Riverbender 🕸

GODFREY – Ballroom dance classes are in full swing at Lewis and Clark Community College. The community is invited to step onto the dance floor and explore timeless styles in a fun, structured and welcoming environment. During these five-week courses, students will learn the fundamentals of social and American-style ballroom dance. Under the guidance of professional dance instructor William Trent, “You will gain confidence on the dance floor in no time.” Participants must register with a dance partner, and the cost is $55 per person. “Put on your dancing shoes and join the fun,” Community Education Division Assistant Becky Moore said. “Ballroom isn’t just for the pros; it’s for the whole community.” Shoes with leather or vinyl soles are recommended. Classes take place in Hatheway 107 on the Godfrey Campus. Class Schedule Rumba for Beginners (CEPE-152-60) Tuesdays, June 10 - July 8, 6-7 p.m. Cha-Cha for Beginners (CEPE-153-60)

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his office has reached a settlement with 401 North Wabash Venture LLC, known as Trump International Hotel & Tower. Once approved by a judge, the settlement will resolve violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and Illinois Pollution Control Board regulations relating to the building’s cooling water intake system, which uses water from the Chicago River. “The Chicago River is one of our city’s most treasured natural resources, and future generations should benefit from the opportunities for recreation and commerce it provides,” Raoul said. “I am pleased to have reached this agreement, which will protect the Chicago River and the important habitat that it provides to local wildlife. I am committed to continuing to vigorously enforce our environmental laws.” “The proposed settlement represents years of work by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and Illinois

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CHICAGO – With summer just around the corner, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is reminding parents and caregivers of the importance of always supervising children when they are in or near water to avoid the tragedy of accidental drowning deaths. “Children are easily attracted to water, and even turning your attention away from a child near water for a moment to answer a phone call or tend to a child in the next room can result in dire consequences,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller . “Drownings happen quickly and silently in as little as one inch of water. We ask all caregivers to be responsible for watching their children no matter how well that child can swim as not all drownings involve waving, yelling and splashing. Please remember to be water wise and supervise your children if you are near water this summer.” In 2024, 19 Illinois children lost their lives to accidental drowning: eight in pools, four in

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ALTON – OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center continues fortifying its efforts in addressing the mental health and well-being needs of youth and young adults in the Riverbend region. Lisa Lawrence, M.S.W., licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), psychotherapist, is the newest addition to the robust Psychological Services department roster at OSF Saint Anthony’s. Ms. Lawrence has more than 22 years of providing outpatient and inpatient therapy services in individual and group settings in the greater St. Louis metro area on both sides of the river. “My goal is to create a collaborative relationship with clients and help them feel safe to explore challenges, identify barriers to wanted change, and develop mutually agreed upon goals,” says Ms. Lawrence. “I approach my work with curiosity, empathy and humility. My hope is that my clients experience personal growth and self-discovery in their work with me toward peace, relief and joy.” Lawrence wi

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement on her vote against House Republicans' tax package: “The Republican tax package is nothing more than a massive handout to the wealthiest Americans at the expense of everyone else. It unfairly harms the bottom 10 percent of earners while delivering the most benefits to the top 10 percent. It also cuts billions from Medicaid and SNAP, and adds more than $3 trillion to the national debt,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “This bill turns its back on working families, meaning while billionaires receive tax breaks, middle class families will instead pay more in annual living expenses. We need middle class tax relief, support for those who need it, and real fiscal responsibility. This bill fails on all counts, which is why I voted NO.” Below are some of the specific impacts the tax package would have on Illinois’ 13th Congressional District: 19,000 people

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ST. LOUIS - Ameren Corporation announced today a $1 million donation to assist in recovery efforts from the powerful storms and tornado that struck the St. Louis metropolitan region and surrounding areas on Friday, May 16. "These devastating storms struck at the heart of our communities, impacting our customers, employees, neighbors and friends," said Martin J. Lyons Jr. , chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ameren. "Seeing the damage firsthand is heartbreaking, but our crews are working tirelessly to rebuild what's been lost. This $1 million commitment is one more way we're standing shoulder to shoulder with the communities we serve as they begin the long road to recovery." Ameren will provide $750,000 to community organizations to help assist in the ongoing recovery efforts. Partner organizations receiving the recovery funds are the United Way of Greater St. Louis , the American Red Cross , The Salvation Army, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and

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EDWARDSVILLE - Metro East Humane Society recently raised over $38,000 with a 24-hour “Slumber Pawty.” The event encouraged volunteers to spend 24 hours at the shelter with the animals. Mady O’Reilly, MEHS Development Manager, explained that the experience allowed people to engage with the dogs while fundraising for veterinary care, food, facility upkeep and more. “It’s just this really awesome event where we decided that we’re going to all get together and we’re going to spend 24 hours at the shelter, because at the end of the day, shelter pets just want someone to cuddle up with just like any other dog,” O’Reilly said. “The event has been really awesome to be a part of, and it really has done so many amazing things for all of the pets here.” The idea behind the “Slumber Pawty” was started in 2017 at Gateway Pet Guardians in East St. Louis. MEHS joined in 2019. As the initiative has grown, there ar

