Riverbender 🕸

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Monday joined 22 other attorneys general to urge the U.S. Supreme Court to review a lower court decision that prevents individuals from suing to enforce the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Raoul and the coalition filed an amicus brief in Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe that defends the right of individuals to sue to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, a provision that is essential to ensuring Americans can cast ballots free from racial discrimination. “For decades, the Voting Rights Act has ensured access to the ballot box has not been restricted or obstructed based on discrimination,” Raoul said. “I am proud to join my fellow attorneys general to protect voters’ rights, as nothing is more fundamental to the preservation of our democracy than the right to vote.” Congress enacted the VRA in 1965 to guarantee that the voting rights of the American people would not be denied or restricted

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS – In an effort to restore the tree canopy and its many benefits to the St. Louis neighborhoods damaged by the May 16 tornado, the City of St. Louis Recovery Office is proud to partner with the Clark-Fox Family Foundation, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, Forest Park Forever and Commerce Bank on the Trick or Tree™ drive that will mobilize children across the region to collect donations while trick or treating on Oct. 31, 2025, with all funds directly supporting tree-replanting efforts in tornado-impacted neighborhoods. Since the tornado, City staff and contractors have removed or trimmed an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 tornado-damaged trees from parks, homes and streets. This does not include many more trees that have been removed or trimmed by private property owners and community groups, or may require removal in the future. Trick or Tree™ provides families, neighbors and community members with an opportunity to contribute to the restoration of that lost tree canopy.

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi at a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing. Durbin’s questions focused on the weaponization of the Department of Justice (DOJ) under President Trump and AG Bondi, Bondi’s conflicts of interests as a former lobbyist for Qatar who signed off on accepting the gift of a Qatari plane, the Department’s role in the President’s surge of troops and federal agents to Chicago, and how she has failed to release the Epstein files. Durbin first questioned AG Bondi about the Trump White House deploying the National Guard to Chicago and if she was consulted beforehand or had any knowledge. Despite repeatedly asking her, AG Bondi refused to answer. “Were you consulted by the White House before they deployed National Guard troops to cities in the United States?” Durbin asked. AG Bondi responded that

Continue Reading

CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker joined Illinois’ congressional delegation and local elected officials to condemn the Trump Administration’s latest act of political retaliation — an illegal freeze of $2.1 billion in already-approved federal funding for the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line Extension and Red and Purple Line modernization projects. Together, Illinois leaders vowed to fight back against this baseless attack on Chicago’s working families and to defend the State’s right to the federal investments it was promised. “At a time when federal agents are sowing chaos in Chicago, the Trump administration is holding bipartisan funding hostage,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Using transportation funding to score political points doesn’t just hurt the hardworking people who rely on public transit to get to work or school—it weakens our economy, drives away investment, and makes it harder for businesses to

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Community Colleges are once again coming together this fall to address food insecurity and provide vital support to students and their communities. The second annual Feed the Need Campus Food Drive will launch on October 15, 2025, and run through December 1, 2025, engaging campuses statewide in a friendly competition to collect non-perishable food items for local food pantries and campus-based food banks. Last year’s inaugural effort proved the power of collective action, with Illinois community colleges collecting more than 91,000 food items. Organizers hope to exceed that milestone this year as colleges mobilize students, faculty, and community partners to meet growing needs. “Food insecurity remains one of the biggest barriers to student success. By joining forces across the state, community colleges can make a meaningful difference not only on campus but also in the communities they serve,” said Brian Durham, Executive Director of th

