Riverbender 🕸

Did you know that the average person spends nearly seven hours a day on digital media? This staggering figure highlights how deeply intertwined our lives have become with screens—smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions dominate much of our waking hours. But what happens when we intentionally step away from these devices? Taking a digital detox is more than just a trendy wellness fad; it is a powerful strategy to restore mental clarity, improve physical health, and strengthen personal relationships. The Cognitive Overload of Constant Connectivity Our brains were not designed for the relentless stimulus of digital devices. Every notification, email ping, or social media update triggers a mini dopamine rush, encouraging us to check our screens repeatedly. This cycle can lead to cognitive overload—a state where the brain struggles to process or retain information effectively. Research from the University of California, Irvine, indicates that it can take up to 23

Continue Reading

June 16 has marked numerous pivotal moments throughout history, spanning continents and cultures. 1963: The Historic March Against Apartheid in South Africa Arguably the most impactful event on June 16 is the Soweto Uprising of 1976 (not 1963, as commonly misstated), which became a defining moment in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. On this day, thousands of Black schoolchildren in the township of Soweto protested against the mandatory use of Afrikaans in schools—a policy many considered oppressive and emblematic of the apartheid regime’s broader racial segregation policies. Though the protest started peacefully, it escalated when police opened fire on the demonstrators, killing many youths, including the widely remembered Hector Pieterson. The uprising galvanized international attention and intensified resistance within South Africa, contributing significantly to the eventual dismantling of apartheid in the early 1990s. June 16 is now commemorated annually

Continue Reading

U.S. District Judge John Blakey issued former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's sentence Friday, of seven years and four months after he was convicted of 10 felony charges. Elik Statement On Madigan Verdict ALTON –State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) issued a statement following the sentencing former longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, who received 7.5 years in prison and a $2.5 million fine for wire fraud and bribery charges. “I never thought I would see the day that the most powerful Speaker in the country would be held accountable for the damage he did to Illinois over his decades of control. The Illinois Democrats' King has fallen, and all Illinoisans can be relieved that the man who was allowed to rule, unfettered, for 50 years has been brought to justice. Unfortunately, Illinois has been permanently harmed by his actions and current Democrat leadership still plays by Madigan's playbook.” Rep. Amy Elik serves the constituents

Continue Reading

HARDIN - On June 9th 2025, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received two separate reports of Burglaries which had occurred in Calhoun County, Illinois; during the early morning hours of June 9th 2025. One burglary occurred at “ Flower’s By Glenda ” in Kampsville; wherein the door was breached and a cash register was stolen. An additional burglary occurred at “ Michael Tavern ” in Michael, IL; wherein two doors were breached and items were stolen from behind the bar. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office immediately began an intensive investigation into the burglaries. During that investigation, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Deputy Zack Orr, who also serves as the Chief Deputy of Pike County Sheriff’s Department notified CCSO that he was also investigating a burglary which occurred during the same time in Pleasant Hill, Illinois. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit, who assisted

Continue Reading

ALTON – Two local sex offenders have been charged by Alton police with failing to register after multiple prior convictions for the same offense. Andrew E. Phillips, 42, listed as homeless out of Alton, was charged on June 9, 2025 with two counts of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender, his second or subsequent such offenses and both Class 2 felonies. From Aug. 27, 2024 to June 4, 2025 Phillips allegedly failed to register on a weekly basis with the Alton Chief of Police as legally required under the Sex Offender Registration Act. Phillips was also charged for failing to register on a quarterly basis on Nov. 27, 2024. Charging documents state Phillips has previously been convicted of failing to register as a sex offender in five prior Madison County cases from 2025, 2023, 2018, 2017, and 2013. The latest case against him was presented by the Alton Police Department, and he was ordered released from custody. In a separate but similar case, Catherine L. Wisniewski,

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration: Health Benefits Exchange Advisory Committee Melissa Shepherd will serve as a Member of the Health Benefits Exchange Advisory Committee.* Shepard has been a life and health insurance agent for 25 years. She currently serves as Managing Member with Way Insurance Services LLC, where she guides customers to health plans that fit their personal and financial situations. Shepherd is also currently the Co-Legislative Chair for the Illinois Chapter of National Association Benefit and Insurance Professionals. She has been recognized for her accomplishments and was awarded the Five over 40 Award by the Galesburg Chamber of Commerce. Shepherd attended Carl Sandburg College. Illinois Affordable Housing Advisory Commission Henry Mendoza will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois Affordable Housing Advisory Commission.* Mendoza