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis region has more than 48,000 skilled workers in Advanced Manufacturing and the region ranks among the top 20 metros for aerospace employment with nearly four times more aerospace manufacturing employees than other similar-sized markets. The bi-state region also ranks first in the nation for on-the-job training programs and third for completed internships helping to contribute to workforce growth to support the number of advanced manufacturing firms in the area. Among the major employers calling the St. Louis region home are General Motors, Boeing, West Star Aviation, True Manufacturing, Evertrak, Emerson, Oasis Berco, Lear, The Greenbrier Companies, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., ICL Group and Scott Air Force Base, with several of those recently or currently expanding their operations. Boeing, which already has more than 16,000 employees in the bi-state region, is planning a multi-billion expansion to add a one million square-foot advanced aerospace manufacturing

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SPRINGFIELD - Ahead of Memorial Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced the return of a Purple Heart medal to the grandson of a late World War II Army veteran from Lansing, Ill. Army Cpl. Henry Van Der Noord was one of four brothers who fought for the U.S. during World War II, with all of them making it home. He earned the Purple Heart for wounds he suffered during the fight to liberate the Philippines in May 1945. “Mr. Van Der Noord and his brothers served their country proudly during a crucial time in our world’s history,” Frerichs said while returning the Purple Heart to Van Der Noord’s grandson, Christopher Reed, also a veteran. “I am proud to return this honor to his loving family.” Reed, the first male grandchild, got the medal when he was 8 or 9. He also received his grandfather’s Army green dress jacket, and some other medals. The Purple Heart stood out, however. “When I first got it, I didn’t know what th

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Fairview Heights man with disseminating child sexual abuse material as part of an ongoing effort to combat online exploitation of minors in Illinois. James P. Scherer, 31, was charged Tuesday in St. Clair County Circuit Court with two Class X felony counts of dissemination of child pornography, offenses punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Scherer is currently held at the St. Clair County Jail, with a detention hearing scheduled for May 27. Investigators from Raoul’s office, working alongside the Fairview Heights Police Department, executed a search warrant at Scherer’s residence on the 10th block of Pine Trail in Fairview Heights. Authorities took Scherer into custody after uncovering evidence of child sexual abuse material. “Survivors of child exploitation and their families can face life-long trauma, and the predators responsible for these heinous crimes being held accountable can help them begin

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May 24th has been a day marked by a diverse array of significant events that have shaped the world in various ways. If we rewind to 1844, May 24th was the day when Samuel Morse sent the first telegraph message, famously stating, “What hath God wrought.” This breakthrough in communication technology revolutionized how information was transmitted over vast distances, effectively shrinking the world and laying the groundwork for our interconnected era. Traveling back further, May 24th, 1844, also saw the birth of the iconic Queen Victoria’s reign marking its 27th year, a period known as the Victorian Era, which profoundly influenced culture, industry, and politics in the 19th century United Kingdom and beyond. Her reign witnessed massive social changes and the expansion of the British Empire. In the realm of transportation, May 24th, 1930, marked the official opening of the Chrysler Building in New York City, which at the time was the world’s tallest building.

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SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) submitted 15 local projects for inclusion in the federal funding package in the upcoming fiscal year. These projects were submitted to the House Appropriations Committee as part of the Community Project Funding process. Each project was carefully selected based on strict criteria set by the Committee, as well as Congresswoman Budzinski’s firsthand understanding of the needs and challenges facing Illinois’ 13th District. The Congresswoman was able to select 15 projects to submit for consideration. To read more about these projects, click HERE or see below. While 13 of these projects were previously approved by the House Appropriations Committee last year, they were excluded from the Continuing Resolution passed by House Republicans in March. In April, Congresswoman Budzinski convened a roundtable with local stakeholders and project leaders to discuss how the delay in funding would impact communities

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Senate that would eliminate the licensing requirements for hair braiders in Illinois. “It just makes sense to remove excessive licensing rules for hair braiders,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Illinois is one of the few states still enforcing these burdensome requirements, and it’s time we step aside and let people use their skills to make an honest living without needless red tape.” Currently, hair braiders are required to obtain licensure under the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Aspiring hair braiders must complete 300 hours of training at a cosmetology school, which can cost over $5,000. Illinois is one of only 14 states that have these licensing requirements. House Bill 3356 would eliminate the need for hair braiders to get licensed with the state. Hair braiding businesses would still have to obtain a normal business license