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – Land of Lincoln Honor Flight ends our 2025 flying season with Mission #76 on October 21, 2025. Mission #76 will serve 93 Vietnam Era Veterans from 62 Illinois home towns of Atlanta, Beason, Bement Bloomington, Breese, Buffalo, Bunker Hill, Carlinville, Carlyle, Centralia, Charleston, Chatham, Clay City, Clinton, Cortland, Creve Coeur, Dawson, Decatur, Fairbury, Flora, Forsyth, Granite City, Green Valley, Hammond, Hillsboro, Hillview, Iuka, Jacksonville, LeRoy, Lincoln, Litchfield, Loves Park, Mechanicsburg, Monticello, Morton, New Berlin, Newton, Normal, Oakley, Oakwood, Okawville, Pawnee, Petersburg, Philo, Pontiac, Raymond, Riverton, Rochester, Rushville, Springfield, Tinley Park, Tolono, Tower Hill, Trenton, Troy, Urbana, Vandalia, Warrensburg, Watseka, Westville and Woodson as well as Carthage, Texas and Venice, Florida. Our October 21st veterans represent all branches of the military. These Veterans and their Guardians will report October 21, 2025 to the

Continue Reading

ALTON - Get your game face on and your thinking caps ready! YWCA Southwestern Illinois invites you to an unforgettable evening of laughter, competition, and community at our Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Great Rivers Ascend Hotel in Alton. This isn’t your average trivia night—it’s the most entertaining way to make a difference! Hosted by the always-engaging Trivia Riot, guests will enjoy eight rounds of brain-teasing fun, with prizes, bragging rights, and plenty of laughs along the way. Plus, our celebrity judges will bring their wit and sparkle to the night—don’t miss your chance to rub elbows with local stars! The excitement doesn’t stop with trivia! Silent Auction – Bid on amazing items and experiences 50/50 Raffle – Win big while supporting a great cause Heads or Tails Game – Test your luck for even more prizes Mulligans – Ten for just $10 to give your team a competitive edge Tickets:

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE — Brad Blanchard, a volunteer firefighter with the East Side Volunteer Fire Department in Belleville, has faced a life-altering challenge since a motorcycle accident in October 2021 left him paralyzed from the waist down. Now, his community is rallying to support his goal of regaining mobility through advanced robotic exoskeleton technology. Blanchard joined the East Side Volunteer Fire Department in 2018, dedicating himself to serving others. Before his accident, he was training for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, an event honoring fallen firefighters. Despite his paralysis, Blanchard remains determined to walk again and continue his active lifestyle. With steadfast support from his wife, Patty, Blanchard has adapted to his new circumstances by custom-building a motorcycle suited to his needs and modifying a riding lawn mower so he can maintain his independence. He has also joined a specialized gym for individuals with paralysis, where he has lost significant weigh

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - New this year, Edwardsville High School will limit the guests welcome at their homecoming dance. Only current high school students will be allowed to attend this year’s EHS homecoming dance, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. This change aims to promote safety and aligns EHS with many local schools that have the same policy. After last year’s homecoming dance, Principal Alex Fox and administrators raised concerns about the policies surrounding the dance. Guests up to the age of 20 were allowed to attend if invited by an EHS student, meaning the guests in attendance could range between ages 13–20. EHS administrators decided to seek parent feedback. In Spring 2025, Fox sent a survey to parents of students in grades 9–11. The survey revealed that 82% of parents supported a policy change that would limit guests to only those enrolled in high school. With those survey results in mind, this year’s homecoming dance will only welcome

Continue Reading

SIKESTON, MO. — Officer Henry Franklin of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety was killed in the line of duty on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, while serving a warrant in Mississippi County, the department confirmed Tuesday. Franklin, a member of the Sikeston DPS Tactical Team, was shot by a person concealed inside a residence during a mutual aid call on Oct. 6, 2025. The department described the loss as tragic and expressed condolences to Franklin’s family. Franklin joined the Sikeston Department of Public Safety in June 2013 and served as the handler for K9 Odin. He was also a retired Army veteran who completed two tours in Iraq. “Our department has suffered an unimaginable loss,” said Sikeston Department of Public Safety Director James McMillen. “We ask that you keep Franklin’s family and our department in your prayers.” Born and raised in Charleston, Franklin is survived by his wife, Leah, their four children, his mother, Sally Turner Doyle,

