Riverbender 🕸

ALTON — Kathleen Wiegand has retired from Alton High School, concluding a long career in education that began as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Alton Middle School. Wiegand said the most rewarding part of working in the district has been "working and interacting with students and making a positive impact on their lives." Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, camping and hiking. Looking ahead, Wiegand plans to spend time traveling and being with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For new employees, she advises, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered a speech on the Senate floor detailing the vicious, shortsighted $9.4 billion in cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting proposed by the Trump Administration in a rescissions package meant to codify the destruction of federal agencies by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In his remarks, Durbin laid out the specific programs the package will cut, including bipartisan efforts to address HIV/AIDS, support new democracies, and provide unbiased and local news. “On Tuesday, President Trump sent Congress proposed rescissions… Where has the President suggested we cut a very miniscule percentage of the federal budget to fund deficit-busting tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy? From bipartisan programs programs that both parties have supported for years,” Durbin began. “ Programs that help the poorest in the world survive, even lead a normal life suffering from

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) along with U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) and David Kustoff (R-TN-08) today introduced legislation to help improve ground transportation into and out of our nation’s busy airports. The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would use existing federal funding to create an incentive for surface transportation projects at and within five miles of a public airport that improve access, reduce congestion or rehabilitate roads, rail or transit, making catching a flight or coming home from the airport easier and faster for Americans across the country. “We’ve all been there—you’re rushing to the airport but then get stuck in traffic outside while worrying that your flight is going to take off without you,” Duckworth said. “Airports like Chicago O’Hare and so many others are building to keep up with the growing passenger demand, but our surface transportation

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of gun manufacturers in Smith & Wesson v. Mexico : “Gun trafficking from the United States to Mexico is fueling a cycle of tremendous violence. Lawless gun manufacturers, international criminals, and drug cartels are weaponizing our lax gun laws in America to facilitate violence, traffic drugs, and wreak havoc across the globe. “This ruling does not address that crisis. While it’s a temporary win for gun manufacturers, the Supreme Court’s decision is narrow and specific to the claims in this case. “Our fight for common sense gun safety reform continues. My Stop Arming Cartels Act would cut off gun trafficking at its source and strengthen American gun laws, and today’s ruling is further reason to pass it into law. Earlier this year, Durbin introduced

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS — After 33 years of dedicated service, Vanessa Huffman, an elementary teacher with East St. Louis School District 189, is retiring in 2025. Throughout her career, Huffman has been recognized for her commitment to fostering a love of learning and supporting student growth. Huffman’s classroom has been described as a place of growth, joy, and discovery where students feel empowered. The East St. Louis School District has highlighted her passion for education and her lasting impact on the community she served. “Her impact will continue to shine through the many lives she has touched over the years,” the district said in a statement honoring Huffman’s retirement. East St. Louis School District 189 expressed gratitude for her 33 years of excellence, compassion, and service, wishing her a retirement filled with relaxation and celebration.

Continue Reading

High Honor Roll Graduation Year: 2025 MADELINE J. BRANNAN MEGAN E. CAMDEN CHEYENNE E. CLYDE SOPHIE J. COTNER GRANT T. COX CALIE A. FIELD ABIGAIL G. FLOWERS LAUREN E. FLOWERS CARSON S. GRAFFORD VANNA L. HOLMES KOBY R. SCHNELTEN HANNAH E. UHLES JOHN P. VANDERSAND KALEY J. WOELFEL Graduation Year: 2026 AVA G. CUSTER CARSON R. FLOWERS JOZEY M. GIBERSON LEXI T. HEATH BLAINE L. KAISER HANNAH C. LAKE AUGUST J. POWELL BRANDON M. RABE ELI M. RHOADES MABRY J. ROBEEN REED J. SCHNETTGOECKE GUNNAR L. SHARROW ALEX W. VANDERSAND Graduation Year: 2027 LILY B. CLOUGH BROOKELYN S. EILERMAN SHANNEN J. HOLMES HAYDEN R. MCMURTRIE JAYCE D. STEINKUEHLER Graduation Year: 2028 NOLAN M. BAUMGARTNER KOLE P. BECK AUBREY R. CROCKER CHLOE E. MCADAMS ANDREW K. PRICE CALEB D. UHLES NOAH J. UHLES HANNAH C. WAGONER Honor Roll Graduation Year: 2025 ANDREW J. ADCOCK AVERY W. BANGHART WILLIAM K. BLAND JAYLA R. CAMPBELL DAMON L. COMBS DAGAN H. CORDES HARPER

Continue Reading

ALTON/GODFREY - Pride, Inc. will recognize nearly 7,000 homes in Alton and Godfrey in the coming months. Pride, Inc., a beautification organization, sends out their Pride Eye Awards to honor homeowners that maintain their houses and yards. Pat and Carolyn MacAfee, who have been members of Pride, Inc. for years, shared that the organization will begin selecting homes for the awards over the next few weeks, with a goal to send out the awards by mid-September. “The thing is, we’re about encouraging people,” Pat said. “It’s about encouragement, to encourage others, the neighbors, to keep theirs going. We like to showcase those that make an effort.” As an organization, Pride, Inc. urges people to “love where you live” and take care of your yard and neighborhood. They also host biannual Citywide Litter Clean-Ups and spearhead beautification initiatives across the Riverbend region. The Pride Eye Awards are a longtime tradition in th