Continue Reading

QUINCY, Ill. - Quincy University released its Dean's List for the Spring 2025 semester. Honorees must earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) to be included in the biannual Dean's List. In total, 394 students received the honor during the Spring 2025 semester, including the following local students: Carrollton, IL: Claire Heaton Hamel, IL: Campbell Slemmer Jerseyville, IL: Ryleigh Jones Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is partnering with State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (17th District—Chicago) and other community and business development organizations to host a Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WMBE) Workshop on Tuesday. “My administration is committed to helping minority and women-owned businesses, which are critical to the growth of our economy and the stability of communities, not only grow but thrive in Chicago and across the state,” Giannoulias said. “This event is a great way to learn about opportunities and what is required to do business with the state.” Event partners include: The Arab American Business & Professional Association, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Chicagoland Alliance for Disabled-Owned Businesses, Chinese Mutual Aid Association, Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative, Federation of Women Contractors, HACIA, Hire 360, Illinois Apex Accelerator, Illinois

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and 17 of their Senate colleagues in condemning U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s decision to gut the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and appoint several members to the committee with a documented history of anti-vaccine ideology and peddling misinformation. In the letter, the lawmakers raise the alarm on the dangers of gutting the ACIP and urge Secretary Kennedy to immediately reappoint the members of the committee he fired. “We are deeply concerned by your decision to fire every member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP),” the Senators wrote. “This unprecedented

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS – Today, Mayor Cara Spencer signed Executive Order 85, ensuring that the City of St. Louis will no longer hold back 25% of insurance payouts for claims related to the May 16 tornado. “St. Louisans looking to rebuild after the May 16 tornado deserve every chance to do so, and to do so quickly,” said Mayor Spencer. “Waiving the 25% insurance payout holdback in this situation is the definition of a common-sense solution, and I am grateful to everyone involved in making this happen.” The issue stems from the State’s holdback law, Section 67.410, RSMo. , which was incorporated by the City in 1996 as Ordinance No. 63838 , enabling the City to hold 25% of insurance payouts in escrow for severely damaged structures until the owner has either restored or demolished the structure. This has historically been a helpful tool to keep property owners from taking insurance payouts and leaving empty shells to drag down city neighborhoods. However, th

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is looking for volunteer citizen scientists to assist with wild turkey brood surveys to aid biologists in monitoring turkey population trends and reproductive success. Summertime is when young turkeys are hatching, and by counting them and adult females, biologists can assess trends in reproductive success and survival of young turkeys. Biologists also count male turkeys to estimate total wild turkey abundance, male-to-female ratios, and adult survival. Participants are asked to report young turkeys, adult females, and adult males with every observation, as well as the county and date of the observation during the months of June, July and August. The best way to submit turkey sightings is through the department's electronic wild turkey survey online. The survey can be accessed on both personal computers and mobile devices through any internet browser or the Survey123 app. Participants who cannot use the electronic

Continue Reading

Did you know that the American flag has undergone 27 official versions since its inception, each reflecting the evolving identity of the nation? Behind the stars and stripes lies a rich history that is commemorated annually on Flag Day, a celebration that honors not just a symbol, but the ideals and unity it represents. The Origins of Flag Day Flag Day in the United States is observed on June 14, a date chosen to honor the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. The resolution that created the flag stated: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” The idea of dedicating a specific day to the flag emerged over a century later. One pivotal figure was Bernard J. Cigrand, a schoolteacher who first celebrated Flag Day in 1885 in Waubeka, Wisconsin.

Continue Reading

June 14 has long been a date marked by transformative moments that have rippled across the globe, shaping societies and inspiring generations. One of the most globally impactful events that took place on June 14 happened in 1777, when the Continental Congress of the United States adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official national flag. This was more than just a design choice; it was a bold statement of unity and identity amid the struggle for independence. The flag, with its thirteen stars and stripes, represented the original thirteen colonies coming together, symbolizing hope, freedom, and the birth of a nation. Today, the American flag remains a potent emblem of resilience and patriotism, recognized worldwide. Moving forward in history, June 14, 1846, marked a significant moment in the expansion of the American frontier. The Oregon Treaty was signed between the United States and Great Britain, setting the boundary at the 49th parallel and peacefully resolving territorial disputes