Continue Reading

Imagine a single tree producing a spectrum of colors every year, from brilliant reds to fiery oranges and golden yellows. What if the vibrant display of fall foliage wasn’t just a visual treat but a complex biological process with fascinating chemical transformations? The changing colors of leaves are more than just a pretty spectacle; they reveal intricate interactions between plants, pigments, and environmental cues. The Chemistry of Leaf Color: More Than Just Green Leaves owe their green color primarily to chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis—the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight mainly in the blue and red wavelengths, reflecting green light, which is why leaves appear green during the growing season. However, leaves contain other pigments too, often hidden beneath the dominant green of chlorophyll: Carotenoids : These pigments produce yellow, orange, and brown hues. Carotenoids are present in leave

Continue Reading

October 8 has been a day marked by transformative events across the globe, spanning the realms of politics, science, culture, and exploration. Moving back several centuries, on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began to blaze through the city. This devastating fire destroyed roughly 3.3 square miles of Chicago, leaving more than 100,000 residents homeless and causing immense economic damage. Despite its destruction, the fire also led to a remarkable period of rebuilding and urban development. Chicago rose from the ashes to become a symbol of resilience and innovation in architecture and city planning, shaping the modern metropolis we know today. October 8, 1956, brought a landmark moment in science with the birth of the first successful artificial satellite transmission experiment conducted by the Soviet Union. This event paved the way for the development of satellite communication technologies that revolutionized global connectivity. These early experiments set the stage for

Continue Reading

GODFREY – Godfrey trustees approved liquor licenses for two local businesses on Tuesday. Village Board members unanimously approved liquor license requests from the Clifton Terrace Inn and Round Table Family Restaurant at their Oct. 7, 2025 meeting. Clifton Terrace Inn To Transform Under New Ownership Mark Smith, the owner of Abigail’s in Grafton, aims to reopen the Clifton Terrace Inn at 4922 Clifton Terrace Road as a friendly neighborhood staple known as the "Fullmoon Lounge." Smith envisions renovating the space with a welcoming interior atmosphere, including “warm wood finishes, soft lighting, comfortable booths, and a long inviting bar with ample seating,” with décor inspired by local history. “The venue will be a casual, neighborhood bar and restaurant designed to be Godfrey’s version of ‘Cheers’ – a place ‘where everybody knows your name,’” Smith states in his business plan for the bar.

Continue Reading

SAINT JACOB - Community members can adopt pets, trick-or-treat, play games and have fun at the ninth annual Howl-O-Ween Open House & Pet Adoption event. From 12–3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors and Partners 4 Pets have collaborated to host Howl-O-Ween at 9136 Lower Marine Road in St. Jacob. The family-friendly event will feature adoptable pets available for a $25 adoption fee as well as wild animals from local partners, live music, a balloon artist, raffles and additional fun. “We just thought that pets and finding homes for them was a great deal,” said Amy with Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors. “The day of, of course, we have lots of fun things to do. Even if you aren’t wanting to adopt a pet that day, come out, support them. We have food and prizes and different things. All that money goes directly to Partners 4 Pets.” In addition to the 100 adoptable pets that will be onsite during Howl-O-Ween, Treehouse

Continue Reading

RIVERBEND - In 1978, 23-year-old Steven Kubacki disappeared on Lake Michigan. He woke up in a field in Massachusetts 15 months later, with no memory of what had happened. Or so he said. In his newest book — “The Disappearance: Conspiracy, Revolution, Revelation…The Extraordinary Disappearance of Steven Kubacki (After 45 Years of Silence)” — Kubacki, PhD, reveals what happened all those years ago and why he feigned his disappearance. “I have perfect recollection,” Kubacki said. In the years leading up to that fateful day in 1978, Kubacki became known as a rebellious, idealistic student. He would often skip classes to travel, then return, ace the tests, and “piss off professors.” Growing up in the Vietnam War and the Cold War eras, Kubacki was disappointed by the world and its violence. He came from a lower-middle-class family and was unimpressed by the class differences he observed at the prestigious Deerfield Academy

