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COLLINSVILLE – For the 24th consecutive year, Collinsville High School's student council has been named a National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils. The National Council of Excellence is an award program created by NASC to recognize student councils that maintain strong year-round programs and work to improve their schools and communities through their leadership activities. The award is founded on the four tenets of NASC (Leadership, Service, Engagement and Student Voice) and provides broad recognition for worthy efforts of NASC member councils. A student council must meet a variety of criteria to earn a National Council of Excellence Award. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings and a democratic election process, the councils must have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Student councils

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Local crime survivors, families of crime victims, and city leaders will gather on Saturday for a healing vigil aimed at raising awareness about victim compensation and other resources for recovery. The event, taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 5108 State St. in East St. Louis and is part of the nationwide observance of National Crime Victims Rights Week, organized by Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. Attendees will hold photographs of their lost loved ones while mourning and sharing their stories. The vigil will also serve as a platform for participants to learn about the state's victim compensation program, which provides financial assistance for expenses such as counseling and funeral costs. A national poll revealed that only 4% of violent crime survivors are aware of such compensation options. “Every state has a program, but 96% of victims of violent crime did not receive victim compensation to help in their recovery,&rdquo

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ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced intermittent lane closures will be encountered on the US 67 Clark Bridge over the Mississippi River beginning Thursday, April 10, 2025, weather permitting. These intermittent lane closures are necessary to allow for the completion of cable inspections scheduled for this structure. All work is estimated to be completed by Friday, June 13. 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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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Megan E. Green congratulated Mayor-Elect Cara Spencer and Comptroller-Elect Donna Baringer following their election victories on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Green, who expressed her commitment to collaboration despite differing perspectives, emphasized the importance of their success for the city and its residents. Spencer won the mayoral race with 64.17 percent of the vote to incumbent Mayor Tishaura Jones' 35.83 percent of the vote. Spencer had 32,090 votes and Jones had 17,915 votes. Cara is an alderwoman of Ward 8 in St. Louis. Outgoing Mayor Tishaura Jones topped Spencer in the 2021 election. Spencer will be sworn in for duty on April 15, 2025. In her statement, Green acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Comptroller Green, who has served for 30 years, and Mayor Jones, praising their leadership and dedication to the people of St. Louis. "Serving alongside you has been an honor," Green said. Addressing concerns about representation,

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ALTON/GODFREY/HARTFORD - Community members have the chance to experience a weekend of historical, nature-based fun. Brian “Fox” Ellis, a historian and storyteller, will present three different programs with the Hayner Public Library District, The Nature Institute, and the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. Ellis is coming to the Riverbend through the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, which sponsors Illinois-focused cultural programs. “The goal is that anyone going to any Road Scholars program feels a connection to the culture, history and natural resources of Illinois in some way,” explained Ben with the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. “This is American history, which is big, but it’s also our local Illinois history. You can feel that extra connection.” At 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, Hayner’s Genealogy and Local History Library will host “Adventures with Audubon,” a free hourlong

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GODFREY - Theodora Farms and Challenge Unlimited have partnered to provide the dignity of good food and good work. Theodora Farms, located in Godfrey, will launch their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program this June. Members of the program will receive a box of fresh produce weekly or biweekly. Individuals who take part in Challenge Unlimited’s programs for folks with disabilities will package a second box of fresh produce, called a Blessing Box, to be donated to Alton’s Crisis Food Center. “In today’s world, to put together a model that’s this innovative, I guarantee you there’s no one else in the entire state that is approaching any kind of level like this,” said John Becker, Challenge Unlimited’s Vice President of Operations. “It’s really the dignity of feeding folks with the dignity of work. We have people who are really excited.” Becker and Jeff Adams, a representative with Theodora Farms, said

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This weekend offers an exciting variety of events, from engaging community activities like fish fries and Easter egg hunts to captivating performances and health fairs, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete listing of all events, visit RiverBender 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 Friday Fish Frys will be held Every Friday, March 7 through April 11, 2025 , from 4-7 p.m. at the McNicholas Club on Stamper Lane. Buffalo, whitefish, whole catfish, shrimp, and baked fish and cheese pizza will be

