Riverbender 🕸

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) sent a letter to the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, requesting that her pay be withheld for the duration of the government shutdown. Budzinski wrote, “Members of Congress should play by the same rules as the people they represent. Until Congress comes to a bipartisan resolution to this impasse, one that makes whole the workers I represent in Illinois’ 13th District and fully reopens the government, I firmly believe Member pay should be withheld. Washington’s dysfunction is unacceptable, and Illinoisans have had enough. Until both parties come to the table, do their job, and reopen the government, Members of Congress should not receive pay.” Full text of the letter is available HERE and below: The Honorable Catherine Szpindor Chief Administrative Officer U.S. House of Representatives Room HB-28, The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Dear Ms. Szpindor,

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — A 31-year-old man was arrested and charged following a shooting incident at a residence on Ivan Court in Fairview Heights on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, according to the Fairview Heights Police Department. At approximately 2:47 p.m., officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire. Upon arrival, police established a perimeter around the residence and secured several occupants without incident. Initial interviews revealed the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two family members, resulting in one individual being shot in the leg. The victim left the scene and called 911, reporting the injury and identifying the shooter, who remained inside the home. Officers maintained the perimeter and attempted contact with the suspect via telephone and loudspeaker. At about 5 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2025, the suspect, identified as Nykee L. Burt-Mathis, voluntarily surrendered to police. He was taken into custody and transported to the Fairview Heights Police

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Women's Business Month throughout October by recognizing the significant contributions of women-owned businesses across the state. There are nearly 561,000 women-owned businesses in Illinois employing more than 661,000 workers and bringing in $165 billion in revenue each year. During this monthlong celebration, DCEO will be elevating resources and events to help bolster Illinois’ women-owned businesses and aspiring female entrepreneurs. “I’m proud to celebrate the wealth of women-owned businesses across our state — and the thousands of talented women who’ve helped establish Illinois’ vibrant business community as the best in the nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Here in Illinois, we’re focused on promoting equity so all businessowners can thrive, and my administration is committed to supporting Illinoisans as they establish

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with New York Attorney General Letitia James, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to block new restrictions on federal funding that supports survivors of domestic violence and other violent crimes. Raoul and the coalition’s lawsuit , which was filed today in U.S. District Court in the District of Rhode Island, challenges a rule barring states from using Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne JAG) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant funds to provide services to undocumented immigrants, or other individuals who cannot prove their status. Attorney General Raoul and the coalition argue that the new policy is unconstitutional and are asking the court to stop the rule from taking effect in their states. “Throughout my time as Illinois’

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EDWARDSVILLE - Community members can support cancer patients at an upcoming vendor fair. From 1–4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, Stridin’ and Survivin’ will host their fall “Shop the Town Pink” Vendor and Craft Sip and Shop at The Hall in Edwardsville. Admission and parking is completely free. Proceeds from drink purchases and the vendor fees will go toward the organization’s Fuel the Cure program, wherein they give gas cards to patients across the Riverbend region and beyond. “Our big day is Sunday,” said Alice, president of Stridin’ and Survivin’. “We give out probably $10,000 worth of gas cards in a year. We’re trying to keep that moving and trying to make sure we always have funds in that account.” On Oct. 5, community members can enjoy shopping from a variety of vendors, including custom kaleidoscopes, Mary Kay, purses, fudge, homemade soaps, stained glass and plenty more. There are over

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for October. Oct. 1 Archery deer hunting season Statewide The season is Oct. 1 through Jan. 18, closing Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 4-7 in counties with a firearms season and in Kane County west of Illinois 47. The season is Oct. 1 through Jan. 18 in Cook, DuPage, Lake and Kane counties east of Illinois 47. Learn more on the IDNR archery deer hunting website. Oct. 1 Archery fall turkey hunting season begins Statewide The season is Oct. 1 through Jan. 18, closing Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 4-7 in counties with a firearms season and in Kane County west of Illinois 47. The season is Oct. 1 through Jan. 18 in Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Kane counties east of Illinois 47. Learn more on the Hunt Illinois turkey website. Oct. 1 Public duck and goose hunting area permits Statewide Hunters can acquire additional permits on a first-come, first-served

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GRIGGSVILLE - Three Illinois school districts—Griggsville-Perry School District, Western School District and Pikeland CUSD 10 — were removed from soft lockdown status Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, after law enforcement determined a threat in the area had passed. The districts had been under soft lockdown earlier in the day as a precautionary measure. Pikeland CUSD 10 officials confirmed that authorities determined the threat no longer existed, leading to the decision to lift the lockdown. Griggsville-Perry School District had previously reported remaining on soft lockdown mid-day while consulting with their school resource officer and monitoring exterior cameras to ensure campus security. The district also decided to proceed with afternoon Pre-K classes. Decisions on after-school activities for the districts will be made as soon as possible, officials said. See related story here.

