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U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinksi (IL-13) recently visited Riverbender.com and appeared on Our Daily Show! with CJ Nasello and an interview with the content director. This is one of a multi-part series about the interview. ALTON - Throughout her time in Congress, U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinksi has proudly held her “Standing With Workers” philosophy. One specific area is her efforts to help offset the recent layoffs by U.S. Steel at the Granite City Works plant. “Too often, companies close down or initiate layoffs without giving their workers or the broader community proper notice,” she said. “Workers and their families deserve better than a last-minute email letting them know they’re losing their jobs. "When U.S. Steel tried to use a legal loophole to avoid providing advance layoff notice to 400 Granite City Works employees, I worked with Governor Pritzker to secure an investigation by the Illinois Department of Labor. After calling the company out for

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CARLINVILLE - Aryanna Harris, a senior sports management major from Springfield, Illinois, is the recipient of Blackburn College’s 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Student Leadership Award. Presented annually, this award honors students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the College. Harris was announced as the award recipient during Blackburn’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation in January. Harris was surprised but honored to be recognized for her leadership on campus. “I am blessed and grateful to have been chosen to receive this award. If it weren’t for those who believed in me and saw me for the person I truly was, I wouldn’t be here today” “ she said. “I believe in everyone, even when they don’t believe in themselves, and as long as I am here, I will continue to make sure that people are as successful as possible. Dreams are never unreachable,

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ALTON - A recent CNN/Kaiser Family Foundation research survey found that 90% of Americans feel the United States is in a mental health crisis. Unfortunately, it’s safe to say that the nation’s newest public health threat has enveloped the Riverbend region as well. Case in point, the Psychological Services Department at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Services has realized two (2) consecutive years of therapy and counseling resource expansion by 1,400% since December 2021. In addition, patient utilization of mental health and wellness services at OSF Saint Anthony’s increased by at least 37% between 2022-2023. “OSF Saint Anthony’s is committed to meeting and serving the mental health needs of the entire Riverbend region,” says Staci Knox, LCSW, Manager, Psychological Services, OSF Saint Anthony’s. “Mental health is one of the top community health priorities identified in our current community health needs assessment (CHNA). Just as well

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CHICAGO - Tax season can be fraught with paperwork, deadlines, and sometimes con artists. As the first day for filing kicks off, it’s important to be cautious. “Just like throughout the year, you should take precautions to safeguard your personal information when it comes to tax documents,” says Comptroller Mendoza. “Scammers often use scare tactics to try and get taxpayers to hand over private information and money.” Several current scams aim to look like official communication from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They include: Receiving a cardboard envelope in the mail with a note on IRS letterhead, stating “about your unclaimed refund.” The letter will likely include contact information and a phone number that does not belong to the IRS, and request you provide sketchy “filing” information such as a photo of your driver’s license, Social Security number, and other personal information. The IRS says the letter

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul and District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb co-led a coalition of 18 attorneys general in support of California’s prohibition on carrying firearms in health care facilities, parks, places of worship, public transit and other sensitive places. Raoul and the attorneys general filed an amicus brief in Carralero v. Bonta. The brief urges the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit to overturn a lower court’s decision that bars California from enforcing its restrictions on carrying firearms in these places. “People deserve to feel safe while at places of worship or while their children play at parks. That is why I am urging the U.S. Court of Appeals to uphold this prohibition on firearms in such sensitive places,” Raoul said. “I will continue to advocate against the scourge of gun violence that has become common in too many communities around Illinois and across the nation.” In the brief, Raoul

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MURPHYSBORO – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that his 2024 re-election campaign has been endorsed by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge. “The men and women of law enforcement have always known they can count on Mike Bost for his unwavering support. Mike has always had our backs, even when many other elected officials abandoned us,” said Chris Southwood, Illinois FOP State Lodge President. “He has supported bills to give law enforcement officers better pay and benefits in our dangerous but vital profession. The Illinois FOP State Lodge gives Mike Bost our sincere and hearty endorsement." “I have never wavered in my support for our law enforcement officers, especially now when woke liberals in Illinois and Washington, D.C. continue to demonize them with an anti-police agenda,” said Bost. “I would like to thank the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge for putting their confidence in my re-election

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CHICAGO - Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today helped honor and recognize the nearly 300 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers being mobilized to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Members from Chicago’s 34th Division Sustainment Brigade will provide intra-theater logistics support operations, with the 433rd Signal Company providing operational command, communication computer, intelligence, surveillance and recon signal system networks to support the Sustainment Brigade. Duckworth spoke at the mobilization ceremony, which also included remarks from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03) and Illinois National Guard Assistant Adjutant General Major General Rodney Boyd. Photos from today’s event are available on the Senator’s website . “All of you today are taking on an important responsibility as you answer the call of service and duty” Duckworth

