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SPRINGFIELD – A monument in Alton dedicated to noted abolitionist Elijah Lovejoy has received a much-needed facelift thanks to efforts by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and local supporters. The 110-foot-tall Lovejoy monument was in dire need of repair and restoration. IDNR completed lower elevation masonry repairs in the fall, including cleaning, tuckpointing, and caulking seams and cracks to stop further weathering and damage to the granite and limestone. The department initially invested $42,944 into the project and expects to invest more than $50,000 total after the initial condition assessment and graffiti removal. In addition, an outside retaining wall and steps leading up to the monument had been defaced by vandals. IDNR is partnering with the City of Alton, Alton Area Landmarks Association , and volunteer Brandon Hall to remove the graffiti from the retaining wall leading up to the memorial. “Lovejoy became a martyr to the abolitionists’

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BELLEVILLE - Five art students from Belleville East High School were selected to showcase their work at the 2025 Regional High School Juried Art Exhibition at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). This annual event, organized by the Department of Art and Design, invites junior and senior students from high schools within a 50-mile radius of Edwardsville to submit their artwork for consideration. The selected Belleville East students and their respective pieces were: Aubrey Heins with “Hope Persists,” a colored pencil work; Aleah Ingram, who created “Sleeping Like He The One Who Gave Birth” using acrylic on fabric; Ramiya Fowler, who submitted “Be Sweet,” also in colored pencil; Gabby Patterson with her digital photography piece “Rainbow Glass”; and Liam Collins, whose work “Without Bees, Humans Couldn’t Survive” is a digitally manipulated photograph. This year’s exhibition continues a tradition

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SWANSEA - Police officers rescued a resident from a burning home on Marla Kay Drive in Swansea at 4:40 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2025. The incident began around 4:40 p.m. when Swansea officers Justin Schutzbach, Matt Lindley, and Sgt. Breanna Kemper-Damm arrived at the scene to find smoke billowing from the residence. Upon assessing the situation, Officer Schutzbach heard faint noises coming from the garage, leading him to believe someone was trapped inside. With no alternative means of entry, the officers forced their way through the garage door by ramming it with their bodies. Once inside, they were able to escort the resident to safety and awaited the arrival of emergency medical services. Swansea Fire Department, assisted by Northwest Fire and Eastside Fire, worked to extinguish the flames and secure the property. The quick actions of three local children, Roman, age 6, Xavier, age 10, and Darius, age 11, played a crucial role in the timely response. While playing outside, the

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy’s Kelly N. Gable, PharmD, is among the inaugural class of the 2025 American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP). “I am definitely excited and quite honored to be on a list with some phenomenal psychiatric pharmacists from across the country!” said Gable , BCPP, FAAPP, professor and director of well-being and resilience for the SIUE School of Pharmacy (SOP) and member of the AAPP . The Fellows will be recognized at the 2025 AAPP Annual Meeting on April 28 in Salt Lake City, Utah. “The AAPP Fellows Program recognizes members who have demonstrated excellence in advancing the practice of psychiatric pharmacy and have distinguished themselves in advancing the mission and goals of AAPP, thereby promoting public awareness of the profession,” according to the website. “The distinction of Fellow status also signifies that you will continue to promote and educate

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed the month of April as Innovation and Technology Month in Illinois, underscoring the significance of IT and the dedicated efforts to establish the state as a thriving innovation and technology hub, delivering statewide services to agencies, boards, commissions, and residents. "Illinois has long been a leader in innovation, and we're building on that legacy by positioning Illinois as the global quantum capital, while continuing our commitment to expanding STEM initiatives," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Through investments in expanding career and technical education programs and the creation of the nation's first quantum tech hub, we're driving technological advancement and economic growth for decades to come. I'm proud to designate this month to celebrate these accomplishments and look forward to the opportunities the continued growth of innovation will bring to our state." Illinois continues to solidify its position as a leader

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Congressman Zach Nunn (R-IA-03), Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT-02) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the New Producer Economic Security Act — bipartisan legislation to help bring the next generation into family farming. This bill would establish a pilot program within the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to address the most pressing challenge for new and beginning farmers: access to land, capital, and markets. This program would help secure the domestic food system and strengthen the farm workforce by giving the next by giving the next generation of farmers the tools they need to succeed. “If we are going to revitalize and strengthen American agriculture going forward, we need to take steps now to ensure young farmers can succeed," said Congresswoman Budzinski. "I’m proud to lead bipartisan legislation that will allow young and beginning farmers access land, markets, and capital —