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NEW CANTON — The Pike County Sheriff’s Office reported Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, that Gerald E. Waligorski, 67, was found dead in his home following a shooting incident earlier that morning. Pike County Sheriff's deputies responded at approximately 6 a.m. Thursday, after a report of a shooting in the 300 block of Mississippi Street in New Canton. At the scene, officers found Waligorski’s wife suffering from a gunshot wound. She informed police that Waligorski had shot her and threatened her parents. The woman was airlifted from the scene for treatment of her injuries. Authorities then conducted a welfare check at the wife’s parents’ residence in the 200 block of Monroe Street, where both parents were found deceased. After being unable to locate Waligorski, a SWAT team executed a search warrant at his home and discovered him dead. Officials have not released any other information regarding a motive for the shootings.

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GODFREY – There is still time to request a free carbon monoxide detector for installation on Saturday, October 11, 2025, according to event coordinator, Sharon Groh. Resurrection Lutheran Church of Godfrey will host a free Carbon Monoxide Installation Event to coincide with National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 5–11, 2025. Local volunteers, in partnership with the Godfrey Fire Protection District and the Alton Fire Department, will install new 10-year UL-Listed carbon monoxide detectors in approved homes. Referrals to the local fire department are often made for more home fire safety planning, especially in Godfrey. Godfrey has access to free smoke detectors through a grant program. The CDC advises that carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill. Many household items including gas- and oil-burning furnaces, gas appliances (refrigerator, water heater, stove,

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EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt secured over $155 million to build and repair infrastructure in the Metro East. “What we are seeing here is a massive investment in every mode of transportation for all Illinoisans,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We made a commitment to improve our state’s aging infrastructure and this historic funding is a major step in holding true to that commitment.” The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county. As part

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ALTON — Officers with the Alton Police Department responded at approximately 9:33 a.m. to the 900 block of Bradley Street on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, after receiving a report of a male who had been shot. Upon arrival, officers found a 23-year-old man with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the victim was transported to a hospital in the St. Louis area and is currently listed in stable condition. Several individuals, all known to each other, were interviewed at the scene by officers and detectives. The initial investigation indicates the shooting was an isolated incident, and authorities have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation remains active. The Alton Police Department is asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 618-463-3505, extension 634.

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Community Collaboration (C3) has announced Rachel Whitener, fourth-grade teacher at Kreitner Elementary School, was chosen to receive the 2025 Stan Schaeffer Education Community Leadership Award. C3 is a partnership between the City of Collinsville, Collinsville Chamber of Commerce and Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 to recognize excellence in community and public service. Since 2018, the C3 Awards have been held annually to recognize organizations and individuals for their outstanding contributions to the community. This year’s awards dinner will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Gateway Center in Collinsville. The Stan Schaeffer Education Community Leadership Award was established to honor the late Stan Schaeffer, retired educator and former mayor of Collinsville. The award is given to an employee within CUSD 10 who has gone above and beyond in the field of education resulting in a positive impact on the greater Collinsville

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MADISON COUNTY — Deputy Michael Metzler has joined the Madison County Sheriff’s Office after retiring from the Alton Police Department, officials announced this week. Metzler, who brings several years of law enforcement experience, was recently sworn in as a deputy with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Following a brief Field Training Program, he will be assigned to the Court Security Division. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office welcomed Metzler, highlighting his prior service with the Alton Police Department. Meanwhile, the Alton Police Department congratulated Metzler on his new role, expressing appreciation for his dedication and service. “While we’ll miss seeing him in an Alton PD uniform, we know he’ll continue serving our community with the same dedication in his new role,” the Alton Police Department said in a statement. “Best of luck, Deputy Metzler — once APD family, always APD family!”

