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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt stood alongside his colleagues to highlight a measure that would simplify the college admissions process for high school seniors and community college transfer students at a press conference on Thursday. “High school seniors and community college transfer students already have enough on their plates,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The last thing they need is a complicated college application process filled with extra fees, paperwork and delays.” Senate Bill 2448 would grant automatic admission to qualified applicants at all public institutions of higher education and community colleges that participate in the direct admissions program. Under the legislation, students would no longer face the burden of repeated application processes or unnecessary application fees, ensuring a smoother transition into postsecondary education. The legislation would allow the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Community College Board

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GODFREY – Representatives of Asbury Village and the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council (NAGBC) stopped by Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to share the exciting opportunities available at the senior living facility and what sets the Village apart. Asbury Village Executive Director Anita Martinez was joined by Board President Steve Schwartz for the latest NAGBC Spotlight segment highlighting the local business community. “One of the key components for the Village that really makes us different … is our spiritual wellness,” Martinez said. “We are non-denominational and we really do embrace all aspects of faith – but there’s fun in faith, too.” In addition to their holistic, spiritual approach to wellness with Bible study sessions and more, Martinez said Village residents also enjoy trips to the local movie theater, dinner outings, and more. She praised the work of Asbury staff, including their Chaplain, who help guide an

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ALTON - The Alton Redbirds sprinter Rayna Raglin is off to an unbelievable start this track and field season and won a state championship at the Illinois Top Times Indoor Meet this past weekend at Bloomington. Raglin outperformed the other competitors in the 60-meter dash and wowed the crowd by winning first place with a PR time of 7.48. She also placed second overall in the 200-meter dash with a PR time of 25.21. Raglin is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. "I am very proud of the meet outcome for Rayna, and she is proud of the fact that her hard work is paying off for her," Redbirds Girls Track and Field Coach Chelsea Anderson said The 4x200-meter relay consisting of Ja'Kayla Steen, NeVaeh Bryant, Rayna Raglin, and Justice Haynes ran an amazing time of 1:46.86, but were disqualified due to a handoff outside of the zone. "I am very proud of that relay team because this was the first time all of them ran together, and are already 2 seconds off of an outdoo

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This weekend offers a delightful array of events ranging from engaging science programs for children to lively fish fries and musical performances, showcasing something for everyone in the community. For a full listing of events, please visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ . If you want to make sure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured Join Fish Haven at Alton VFW Post 1308 for a Fish Fry Every Friday in Lent . Come hungry, bring your crew, and enjoy great food, cold drinks, and live music! Dinner includes Fish (Buffalo, Catfish Filet, Catfish Nuggets, or Cod), Hushpuppies, 2 Sides, and Bread for $15. Available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Godfrey Knights of Columbus will be hosting Friday Fish Frys every Friday from March 7 through April 11, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at the McNicholas Club on Stamper Lane. Enjoy a selection of Buffalo, whitefish, whole catfish, shrimp, and baked fish,

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BLOOMINGTON - The Father McGivney Catholic boys' track and field team made history at the Illinois Top Times Invitational in Bloomington this past weekend. The boys’ team set the tone early with a record-setting performance in the 4 x 800-meter relay. The quartet of Tyler Ahring, Liam Schmidt, Liam Boeving, and Will Rakers finished fifth overall, clocking in at 8:30.12, which marked an 11-second improvement from their previous best and set a new school record. This result is significant as it is the first time a boys’ relay team from the Griffins has medaled at the indoor championships, head coach Jim Helton said. In addition to their relay success, Lyle Biermann, Ahring, Schmidt, and Rakers also competed in the 4 x 400-meter relay, where they secured a ninth-place finish with a time of 3:40.81, narrowly missing out on the medal stand. The McGivney boys who competed at Top Times are Byron, Petri, Carlson and Kalb Male Athletes of the Month for the Griffins. The athletes

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BLOOMINGTON — Father McGivney's Lilly Gilbertson emerged as a standout performer at the Illinois Top Times Invitational, showcasing her sprinting prowess in multiple events this past weekend. The meet, often regarded as the unofficial state indoor track and field championships, took place in Bloomington. Gilbertson, a senior, made her mark early in the competition by setting a personal record in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.85 seconds. She finished seventh in the finals, clocking in at 7.88 seconds, which earned her the first medal of the day. In the 400-meter event, Gilbertson replicated her runner-up finish from the previous year, improving her time significantly to 57.75 seconds, a mark that ranks among the top six in all classes. Despite her strong performance, she fell just 0.41 seconds short of claiming the championship. Gilbertson's success continued in the 200-meter race, where she secured another podium finish, taking second place with a time of 25.62 seconds.

