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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Amid a series of commercial aircraft emergency evacuations, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation—is demanding detailed answers from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the age and abilities of the passengers on board, whether passengers had carry-ons while exiting the aircraft and how long each of these evacuations took. In the letter, Duckworth asks the FAA to produce a study the agency was required to complete in May under a provision she secured in the landmark bipartisan FAA reauthorization law last year to ensure the FAA considers improvements to the agency’s current 90-second emergency evacuation standard that reflect the reality of flying today. Specifically, her provision directed the FAA to study improvements to the safety and efficiency of evacuation standards including real-world conditions like the presence of carry-on bags and passengers who ma

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BETHALTO - Skylar Johnson, a first baseman from Civic Memorial High School, recently concluded her career with the Eagles, sporting a .323 batting average from her freshman to senior year, 73 hits and 64 RBI. She also contributed 13 home runs. She has signed to play for Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey next season. Johnson is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month. She has been praised by Civic Memorial’s head girls' softball coach, Raigen Linton, for her leadership and athletic abilities. “She is a great player and another one trusted to lead the team, always a voice for all the girls,” Linton said. “Once she gets hold of the ball, she’s a great power hitter and a great first baseman with a great glove.” During the 2025 season, Johnson batted .324, recording 22 hits and 26 RBIs, along with four home runs. Linton also highlighted Johnson’s leadership qualities, describing her as an “overall good leader&rdquo

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CHICAGO— The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) adopted new rules that expand existing restrictions on advertising, marketing and promotions for licensed casino, video gaming, and sports wagering operators including a ban on advertising on college campuses and new requirements to protect the public, especially young people and problem gamblers. “By adopting these measures, the IGB is building upon existing regulations to implement additional safeguards and standards that further protect the public and encourage responsible gambling habits,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “These regulations provide for clear, consistent, ethical, and transparent advertising and marketing guidelines for all casino, video gaming, and sports wagering operations under IGB jurisdiction.” While previous IGB rules placed restrictions on advertising and promotional content which included prohibitions against false or misleading claims and other restrictions, the new rules

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CHICAGO — Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Monday issued a statement asserting there is no legal basis for the arrest of Texas lawmakers who have fled to Illinois. Raoul said Texas law enforcement officers lack authority to detain Texas legislators in Illinois based on civil arrest warrants issued by the Texas House. “In Illinois, the rule of law matters, and law enforcement must have a legitimate legal basis to arrest someone,” Raoul said. “Texas law enforcement officers have no authority to hunt down and make arrests of Texas legislators in Illinois based on a civil arrest warrant issued by the Texas House. The Texas House may have managed to issue civil arrest warrants without having a quorum, but those civil warrants carry no weight in Illinois.” The Texas lawmakers left the state to prevent the Republican-controlled legislature from reaching the quorum necessary to vote on new redistricting maps scheduled for Monday. The maps, which were approved

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GODFREY - Mini Corral is open again, and owner Rob Lenhardt couldn’t be more excited to share the restaurant’s legacy with the community. Located at 3030 Godfrey Road in Godfrey, Mini Corral is known for its burgers, root beer and good vibes. The restaurant previously served the Riverbend region for over four decades. They officially reopened in Godfrey on Friday, Aug. 2, 2025. Lenhardt can’t wait to welcome back both loyal and new customers. “There’s a learning curve every day,” he said. “We learned a lot the first three days. There are a couple of items we’re going to change. There are a couple of things we can do better or more efficient. But that’s what the first weekend is all about. It’s all about just learning as we go what does and what doesn’t work.” In the first weekend, Lenhardt said they sold over 5,000 burgers and ran out of root beer within four and a half hours on Aug. 2. Looking ahead,

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SPRINGFIELD —Today, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) announced $983,750 in grant funding has been awarded to four grantees through the Illinois Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. The Illinois EECBG Program supports municipalities and counties with the development of strategic energy or climate action plans, as well as energy efficiency audits and publicly owned building upgrades. Illinois’ EECBG program was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “The steps being taken by grantees are meant to help communities across Illinois design, update, and finalize their comprehensive energy plans,” said Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings. “These plans will help maximize energy reduction and Return on Investment, enable better selection of advanced, location-specific technologies, and enhance resilience to future grid demands.” The final

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Did you know that the average American family spends over $800 on back-to-school shopping each year? For many households, this expense can strain the budget, especially when balancing other financial commitments. Yet, with thoughtful planning and strategic choices, it's entirely possible to equip students with everything they need without breaking the bank. This article explores practical tips and approaches to help families navigate back-to-school shopping economically while still securing quality supplies. Understanding Priorities: What Do Students Really Need? Before rushing to the store or filling your online cart, it’s crucial to differentiate between essentials and wants. Schools typically provide a list of required supplies—ranging from notebooks and pens to specific uniforms or technology. By focusing strictly on these items, parents can avoid unnecessary purchases that inflate costs. For instance, a common mistake is buying multiple styles of backpacks or trendy