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EAST ALTON - The East Alton Ice Arena will host a free on-ice Easter egg hunt this weekend. On Saturday, April 12, 2025, kids of all ages are invited to the arena at 631 Lewis & Clark Boulevard in East Alton for an egg hunt on and around the ice. On Sunday, April 13, a sensory-friendly egg hunt will be held at 11:15 a.m. Participants must wear tennis shoes to walk on the ice. “We’d love to have as many people as we can,” said Katie McKeon with the East Alton Ice Arena. “We appreciate the community. We try to give back to the community. Again, these are free Easter egg hunts. They just need to bring a bag.” Starting at 3 p.m. on April 12, kids ages 1–3 can hunt for eggs. Kids ages 4–7 will join the hunt at 4 p.m., followed by 8–11-year-olds at 5 p.m. At 6 p.m., middle school students can join in the fun. The evening will conclude with an Easter egg hunt for high school students at 9 p.m. The Easter Bunny will also be on hand from

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Did you know that simply jotting down what you’re grateful for can lead to a significant increase in your emotional well-being? Research indicates that practicing gratitude can enhance your mood, improve relationships, and may even contribute to better physical health. Yet, despite its profound benefits, many people overlook the transformative practice of gratitude journaling. What if you could harness a powerful tool that requires only a few minutes of your day to cultivate positivity and resilience? This article explores the compelling reasons to embrace daily gratitude journaling and offers practical tips to get started. Understanding Gratitude Journaling Gratitude journaling involves regularly writing down things for which you are thankful. This practice can take many forms—some might list three things each day, while others may opt for more elaborate reflections. The essence, however, remains the same: focusing on the positive aspects of life, no matter how small.

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April 9th has witnessed numerous significant events throughout history, spanning a variety of categories including politics, science, and culture. On this day in 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, marking the effective end of the American Civil War. This pivotal moment in American history not only reshaped the nation but also inspired countless works of literature, music, and film that continue to explore themes of conflict, reconciliation, and the quest for social justice. Fast-forwarding to the modern era, April 9th is also remembered for its technological advancements. In 2021, the first successful test flight of the Mars Helicopter, Ingenuity, was conducted. This groundbreaking achievement by NASA was a testament to human ingenuity and opened new avenues for aerial exploration of other planets. The successful flight demonstrated the feasibility of powered flight on Mars, paving the way for future mission

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EDWARDSVILLE - Students, alumni and community members are invited to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) for their “One Day, One SIUE” celebration. At 6 p.m. on April 24, 2025, the SIUE community will come together to mark the fourth annual giving campaign with a barbecue, live music and more. The event is completely free to attendees, though donations and sponsorships are encouraged, with all proceeds benefiting SIUE’s programs, scholarships and student organizations. “It’s basically a big celebration where we bring everybody together,” said Julie Babington, SIUE’s Senior Director of Annual Giving. “It just has a really special vibe.” The One Day, One SIUE celebration will take place on Stratton Quad on the SIUE campus. The fun starts at 6 p.m., with music by The Red Jackets Band beginning at 7 p.m. This year’s celebration will honor Curtis Francois, owner and president of World Wide Technology Raceway.

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ALTON — Two individuals are recovering after being shot on Homer Adams Parkway in Alton on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The Alton Police Department received a call at 8:55 p.m. Tuesday from a female driver who reported she was en route to an area hospital following the shooting, which occurred near the intersection with College Avenue. Shortly thereafter, the two gunshot wound victims arrived at a local hospital. One of the victims was subsequently flown to a hospital in St. Louis for additional treatment. Both victims are currently reported to be in stable condition. Authorities have indicated that the shooting was not random, stating that the vehicle carrying the victims was specifically targeted. As a result of the incident, all northbound traffic lanes on Homer Adams Parkway from East Broadway in Alton were closed while investigators searched for physical evidence. Those lanes have since been reopened. The Alton Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance fro

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WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) participated in a House Committee on Agriculture hearing where she criticized proposed cuts to SNAP benefits at a time when families are struggling with rising grocery costs. In Illinois’ 13th district, 55,000 households rely on SNAP. Like the rest of the country, the majority of those households are home to a child, a senior, or a disabled adult. The budget reconciliation framework passed by House Republicans includes a $230 billion cut to SNAP, which is predicted to increase food costs for a typical SNAP household of four by $175 a month . Furthermore, the Trump Administration’s universal tariffs are projected to cost American families upwards of $3,000 a year . Budzinski’s remarks as prepared for delivery can be found below: Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Craig, thank you for calling this hearing today. I think that this conversation is timely - what we are all hearing from our districts

