missing. In Springfield, a commemorative press conference was held at the Capitol, where State Representative Dan Swanson, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the Illinois National Guard, reflected on the sacrifices made and the enduring legacy of those who served.

Illinois is moving closer to a cleaner environment as Senate Bill 1531, spearheaded by State Senator Laura Fine, advances in the state legislature. The measure aims to prohibit the sale and distribution of food containers made from polystyrene foam—commonly known as Styrofoam—across Illinois starting January 1, 2030. Fine highlighted that while these containers are used briefly, they persist in the environment for decades, polluting waterways and threatening wildlife. Polystyrene contains styrene, a chemical linked to multiple health risks, including cancer and nervous system damage. The bill passed the Senate on Wednesday and now awaits consideration in the House.

State Senator Celina Villanueva is championing Senate Bill 1617, aiming to boost wages for Illinois Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who care for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The legislation would require the Illinois Department of Human Services to increase reimbursement rates for agencies employing DSPs, supporting a proposed $2 per hour wage hike by July 2025, pending federal approval. Advocates highlight that nearly half of DSPs currently rely on public assistance due to low pay. The bill, now with the Senate Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee, seeks to ensure DSP compensation aligns with the vital nature of their work.

Marking 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War and the fall of Saigon, State Senator Mark Walker reflected on his service during a press conference at the Illinois Capitol. Senator Walker emphasized that he and his fellow soldiers fought for fundamental freedoms shared by Americans and South Vietnamese alike. Representatives Hoan Huynh, Stephanie Kifowit, Dan Swanson, and Wayne Rosenthal also expressed gratitude to over 2.7 million American service members and 800,000 South Vietnamese allies. Walker highlighted the enduring message of America as a land of opportunity and refuge for those fleeing conflict, underscoring the nation’s tradition of welcoming those in need.