Regional Media Podcast Network

May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon are spotlighting resources to support informed family planning. Women can access annual exams, Pap smears, contraceptive counseling, and pregnancy testing, with many services offered on a sliding fee scale or at no cost based on income. This aligns with National Women’s Health Week, which kicks off on Mother’s Day, urging women to prioritize preventive care and healthy habits. For appointments or more information, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call your local clinic. These initiatives empower women and promote lifelong health in the community.

House Republicans voiced concerns today following the passage of Senate Bill 42 out of the Judiciary–Criminal Committee. The proposal would eliminate the requirement for cannabis to be kept in odor-proof containers inside vehicles. Additionally, police would no longer be permitted to stop, search, or detain drivers and passengers over the age of 21 solely based on the smell of cannabis. Representative Dennis Tipsword, a veteran of 30 years in law enforcement, argued that this change would create new obstacles for police. The bill narrowly passed, 8-6, and will return to committee for amendments before advancing to the full House.

Russ Hughes and Jennifer Russell energized the Sav-A-Lot Studio on May 9th during the Boiler Shop segment of Wake Up Tri-Counties. Their lively discussion focused on recent triumphs from local baseball, softball, and track teams. Highlights included detailed accounts of impressive plays, close game results, and athletes whose outstanding performances turned heads. 

As temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase, it’s important to remain vigilant about the risk of Lyme disease. The black-legged tick, commonly known as the deer tick, is behind most Lyme disease cases in Illinois, where infections have been steadily increasing. Symptoms can range from fever and joint pain to more severe neurological issues. Many cases remain unreported or misdiagnosed due to their similarity to other illnesses. Each spring, State Representative Dan Swanson champions a resolution to mark May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month, urging for increased federal funding and expanded prevention education, especially for children, Illinois’ most at-risk group. The measure now moves to the full House for approval.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie is raising alarms over Illinois’s sanctuary state policies after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Springfield today. McCombie claims these policies embolden criminals, put families at risk, and squander taxpayer funds. She criticized Governor Pritzker for focusing on future election ambitions instead of public safety, accusing him of reckless disregard for federal government directives. McCombie argues this approach leaves Illinois families to deal with the consequences. Her comments were delivered both on the House floor and before Wednesday’s legislative session, as the debate over sanctuary policies continues to intensify at the Capitol.