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GODFREY – Two Godfrey residents were charged last week in related cases of mob action. One faces an additional felony for injuring the victim with a “bladed metal object.” Lamont R. Lastie, 30, and Memoree E. Thomas, 20, both of Godfrey, were each charged on April 2, 2025 with a Class 4 felony count of mob action. Lastie was additionally charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery. The day prior on April 1, 2025, Lastie and Thomas allegedly worked together in striking the victim about the head and body. Lastie reportedly also used “a bladed metal object” to cut the face of the victim, who sustained a laceration to the chin. According to a petition to deny Lastie’s pretrial release, a witness told authorities Lastie knocked the victim to the ground before “swinging at him with a small knife or bladed object,” causing the injury. The petition notes that at the time of the incident, Lastie was on probation from a 2023 case

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ALTON – Challenge Unlimited and Soulcial Kitchen are excited to unveil detailed plans for the recently launched Soulcial Center at Challenge Unlimited, located in Alton, IL, a groundbreaking initiative transforming local food systems, community health, and employment opportunities. Led by Brigadier General John E. Michel (USAF, Ret.), Founder of Soulcial Kitchen and President of the Food is Love Foundation, along with John Becker, Challenge Unlimited VP of Programs, this unique center leverages strategic partnerships with Fresh Harvest 365, LaMay’s Catering, the Food is Love Foundation, and Theodora Farms to enhance community wellbeing and economic growth. Regional Produce and "Dignity in Food" Aggregation Hub: Managed by Theodora Farms, this hub provides a consistent market for local small farms, distributing fresh, locally sourced produce to hospitals, food pantries, and community-based organizations throughout the Metro East. Commissary Kitchen and "Food as Medicine"

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel to reverse course on their deprioritization of domestic terrorism prevention efforts, which leaves our nation less secure and Americans less safe. Durbin began by condemning recent actions, writing: “I write to strongly object to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) recent diversion of agency resources and institutional focus away from domestic terrorism prevention efforts.” The FBI has reassigned staff from the Domestic Terrorism Operations Section (DTOS), which provides operational support to all 55 FBI field offices in investigating domestic terrorism threats, and is contemplating disbanding it entirely. DHS has dismantled a national database used

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee; and U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee; and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court lifted a hold on removals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 : “The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Trump Administration to move forward with deporting people under the Alien Enemies Act—an archaic wartime law—will unquestionably harm people caught up in this oppressive nightmare. “This decision also leaves unanswered whether the President’s dangerous and unprecedented invocation of the wartime authority to go after immigrants was lawful in the first place. “Although

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “The Freedom of Information Act: Perspectives from Public Requesters.” During his opening remarks, Durbin underscored the importance of transparency in government, and he further reiterated that the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) despite unelected billionaire Elon Musk’s opposition. Key Durbin Quotes: “This Committee has approached FOIA in a bipartisan fashion. It should continue to, working to ensure agencies comply with the law and taking opportunities to strengthen the law.” “But this hearing comes at a time when many Americans are angry and fearful. They are frightened for their jobs as the Trump Administration fires thousands and thousands of government

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday that a man who fatally stabbed two victims, including the man’s adoptive father, has been sentenced to two terms of natural life in prison. Bryce V. Andrews, 26, formerly of unincorporated Alton, was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison for the murder of his adoptive father, Robert Andrews, 59. Bryce Andrews also was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Leonard “Jim” Ebrey, who was the legal spouse of Robert Andrews. In addition, Bryce Andrews was sentenced to 10 years in prison for aggravated arson and five years in prison for concealment of a homicidal death. Under Illinois law, those four sentences must be served consecutively, or back-to-back. “The family and loved ones of Robert and Leonard remain in our prayers,” Haine said. “While no sentence can undo the pain caused, we hope today is a step toward healing and accountability.” In February,

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WEST ALTON, MO. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, is pleased to announce the Leave No Trace organization has selected the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary as a 2025 Spotlight site. As outdoor areas nationwide are being impacted by record use, this new initiative from Leave No Trace shines a light on communities rising to meet this challenge with multi-day, onsite education, and restoration initiatives. Riverlands is one of just 20 locations nationwide to receive the distinction this year. Local land agencies or community groups nominate sites for the Leave No Trace Spotlight initiative. The diverse sites chosen in 2025 span the country, each with unique environmental challenges. The initiative aims to equip each Spotlight area with relevant Leave No Trace tools that address the site's impacts and foster healthy lands and people. The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team will be at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary April 10-12, collaborating with the

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