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DUPO – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent shoulder closures on Interstate 255 from Illinois 3 in Dupo to half a mile north of Illinois 157 in St. Clair County will begin, weather permitting, Monday, April 7, through Wednesday, April 9. The shoulder closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. 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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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department participated in the Collinsville Area Vocational Center Criminal Justice Jamboree, held recently at Collinsville High School. This annual event brought together various law enforcement agencies, including local, state, federal, and military partners, to engage with students and promote careers in public service. The police department expressed its enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its commitment to community engagement. “We were honored to participate in one of our favorite community engagement events of the year,” the department said. The Jamboree aims to inspire young individuals to consider careers in criminal justice and public service. It serves as a platform for law enforcement agencies to connect with students, providing insights into various career paths and the importance of community involvement. As part of their outreach efforts, the Collinsville Police Department emphasized the significance of fostering

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GODFREY – A new guardrail is set to be installed on Pierce Lane in Godfrey, while a proposal for a roundabout at the intersection of Pierce and North Hanser Lanes has been put on hold. Members of the village’s Finance Committee on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, considered a proposal to look into placing a roundabout at the intersection, and to fund the construction of a guardrail in the area. “The Village has received complaints about motorists speeding on southbound Pierce Lane near North Hanser Lane,” according to a memo from Village Engineer Rich Beran. “The complaints allege that southbound vehicles heading toward West Delmar Avenue round the curve too quickly and overcorrect, which leads to striking mailboxes along the west side of the roadway,” he adds. “There is a sidewalk along the west side of Pierce Lane that pedestrians use frequently, so this poses a serious safety concern.” A guardrail along the west side of Pierce Lane was

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BETHALTO — Chase Butler showcased his skills on the baseball diamond early this week, recording two hits despite Civic Memorial High School's loss to Alton High. The performance further solidified Butler's status as one of the Eagles' leading hitters this season. Butler's contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he has been named the Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month for Civic Memorial. CM baseball head coach Chris Fair praised Butler's impact on the team, calling him a sparkplug in the lineup. "He is having a great season," Fair said. "He is a well-built kid and hits the ball hard. He is also a pitcher and we will be using him a lot on the mound as the season progresses. He is a key player for us." As the season unfolds, Butler's dual role as a hitter and pitcher is expected to be crucial for the Eagles' success.

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Moose Lodge will host "Trivia Through the Decades," a themed trivia night, on April 25, 2025, featuring questions spanning from the 1920s to the present day. The event is designed to engage participants in a fun and educational atmosphere while raising funds for the 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House, a historic landmark in the region. Doors at the Moose Lodge, located at 7371 Marine Road, will open at 6 p.m., with trivia play commencing at 7 p.m. for the April 25 event. Teams of up to eight players can register for $200 per table or $25 per individual. Space is limited, and organizers encourage early registration, as the event is expected to sell out quickly. Teams that register and pay by April 18 will receive free Mulligans, which allow participants to skip a question they do not know. Roxann Raisner of the 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House noted that the event is not only a trivia competition but also a fundraiser to support educational

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ALTON - In a recent segment of "Our Daily Show!" with C.J. Nasello , community advocate Rusty Wheat discussed his ongoing efforts to clean up local neighborhoods and the support he has received from local politicians and residents. Wheat is the leader of the group "The Chain Gang," which can be found at almost any venue around the region in trash cleanup efforts. Wheat's primary spot weekly is on Illinois 143. Wheat highlighted the involvement of figures such as Wood River politicians Jeremy Plank, Tom Stalcup, and Bethalto Mayor Gary Bost, whom he credited with being instrumental in the cleanup initiatives. Wheat emphasized the importance of community involvement in these efforts. "Members of the community assisting is so important," he said, noting that the group has received significant help from local organizations and individuals. One woman recently offered him $200 for barricades. Although Wheat declined the donation, he expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying, "It was

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement on the tariffs announced by President Trump on Wednesday afternoon: “Donald Trump may want to call this ‘Liberation Day,’ but there is nothing liberating for working families who are grappling with the high costs of food, housing, and utilities. Tariffs are a tax. They are a tax on working families, a tax on groceries, and a tax on other everyday necessities. Instead of doing anything meaningful to lower prices for Americans, the Trump Tax on Working Families is an extreme escalation against our closest allies that will raise prices just to give Elon Musk and his wealthiest friends a tax break.”

