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ALTON – Martha Pfister, candidate for Ward 2 Alderwoman, appeared on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to share her goals for the ward if elected as part of our 2025 State of the Race coverage ahead of Election Day on April 1, 2025. A born-and-raised Alton native and frequent community volunteer, Pfister announced her candidacy at the start of 2025 with three main pillars: community, connection, and collaboration. Aside from one weekend, she’s been knocking on doors every weekend since. “I’ve met a lot of different people and been in a lot of different neighborhoods,” she said. “People really just want to know what’s going on and they want to be connected to their alderperson.” Pfister and Tiana Gipson are running as challengers to incumbent Ward 2 Alderwoman Carolyn MacAfee. If elected, Pfister plans to host monthly “Ward 2 meetings” focused on the city’s second ward which would be open to the

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ALTON - In February, House Republicans passed a budget proposal that would force up to $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid and raise the federal deficit by more than $4 trillion to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. Congresswoman Budzinski convened the roundtable as a platform for individuals, particularly Medicaid recipients and providers, to share how they would be impacted by these cuts. “The proposed cuts to Medicaid by Congressional Republicans are unacceptable. To fund enormous tax breaks for billionaires, they are threatening to strip vital healthcare from 216,167 people in my district alone — this includes 90,675 children under 19 and 18,000 seniors over the age of 65,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Yesterday, I brought together Medicaid recipients and healthcare providers to put real faces to these cuts and remind President Trump and Congressional Republicans of the devastating impact their plan would have on millions of Americans. I will fight to protect

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department announced it made 2 DUI arrests, issued 10 speeding citations, and 4 other citations during the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period. “We strongly enforce traffic laws for one reason – to save lives,” said Edwardsville Police Lt. Brandn Whittaker. The Edwardsville Police joined forces with state and local law enforcement and highway safety partners in the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign. The safety effort was funded by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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Warmer weather means people flocking to lakes and rivers in droves to enjoy some fishing or time on the boat. But something as simple as the wrong type of footwear can lead to an injury that ruins your day and maybe even your life.In 2023, the United States Coast Guard reported 3,844 instances of something going wrong on a boat and 564 boating deaths. The numbers were down from 2022 and don’t capture what’s happening on every waterway in America. But they’re still worth paying attention to. Bethany Huelskoetter , APRN, a family medicine provider at OSF HealthCare, knows a thing or two in this area of medicine, having treated patients for outdoor injuries for years, plus spending leisure time on the water. Entanglements in boat engines: Contacting the parts under the boat can lead to traumatic injuries and even limb loss. Huelskoetter has heard of instances where a boat driver unknowingly backs up into a swimmer’s midsection. “Make people aware of

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EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 celebrated academic excellence recently during its Top Achievers Awards Banquet held at Mason Clark Middle School. The event recognized students who met or exceeded expectations on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) and the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) for the 2024 school year. The banquet aimed to honor the hard work and dedication of students in the East St. Louis district. In addition to recognizing student achievements, the event also acknowledged the vital role of parents and guardians in supporting their children's education. A special token of appreciation was presented to families for their partnership in fostering the academic growth of students. East St. Louis School District officials expressed optimism for continued success in future assessments, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in achieving educational goals. As the district looks forward, it aims to build on this momentum and enhance

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today invited high school students from Illinois’ 12th Congressional District to participate in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Initiated by Congress in 1982, the nationwide annual art competition allows high school students from all 50 states to showcase their artistic ability. “Every spring, I enjoy seeing the artwork that our talented Southern Illinois high school students create for the Congressional Art Competition,” said Bost. “This competition gives them a great opportunity to showcase their skills, and I encourage students to participate.” The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District. The winning artwork from our District's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. Judging is performed by members of the local art community. The deadline

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced the left lane of southbound I-255 over Horseshoe Lake Road in Collinsville will be closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025. The closure is necessary to do inspections on the structure. IDOT District 8 Operations crews will make the needed improvements and restore full access as soon as possible. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. 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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BETHALTO - Sharon Rothe is proud of the school district she has helped build. Rothe, one of nine candidates running for a seat on the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education, shared more about who she is and what she stands for. She joined the school board 40 years ago and hopes for another four years to continue her work in the district. “I think we have an amazing school district for our children,” Rothe said. “I’m always here. I’ve always been here. I have never left. I have never left the school district in a lurch.” After losing her first child in infancy, Rothe was widowed at 35 with four children in the school district. When her youngest daughter was in eighth grade, she opened a bridal shop in Alton Square Mall, then eventually opened another shop in Bethalto. These days, Rothe still works as a seamstress in Bethalto. She logs about 65 hours every week and “love every minute.” She served as