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with leaders from 21 states, filed an amicus brief supporting California’s request for a court order blocking President Trump’s unlawful federalization and deployment of that state’s National Guard. The amicus brief outlines how Trump’s action is wholly inconsistent with our nation’s founding principle that freedom depends on the subordination of the military to civilian authority. “To demand accountability from elected officials and to peacefully protest injustice are the responsibilities of every American, particularly at this extraordinary moment in our nation’s history. However, it is absolutely unacceptable for anyone to engage in unlawful activities, such as violence or destruction of property, under the guise of a protest. Those who participate in such conduct should be held accountable,” Raoul said. “Just as members of local law enforcement know how best to protect their communitie

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement on a decision by the District Court for the District of Massachusetts granting a preliminary injunction blocking unlawful provisions in President Donald Trump’s unprecedented elections executive order. Attorney General Raoul co-led a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging the order in May. “Nothing is more fundamental to the perseverance of our democracy than the right to vote. Today’s decision by the court acknowledges that Congress and individual states – not the president – has the authority to oversee the elections process. “While serving in the state senate, I led the effort to pass the Illinois Voting Rights Act as well as a constitutional amendment enshrining the right to vote in our Constitution. These actions have ensured Illinois has some of the strongest election laws in the country, guaranteeing access to the ballot box, encouraging

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that Interstate 255 from Illinois 157 to Illinois 15 in St. Clair County will reopen to traffic, weather permitting, by 6 p.m. Saturday, June 14, more than six weeks ahead of schedule. Made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, the accelerated $65.4 million project is the second of five phases to repair and improve I-255. “Since day one as governor, I’ve made it my mission to invest in the highways, streets, and bridges that support safe commutes for the people of Illinois,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Over the years, we’ve worked to speed up these projects, minimizing construction delays and saving taxpayers money. Today’s reopening is a testament to the hard work and impressive planning from the IDOT team, and I’m excited to get drivers back on the road.” By completely closing the work zone instead of accommodating

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – As people in Chicago, Los Angeles and cities around the nation peacefully protest unlawful policies and orders issued by the Trump administration, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today released guidance to help them do so safely. Raoul’s “ Know Your Rights Advisory: Safely Participating in Peaceful Protests in Illinois ” is available on the Attorney General’s website to help Illinois residents understand their rights and responsibilities while participating in protected First Amendment protests. Attorney General Raoul also issued a guidance summary to ensure local law enforcement officials understand key provisions of the Illinois TRUST Act, which generally prohibits state and local law enforcement from participating in federal civil immigration enforcement. “It is impossible to ignore the widespread injustice taking place around the nation at the direction of the Trump administration, and it is incumbent upon all of us to speak out and

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Seth Magaziner (RI-02), co-leads of the Congressional Labor Caucus Building Trades Task Force, joined Labor Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and union leaders outside the U.S. Capitol to oppose efforts by President Trump and Congressional Republicans to repeal clean energy tax credits in their proposed tax megabill. The lawmakers were joined by Brent Booker, President of the Laborers' International Union of North America; Eric Dean, President of the Ironworkers; and Dean Warsh, Government Affairs Director of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Together, they warned that repealing key tax credit provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act would cause massive job losses as the bill moves through the Senate. "The clean energy tax credits enacted through the Inflation Reduction Act have been nothing short of transformative. Across the country, they have spurred massive

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Chris Mitchell, commissioner of the Granite City Park District, recently attended the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ (IAPD) 2025 Boot Camp. IAPD offers the educational course to elected officials and professionals at Illinois park districts. Attendees receive targeted, in-depth training on an array of topics including good governance, the Open Meetings Act; making a difference through legislative advocacy; breaking down the fundamentals and best practices of park district finances; implementing inclusivity strategies; promoting effective relationships among the board, executive director, and staff; and adhering to ethical requirements. “This content-rich program provides tremendous benefits to board members and staff and sets them on track to advance their agencies as a unified force. They gain a greater appreciation of the critical role that park commissioners play in good governance, compliance with state law, and enhancing the quality of life

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man with multiple prior convictions faces new felony charges after police found a firearm in his home. Timothy Johnson Jr., 32, of Granite City, was charged on May 30, 2025 with a Class X felony count of possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender and a Class 2 felony count of felon in possession of a weapon. Johnson allegedly possessed an Anderson Arms Voodoo Witch Doctor 5.56 caliber rifle after previously being convicted of aggravated robbery in a 2011 St. Clair County case, and of domestic battery in three prior Madison County cases from 2018, 2019, and 2022. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to deny Johnson’s pretrial release from custody, stating authorities found the weapon while executing a search warrant at Johnson’s residence. The rifle had been reported as stolen, according to the petition. The Granite City Police Department presented the case against Johnson, who was ordered

Continue Reading