Riverbender 🕸

EDWARDSVILLE – A new indoor recreational field house featuring courts for basketball, volleyball and training opportunities is planned for Plummer Family Park as part of a partnership between the City of Edwardsville and Lucky 13 Hoops, which is owned by Edwardsville native Mark Thomas. Mayor Art Risavy announced plans for this exciting addition to the City’s Plummer Family Park sports complex on Wednesday, April 2. The 45,000-square-foot facility will feature five high school regulation-size basketball courts that can transition into eight to 10 volleyball courts for games, training, open play and camps. The facility will be the new home for the Edwardsville Parks & Recreation Department’s youth and adult basketball leagues, offer public training and playing opportunities and host tournaments. It also will be the site of Shoot 360 Edwardsville, a cutting-edge, immersive, data-driven basketball training experience for athletes of all skill levels. “This is

Continue Reading

ALTON - If you want to look at someone who will be looking out for you, this month's most recent Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Remarkable Redbird, sophomore Atticus Chapman is likely to be that person. Atticus is a member of the Alton High ROTC and has been the first sophomore promoted to an officer position. He is responsible for overseeing his fellow 60-plus classmates in ROTC during four periods of class. He is also responsible for meeting with Flight Commanders to teach drill and also Academic Advisors to teach class to the ROTC members. Atticus is also a part of the Kitty Hawk Air Society, which is a tutoring program for any ROTC cadets that they may need in any subject. Atticus is currently a tutor for Science and English, but he added there are other tutors for other subjects as well. Some of the tasks he has enjoyed with ROTC include trash pickup, community service, taking recycling bins from around school and taking to the recycling plants, doing color guard for sporting

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE – While St. Clair County saw no shortage of contested races for Mayor and more, it did see a shortage of participation from local voters in the April 1, 2025 elections. Voter turnout was considerably low across St. Clair County, where only 15% of all registered voters participated. While the county is home to 168,330 registered voters, only 25,291 of them cast their ballots on Election Day. Belleville In the county seat of Belleville, the vast majority of voters chose to sit out a highly consequential election which saw current Mayor Patty Gregory ousted by challenger Jennifer "Jenny" Gain Meyer. Out of 43,180 registered Belleville voters, just 6,914 cast their votes – meaning the town’s new leadership was decided by just 16% of eligible participants. Collinsville Only 19% of Collinsville voters decided the contested City Council race, which saw Donna Green secure re-election as David Seaton Jr. won a seat on the council against Eric M. Nagel an

Continue Reading

Dear Editor, As the Fire Chief of the Godfrey Fire Protection District, I am concerned about the current Village of Godfrey Trustees' decision to dismiss the proposal for expanding ambulance services. In September 2023, I suggested leasing the old fire station on Godfrey Road to enhance our emergency response, but this was ignored. Relocating the proposed service to Roxana contradicts the trustees' vision for our village. Reliable emergency services are vital, and opposing this expansion undermines our residents' safety. Currently, Alton Memorial is our only ambulance service, and while they perform admirably, our growing community needs more support. Expanding services would, in periods of increased demand, ensure quicker response times and better care during emergencies. To Godfrey trustees, please again consider the importance of reliable emergency services. Thoughtful decisions can ensure that our community's needs are met and that we continue to thrive. Sincerel

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis Senior High School hosted its annual Poetry Slam recently, featuring the theme “Words That Breathe and Transform.” The event, sponsored by English Language Arts teacher Melanie Davis, showcased the talents of students as they expressed themselves through spoken word poetry. Participants delivered a range of performances that highlighted their creativity and passion. The event aimed to provide a platform for students to share their thoughts and experiences, encouraging self-expression and artistic exploration. “Congratulations to all the participants and winners,” Davis said. “Your voices, creativity, and passion truly shined.” The Poetry Slam is part of a broader initiative at East St. Louis Senior High School to promote literacy and the arts among students. The event drew an enthusiastic audience, with attendees supporting their peers and celebrating the art of poetry. Highlights from the event included

Continue Reading

O'FALLON, Ill. — A community is coming together to support David Lang, who is facing the challenges of raising two daughters alone following the sudden death of his wife, Maria Lang, on March 27, 2025. Maria died shortly after giving birth to their newborn daughter, Adelynn, leaving behind her husband and their 8-year-old daughter. In the wake of this tragedy, a fundraiser has been organized by Shelby Brennan on behalf of the Lang family. The initiative aims to help David cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and ongoing needs for his family. According to the fundraiser's description, Maria was "so excited to be a mom again." Following her death, Adelynn spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) but has since returned home. The fundraiser has been launched by members of the Holy Childhood School community, where David's older daughter is enrolled. Organizers hope that the effort will provide financial relief and support during this difficult time. The fundraiser

