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SPRINGFIELD – As millions of Illinoisans prepare their 2025 state tax returns, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding them of the state’s voluntary contribution program to support one or more health-related programs. Schedule G of the 2025 Illinois tax form allows Illinois taxpayers to designate a portion of their state tax refund to support one of six charitable funds. Several of the options support programs that benefit public health initiatives. “For

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Director James Jennings to discuss water infrastructure in the Metro East, the Calumet Confined Disposal Facility, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, and the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. In Congress, Durbin has secured federal funding to address the flooding issues in the Metro East, the harms of PFAS, and has continuously worked with the

ST. LOUIS - The advancement of the recently announced America’s Maritime Action Plan (MAP) is embraced by the ports in the bi-state St. Louis region as a unique opportunity to play a role in this comprehensive federal framework. The MAP is a blueprint for rebuilding the nation’s maritime strength, increasing the use of technology, enhancing supply chain resilience and expanding domestic industrial capacity. It is estimated that only one percent of all new vessels are currently built

COLLINSVILLE – The Collinsville Area Community Foundation presented a $1,000 donation to Collinsville High School student Luke O’Hara to support his Eagle Scout project for Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve in Collinsville. O’Hara, a CHS junior, is building a pergola and deck to replace a deteriorating one at Willoughby Farm. The project will include a new ramp addition that will make it accessible to all visitors. Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve

CARROLLTON — A small world globe bought at a neighborhood yard sale last summer by retired Godfrey attorney Philip Alfeld is set to be the starting point for a March 15, 2026, program at the Greene County Historical & Genealogical Society, where Bill Tunison of Osceola, Wisconsin, will present the story of his great-great-grandfather, map publisher Henry Tunison. The society’s meeting will be held at its historic Lee-Baker-Hodges House on the northwest corner of the Carrollton Public

Last summer, I wrote an article about the July 1925 grand opening of Winkler Tire Service in Alton. You can read it here: https://www.riverbender.com/news/details/100-years-ago-tire-store-grand-opening-with-bears-in-alton-84200.cfm . At the time, I couldn’t figure out what happened to the bear cubs at the filling station. I had hoped that when they got too big for the parking lot bear cage, they would be moved to a zoo, wildlife sanctuary, or some other more appropriate place. Sadly,

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a coalition of attorneys general in urging the Trump administration to halt its plan to propose regulations for the highly automated transportation of hazardous materials, often referred to as unmanned or “self-driving” vehicles. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced its intent to propose regulations permitting the transportation of hazardous materials by automated heavy-duty trucks, drones,

CHICAGO – In recognition of National Read Across America Day, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced a coordinated literacy initiative that distributed thousands of children’s books and brought volunteer readers into YMCA sites across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, reinforcing the importance of reading as a shared, lifelong activity. The Illinois Literacy Foundation, in partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, hosted a Day of

International Women’s Day didn’t start as a feel-good celebration—it started as a fight over paychecks, bread, and the right to vote. That origin matters because it changes how we read the day now. The flowers, social media posts, and corporate slogans can make it seem like a general “women are great” holiday. But the roots of International Women’s Day (IWD) are tied to working women organizing in public, demanding political power, and pushing back against

GRANITE CITY – Two individuals accused of performing dental surgery without a license from inside a Granite City home both face felony charges in Madison County. Idania J. Morena-Paal, 41, of the 2500 block of Iowa Street in Granite City, and Rodolfo J. Figuera, 59, of Rolling Meadows, Ill., were both charged on Feb. 24, 2026 with practicing medicine without a license. Morena-Paal faces two Class 4 felony counts of the offense, while Figuera faces one count, also a Class 4 felony. The

EDWARDSVILLE – The Graduate and Professional Programs Open House at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is the perfect opportunity for individuals interested in furthering their education or advancing their careers to take the next step. The event will be held on Monday, March 23, from 4-6 p.m. in the Morris University Center’s Legacy Room on the SIUE Edwardsville campus. Representatives from the SIUE Office of Graduate and International Admissions and the Graduate School wil

WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (1 female student and 1 male student) that were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500.00 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned witnesses in today’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing entitled “Lost and Exploited: Confronting Child Trafficking and the Failure to Protect America’s Most Vulnerable.” During his questioning, Durbin focused on how the federal government can intervene before children are brought into dangerous situations, including

SPRINGFIELD – Thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, floods, and power outages are all possible during Illinois' spring weather season. That is why the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA OHS) is urging all residents to take steps to prepare during Severe Weather Preparedness Month this March. “Millions of dollars in storm damages within the last year shows just how quickly severe weather can impact our communities,” said IEMA OHS Acting

MADISON COUNTY - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office warned the public about a fraudulent email scam involving purported payments tied to a Sheriff’s Sale, saying it has received “several reports” of emails claiming to be from Roup and the Sheriff’s Office. In an alert issued by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, officials said the emails request payment related to a Sheriff’s Sale and “are not legitimate.” The office did no

The Senate has returned to Springfield for the Spring Legislative Session. After several weeks of filing legislation, we are now moving into the committee process to debate and advance new proposals this session. A few weeks ago, the Governor delivered his annual State of the State and Budget Address, outlining his priorities for the year ahead. The theme of the speech was affordability. On that point, we agree: affordability must be front and center. But affordability is not a slogan. It

PLANO, TEXAS – Frito-Lay is recalling select 8 oz. bags of Miss Vickie’s Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Chips that could include jalapeño-flavored potato chips and therefore may contain undeclared milk. Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product. This product is safe to consume for anyone who does not have a dairy allergy or sensitivity to milk. The products covered

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement after voting for a War Powers Resolution to require the President to come to Congress to make the case for using military force against Iran. “This week, I received a classified briefing on the recent strikes in Iran. It did not give me confidence that this administration has a clear justification for putting the lives of men and women in uniform at risk. That’s why I voted to reassert

BETHALTO - A local business is raising money for colorectal cancer awareness, and you can help. One Hale of a Craft, located in Bethalto, has two shirts for sale that aim to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. If you order before March 13, 2026, you will receive your shirt by March 20. The sale continues throughout the month of March — Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month — and the business will donate 20% of profits to the Colon Cancer Alliance. “We wanted to bring

SPRINGFIELD – Whether you’ve already started the filing process or are just beginning to get all your documents together, it’s important to be aware of current scams targeting taxpayers. “This is the time of year when you’re dealing with a lot of personal information including Social Security and bank account numbers,” Comptroller Susana Mendoza said. “You’ve got to be careful not to fall victim to con artists looking to steal your identity and