Continue Reading

MADISON COUNTY - Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is intensifying his campaign across Illinois as he seeks the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dick Durbin. With five months remaining before the primary election, Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat representing a district near Chicago, has traveled extensively through the state to connect with voters. Krishnamoorthi, 51, described his campaign as a “mobile office” with stops in Peoria, Chicago, Schaumburg, Madison County, and several counties, cities, and villages in Southern Illinois, including Du Quoin and East Alton. He emphasized the urgency of his outreach efforts, saying, “I think we have momentum but a lot of work to do today with five months before the primary and no time to waste.” He said he will no doubt return to Madison County and the area before the primary election. The congressman highlighted Sen. Durbin's legislative record, noting that he has delivered resources throughout

Continue Reading

MADISON COUNTY - Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich has identified Joseph Wayne Sands, 63, of Cottage Hills, as the male victim who died following a two-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, Oct. 5, 2025, on Interstate 55. The crash occurred at approximately 4:25 a.m. Oct. 5 near Mile Marker 8 in the northbound lanes of the interstate. Sands was the driver and sole occupant of a 1992 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck. According to preliminary evidence, Sands’ vehicle slowed in the lane of travel and was struck from behind by a box truck. Following the collision, Sands’ vehicle caught fire. Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Kyle Burgess responded to the scene and pronounced Sands dead. The driver of the box truck was treated at the scene and transported to a St. Louis-area hospital in critical condition. The Collinsville Fire Department and Illinois State Police responded after the initial 9-1-1 call. The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today railed against Donald Trump’s dangerous, unconstitutional deployment of National Guard troops into Chicago and other American cities during a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing. Video of Duckworth’s remarks is available on the Senator’s YouTube . “President Trump has once again violated the Constitution, states’ rights and Americans’ rights by federalizing the Illinois National Guard and deploying Texas National Guard troops to Illinois against the wishes of democratically elected officials,” said Duckworth. “We know deploying the military is not about protecting DHS officials, because these same officials are escalating their tactics every day to provoke a manufactured crisis to justify sending in the military. We know it’s not about crime, because Trump literally defunded the police by slashing $800 million in public safety

Continue Reading

ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE – An East St. Louis man faces several charges in two felony cases, including one case of kidnapping and burglary and another of home invasion, domestic battery, and more. Carl G. Parker, 41, of East. St. Louis, was charged in two felony cases filed in Madison County on Oct. 1, 2025. In the first case, Parker was charged with aggravating kidnapping (a Class X felony), residential burglary (a Class 1 felony), and criminal trespass to residence (a Class 4 felony). On Sept. 22, 2025, Parker allegedly deceived or enticed a 9-year-old child to “go from one place to another with the intent to secretly confine that person against his will,” according to charging documents. He also reportedly burglarized an Edwardsville residence while the home’s occupants, including the juvenile kidnapping victim, were present. According to the state’s petition to deny Parker’s pretrial release from custody in the kidnapping case, the victim reported

Continue Reading

MADISON - Timeka Shaunail, a professional gospel artist, accomplished drummer and aspiring actress, has built a diverse career spanning music, theater and film. Known for her dynamic performances, Shaunail has appeared in Broadway productions and local theater plays. Shaunail is a Madison High graduate. She also attended SWIC in Belleville with a focus on criminal justice. She has performed significantly in Las Vegas and all over the country. She is one of the most well-known Madison graduates after graduation for her enormous amount of inspirational work, which includes, recently, some work as a cartoonist. Some of the art work examples are above. She is also a producer and has written her own music. Her tour activities have included the "In My Life" tour in August 2016 in East St. Louis, in the region. Shaunail maintains a presence at events such as the BET Awards when in town. Notably, she is the cousin of media icon Oprah Winfrey and gospel singer Mavis Staples. R&B singer Brad

Continue Reading