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in a letter to Chairman Grassley pushing for a hearing on Ed Martin’s nomination to be U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. While the Committee doesn’t typically hold hearings for U.S. Attorney nominees, Mr. Martin’s record and deeply problematic conduct merit heightened scrutiny and more than justify the full committee questioning him under oath. The Senators described Mr. Martin’s record of attacks on law enforcement and association with violent criminals , writing: “Prior to his appointment as interim U.S. Attorney, Mr. Martin made stunning attacks on federal prosecutors and associated himself with individuals who present a threat to our nation. Mr. Martin was a leader of the so-called ‘Stop the Steal’ movement to illegally overturn the 2020 election. H

Continue Reading

ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc. (SSP), located at 2306 N. Rodgers Ave. in Alton, will host a "Meet the Legislators" panel discussion on April 25, 2025, from 12 to 1 p.m. Proudly sponsored by AARP Illinois, the event will feature District Director Brian Zilm from U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski's office, Senator Erica Harriss, and State Representative Katie Stuart. These legislators will discuss key topics and issues impacting the older adult community, followed by a Q&A session where attendees can engage directly with the speakers. “We are grateful to have local legislators visit our agency to share updates and answer questions for our older adults. It’s important that we offer opportunities for our older adults to stay engaged and informed. This event wouldn’t be possible without our AARP Illinois’ collaboration and support.” said SSP Development Director, Emily Jackson. This event will take place in the School House Grill inside Senior Services

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—along with SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) called out the White House for declaring SignalGate—the most devastating and significant national security breach in years—“ case-closed ” without holding any senior Administration officials responsible for leaking classified information through an unclassified communications channel, putting the lives of our servicemembers at greater risk. In her remarks, Duckworth called on Republicans to join her in demanding congressional hearings and an independent investigation to look into the Trump officials on the Signal chat—urging her colleagues on the other side of the aisle

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Dr. Paul Kearns, Director of Argonne National Laboratory to discuss the future of scientific research as the Trump Administration takes aim at federal research institutions. During their meeting, Durbin and Dr. Kearns spoke about the disastrous impact of the Trump Administration’s funding cuts and freezes to scientific research. Durbin and Dr. Kearns also discussed Illinois’ position as a leader in quantum computing research. In February, Durbin introduced his bipartisan DOE Quantum Leadership Act , which would authorize more than $2.5 billion over the next five years for quantum research at the Department of Energy. “Illinois is home to premier research institutions, including Argonne National Lab. But the Trump Administration fails to understand just how critical our scientists and researchers are in pushing our country forward,” said Durbin. “It was a pleasure to

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—secured a commitment from President Trump’s nominee to serve as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lieutenant General Dan Caine, to ensure legally-required oversight and accountability of military decisions in light of SignalGate demonstrating Trump Administration officials’ deeply troubling pattern of using unclassified and unaccountable backchannels that jeopardize the safety of our servicemembers. A day after the White House declared SignalGate “ case closed ” and that no one on the Signal chain would lose their jobs for breaching our national security, Duckworth outlined how this Administration has been corruptly mishandling our nation’s secrets. Duckworth’s full remarks can be found on YouTube . “The Trump Administration has shown they are more interested in keeping secrets

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) participated in a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing where medical technology executives pitched their products to be bought by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In her remarks, Budzinski questioned why the committee was discussing cutting-edge biomedical equipment, while the VA is in crisis in the wake of the Trump administration’s ongoing hiring freeze and mass firings of VA employees. In fact, no representative from the VA was present at the hearing. Congresswoman Budzinski joined House Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano in sending a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins expressing grave concern with President Trump’s recent executive orders on the VA research workforce. The lawmakers demanded answers about what firing these employees means for the future of VA research – including ongoing clinical trials. Budzinski’s remarks as prepared for

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville concluded its annual Wom*n’s History Month (WHM) on Monday, March 31, 2025. This year’s theme was Moving Forward Together! Wom*n Educating and Inspiring Generations. Speakers, presentations, activities, observances and more were woven throughout March to acknowledge and celebrate women and their contributions. WHM was also a time to inform, inspire and challenge hearts and minds. Specifically, some of the month’s highlights included the Opening of Wom*n’s History Month with Venessa A Brown, PhD, emerita professor in the Department of Social Work, and sponsored by the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub (K-Hub); “Women’s History Unveiled: Honoring Women Who Changed The World,” sponsored by the SIUE Office of Equal Opportunity, Access, and Title IX (EOA); The Clothesline Project (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness), hosted by the EOA; Midwest Society for Women in Philosophy