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representative André Carson (D-IN-07) in introducing a resolution recognizing January as Muslim-American Heritage Month and celebrating the achievements of Muslims living in the United States. The resolution highlights the incredible contributions Muslim Americans have made across multiple sectors of society—from medical professionals to entrepreneurs, faith leaders, athletes, and public servants—to help build a better nation. The resolution further notes the religious discrimination experienced by Muslim Americans and stresses the “need for public education, awareness, and policies that are culturally competent when describing, discussing, or addressing the impacts of being Muslim American in all aspects of the society of the United States.” “America is stronger because of the diverse communities that call this country home,

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CHICAGO – First, a new grandson, and then a $3 million Illinois Lottery win, has one suburban Chicago player feeling like the luckiest man in the world. The winner, who has requested to remain anonymous, recently won the top prize of $3 million on a 200X Payout Instant Ticket. “I’m no stranger to buying tickets, just ask my wife,” joked the man. “But I’ve definitely never won a prize like this before.” The $3 million winning scratch-off ticket was purchased at a 7-Eleven, located at 606 W. Northwest Highway in Mount Prospect, where the winner has been a regular customer for many years. “The owner, his wife, and his son are very nice people,” explained the winner. “The owner said to his wife recently, ‘That guy is going to win someday! He always comes in, sits in his truck, and scratches his tickets – and he’s always so happy. He’s definitely going to win.’” The player is thrilled

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EAU CLAIRE, WISC. - Edwardsville's Sam Wittek, a College of Business major, has been named to the UW-Eau Claire Fall 2023 Dean's List. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire extends congratulations to the 2,778 students named to the fall 2023 dean's list. Their academic performance has been outstanding, and we recognize these students with pride.

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ROXANA – Phillips 66 contributed nearly $40,000 to the Hartford Fire Department as part of the company’s commitment to support safety and preparedness in fenceline communities. The donation will fund new bunker gear and accessories for the fire department’s volunteer firefighters. The funding covers the burden of the cost to replace this equipment, which can only be used for approximately ten years by recommendations from the National Fire Protection Association. The funds will cover seven sets of pants, coats, boots, helmets, Nomex hoods, and gloves. The remaining funds will be used to purchase lifesaving equipment - battery-operated auto extrication tools for emergency response and rescues. The donation was made on behalf of the Phillips 66 assets in the region, including the Wood River Refinery, the Hartford Lubricants Plant, and the Hartford Midstream Products Terminal. “Safety is our highest priority everywhere we operate,” said Melissa

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ST. LOUIS – United Way of Greater St. Louis recently named Roman Wuller as their new board chair, succeeding Keith Williamson. (Please see attached headshot of Wuller). In this role, Wuller will be responsible for leading United Way’s Board of Directors and overseeing governance and policy setting, with a focus on mission, vision, and strategic direction. “United Way is thrilled to have Roman serving in this capacity. Thompson Coburn has been one of United Way’s biggest supporters for years, and we are excited to have one of their very best lead our Board of Directors,” said Michelle Tucker, President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “Our aim is to continue uniting community-impact strategies by introducing shared initiatives across the nonprofit and for-profit sectors to improve outcomes. Roman’s leadership will help to ensure we remain focused in this direction.”Wuller serves as chair of Thompson Coburn and is a litigator who

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ST. LOUIS - February is National Children’s Dental Health Month — a time to recognize the importance of prioritizing oral health at an early age. St. Louis District Dairy Council annually celebrates this month with school nurses and dental health professionals by providing resources that highlight the beneficial role of calcium-rich dairy foods in oral health. This February, the organization is distributing 500 dental health posters and 4,000 toothbrushes to school nurses in eastern Missouri and southern and central Illinois. Cheese takes the spotlight when it comes to oral health. This dairy food is a great source of calcium and phosphorus, both of which strengthen teeth. The protein in cheese builds up the enamel in teeth, helping prevent cavities. Cheese is also a great way to finish a meal or snack. The act of chewing cheese stimulates saliva production, which helps clean teeth. Because the main ingredient of cheese is milk, cheese is packed full of the same nutrients

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus is hosting a “Speed Connections” speed-dating event for seniors on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the School House Grill located at 2603 North Rodgers Ave. in Alton. Emily Jackson and Sydney Peckham with SSP shared more details about the program on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . According to Peckham, this event came about due to popular demand. “It was actually a request from the people,” Peckham said. ”They wanted to see speed-dating and we were like, ‘Game on, let’s do it,’ so we put it together. There was not really anything like it around near us, so we’re hoping it’s a big hit.” Speed Connections is geared towards adults 55 and older who are seeking romantic companionship or friendship. To avoid any guessing games or mixed signals, nametags will be given to participants which indicate whether they’re looking for friendship or romantic

