WASHINGTON – As open enrollment for 2026 individual market health insurance plans is underway and Americans across the country are facing astronomic increases in their monthly premiums for next year, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor about the health care affordability crisis, caused by congressional Republicans refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits. Last Thursday, Senate Republicans rejected Senate
CHICAGO — Get Covered Illinois announced that Illinois residents now have until December 31 to enroll in health insurance coverage that begins January 1. The extension comes at a crucial moment, as Illinois works to ensure residents maintain access to high-quality coverage amid changes at the federal level. This year marks Get Covered Illinois’ first Open Enrollment Period operating a state-based marketplace independent of the federally run HealthCare.gov. State officials
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, condemned the antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Australia as Hanukkah begins, as well as the shooting at Brown University. “In Skokie, Illinois, just a few miles north of Chicago, is America’s second largest Holocaust Museum. Those who visit see thousands of artifacts from victims and survivors and their families. And there
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), alongside House Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA), Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH) sent a third letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins urging him to address VA’s failure to pay required education benefits on time to over 75,000 veterans and their families and survivors. "These paymen
GODFREY – Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu has been chosen as the December 2025 Small Business of the Month by the RiverBend Growth Association. Owned by Adam Marburger, the honoree has undergone a recent rebranding, transitioning from its former identity as Alton Martial Arts & Fitness. Located at 2716 Corner Court in Alton, Marburger opened operations eight years ago and has five employees today. A lifelong martial artist and local businessperson, Marburger had a longtime dream and turned it
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke out against the Trump Administration’s dangerous cuts to medical research. In his remarks, Durbin stressed that the President’s decision to cut medical research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will set back medical advancement by decades by disrupting research into cancer, brain diseases, mental health, drug development, and more. Durbin began his speech by recalling his firs
HIGHLAND - Highland CUSD No. 5 has named Brooke Krey as the next principal of Highland Elementary School, effective July 1, 2026. The announcement was made during the school board meeting on Dec. 15, 2025. Krey will succeed Lori Miscik, who is retiring after 36 years of service, including 18 years as principal of Highland Elementary School. Superintendent Mike Sutton highlighted Krey’s extensive administrative experience, noting she has served as an assistant principal, associate principal,
COLLINSVILLE – The Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Board of Education appointed Human Resources Director Kevin E. Robinson to become assistant superintendent beginning July 1, 2026. Robinson’s new duties will be in addition to his human resources responsibilities. The assistant superintendent role will be vacant at the end of the 2025-26 school year due to the retirement of the current assistant superintendent and student services director, Bradley Hyre. Robinson i
EDWARDSVILLE – Local authorities have charged three Riverbend residents with home repair fraud, wire fraud, and deceptive practices in separate felony cases. Michael L. Wilson Jr., 42, of Collinsville, was charged on Dec. 10 2025 with one count each of theft (a Class 3 felony) and aggravated home repair fraud in an amount exceeding $500 against a victim 60 years of age or older (a Class 2 felony). Wilson allegedly knowingly entering into a $12,150 agreement with an elderly Maryville residen
ALTON - The Alton School District music program had a strong representation at the Illinois Music Educators Association District 6 Festivals held recently at Belleville East and Belleville West high schools. Below are Alton members who excelled at the Illinois Music Educators District 6 Festival. Gabe Alexander, ILMEA District 6 Junior Band Quinn Halliday, ILMEA District 6 Senior Jazz Band II and Erick Humphrey, ILMEA District 6 Senior Jazz Band III. Preston Watson, ILMEA District 6 Senior
CASEYVILLE - Robin Plantz has turned a difficult situation into a chance to help others. On Christmas Eve, Plantz will distribute 150 stockings and backpacks to unhoused community members across the Riverbend region. Named Cloudia’s Christmas after Plantz’s mother, the tenth annual distribution event honors Cloudia, who Plantz last saw on Christmas night in 1994. Cloudia is homeless and considered missing. “Since Christmas was the last time I saw my mom, I pay tribute
EDWARDSVILLE — Employees and officials at the Madison County Courthouse, along with a private firm, recently joined forces to brighten the holiday season for local families through the Angel Tree program. Associate and Circuit Judges, Criminal Justice Center Circuit Clerks, judicial assistants, court reporters, Assistant State’s Attorneys and staff, sheriff’s deputies, and representatives from the private firm Buckley and Buckley collaborated to complete 50 Angel Tree gift packages
HARDIN - On Dec. 1, 2025, Sheriff Heffington issued several awards to honor Deputies from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois Conservation Police, and to show his appreciation. Sheriff Bill Heffington is honored to have the staff that he does and is very proud of them for all they do for Calhoun County. Chief Deputy Zach Hardin received a letter of recognition and the Sheriff’s Achievement Award for his achievements through six years of service to Calhoun County,
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites residents to step into 2026 with a First Day Hike at an Illinois state park on New Year’s Day. IDNR is hosting self-guided hikes at 17 state parks across Illinois on Jan. 1. These free, family-friendly hikes are available to the public. The First Day Hike program is an initiative in partnership with America’s State Parks Foundation . The organization began the event in 1992 in Massachusetts. The
ROXANA — The American Cancer Society proudly announces that Wishing For A Cure , a team from Relay For Life of Riverbend, has been named the 2025 North Region Relay For Life Team of the Year. The North Region of the American Cancer Society includes 17 states, making this recognition a significant honor. Wishing For A Cure is co-captained by Stephanie Palmer and Anna Pearson. The team was nominated for their exceptional dedication, passion, and fundraising achievements. With this award, th
O’FALLON, Ill. – Prairie Cardiovascular is pleased to welcome Prasad V.N. Kandula, MD, to the team at 3 St. Elizabeth Blvd. in O’Fallon, Illinois. Dr. Kandula is a board-certified cardiologist who provides patient-centered care grounded in respect, compassion and clear communication. He has served the Belleville/Southern Illinois community for over 25 years and is dedicated to helping individuals achieve and maintain better heart health through personalized treatment and
ST. LOUIS — The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is marking a period of progress and setting its sights on future projects aimed at advancing downtown St. Louis. The foundation, the official philanthropic partner of Gateway Arch National Park and surrounding areas, is focusing on key initiatives including the predevelopment of the former Millennium Hotel site and the expansion of Gateway Arch National Park to the East St. Louis riverfront. The foundation’s efforts are part of a broader
O'FALLON - Two O’Fallon veterans were recently gifted personally designed and constructed “Unsung Warrior Quilts.” United States Air Force veteran Marion Rose served her country for 22 years as a charge nurse in many settings, including heart, orthopedics, pediatrics, urology, education and more. She credits the USAF for expanding her education – she earned a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and a masters degree in counseling while serving. She also admits that
Did you know that over 150 million people visit holiday markets across Europe and North America every December? These vibrant bazaars are more than just shopping venues—they are cultural experiences that weave together artisan craftsmanship, culinary delights, and festive traditions. For travelers and locals alike, holiday markets offer a unique way to immerse oneself in the spirit of the season, discover distinctive gifts, and enjoy communal celebrations. The Allure of Holiday Markets:
December 16th has been a date marked by pivotal moments that have shaped our world in profound ways. One of the most impactful events associated with this date is the Boston Tea Party, which took place on December 16, 1773. This bold act of defiance against British colonial authority was a catalyst for the American Revolution. American colonists, frustrated by the Tea Act imposed by the British Parliament, boarded ships in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea into the water as a protest
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