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COLLINSVILLE - A house fire on Monday, March 31, 2025, in Collinsville has left a family in distress, prompting Robin Lucas to organize a fundraiser to support her sister Beth, their grandmother Jackie, and Jackie’s roommate Nancy, who lost their home in the blaze. The fire has not only destroyed their residence but has compounded the challenges they already faced. Jackie is currently undergoing rehabilitation for cancer, while Beth is unable to work due to disabilities resulting from previous cancer treatments. As a result, the family is now seeking to secure new housing that accommodates their specific needs. Lucas expressed the emotional toll of the incident: "It was so devastating to see them walk away and have just the clothes on their back.” She emphasized the community's support, noting the "outpouring of love and prayers" from friends and neighbors, which has been greatly appreciated by the family. The GoFundMe campaign aims to raise funds to assist with immediat

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SPRINGFIELD —Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced a funding opportunity that will provide grants to units of local government for the collection and disposal of household sharps from their residents. Sharps, including needles, syringes, and lancets, collected from private citizens are a household waste. Through the grant program, Illinois EPA will reimburse grantees that operate a sharps collection station as defined in Section 3.458 of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act . A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted Illinois EPA website . “We have seen great success from our Residential Sharps Collection Program to date and we look forward to continued work with our local partners,” said Acting Director Jennings. “By providing this funding to local governments, we are providing increased opportunities for residents to safely dispose of their medical sharps.” Applicants

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - Cahokia Heights police have called in the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis to investigate the shooting death of 22-year-old Jamya T. Dukes, who was pronounced dead late Monday night, March 31, 2025, at Touchette Regional Hospital. Dukes, a resident of Granite City, was brought to the hospital by unidentified individuals after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. The Major Case Squad was activated at approximately 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, following the request of the Cahokia Heights Police Department. Captain Todd Keilbach of the Belleville Police Department is serving as the Deputy Commander for this investigation, which involves 20 members of the Major Case Squad. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Individuals with tips are encouraged to contact the Major Case Squad Command Post at 618-332-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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MEXICO CITY — Today, Governor JB Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), and Intersect Illinois completed their trade mission to Mexico City. Through this mission, the State of Illinois sought to strengthen its longstanding partnership with Mexico, paving the way for future investment and shared success. “With this trade mission, we have begun laying the foundation for an exciting new era of cooperation and shared prosperity for Illinois and Mexico,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m grateful for the teams at Intersect Illinois, DCEO, and IDOA for their hard work on this successful trip and ongoing commitment to ambitious international partnerships. And to our neighbors in Mexico—thank you for your hospitality and collaboration. I look forward to seeing the impact of this work across our agriculture, business, and innovation sectors.”

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SPRINGFIELD - On March 27, 2025, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved “Beneficial Electrification Plans” (“BE Plans”) for the state’s two largest utilities, Commonwealth Edison (“ComEd”) and Ameren Illinois, that will invest approximately $254 million in transportation electrification in Illinois over the next three years. Illinois Sierra Club Chapter Director Jack Darin said in response: “We fully support the Commission’s decisions – these plans are a vital step in ensuring that every child in our state can breathe cleaner air, and the latest benefit from our landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Illinois must continue to be a national leader when it comes to protecting clean air, clean water, and our climate. “It’s clear that the Trump administration isn’t going to stand up for our communities, and so it’s more important than ever that Illinois lead toward a cleaner future. Sierra Club

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul and a coalition of 20 attorneys general secured a preliminary injunction from the U.S. District Court for Maryland in an ongoing lawsuit against numerous federal agencies for the unlawful mass firing of federal probationary employees. The ruling will protect federal probationary employees who live or work in the states included in the lawsuit and orders 20 federal agencies to continue their efforts to reinstate unlawfully terminated probationary employees while the court case continues. The injunction also requires those agencies to follow lawful procedures in conducting any future reductions in force. “The mass firings of dedicated civil servants creates chaos and instability within our federal government. They also upend the lives of thousands of federal employees in Illinois and around the country, including veterans who deserve the support of a government they have put their lives on the line to serve,” Raoul said. “These

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ST. LOUIS – Crime continues its historic decline in the City of St. Louis, with the first three months of 2025 seeing the lowest number of homicides since 2005, 20 years ago. As of March 31, 2025, homicides are down 45%, robberies are down 20%, burglaries are down 33%, and auto thefts are down 39%, year-to-date. Shooting incidents and shooting victims are both down 39%, as well. “Residents, visitors, and businesses in St. Louis deserve to live in a safe city, and we continue to make our city safer each and every day,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “This is an all-hands-on-deck effort, and these positive numbers wouldn’t be possible without the brave men and women of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, our community partners, and the residents who work with us to prevent crime and hold bad actors accountable.” "We have seen positive progress in the first three months of 2025, but there is plenty more work to do," said St. Louis Metropolitan

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