Riverbender 🕸

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of Terrance Cole, to be Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Gadyaces Serralta, to be Director of the United States Marshals Service (USMS). Before addressing the nominees, Durbin spoke about President Trump’s assault on the Justice Department and the federal judiciary during his first 100 days in office. Key Quotes: “Immediately after President Trump returned to the Oval Office, the Justice Department began reallocating its resources away from critical national security and public safety efforts towards the President’s mass deportation agenda. Trump appointees have fired dozens of career law enforcement officials with hundreds of years of experience protecting our country. These actions have destabilized the Justice Department

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – On President Donald Trump’s 100th day in office, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) called out his Republican colleagues for their silence as the President tests—and violates—the bounds of our Constitution, amasses power for himself as he tanks our economy, violates the rights of Americans, and destroys our image abroad. “The jury’s in. At the end of 100 days, the major polling firms across the United States went out and asked the American people so what do you think? What’s your impression of this new President? What’s your impression of the MAGA agenda? The results that came back don’t surprise me, but they might surprise some,” Durbin said. “Overwhelmingly, on every major issue that this administration has taken a position, the American people have said we don’t like it. We’re not happy with what’s happening in this country today.” Durbin continued, “For a hundred

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit, supporting fair housing organizations in their appeal of a ruling that lifted a temporary restraining order blocking the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from canceling these organizations’ grant funding. “The legacy of discrimination and segregation in housing continues to negatively affect the overall health of communities and limits the potential of neighborhoods throughout the United States,” Raoul said. “HUD is required to provide this funding under federal law, and it is crucial to the continued efforts to dismantle decades of discriminatory housing practices. I stand with my fellow attorneys general to oppose the Trump administration’s unlawful overreach in canceling this funding.” Congress established the Fair Housing Initiative Program (FHIP) t

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The much-anticipated countdown by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, at the motor-sport themed One Day, One SIUE led to a grand slam. Surrounded by SIUE Cheer and Dance Team, Minor prepared the big reveal: “The final tally for this year’s One Day, One SIUE...5, 4, 3...” The audience joined in, "...2...1," accompanied by a drumroll by The Red Jackets Band as Minor announced, “$2,872,989!” He then cued the band, whose live jams added much fanfare to the record-breaking culmination of the fourth annual day of giving. One Day, One SIUE supports the entire SIUE community, which includes students, faculty and staff. The SIUE Foundation team credited more than 2,300 unique donors of varying amounts, which included local employers, alumni and members of the SIUE community, to steer past this year’s $2.5 million fundraising goal. Minor reflected on the road to success, led by the SIUE Foundation.

Continue Reading

ALTON - Community members are invited to a fitness party in honor of National Transplant Awareness Month. On Saturday, May 3, 2025, you can come out to the Catholic Children’s Home in Alton for a morning of Zumba, yoga and tai chi. Titled “Move Your Organs Too!,” the event aims to raise awareness of organ donation. “It’s important to me because I know that in a situation where you get asked if you would be willing to donate a family member’s organ, that’s hard,” said organizer Coena Royal. “But I want people to know that when they’re in that moment to have to even think like that, look at it as you’re creating a legacy. That’s what I want people to know in Transplant Awareness Month, so people understand there’s a bigger picture. Saving lives, extending lives, and also creating a legacy.” Royal is the founder of God’s RARE Jewel. She received a pancreas and a kidney in 2012. Her brother

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings is announcing three upcoming Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) one-day collection locations for the Spring of 2025. These collection events are co-sponsored by units of local government and provide residents the free opportunity to safely dispose of unused or leftover hazardous products commonly found in homes. “Illinois EPA’s one-day Household Hazardous Waste collection events would not be possible without the continued support and participation from our local partners,” said Acting Director Jennings. “We are proud to continue to support this is important service and look forward to additional opportunities to bring collection events to more residents across the state, allowing them to remove and properly dispose of unused and unwanted household chemicals.” One-day collections are open to all Illinois residents and operate from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC) and Armed Services (SASC)—slammed a senior official from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) after he failed to publicly commit to rehiring Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) workers who were fired in Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s indiscriminate mass layoffs of federal workers. Duckworth pressed the VA official on the importance of maintaining robust mental health and suicide prevention resources for Veterans amid the Trump Administration’s ongoing cuts to the VA, which have already made it harder for Veterans to access quality health care. Video of Duckworth’s remarks can be found on her YouTube . “From the mass layoffs of federal workers, including Veterans working with the Crisis Line, to canceled contracts and continued attacks on Veterans belonging to underserved communities, Donal