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, issued a warning about individuals posing as Ameren utility workers who are attempting to scam residents by going door-to-door in the city. The Collinsville Police said that it had received several reports about the issues. Other police departments in the area have also recently issued a similar warning to their residents. According to the Collinsville Police, these imposters may claim that immediate repairs, such as tree limb trimming or removal, are necessary and try to gain entry into homes under false pretenses. The department cautioned residents to be alert for signs of fraud, including the absence of official Ameren identification badges and unmarked vehicles, as well as high-pressure tactics demanding immediate access to properties. The Collinsville Police Department advised residents not to allow anyone into their homes without verifying their identity. They recommend asking to see identification,

Continue Reading

CARROLLTON - Following are the High Honor Roll and Honor Roll lists from Carrollton High School for Semester 2 of 2024-2025: High Honor Roll Graduation Year: 2025 Madeline J. Brannan Megan E. Camden Cheyenne E. Clyde Sophie J. Cotner Grant T. Cox Calie A. Field Abigail G. Flowers Lauren E. Flowers Carson S. Grafford Vanna L. Holmes Koby R. Schnelten Hannah E. Uhles John P. Vandersand Kaley J. Woelfel Graduation Year: 2026 Ava G. Custer Carson R. Flowers Jozey M. Giberson Lexi T. Heath Blaine L. Kaiser Hannah C. Lake August J. Powell Brandon M. Rabe Eli M. Rhoades Mabry J. Robeen Reed J. Schnettgoecke Gunnar L. Sharrow Alex W. Vandersand Graduation Year: 2027 Lily B. Clough Brookelyn S. Eilerman Shannen J. Holmes Hayden R. McMurtrie Jayce D. Steinkuehler Graduation Year: 2028 Nolan M. Baumgartner Kole P. Beck Aubrey R. Crocker Chloe E. McAdams Andrew K. Price Caleb D. Uhles Noah J. Uhles Hannah C. Wagoner Honor Roll Graduation

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt announced that over $4.5 million in state grant funding has been awarded to support clean energy development and workforce initiatives across the 57th Senate District. “With the state moving full speed ahead on green energy, it’s only right that our communities receive the support we need to be part of that future,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We’re not asking for special treatment — just our fair share.” The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program delivers seed and pre-development funding to equity-eligible contractors, nonprofits and cooperatives working on renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in low-income and historically disadvantaged communities. The program is a critical part of the state’s work to expand access to clean energy while reducing systemic barriers to development. Five projects in Belt’s district received a combined $4.58 million in funding, including:

Continue Reading

WEST CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Jel Sert Company joined local leaders to cut the ribbon on the company’s West Chicago expansion project. The company invested over $10 million to construct a new manufacturing operation that will enhance production of its popular powdered stick packs and ensure it can meet growing consumer demand. The expansion project will create more than 100 new manufacturing and packing operations jobs while retaining nearly 1,000 existing jobs. “Through competitive incentive programs, workforce development, and our state’s robust business development efforts, Illinois has been supporting businesses that create jobs and invest back into their communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Jel Sert is a shining example of that mission. Beginning as a small operation nearly 100 years ago, Jel Sert has grown into a global powerhouse, with its home base right

Continue Reading

EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River Community High School recently released its High Honor Roll and Honor Roll lists for the second semester of the 2024-2025 school year: HIGH HONOR ROLL Seniors Cameryn Adams Mianah Arnold Devon Barboza Matthew Bruce Chase Butler Adam Byrd Jayla Cartwright Claydon Cathorall Drew Charles Gabriel Colvin Emma Cope Brayden Cunningham Chloe Dale Josiah Daniels Saaphyri DeSelle Jaden Downs Jordan Ealey Brayden Elledge Gavin Ever Ethan Goforth Jack Gould Zoie Gray Eric Grimes Caleb Handler Alexander Hersman Sierra Holbrook Blair Mayonna Jaggie Keira Johnson Lillian Kay Sophia Knight Milla LeGette Quinten Mariconi Ahrya McKelley Grace McLagan Koen Miller Kelsey Moore Maya Mugge Michael Noeltner Gwendolyn Nunley Elliott Owens Braeden Phillips Kayley Plank Haley Pratt Lucas Rabe Tyler Ragusa Kindra Reed Kenadie Romero Carmela Scroggins Camden Seibert Ash Shea Isaiah Simpson-Kolmer William