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August 5th holds a significant place in world history, marked by events that have shaped the political, scientific, and cultural landscape globally. Moving back in time, August 5 has witnessed a range of pivotal moments across different fields. In 1583, the city of São Paulo was founded in Brazil by Jesuit priests. This event was crucial in the spread of European influence in South America and the development of Brazil as a significant cultural and economic hub. São Paulo grew from a missionary outpost into one of the largest cities in the world, playing a vital role in the country's history and identity. Another notable event occurred in 1962 when the Mariner 2 spacecraft became the first successful mission to another planet, conducting a flyby of Venus. This milestone in space exploration expanded human knowledge about our solar system and marked a major achievement during the space race era, inspiring generations of scientists and enthusiasts. In the arts and entertainment

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EDWARDSVILLE — Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 has announced the approval of a new two-year contract with the Edwardsville Education Association (EEA) that reinforces the district’s commitment to supporting and valuing its certified staff. The contract was ratified by the EEA and approved unanimously (7-0) by the Board of Education at a special meeting Monday evening. The agreement provides increased benefits and strengthens the overall employee experience within the district. The new contract includes important benefits for employees, including: One additional personal day for certified staff. 25 paid parenting leave days that do not impact employees’ sick leave balances. Increased classroom supply reimbursement to $100 for all certified staff Pre-K–12 (up from $40 for K–6). Implementation of a bi-monthly pay schedule for certified employees starting in the 2026–2027 school year. Enhanced stipend schedules, including adjustments

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Fog will lift this morning in the Riverbend area with a high of 83 degrees and a low of 66. Expect partly sunny skies with humid conditions through the day. Winds will be light, coming from the east-northeast at 6 mph, gusting up to 8 mph. The air quality is moderate with low pollen counts for grass, mold, ragweed, and tree pollen, but be aware the UV index is very high at 10, so sun protection is advised. Tonight will be clear and humid with lows near 66 degrees. Tomorrow’s forecast calls for a high of 88 and a low of 67 degrees with partly sunny skies and continued humidity. Winds will be gentle from the east-southeast at 6 mph with gusts up to 8 mph. If you plan to be outdoors today or tomorrow, stay hydrated and use sunscreen to protect against the strong sun. The morning fog may reduce visibility, so take care if you’re driving early. For more weather updates, visit https://riverbender.com/weather .

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ALTON – In preparation for the annual Duck Pluckers Ball, Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation is hosting an online raffle. The event website where raffle tickets maybe be purchased is auctria.events/DUCKPLUCKERS The featured item is Wild Pig Helicopter Hunt for two. There will only be 150 chances available for that raffle. Cost is $100 per ticket. Other online raffle items will include: Wheelbarrow of Booze: A wheelbarrow filled with a variety of liquor donated by area bars and restaurants. Freezer of Meat: Donated by B&M livestock, Fritz Meat and Processing and AMHSF. Bourbon collection: A variety of rare bottles of bourbon donated by Colman’s Country Campers and Barry and Gaye Julian. Tickets for these three raffles are $20 each. You must be 21 years or older to win and present a valid state-issued ID to collect your winnings. Winners will be drawn at the annual Duck Pluckers, Deer Skinners & Fish Hookers Ball scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13 at NIL

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WOOD RIVER – After a lengthy discussion at Monday's meeting, Wood River City Council members voted 3-2 to approve a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement to open a dispensary in downtown Wood River. As first reported on Riverbender.com , Marko Glisic with Los Angeles-based Riverbend Ferguson LLC submitted an application for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance to renovate the property at 40 E. Ferguson Ave. into a recreational cannabis dispensary. Dispensary representatives estimate the business will generate $1.5 to $2 million in revenue once operational. After Councilman Bill Dettmers asked for a more detailed breakdown of how much tax revenue would go to the state and city, it was estimated the city would receive about $60,000 from a local tax rate of 3%. Dispensary representatives believe the business would not only drive economic growth, but would also boost foot traffic in the downtown district. The project is also expected to generate 12-18 permanent jobs and

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GRAFTON - On Saturday, August 2, 2025, families and happy children descended on Red Hawk Park with gusto, ready for Grafton’s Family Fun Day. This annual celebration of summer is the last hurrah before school buses reappear. “Attendance was up this year with over 125 in attendance,” said Alderwoman Donna Smith, Chair of the Community Outreach Committee. The weather was perfect and everyone heartily enjoyed free hot dogs, chips and water provided by Dow Southern Baptist Church. Ashlen Scott, Miss Jersey County Fair 2025, was welcomed as a guest of honor, adding her sparkle to the event. Face painting by Abby Doering was an instant hit with the younger set and added to playground fun. QEM’s fire engine, Grafton’s police car, and Jersey Community Hospital’s ambulance provided children with a “hands on” experience and answers to their many questions. New this year, John Pietrusinski of the 2nd Army Ranger reenactors STL, held the interest