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today co-led an open letter to the legal community, condemning actions by several of the country’s largest law firms to capitulate in the face of the Trump administration’s continued dangerous attacks on the rule of law. Some firms have even opted to strike deals to provide free legal services to support the president’s priorities. “President Trump’s unlawful threats undermine the democratic principles upon which our nation was founded,” Raoul said. “Law firms that capitulate to these threats become complicit in the administration’s continued efforts to undercut the judicial process, which depends on the rights to free speech, effective counsel and due process. I am proud to stand with the many lawyers who have shown courage in the face of these unconstitutional attacks, and I call on all of my colleagues in the legal community to join us.” Since taking office, President Trump has issue

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that repairs to westbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 a.m. Friday, May 2. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, May 5. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction 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.

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a multistate coalition of 25 states and attorneys general, today filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s termination of AmeriCorps grants and the dismantling of the agency. Through an 85% reduction of its workforce, the Trump administration has effectively ended the agency’s ability to continue administering the programs, operations and funding that make its important work possible. “Since 1993, approximately 1.3 million Americans have patriotically served their communities through AmeriCorps, assisting veterans and children and protecting the environment,” Raoul said. “The gutting of AmeriCorps is the latest example of the Trump administration’s disregard for the Constitution to achieve their political goals. I will continue to fight back against these illegal and meritless decisions that will have real negative consequences across our country.” AmeriCorps is an

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School has announced its 2025 Summer Camp Schedule with available camps for baseball, boys basketball, girls basketball, football, girls volleyball and softball. GCHS Camps are designed to instruct athletes on fundamental skills involved in their sport in a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere. Athletes will be divided by their grade level and skill level receiving individual instruction. These camps will be directed by the Granite City High School coaching staff along with current players from the Warrior teams. Information regarding each camp can be found in our brochure, which are available in the main office at Granite City High School. REGISTRATION: https://forms.gle/j2NduvATN1Mb8ajf8 Forms and money can be sent to: Granite City High School C/O Name of Head Coach 3148 Fehling Rd. Granite City, IL. 62040 For more information, please contact each head coach: Baseball - July 14-16 - $30 K-4th Grade:

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Main Street proudly announces the incredible lineup of regional musicians that have been booked to perform at the organization’s upcoming events. Get ready for the sounds of live music floating through the air in historic Downtown Alton! Eight weeks of live bands have been scheduled for the Night Market on Broadway, which takes place every Thursday in June and July from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Offering a diverse mix of styles and sounds, there’s something for everyone at the 2025 Night Market which will be relocating to the green space on 3rd Street as well as taking over “Sugar Alley” which runs parallel to Broadway! Local favorite HOOKiE, which always draws a huge crowd, gets the party started on 6/5 with their familiar favorite jams, followed by acoustic folk rock from Psychedelic Symphony on 6/12. Relax to the 5-piece bluegrass/country melodies of Silver Creek Bluegrass Band on 6/19, and then on 6/26. The Wherehouse Project known for its unique style

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON – Distinguished volunteer Mary Anne Hopper from Waterloo has been honored with the annual Heart of Gold Award by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. This prestigious award recognizes the tremendous long-term impact a volunteer has had on girls and adults in his or her community through Girl Scouts, and it is the highest award a Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois adult volunteer can earn.Mary Anne started volunteering in Girl Scouts with her daughter’s troop in the late 1980s and has dedicated incredible service ever since. She has served in numerous roles, including Troop Leader, Service Unit Manager, Product Program Manager, Day Camp Director, and so much more. In her hometown of Waterloo, her positive presence is so powerful that she’s known as simply “Head Girl Scout” to many community members. Throughout the Council, she’s inspired countless girls to pursue their highest awards as a member of the Gold Award Committee. “By focusing