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ALTON – Two local men face felonies for alleged unlawful weapon possession in separate cases from Alton area authorities. Malcolm E. Byrd, 41, of Alton, was charged with a Class 4 felony count of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons. Byrd allegedly carried a Ruger 9mm handgun in his vehicle on June 29, 2025, which was uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible at the time of the offense. Byrd also had not been issued valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card. The Alton Police Department presented the case against Byrd, who was ordered released from custody pending trial. In an unrelated case, Michael R. Miller, 57, of Wood River, was charged with two counts of felon in possession of a weapon, both Class 3 felonies. Miller reportedly knowingly possessed a switchblade knife and one 12 gauge shotgun shell on Sept. 8, 2025. Charging documents state he had previously been convicted of burglary in Cook County on Jan. 22, 2019. According to the state’s

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EDWARDSVILLE — Two longtime Madison County employees were recently recognized for their service as they prepare for retirement. The Madison County Board honored Karon Wolfe, who retired Sept. 26, and Janis Hagnauer, who will retire Oct. 3, during its September board meeting. “Janis and Karon exemplify what public service is about,” Chairman Chris Slusser said. “Their commitment has made a lasting difference in the lives of residents and in the strength of our county government.” Wolfe, who retired Sept. 26, started with Madison County Community Development in the summer of 1989. As a planner, she guided residents through the process of finding safe and stable housing. Over the course of her career, she helped more than 2,000 individuals achieve homeownership in communities across the county. Her service reflected loyalty, passion for public service and a commitment to improving the lives of residents. Hagnauer began her career with the county

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CHICAGO – This week, Governor Pritzker hosted an event at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine with public health experts focused on critical public health priorities amid what Pritzker described as unprecedented misinformation and falsehoods coming from President Trump and U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “We live in a time when the truth is harder to come by, and when your life or health are on the line, we need clear facts to make good decisions for ourselves and our families. With misinformation being spread at the highest levels of government, it’s more important than ever to ask your doctor if you have any questions,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “In the wake of the federal government ignoring science, the State of Illinois has taken action by issuing a statewide standing order to ensure vaccine supply, providing clear recommendations for seasonal vaccines, and endorsing science-based schedules

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ALTON - Alton Housing Authority properties are updating their security measures. There have been renewed conversations around safety following 17-year-old Shabrya Hudson’s shooting death in July 2025 at Oakwood Estates. Alton Housing Authority (AHA) Executive Director Gregory Denton shared that AHA works closely with the Alton Police Department to monitor cameras and patrol the properties, and they will continue to collaborate with residents to promote safety. “The Alton Housing Authority takes resident safety very seriously,” Denton said. “We have taken every measure to proactively protect our developments and make sure these neighborhoods are safe, stable places for our residents to call home.” Denton noted that current security measures include camera systems in Oakwood Estates and Alton Acres. AHA plans to install cameras in Alton Manor in the coming months. The existing camera systems have been upgraded within the last two years, and they

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NEW CANTON - Residents of New Canton in Pike County are urged to stay inside while law enforcement responds to “an active situation.” On Thursday morning, Oct. 2, 2025, community members were told that law enforcement officers were present in New Canton. The Pike County Sheriff’s Department asked residents to remain indoors and await further updates. “Officers are in the area and actively working to bring this matter to a safe resolution,” the Pike County Sheriff’s Department said in a Facebook post . Nearby schools are reportedly on lockdown while the situation unfolds. This is a developing story. More information will be provided.

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ALTON - St. Mary’s will once again host their annual Oktoberfest. From Oct. 10–12, 2025, community members can stop by St. Mary’s Church in downtown Alton for three days of fun and community, featuring inflatables, games, live music, auctions, a 5K, bingo, free beer and more. The event serves as a fundraiser for St. Mary’s Church and school while bringing people together for a fun weekend. “We want everyone to feel like you’re part of the family,” said Ryan Downey, Oktoberfest chairperson. “We’re excited to have people show up and experience what we have to offer.” The fun starts on Friday night, Oct. 10, with a 5K or one-mile fun run at 6 p.m. DJ Dave will provide 5K entertainment, followed by the Glendale Riders from 7–11 p.m. on the main stage. The festival opens at 3 p.m. with games, inflatables, food, drinks and more. On Saturday, Oct. 11, grounds open at 1 p.m. with a keg-tapping on the main stage.

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Did you know that people who actively plan and anticipate enjoyable activities report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction? Crafting a bucket list tailored for the fall season not only enhances your experiences but also encourages mindful engagement with your surroundings. Creating an ultimate fall bucket list goes beyond simply jotting down common autumn activities—it’s about curating meaningful moments that resonate personally and culturally. Defining What “Ultimate” Means for You Before compiling any list, it’s essential to clarify what makes a fall bucket list truly ultimate for you. Is it about adventure, relaxation, creativity, or connection? Understanding your motivations helps tailor the list to your interests and lifestyle. Self-reflection: Ask yourself what you want to gain from your fall experiences. Are you seeking new challenges, peaceful moments, or social gatherings? Balance: Consider mixing different types of activities—outdoor

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