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GODFREY – The Criminal Justice department at Lewis and Clark Community College is offering a brand-new class titled Understanding Serial Killers. This course is available beginning in the fall 2025 semester. CRMJ 145 Understanding Serial Killers is a study of serial murderers and their victims to facilitate an understanding of what might lead a person to commit these types of crimes, what systemic factors influence serial offending, and what law enforcement can do to enhance solvability. “This course will introduce students to the behaviors and profiles of the individuals responsible for committing serial murders,” Criminal Justice professor Tricia Martin said. “Furthermore, it offers opportunities to explore some of the victims’ perspectives, as well as how experts profile serial killers, motives and prison sentences.” By the end of the course, students will understand how serial killings influence society. No prerequisites are required

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SPRINGFIELD - Legislation championed by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias calling for enhanced safeguards to bolster road safety while increasing the age at which Illinois drivers must take a behind-the-wheel driving test from 79 to 87 passed the Illinois General Assembly today. The legislation, supported by AARP Illinois, passed the Illinois Senate by a vote of 57-0. The bill was unanimously approved by the Illinois House last month. HB 1226, or the Road Safety & Fairness Act, seeks to align Illinois driving standards with the rest of the nation. The bipartisan legislation, with 70 percent of the 177 state lawmakers signing on as cosponsors, would take effect on July 1, 2026, if signed into law. “My top priority as Secretary of State is keeping our roads safe. Allowing immediate relatives to notify my office of concerns about their loved one’s driving ability helps make driving safer for everyone,” Giannoulias said. “Meanwhile, statistics show

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ROLLA, Mo. - Missouri University of Science and Technology undergraduate Katie Harr recently received the Outstanding Mathematics Pre-Service Educator award from the Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Harr, a junior in applied mathematics from Dupo, Illinois, is an observer and substitute teacher at Rolla High School and says she didn’t expect to earn the award, but was proud that S&T’s education faculty recommended her for it. Harr is combining her mathematics degree with a secondary education certificate, while minoring in psychology. But she didn’t start out with a mathematics focus – she switched her major after deciding civil engineering wasn’t in her future. “I started tutoring math and loved seeing students ‘get it’ and have that click moment, so I decided to get into teaching,” says Harr. “I always loved the application of math, statistics and calculus; I like to see the physical connections they can make

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced she will be serving as a new Co-Chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus. The Congressional Biofuels Caucus is made up of a bipartisan group of lawmakers dedicated to advancing policies that support the growth and development of the biofuels industry in the United States. Congresswoman Budzinski will join fellow Co-Chairs Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN), Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA), and Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND). "I came to Congress to be a strong voice for the people of Central and Southern Illinois—especially our hardworking farmers. Few issues are more critical to their success than strengthening the biofuels industry and expanding market opportunities,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “That's why promoting the use of homegrown, sustainable biofuels has been a central focus of my work in Congress, and

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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) reintroduced the STOP CSAM Act . The legislation will crack down on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online by allowing victims of child sexual exploitation to sue companies that promoted or facilitated the exploitation, or that host or store CSAM or make it available. It will also support victims and increase transparency for online platforms by, among other things, expanding protections for child victims and witnesses in federal court; facilitating restitution for victims of child exploitation, human trafficking, sexual assault, and crimes of violence; strengthening CyberTipline reporting requirements; and requiring large tech companies to submit annual reports describing their efforts to promote a culture of safety for children on their platform. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined her Democratic colleagues in a last-ditch effort to address rising costs for American families. Beginning at 1 a.m., and despite Republicans’ attempts to keep the reconciliation process out of public view, Budzinski and House Democrats participated in a marathon Rules Committee meeting, introducing more than 500 amendments to the Republican tax package. During the meeting, Budzinski focused her remarks on ways to lower costs for American families and offered an amendment to reinstate a broadband affordability initiative modeled after the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provided low-income families with discounted internet access. “My amendment introduces a measure of fairness into this otherwise harmful bill,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “This simple amendment puts working families first —making sure they have access to the internet for school, work, health care, and

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MASCOUTAH – The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and Special Olympics Illinois are excited to announce the inaugural Southern Plane Pull competition fundraiser that will take place at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on Saturday, May 31. The challenge pits men and women against machine in a tug-of-war style contest to test their strength against a 22-ton GoJet airplane. Teams of 10 will compete by attempting to pull a 44,000-pound aircraft the distance of 12 feet in the shortest amount of time. To enter the competition, teams must raise a minimum of $500, with funds benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. The event will kick off with an Opening Ceremony at 9:30 a.m., followed by the first team pull at 10:00 a.m. Festivities will take place at the AMVATS Hangar on the airport grounds, located at 8885 AMVATS Drive. The Plane Pull contest will feature various divisions, including law enforcement, public safety, corporate and community teams, fostering a spirit of camaraderie

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