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jerseyville Public Library recently announced the return of “Library Lovers Month” this February, featuring a variety of events and programming for all ages - with or without a library card. If you do have a library card, be sure to stop by the library and check out any materials on Library Lovers Day (aka Valentine’s Day) on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, to receive a wrapped chocolate heart candy (or jelly heart if you don’t prefer chocolate). The LEGO Club for children in kindergarten through seventh grade will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at 10 a.m. LEGOs are provided by the Library and participants provide the imagination. Masterpieces created during this event will be on display at the library all month long. Programming that would not otherwise be affordable by the Library is made available through Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering high-quality events. This month, there

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ALTON – The Elephant’s Graveyard production concludes the Actor’s Studio Series at Alton Little Theater this weekend – Jan. 26, 27 and 28. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, then continue at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, and conclude with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. The Elephant’s Graveyard was originally by George Brant and is set in the small town of Erwin, Tenn., during September of 1916. It tells the true tale of a tragic collision between a struggling circus and the townspeople, resulting in the only known lynching of an elephant. The play combines historical facts and legend, exploring the deep-seated American craving for spectacle, violence and revenge. Lee Cox, executive director of ALT, said she loves the Studio Series and seeing the acting talent throughout the area. Fans should love the cast of The Elephant’s Graveyard, she said. One of the cast members is Riverbender.com’s own O

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ALTON - The Illinois Department of Transportation and multiple city street crews are advising the public that maintenance crews are out in force at this point patrolling and repairing potholes on state highways and interstates across the state, requiring drivers to slow down, use caution and move over for workers. Non-emergency patching operations usually take place during nonpeak travel periods and often require temporary lane closures. Recent heavy snow, rains and freezing temperatures have caused an increase in potholes throughout the state. Potholes typically are caused by water getting into or underneath the pavement. During freeze and thaw periods, the moisture causes the asphalt or concrete to shift, buckle or break. When vehicles drive over these weakened areas, they leave those dreaded potholes. Alton Public Works Director Mike Parsons said his group has made the potholes around Alton a main priority at this point. The recent "freezing effect" and now the mild temperatures

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The region had an enormous amount of students who were honored with Dean's Honor List selections for the Fall 2023 Semester at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Congratulations to all the students and their families for such an admirable accomplishment. The full area list is below: ALTON Tiana LeeAnn Cobb, senior Arts & Sciences Alyssa Nicole Eagleton, sophomore Arts & Sciences Samantha Grace Hentrich, freshman, Agr-Food and Nat. Resources Kareena M. Hunter, freshman Nursing Ellie Marie Jacobs, senior Health Sciences Anna Elizabeth Kane, junior, Business Mackenzie Mottaz Leonard, junior Arts & Science Payton Elizabeth Only, freshman, Business Gabrielle Kathleen Peuterbaugh, sophomore, Health Sciences Jaden Level Smith, sophomore Arts & Sciences Payton E. Zigrang, senior Arts & Sciences Josephine Louise Zigrang, senior Health Sciences. BETHALTO Nathaniel Bradford Butler, junior Health Sciences Isabella Sydney Kallal, freshman Health Sciences CARLINVILLE

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GLEN CARBON - It’s been almost 30 years, but St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Glen Carbon is finally getting an elevator. Located at 155 N. Main Street in Glen Carbon, the church has a main level and a basement where there is a hall and kitchen area. Congregation members say the steps to the basement are “dangerous,” so the elevator will provide a safe way for people to move from floor to floor. “Right now, there are stairs that are not comfortable. So that’s the idea,” said congregation member Steve Skasick. “They’ve been working on fundraising for 20, 30 years. It started off really small and then it really got a big push.” Most of the funds came from a fundraiser for Divine Mercy, a senior living facility coordinated by the Diocese of Springfield. When the project ultimately fell through in 2020, those who had donated suggested that the money be spent on building an elevator at St. Cecilia instead. Father Patrick Gibbon

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EDWARDSVILLE - Two individuals have been charged with offenses related to stolen vehicles in Madison County in separate cases detailed in Madison County felony court filings. DJ W. Marshall, 24, of Wood River, was charged with “offenses relating to motor vehicles” and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer on Dec. 6, 2023. Court documents allege that Marshall knowingly possessed a stolen 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and sped at least 21 miles per hour over the legal limit while failing to obey visual or audible signals given to him by a Madison County Sheriff's Deputy to stop the vehicle. Marshall’s case was presented by the Metro East Auto Theft division of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. In total, he faces a Class 2 felony for offenses relating to motor vehicles and a Class 4 felony for fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer. He was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Robert E. Everage,

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