Continue Reading

ALTON - Local kids have a trusted adult, a sense of community, and improved grades thanks to a new tutoring program. Patricia Brown, a paraprofessional at East Elementary School and founder of Bright Beautiful Minds Tutoring Academy, realized that many of the kids living at Alton Acres and Oakwood Estates would benefit from the educational and social boosts of tutoring. She started her own tutoring program to refresh them on basic concepts and help them create a “school family.” “It’s letting them know that they are important and that we believe in them,” Brown said. “You’re not a product of your environment. You can be whatever you want to be.” Brown is a commissioner with the Alton Housing Authority. When she learned the Alton Housing Authority was planning to discontinue a tutoring program due to lack of participation, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She knocked on every door, found volunteers, and invited kids

Continue Reading

GODFREY — The Community Christmas campaign is gearing up to support local families in need during the holiday season through its annual fundraising events this summer, including the Christmas In July event. Organizer Margaret Freer emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging people to help sell $10 raffle tickets for the campaign’s fundraising efforts, so the Christmas In July event can be an overwhelming success. The 17th annual Christmas In July event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 18, 2025, at Freer Auto Body, located at 4512 N. Alby in Godfrey. Freer said every dollar raised during the event will go directly to helping families experience the "spirit of Christmas." In addition, Bakers and Hale in Godfrey will host their annual "dine to donate" event on July 13, 2025, which also benefits the Community Christmas campaign. Tickets for the July Freer event will also be available at the dine to donate affair. “We have amazing prizes

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. With reports of elder abuse on the rise in Illinois since 2022 , Department on Aging Director Mary Killough is reminding community members to learn the warning signs and speak up about suspected abuse of older adults. “Elder abuse is sadly more common than many people realize, but it is largely preventable,” said IDoA Director Mary Killough. “By understanding what elder abuse is, recognizing the signs, and taking steps to prevent it, we can create safer and more supportive communities for older adults.” Elder abuse is characterized as an act causing any physical, mental or sexual injury to an older adult, including exploitation of their financial resources and abandonment. The term also applies to actions that create an environment in which harm could be expected, including harm to an older adult's health, physical and/or emotional well-being, or welfare. National studies show as many as one in 10

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – Do you know someone who has left a lasting mark on the outdoors in Illinois? The Illinois Conservation Foundation is now accepting nominations for the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame class of 2025. Each year, the foundation honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to conservation and outdoor recreation across the state. Since 2002, inductees have included mentors who have introduced thousands to hunting, fishing and wildlife stewardship. These leaders have championed habitat restoration, clean water, and helped preserve our outdoor heritage for generations to come. “These are the people who don’t just enjoy the outdoors, they make it better for everyone,” said Jenny Vaughn, executive director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. “We’re proud to celebrate their stories and their impact.” Nominees selected for the 2025 class will be inducted at the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Gala next spring. Visit the

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul defended birthright citizenship in the ongoing multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration’s executive order purporting to redefine birthright citizenship to exclude certain children born to non-citizen parents. Attorneys representing Illinois, Arizona, Oregon and Washington argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Wednesday in the states’ lawsuit challenging the executive order. It was the first case against the order to be heard in an appeals court since a district judge in February deemed the order “blatantly unconstitutional” and granted a nationwide preliminary injunction against its implementation while the case proceeds. The administration appealed to the 9th Circuit in an effort to overturn the injunction. “As a birthright citizen myself, born to an immigrant mother not yet naturalized at the time, the fight to preserve birthright citizenship is a personal one,”

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced 27 awards totaling $23 million through the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program as part of a larger strategy to equitably grow the clean energy workforce in Illinois through the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Additionally, the Governor announced $25.5 million available in grant funding for the third round of the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program to support renewable energy projects in historically underserved communities. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, Illinois is leading the nation forward in generating good jobs and fostering economic opportunity in the clean energy industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program ensures that our investments leave no community behind – and

Continue Reading

HIGHLAND – EvUCC (Evangelical United Church of Christ) in Highland, is set to host a deeply moving evening of music and reflection as singer-songwriter Jess Ray brings her acclaimed Matin Tour to town. The concert will take place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 , offering a unique blend of quiet songs, hymns, and heartfelt storytelling. The Matin Tour is inspired by Jess Ray’s Matin project, a four-part set of songs recorded at sunrise, capturing the stillness and sacredness of the early morning hours. Known for her honest lyrics and warm, folk-infused sound, Jess invites audiences into a space of peace, creativity, and connection. Event Details: Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 Venue: Evangelical United Church of Christ (EvUCC), Highland, IL Early Entry Ticket Holders Doors Open: 5:45 PM Early Entry Ticket Holder Q&A Hang with Jess: 6:00 PM General Admission Doors: 6:30 PM Concert Begins: 7:00 PM Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her music,

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC)—pressed the nominee to serve as Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Cheryl Mason, on whether she intends to remain impartial in her investigations and put the needs of our Veterans ahead of the whims of Donald Trump. Duckworth raised concerns about Ms. Mason’s commitment to uphold the rule of law, particularly since she refuses to acknowledge that her nomination is only possible because Donald Trump illegally fired her predecessor. Duckworth’s remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . “Congress established Inspector Generals to help ensure any given Administration complies with the law—and instead of carrying out these important oversight responsibilities, I’m deeply concerned that Ms. Mason would simply serve as a private investigator for Donal

Continue Reading