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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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ALTON - The thrill of powerboat racing on the mighty Mississippi River powers up the Alton Riverfront July 18-20 with the return of Alton Midwest Nationals Powerboat Championships. Tickets are on sale now for this high-speed river racing event. General admission and VIP tickets are available. Parking is free. Purchase tickets here: https://www.tixr.com/groups/f1powerboat/events/f1-powerboat-alton-midwest-nationals-138471 The Alton Midwest Nationals features F1 Powerboats competing in a series of heat laps on a course created on the Mississippi River. This is the second year in a row the event has been held in Alton. The race will return to Alton again in 2026 and 2027 thanks to a partnership between the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, the City of Alton and the F1 Powerboat Championships. “We can’t wait to host this event again in Alton,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau noted. “Last year we welcomed ove

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Did you know that holding onto grudges can be as harmful to your health as smoking? According to research published in the "Journal of Behavioral Medicine," chronic resentment can lead to increased stress levels, which in turn can contribute to heart disease and other health issues. This startling statistic highlights the powerful impact that forgiveness—or the lack thereof—can have not just on our emotional well-being, but also on our physical health. Forgiveness is not just a noble act; it is a crucial skill that can mend damaged relationships and restore inner peace. Understanding Forgiveness Forgiveness is often misunderstood. Many people equate it with excusing bad behavior or dismissing the pain caused by others. However, true forgiveness involves acknowledging the hurt and choosing to release the negative emotions associated with it. It is a conscious decision to let go of the desire for retribution, which can lead to deeper connections and a healthier emotional

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April 2nd has been a significant date throughout history, marked by a variety of impactful events across the globe. Today, we take a journey through time to highlight some of the most notable occurrences on this day, from groundbreaking treaties to cultural milestones. One of the most momentous events in modern history took place on April 2, 1945, when the United States launched Operation Iceberg, the invasion of Okinawa during World War II. This operation marked the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater, involving over 180,000 American troops. The battle lasted until June 22, 1945, and was one of the bloodiest of the entire war, with significant casualties on both sides. The strategic importance of Okinawa was immense, serving as a staging area for a potential invasion of the Japanese mainland. The fierce fighting during this campaign ultimately contributed to Japan's surrender later that year and highlighted the brutal nature of the conflict. Fast forward to April 2,

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HARDIN – With no contests at the local level this election cycle, Calhoun County voters saw candidates compete in a few school board races for the April 1, 2025 elections. Pikeland Community Unit School District 10 Uncontested for Township 5S Range 4W, Kendra Jo Conkright secured her bid for School Board , as did Megan Vose for Township 5S Range 2W. R esults for Township 5S Range 3W, also known as Newburg Township, have not yet been posted. Stay tuned to Riverbender.com for updates to this story as results are released. John Wood Community College District 539 Four candidates ran for two open trustee positions for John Wood Community College District 539. R. Kent Snider and Andrew Sprague were elected to the college board, earning 42.11% and 36.84 % of the vote respectively. Losing their bids were Elizabeth Weas Cash with 15.79 % and Christopher Adam Holtschlag with 5.26 % of the

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MADISON COUNTY — Voters across Madison County made significant decisions in local elections on Tuesday, shaping the leadership in several municipalities and school boards. In Godfrey, Mayor Mike McCormick secured re-election, garnering 2,219 votes against challengers Craig Lombardi, who received 1,104 votes, and Beth Johnes, who received 420 votes. McCormick will serve another four-year term. The Godfrey clerk race saw Jacquelyn Clayton defeat Susan Robbins, receiving 1,790 votes to Robbins' 1,555. In the trustee race, Sarah Woodman emerged as the top vote-getter with 2,324 votes, followed by Richard Lauschke with 1,770 votes, and Gerard Fischer with 1,710 votes. Ryan Mouser and Nathan Schrumpf trailed with 1,569 and 1,453 votes, respectively. The top three candidates were elected. In East Alton, Mayor Darren Carlton also secured another four-year term, winning 488 votes against David Kuehnel's 371. The East Alton trustee race concluded with Kelli Fletcher in the lead with