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Legendary rock band The Black Crowes are bringing electrified guitar strings, and stripped, bare-boned rock & roll to the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage on Saturday, August 9 . The Black Crowes have been a staple of American rock & roll since their 1990 debut, blending blues-infused riffs with unapologetic energy. With over 30 million albums sold worldwide, the band has cemented its place in rock history. Their latest album, Happiness Bastards, marks their triumphant return to original music and has been hailed as a testament to the enduring power of rock & roll. “The Black Crowes represent the kind of powerhouse talent that makes the Illinois State Fair’s Grandstand lineup stand out year after year,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II . Since reuniting in 2019, The Black Crowes have played over 150 shows across 20 countries, proving that their signature mix of gritty blues-rock and unfiltered energy

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at East Alton Wood River (EAWR) High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. March's winner is Logan Wilcutt. Logan is a Senior at EAWR and is involved in Track & Field, Cross Country and Trap. Logan has received honors with the Silver Medallion, Gold Renaissance and High Honorable. In Logan's free time, he enjoys working the concessions stand and donating at local blood drives. After graduation, Logan is planning on enlisting in the military. Congratulations Logan and we all wish you good luck in your future! Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community for over 90 years. To find out more information

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee in two letters to U.S. Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi seeking clarification about the Trump Administration’s extreme and partisan approach to the pardon power. The first letter asks what role, if any, the Department of Justice (DOJ) played in the pardons and commutations issued by President Donald Trump to individuals convicted of crimes in connection with the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, as well as greater clarity regarding DOJ’s position on the scope of criminal acts covered by these pardons and commutations. Along with Durbin, this letter was signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA). “As you know, on January 20, 2025, President Trump granted clemency t

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 24 attorneys general and governors, today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for abruptly and illegally terminating nearly $12 billion in critical public health grants to states. The grant terminations, which came with no warning or legally valid explanation, have quickly caused chaos for state health agencies that continue to rely on these critical funds for a wide range of urgent public health needs such as infectious disease management, fortifying emergency preparedness, providing mental health and substance abuse services, and modernizing public health infrastructure. “Illinois and states across the nation rely on federal grants to provide state public health services that protect our children and residents from serious diseases or health crises,” Raoul said. “The abrupt termination of this funding that impacts

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Join the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, Hospital Sisters Health System, the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children, elected officials, child welfare stakeholders and more for a month-long observance to share child abuse and neglect prevention awareness messages and promote prevention efforts during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. This year’s theme, Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention , is a call to action to commit to a future where every child grows up safe, loved and full of hope. “This year’s theme goes hand-in-hand with our department’s vision: for every child and youth to grow and thrive in a family,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller. “We know that when parents are supported, their families are stronger and safer – and we also know that children do better when they are able to remain at home safely. In 2024 we served 4,034 families

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved its annual five-year Crossing Safety Improvement Program (FY 2026-2030) to implement life-saving safety upgrades at highway-rail crossings across Illinois. Over $400 million from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) and Rebuild Illinois (RBI) will help local communities pay for much-needed improvements at over 900 crossing locations . “Illinois’ rail system is made up of more than 10,000 public crossings. The ICC’s Crossing Safety Improvement Plan is an essential tool for improving our state’s rail infrastructure and reducing the risk of collisions,” said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan . In 2024, preliminary Federal Railroad Administration data indicates there were 80 collisions at public crossings in Illinois, down from 89 in 2023. State funding from the GCPF and RBI provide Illinois communities the ability to address longstanding safety concerns and increasing project costs.

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - A tornado watch is in effect until 4 p.m. for the Metro East area, National Weather Service in St. Louis meteorologist Chris Kimble said on Wednesday morning, April 2, 2025. He said the tornado watch means the region is under the threat of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, and the watch covers the entire Metro East region. "The conditions Wednesday afternoon are conducive to the development of severe weather," Kimble added. The National Weather Service advises residents to remain vigilant and be prepared to receive warnings. Kimble advised in the event of severe weather, individuals are encouraged to seek shelter in a basement or a sturdy room, away from external walls or windows, until the threat has passed. The most significant threat is expected between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. In addition to the tornado watch, forecasts indicate that heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely to persist from Thursday through the weekend, raising concerns about potential flas

Continue Reading