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC)—and U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51) introduced the IVF for Military Families Act, bicameral legislation that would require TRICARE coverage of fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), for servicemembers and their families. The bill introduction comes after Congressional Republicans—in secret negotiations behind closed doors—betrayed military families by striking a Duckworth-Jacobs amendment that would have required such coverage from the final FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) last year, even though it had passed in the House and through committee in the Senate. The lawmakers’ bicameral legislation would help ensure military families can get the same level of IVF coverage that’s accessible to Members of Congress an

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MEXICO CITY — Today Governor JB Pritzker signed an Addendum to the Illinois-Mexico Sister-State Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) alongside Mexico Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez. The MOU comes at the beginning of a delegation trip from Illinois to Mexico City to deepen economic cooperation and opportunities between the State of Illinois and Mexico. The agreement emphasizes the strong ties between the two entities with a focus on bilateral trade in key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and finance. “Mexico has been an essential partner to the state of Illinois for decades, and I’m proud to stand alongside Governor Gómez Álvarez and assert the importance of this continuing relationship,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “More than ever before, we must reassure our neighbors in Mexico that Illinois will remain a beacon of economic and cultural cooperation and opportunity for our people.” "Illinois has long held Mexico

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SPRINGFIELD–Today, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) announced $20 million in available grant funding for the second round of the Illinois Not-for-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP-IL). The funding will help eligible 501(c)(3) organizations that are deemed at high-risk of a threat, attack, or acts of terrorism implement enhanced safety measures. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Everyone deserves to work, study, or worship in safe spaces,” said IEMA-OHS Interim Director Adnan Khayyat. “Through the Illinois Not-for-Profit Security Grant Program, we are enhancing safety and security measures by providing 501(c)(3) organizations with the resources they need to prevent attacks. I encourage all eligible entities to apply to this funding opportunity as we continue our commitment to safety in every corner of the state.” The second round of the NSGP-IL

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SPRINGFIELD – For a second consecutive year, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will celebrate 30 Days of Public Health throughout the month of April. Governor JB Pritzker helped kick off the month with this video message hailing the state’s “Public Health Heroes.” The observance amounts to an extended National Public Health Week (April 7-13) and coincides with National Minority Health Month. The month-long slate of activities includes an IDPH Job Fair on April 23 and is intended to engage Illinoisans about how they can be healthier and safer in their own lives, and raise awareness about all that public health does to protect us from illness, disease and injury. “National Public Health Week is always one of the weeks in April, but in Illinois, we’ve started a new tradition: we celebrate public health all month long, because seven days just isn’t enough,” Governor Pritzker said. “When it comes to highlighting

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) reintroduced two bills to expand and increase access to employment opportunities for underserved youth. The Helping to Encourage Real Opportunity (HERO) for Youth Act and the Assisting in Developing (AID) Youth Employment Act will increase federal resources for communities seeking to create or grow employment programs and provide tax incentives to businesses and employers to hire and retain youth from economically distressed areas. “To invest in our future, we must invest in the next generation. Increasing youth employment opportunities can address poverty and crime across Illinois while setting up our state’s youngest residents for a brighter future,” said Durbin. “Congresswoman Kelly, Senator Duckworth, and I are reintroducing the HERO for Youth Act and the AID Youth Employment Act to boost

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WILLIAMSON — Deputies and detectives from the Madison County Sheriff's Office are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Adams Avenue at Third Street in Williamson, a small community with a population of 183 near Staunton on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The call to the Madison County Sheriff's Office came at Tuesday morning. Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, but preliminary information suggests that the individuals involved are generally familiar with one another, indicating that this was not a random act of violence. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has been transported to a hospital in St. Louis for treatment, Pulido said. Further details regarding the circumstances of the incident have not been disclosed as authorities continue their investigation.

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BETHALTO – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent lane closures on Illinois 140 between the intersection of Illinois 111/Illinois 140 and Sanders Street in Madison County will begin, weather permitting, Monday, April 7, for resurfacing. Flaggers will maintain one lane of traffic. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The work is expected to be completed by July. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - From Alton to Godfrey, East Alton to Wood River, and the entire Riverbend region — this election was a fight. Every candidate gave it their all, laid out their vision, and worked hard to shape the future of their communities. Their supporters stood with them, knocking on doors and pushing forward with energy and passion. That’s what democracy is all about. But tomorrow, the election is over. Some will celebrate. Others won’t. That’s how it goes. But what happens next? That’s what matters. Our communities don’t move forward divided. They don’t succeed through fighting. They thrive when we get to work—when we build, when we fix, when we come together. The schools, businesses, roads, and neighborhoods that needed attention yesterday still need it tomorrow. The issues that mattered last week don’t disappear just because the votes are counted. This isn’t like the national election. We are all neighbors, friends, an