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GRANITE CITY - Incumbent mayor Mike Parkinson was overwhelmingly re-elected by voters in Granite City’s municipal elections, held on Tuesday. With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, Parkinson won a second term as Granite’s mayor with 86.85 percent of the vote, or 2,266 votes of all ballots cast. Write-in candidate Kim Benda 343 votes, or 13,15 percent of the vote. In addition to Parkinson, many city incumbents were also re-elected to their offices, including City Clark Jenna DeYong, who ran unopposed. However, no candidate filed for the office of City Treasurer, and that office will remain vacant for the time being. In the races for the Board of Aldermen, Gregory Garcia won a close victory for Ward One Alderman, winning over Angelia D. Gower by seven votes, with Garcia picking up 145 votes (47.70 percent, to Gower’s 138 votes (45.39 percent), Earl Hogan finished in a distant third with 21 votes (6.91 percent. In Ward Two, incumbent Jason M. Smith won his campaig

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CARLINVILLE – With unofficial election results rolling in from across the region, here’s a first look at how contested races are settling in Macoupin County, including several mayoral contests and more. City of Carlinville Carlinville residents have elected a new mayor in the city’s only contested race. Doug Downey won his mayoral bid with 64.54% of the vote, defeating challengers Randall Link and James Spoon, who earned 27.89% and 7.57% of the vote respectively. Downey will replace current Mayor Sarah Oswald, who did not seek re-election. City of Bunker Hill Bunker Hill saw contested races for Mayor and Ward 1 Alderperson. Incumbent Mayor John Chapman won his re-election bid against challenger Alan Mize. Chapman earned 56.46% of the vote, while Mize totaled 43.54% of the vote. The city’s first ward saw three candidates compete for two open aldermanic positions. Securing victory were Incumbent Alderman Rick Girth and Betty Phelps with 41.42% and 34.73

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JERSEYVILLE – As Election Night wraps up on April 1, 2025, here’s a look at the few contested races that took place across Jersey County. School Board Races Five candidates competed for four open spots on the Board of Education for Jersey Community Unit School District (CUSD) #100, each carrying a four-year term expiring in 2029. Four candidates competed for three open seats for Township 8N Range 11W. The three victors are Pamela J. Heitzig, Peggy Perdun, and Darcy L. Graham, who secured 22%, 21%, and 18% of the vote respectively. DeWayne Lott lost his School Board bid with 17% of the vote. Jeffrey C. Goetten also secured his bid as the only candidate who ran for Township 8N Range 12W on the Jersey CUSD #100 School Board. Elsah Township One of Jersey County’s few contested races saw two candidates compete for Elsah Township Highway Commissioner. Democrat Billy Greding defeated Republican Russell Wittman, securing his victory with 78.01% of the vote

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ALTON - Incumbent David Goins prevailed in the competitive Alton Mayor race, with 1,656 votes for 39.39 percent of all votes cast on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Alderman Ray Strebel was second with 1,348 votes or 32.06 percent of the vote and Brant Walker finished with 1,200 votes or 28.54 percent of the vote. In another contested race, Lauren Wilson emerged with a victory in the Alton City Clerk's race with 2,093 votes or 54.70 percent of the vote to Cheryl Ingle's 1,733 votes or 45.30 percent of the overall vote.

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY – Voters from across St. Clair County cast their votes in the April 1, 2025 consolidated elections. Here’s a first look at the unofficial Election Night results: Collinsville Sees City Council Contest The race for Collinsville City Council saw four candidates compete for two open council seats. Councilman Donna Green won her re-election bid with 45% of the vote. This marks Green’s second consecutive re-election victory after being first elected to the council in 2017 and re-elected in 2021. She will serve another four-year term which expires in 2029. Three other candidates faced off for the vacancy left by Councilman David Jerome, who did not seek re-election. David Seaton Jr. won a seat on the council with 35% of the vote, defeating challengers Eric M. Nagel and Alonzo J. Skipper III, who earned 27% and 19% of the vote respectively. O’Fallon Re-Elects Treasurer O’Fallon voters saw a couple of contested races, one for City Treasurer

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GODFREY - Mike McCormick emerged victorious in the Village of Godfrey mayoral race, securing 2,219 votes, or 59.28 percent of the total, in the election held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Craig Lombardi received 1,104 votes for Godfrey mayor, accounting for 29.50 percent of the vote tally, while Beth Johnes garnered 420 votes, or 11.22 percent. Following the announcement of the results, McCormick expressed his gratitude for the turnout at the Sportsman’s Club. "I am very, very happy and overwhelmed," he said. He credited his campaign manager, Deb Detmers, and his wife, Linda, for their unwavering support throughout the campaign. "They helped me along a long campaign time," McCormick noted. Reflecting on his plans for the next four years, McCormick emphasized the importance of completing a bike path and continuing efforts to maintain local roads, particularly through Jim Lewis's chip-sealing process. He also highlighted the goal of keeping taxes down as a priority for his administration.

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