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GODFREY – The Village of Godfrey is prepared to mov e forward with a lawsuit against the City of Alton over $120,000 the village claims Alton owes them and refuses to pay. Trustee Jeff Weber, who first raised the issue two years ago , said the village now has no other choice but to take Alton to court. Weber said Alton and Godfrey signed an agreement decades ago regarding local sewer systems. Under the agreement, Godfrey contributed about $120,000 to a fund which Alton held and contributed to. Bethalto, which was also part of the agreement, contributed roughly $300,000 to the fund. After Alton and Godfrey sold their sewer systems to Illinois American Water, each respective municipality was owed the amount they originally contributed to the fund – except for Bethalto, which chose not to sell its sewer system to Illinois American Water. “ We have asked the City of Alton over about two years,” Webe

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GRAFTON - The City of Grafton will host a job fair this weekend. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, community members can stop by Grafton City Hall to speak with employers and find out more about employment opportunities for the summer. Dan Ebbing, president of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce, noted that it’s a great chance for businesses to connect with potential workers. “We’re trying to help the businesses in Grafton this weekend,” he said. “People looking for summer employment, here’s your opportunity. Bring your resume with you and come on in. You can talk to the business owners or their representative and apply for a job.” Participating businesses include Gogo-May’s, 3rd Chute, Grafton Pub, Grafton Winery, Grafton Oyster Bar, Aeries Resort, Rubel Hotel and Raging Rivers. Ebbing said attendees can talk to these employers and apply for a job on the spot. He added that this is a great opportunity for young

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Did you know that in the United States alone, over 50 million households actively participate in birdwatching? This passion not only brings people closer to nature but also fosters a sense of responsibility toward our avian neighbors. As you contemplate enhancing your backyard into a bird-friendly haven, constructing a birdhouse can be a rewarding project that encourages wildlife conservation and enriches your outdoor experience. Understanding the Importance of Birdhouses Birdhouses provide essential shelter for various bird species, especially in urban areas where natural habitats are diminishing. They offer a safe place for birds to rest, nest, and raise their young, making your backyard a vital contributor to local biodiversity. By building a birdhouse, you’re not just creating a cozy home for birds; you’re also playing a part in preserving their populations amidst increasing threats from habitat loss and climate change. Choosing the Right Location Before diving int

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Welcome to This Day in History for March 21! Today, we take a moment to reflect on the significant events that have shaped our world. One of the most notable events on March 21 occurred in 1960, when the Sharpeville Massacre took place in South Africa. This tragic event was pivotal in the fight against apartheid, which institutionalized racial segregation in the country. On that day, a peaceful protest against the pass laws—regulations requiring Black South Africans to carry passbooks—turned deadly when police opened fire on the demonstrators. The violence resulted in the deaths of 69 people and injuries to hundreds more. The outrage that followed brought international attention to the injustices of apartheid, galvanizing activists both within South Africa and around the world. In the aftermath, the African National Congress (ANC) and other anti-apartheid organizations intensified their efforts, leading to a global movement that ultimately contributed to the dismantling

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois elected officials and leaders of state educator groups have issued statements in response to a recent executive order issued by President Donald Trump dismantling the Department of Education. Gov. JB Pritzker’s Statement on Trump’s Executive Order to Dismantle the Department of Education “President Trump has no plan to improve literacy, math scores, or get more teachers on the job. When Donald Trump attacks education, he is failing America because the success of our students is what will make our economy, future, and nation stronger. “Eliminating the Department of Education will likely have harsh and immediate impacts on Illinois’ students. It will harm students and their families in rural communities who rely on federal funding to keep their schools open. It will remove supports students with disabilities and special needs rely upon. And low-income students who depend on Pell Grants to earn their college degrees will b

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BETHALTO/EAST ALTON - Piston Aviation will host a special St. Patrick’s Day celebration this weekend. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, community members are invited to Piston Aviation at the St. Louis Regional Airport to enjoy discovery flights and fun. Intro flights cost $75, marked down from their usual $175 price. Attendees can chat with instructors and learn more about what it takes to become a pilot. “Even if you’re just curious, we want you to come by and see us, meet us,” said Meghen Ord, Piston Aviation co-owner. “Come by and have fun. It should be a good time. And if you want to fly, great. If not, if you just want to hang out and see what we’re about, that’s fine as well.” Kids ages 10 and up are eligible for the discovery flights. Anyone under age 12 must be accompanied by a guardian. The Piper Cherokee, a dual plane, will be at the event, as will the Tomark Viper, Diamond DA20, and Bristell.