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ALTON - Alton Mayoral candidate Brant Walker discussed his vision for the city recently during an appearance on "Our Daily Show!" with CJ Nasello. Walker, who is campaigning to lead Alton, emphasized the need for economic development, improved infrastructure, and effective management of rental properties. During the interview, Walker shared his vision for the future and included some discussion of the challenges Alton faced during his previous time as mayor, including frequent flooding and the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on local businesses. Walker said he was proud of how he and his staff handled all the challenges that presented themselves during that period. "We’ve been accustomed to dealing with floods about every 10 months, and while we became better at flood fighting, the pandemic also brought constant challenges," he said. Walker noted that about 50 percent of the city consists of rental properties, which he believes poses a challenge for community stability. "We

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ALTON - Alton Alderman and candidate for Mayor Ray Strebel's campaign outlines several key themes, starting with a commitment to restoring fiscal responsibility. He argues that understanding the allocation of tax dollars should be accessible to all residents. "You shouldn’t need an accounting degree to understand how your tax dollars are spent," he said, asserting that City Hall should operate as efficiently as families manage their own budgets. He expressed concerns over proposed salary increases for department heads, labeling such actions as "negligence" rather than leadership. Public safety is another cornerstone of Strebel's campaign, as he highlights Alton's crime rate, which he notes is higher than the national average. "That’s not just a statistic — that’s a wake-up call," he said, advocating for proactive measures to enhance community safety. Strebel argues that a secure environment is crucial for attracting families and businesses to the area. Infrastructure

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Letter To The Editor: ALTON – As we stand on the brink of an important election day, I want to reach out to the extraordinary citizens of Alton. The upcoming election on April 1, 2025, provides us with a vital opportunity to shape the future of our beloved community. Your voice matters, and your vote is the key to driving our progress forward. It has been my privilege to serve as your Mayor, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. My commitment to fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and public safety remains unwavering. We have faced challenges, but together we have transformed them into opportunities for growth. **A Record of Progress** In my first term, we made significant strides that have not only stabilized our economy but have also enriched the lives of our residents: - **Financial Resilience:** Together, we turned a $3.8 million deficit into a $7.7 million surplus, enhancing our city’s credit rating and securing a brighter economic

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GRAFTON – Get ready for a wild and wacky ride on the mighty Mississippi! Mississippi Mermaids is not your ordinary floating café. We’re serving up a splash of fun, a tide of flavor, and a wave of silliness that will have you laughing all the way down the river—all aboard our grand ship that is large enough to host every bit of the excitement. Step aboard our ship, a vibrant venue inspired by the river’s playful spirit. Guests will discover themed rooms, secret decks, and expansive outdoor lounges with stunning views of the water. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a full-on river adventure. Our service team takes the fun to another level. Our waiters are dressed in deep diver outfits, complete with flippers and snorkels, ready to “dive” into service with puns and playful banter. Imagine being greeted with a cheery, “Hope you’re ready to make a splash!” as you settle into your riverfront seat. Mississippi

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ALTON – Alton Mayor David Goins recently appeared on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com for our State of the Race 2025 interview series with local candidates for public office. Goins outline d key accomplishments from his first term and his vision and goals for a second if re-elected on Election Day, April 1 , 2025. Goins said one one his proudest accomplishments from his first term has been the city’s financial turnaround. As he explained in a recent campaign video , his “smart financial management” turned the city’s $3.8 million deficit into a $7.7 million surplus, boosting the city’s credit rating while lowering property tax rates. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding aside, Goins said city finances still rest comfortably at an over $3 million surplus. Alton’s finances weren’t fixed overnight, and the deficit marking the first half of Goins’s first term unfortunately kept more than four street

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College will host their first ever Blazer Con convention next month. From 1–8 p.m. on April 12, 2025, community members are invited to the River Bend Arena at the LCCC Godfrey campus for Blazer Con, complete with a cosplay contest, Dungeons and Dragons games, video game competitions, panelists and more. Whether you’re a bonafide “nerd” or just getting into pop culture, organizers encourage you to come out and enjoy the day, completely free of charge. “We’re pretty psyched,” said Jared, one of the organizers. “Man, we’ve been working really hard at this, and it’s just a passion project that we want to bring to the community.” Organizers Jared and Daniel collaborated with the college’s Video Game Club to create the convention. They explained that students have wanted to hold a convention on the college’s campus for years, and they finally have the support they nee

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