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GILLESPIE, Ill. — Terry L. Swan, 42, of Gillespie, was charged July 28, 2025, with multiple offenses, including forgery, DUI, driving on a revoked license, fleeing, and illegal transportation of alcohol. According to the complaint, Swan knowingly delivered a false document, specifically a check, to a bank with the intent to defraud. The forgery charge is classified as a Class 3 felony. In addition to forgery, Swan faces a Class A misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence, as well as Class A misdemeanor charges for fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement and driving on a revoked license. He was also charged with the petty offense of transporting alcohol in a motor vehicle, which is considered a minor violation under Illinois law. Swan’s case is pending, and as with all individuals charged, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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High school athletes across the country are already feeling the heat as teams begin practices for several sports, including football, cross country and soccer. While student athletes and coaches are anxious to get the season under way, experts say it’s important to stay safe, especially when it comes to practicing during the grueling August temperatures. “The summer heat is very dangerous for so many different reasons, and it is important to know and identify those risk factors associated with heat related illnesses, particularly the athletes, their coaches and the staff who work with them,” says Faheem Ahmad, MD, a family practice physician with OSF HealthCare, who completed a fellowship in sports medicine. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research , heat stroke is the third-most common cause of sudden death among high school athletes behind cardiac arrest and traumatic brain injuries. Already this year, a 16-year-old student athlete

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STAUNTON — A 45-year-old man faces a felony charge of Aggravated Battery by Strangulation following an incident earlier this week. Donald L. Lloyd, who is listed as homeless, was charged on July 28, 2025, for allegedly strangling a victim with his hands on July 26. The complaint states that Lloyd knowingly and without legal justification made contact with the victim by strangling them. Lloyd has a prior criminal record, including a 2022 conviction for criminal trespass and a 2021 conviction for theft. The Staunton Police Department presented the case. As with all individuals charged, Lloyd is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON — The Puddle of Mudd concert at the Alton Amphitheater drew an estimated 1,200 attendees on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, marking a successful event for organizers and fans alike. Dan Herkert, chair of the Alton Amphitheater Commission, said the turnout exceeded expectations. He also added that weather conditions were "great" for the concert. “The weather break was a huge boost and the crowd brought a lot of energy to the venue,” Herkert said. He noted that Puddle of Mudd has “diehard fans,” which contributed to the vibrant atmosphere. Wes Scantlin, lead singer of Puddle of Mudd, praised the venue and the audience. According to Herkert, Scantlin said, “This is the best amphitheater we’ve ever played,” and he complimented the venue, the crowd, and the efforts made to put on the show. Looking ahead, the amphitheater will host a free Food Truck Fest event on Aug. 23, 2025. Organizers are finalizing the list of participating vendors, aiming

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District No. 9 is partnering with Chestnut Health Systems to host a school physical clinic on Tuesday, August 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Granite City High School parking lot at 3101 Madison Ave. This event will be held to help protect students and others by meeting school physical requirements. All incoming kindergarteners, 6th graders and high school freshmen are required to have a school physical and updated shot records. WHEN Tuesday, August 12 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. WHERE • Granite City High School Parking Lot, 3101 Madison Ave. INFORMATION Who is eligible: Preschool-12th graders Limited time slots available - call or email for an appointment Medicaid and private insurance accepted Uninsured patients welcome Sliding fee scale available WHAT TO BRING: Parent/Guardian ID Immunization Record Insurance Card (s) RESERVE A SPOT Contact Jen Evans by phone (618) 512-1863 or email

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WASHINGTON - Illinois conservation organizations are applauding new legislation introduced Wednesday by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) to provide increased protection to three of the largest uninterrupted areas of southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest. The proposal would establish the Camp Burke Branch, Camp Hutchins and Ripple Hollow Special Management Areas, protecting them from any commercial extraction activity while allowing for active management of these natural areas. The bill would also establish a new Wilderness Area within Camp Hutchins. “These three areas are rich in biodiversity and among Illinois’ most pristine habitats, but they are not currently protected against logging or other commercial activities,” said Barbara McKasson, a leader with the Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club. “Senator Durbin’s proposal will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy these high quality natural areas, and that they will continue to

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department recently concluded a targeted traffic safety campaign, "Speeding Catches Up With You," from July 8 to August 1. This initiative aimed to reinforce the importance of safe driving habits and was part of a broader statewide effort. In collaboration with numerous law enforcement agencies, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois State Police, the campaign's primary goal was to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries caused by speeding on our roads. During this enforcement period, Edwardsville Police conducted 63 traffic stops, resulting in the following citations and arrests: 43 speeding citations 8 distracted driving citations 8 citations for other traffic violations 2 arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 1 arrest for driving with a suspended or revoked license “For everyone driving through Edwardsville, we cannot stress this enough: obey the speed limits and take your responsibility behind

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