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GODFREY - Whether you are looking to start a vinyl album collection, looking for that rare album not found on subscription services, or you just want to talk music with true fans, RiverBend Records is your record shop. Unlike subscription music services like Pandora and Spotify, you can get advice from true music professionals. RiverBend Records can help you start or upgrade your music collection. In addition, they help you find the best equipment to play your favorite music. The store opened in October of 2020. Owner Billy Hurst had a career in doing photo shoots for area schools and local sports teams. When the COVID scare brought about a cease of school activities, the need for taking pictures became mostly unnecessary. At that point, Mr. Hurst decided it was a good time to pursue his dream of owning a record shop. It was also about the same period that the current location became available. With the acquisition of the property, Tara Hurst, wife, desired the store to be somethin

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A March 14, 1925, article in the Alton Evening Telegraph announced that a meeting of Alton sportsmen had been called for the following Tuesday night (March 17) at the Mineral Springs Hotel in order to organize a local chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America. “The Isaac Walton League is an association of sportsmen fostering good sportsmanship and looking after legislative matters pertaining to game and fish. It has over 100,000 members in various parts of the United States.” A group of sportsmen in Chicago who wanted to protect fishing opportunities for future generations founded the Izaak Walton League in 1922 (Chicago Chapter No. 1). They named the League for Izaak Walton (August 9, 1593 - December 15, 1683), an English biographer and author of “The Compleat Angler.” The book contains poetry, prose, quotes and a fishing manual. Walton published the first edition in 1653, and five revised editions before he died. It has remained continuously in print

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COLLINSVILLE – A Collinsville man faces multiple felonies after devising a scheme to steal $50,000 through a fraudulent “sale” of tablet computers. Matthew L. Leonard, 30, of Collinsville, was charged with theft (a Class 2 felony) and wire fraud (a Class 3 felony) on March 14, 2025. Leonard allegedly told the victim he had 2,000 tablet computers for sale at a price of $50,000 and had them send the full amount via wire transfer. However, Leonard did not actually have any tablets computers for sale, thereby obtaining the money by deception. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented the case against Leonard, who was granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON - Alton Pride invites you to get “loud and proud” with a bingo fundraiser. From 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at SportsTap, community members are invited to enjoy bingo, prizes, a 50/50 raffle and performances by D.J. MEGO and drag queens Roxie Valentine and Moxie Cotton. Tickets cost $30 or $225 for a table of eight, and all proceeds go back to Alton Pride and their mission to support the local LGBTQ+ community. “We are planning to sell out the event,” said Kole Harre, one of the organizers. “We want to promote Alton Pride as a not-for-profit in the area. But also, it’s a community event for us. It’s gathering people and having a good time, and it’s in the title, ‘loud and proud.’ We want to make sure that we're prevalent in the community and the community is accepting of us, and that people that identify as LGBTQ know they have a place.” Harre explained that the bingo games will begin

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ALTON – Creativity and mental health advocacy come together in an inspiring collaboration between Mooneyham Art, The Milton Schoolhouse, and Centerstone. The Alton Art Expo is a groundbreaking exhibition and community gathering that highlights the healing power of artistic expression. The event will take place on Saturday, March 29th, from Noon to 7 PM, and Sunday, March 30th, from Noon to 5 PM at The Milton Schoolhouse , providing an immersive experience where visitors can explore art’s role in mental health awareness and recovery. Art has long been a tool for self-expression, resilience, and healing. This event creates a welcoming space for artists and community members to engage in meaningful conversations about well-being, creativity, and personal growth. Through a curated selection of artwork, interactive discussions, and expert-led programming, attendees will gain insight into the intersection of art and mental health. “Bringing together artists, mental

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ALTON – Two men were arrested on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, following a disturbance involving a large crowd and the open consumption of alcohol in Oakwood Estates, prompting a significant police response. At approximately 8:37 p.m. on Tuesday, officers from the Alton Police Department arrived at the 700 block of Oakwood Estates after receiving reports of the disturbance. Upon their arrival, they observed multiple individuals consuming alcohol in public. Among those present was Justin Glen-Colley, 25, who was known to have an active warrant for domestic battery. As officers attempted to take Glen-Colley into custody, he resisted arrest and attempted to flee in a vehicle. During the struggle, one officer entered the vehicle to restrain him. Glen-Colley then started the vehicle and drove recklessly, endangering the officer. The vehicle struck an Alton Police squad car, a parked vehicle, and a telephone pole before coming to a stop. The situation escalated as several individuals

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