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the CEO of the Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications Association (WETA), Sharon Percy Rockefeller, to discuss the need to fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). During the meeting, they also discussed the Trump Administration’s threats to defund National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). “The ruthless cuts and attacks on our federal government was not enough for the Trump Administration—now they want to go after public broadcasting, which has been providing unbiased, informative, and breaking news for years, especially for our nation’s rural communities,” said Durbin. “During today’s meeting, we discussed the vital need for public broadcasting. Congress must act to stop these cuts on public broadcasting—our democracy depends on it.” Through the government funding bill passed earlier this year, CPB

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor to honor the four American soldiers—including one Illinoisan—who were stationed in Lithuania and tragically died last month while on a mission to recover a vehicle immobilized during a training exercise. The soldiers include Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. from Joliet, Illinois; Staff Sergeant Edvin F. Franco; Staff Sergeant Troy S. Knutson-Collins; and Private First-Class Dante D. Taitano—all part of the 1st Armored Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. “I have come to the Senate floor before to talk about my connections with the country of Lithuania—where my mother was born. She came to the United States as an immigrant at the age of two… During my time in Congress, I have tried to make sure Lithuania’s heroic path to freedom, the EU, and NATO are strongly supported by their American allies and the United States Congress. Now more

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer has shut down the City’s private building stabilization program, which the City had used to make repairs to private properties, billing the property owners. The Mayor’s Office is now working with the Assessor’s Office and City Counselor’s Office to lift all remaining liens and ensure that no cloud is left on any title as a result of the program. “This building stabilization program was well-intentioned but, unfortunately, very poorly executed,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “As we have seen in previous media coverage, the City has been billing property owners for work that wasn’t done and causing undue stress to communities already suffering from blight. Given the widespread and well-documented problems, we had no choice but to end this program and re-evaluate more effective ways of making much-needed investments in North St. Louis.”

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul led a coalition of 14 attorneys general today in sending a letter to Congress, urging members to oppose two Congressional bills that would prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from relying on scientific assessments from the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program, which are critical to protect Americans against deadly exposure to toxic chemicals. Raoul and the coalition’s letter also urges Congress to oppose the Trump administration’s effort to dismantle the EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD), which is the research arm of the EPA that provides the scientific basis for EPA’s work. “I am urging Congress to oppose the Trump administration’s attack on science and the Office of Research and Development, which is critical to helping the EPA and states protect residents from toxic chemicals. The EPA must be able to conduct research and rely on scientific data in order to hel

Continue Reading

What if you could improve your mental clarity, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being with just a few minutes of practice each day? Meditation, an ancient practice embraced worldwide, offers precisely that and more. Far from being a mystical or esoteric activity, meditation has garnered significant attention in scientific communities for its profound effects on the brain and body. This article explores the tangible benefits of meditation and provides practical guidance on how to begin your own practice. The Science-Backed Benefits of Meditation Meditation is more than a method of relaxation; it’s a powerful tool for mental and physical health supported by extensive research. Numerous studies have demonstrated that regular meditation can positively impact brain function, emotional regulation, and physical health. Improved Mental Health and Emotional Well-being One of the most widely recognized benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. The American

Continue Reading

April 30 has long been a date marked by pivotal moments that have shaped the course of global history. Perhaps the most impactful event associated with April 30 is the fall of Saigon in 1975, a defining moment that effectively ended the Vietnam War and reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia. On this day, North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, leading to the reunification of the country under communist control. The event marked the culmination of years of conflict and had profound consequences for international relations, American foreign policy, and the lives of millions of Vietnamese people. The images of helicopters evacuating embassy personnel and desperate civilians seeking escape remain etched in global consciousness as symbols of the turbulent era. Going back in time, April 30, 1789, holds a special place in American history as George Washington took the oath of office to become the first President of the United States. This

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Orchestra and Choirs and Opera Edwardsville will wrap a week-long residency with a concert performance of Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni. The performance weekend is a co-presentation with SIUE’s Arts & Issues . Guest soloists from Opera Edwardsville will join SIUE student performers in both the orchestra and choir, conducted by Michael Mishra, DA, Director of Orchestral Studies. Concert times are 7:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday evenings, May 2 and 3. "We are thrilled to continue our established relationship with Opera Edwardsville through the Cavalleria Rusticana residency,” said Marc Schapman, professor of voice and chair of the Department of Music. “This collaboration brings some of the finest voices in opera to work alongside our talented students, orchestra, and choir. We are deeply grateful to Arts & Issues for partnering with us to present this powerful concert, and to the Illinois Arts

Continue Reading