Riverbender 🕸

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ)—founding co-chairs of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus —along with U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester urged EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to reopen the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR), which Duckworth and Booker led the charge to create, so the office can continue helping our most disadvantaged communities in rural, urban and tribal areas by improving access to clean drinking water, addressing legacy pollution that has led to higher cancer, asthma and death rates and more. Additionally, the Senators are demanding a more detailed explanation behind why the Trump Administration decided to abolish such a critical office and how the Administration is planning to ensure victims of environmental harm receive the attention, resources and protections they deserve. “The closure of this office which assisted underserved

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker brought together leaders and advocates in Illinois to showcase a united front and commitment to protecting Medicaid and healthcare in Illinois. Medicaid covers 3.4 million Illinoisans, approximately 25% of the state’s population, including 1.4 million children. Governor Pritzker joined patients, advocates, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, Sen. Durbin, Reps. Casten, Davis, Foster, García, Jackson, Kelly, Krishnamoorthi, Ramirez, Schakowsky, and Underwood, State Sen. Aquino, and State Rep. Moeller to raise awareness about the critical importance of Medicaid for Illinois families following the passage of the House Republican’s budget resolution targeting Medicaid. The leaders also continued sounding the alarm on the Trump Administration’s unpredictable and indiscriminate cutting of critical funding for Americans. “More than 3 million hardworking Illinoisans are enrolled in Medicaid in every corner of the state – thes

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SPRINGFIELD - To accommodate the recent surge in demand, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias introduced a new designated “Get A REAL ID” portal on the homepage of its website – www.ilsos.gov – so Illinoisans can determine: 1) if they need a REAL ID before the May 7 federal enforcement period begins; and 2) how to find a walk-in location or schedule an appointment near them. The office has also announced new Saturday hours at 12 DMV facilities exclusively for REAL ID services and expanded Saturday hours at six DMVs beginning March 1 through May 10. The ‘REAL ID Saturday’ facilities that will accommodate exclusively REAL ID requests will be open on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. include Chicago West (7301 W. Lexington Ave.) and the following suburban facilities: Addison, Aurora, Des Plaines, Elgin, Joliet, Lake Zurich, Melrose Park, Plano, St. Charles, Waukegan and Woodstock. “To meet the demand for REAL IDs, we’ve established

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15), Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04), and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) re-introduced the Leveraging and Energizing America’s Apprenticeship Programs (LEAP) Act, a bipartisan bill to expand workforce development opportunities by providing federal tax incentives to businesses that hire apprentices. Congresswoman Budzinski previously introduced the LEAP Act in 2023 as her first piece of legislation upon entering office. As part of this reintroduction, she is advocating for the bill to be included in the upcoming tax package. “I am thrilled to reintroduce the LEAP Act with Congressman Mike Carey to create new opportunities for American workers by supporting apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “These training programs are a proven way to fill the job skills gap and get folks ready for careers in growing industries. By providin

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting free virtual workshops in March as part of its continuing Building Blocks of Success series for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms interested in strengthening their skills, growing their business and bidding on state projects. New and existing DBEs, as well as firms interested in becoming certified in the program, are invited. ? ? March workshop dates and topics: March 4, 10 a.m. to noon: Understanding FHWA Rule Changes March 6, 10 a.m. to noon: TCTR Award Winners Roundtable March 11, 10 a.m. to noon: AI Technology March 13, 10 a.m. to noon: EV (Electric Vehicle) Technology March 18, 10 a.m. to noon: Consultants: EPAS Building Blocks of Success workshops conclude this season with the one on March 18. Workshop information, including dates and times, is available through Eventbrite at bit.ly/DBEworkshops . Advance registration is required. Questions can be directed to IDOT’s Bureau of Small

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ALTON - In 1980, Rose Gibson was denied a car loan because she wasn’t married. Now, she is the first female chairman of the board at the credit union. “I thought, someday, I’m going to change this,” Gibson remembered. “I got on the board for the credit union 20 years ago, and I’m the first woman chairman of the board, which was unbelievable. I wish those guys that denied my loan back then were alive. They’re all gone now. But boy, things have changed.” Gibson, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. Over the years, Gibson has been involved in several community service opportunities and served on multiple boards. She is proud of the work she has done and the changes she has witnessed. In addition to serving as the chairman of the board for First MidAmerica Credit Union, Gibson has been involved with United Way’s Power of the Purse

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EDWARDSVILLE - NFuze Wellness, a local medical and wellness spa, has officially opened their new spot in Edwardsville. Located at 104 S. Buchanan Street, NFuze Wellness offers IV drips, medical weight loss, and aesthetic services like Botox and microneedling. On Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, they celebrated the new storefront with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Owner Jennifer McCormick is excited to welcome the Edwardsville community to NFuze. “We were born and raised here in Edwardsville, and we continue to grow over the last two years,” McCormick said. “Now, we’re adding this wonderful space with more staff. I have an amazing team. We’re super excited about the services we offer, and we’re always growing and adding new ones. Our goal is to provide personalized care and amazing results. We want to continue that for many, many years from now.” The NFuze Wellness staff is made up of medical professionals like McCormick and cosmetologists like

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Spring allergies will be here soon. If you’re suffering from a runny or congested nose, watery or itchy eyes or sneezing, it’s tempting to grab the first medicine that catches your eye at the pharmacy or rifle through the bathroom drawer for some pills you’re hanging on to. Not so fast, says Maddy Draper, APRN, a health care provider at OSF OnCall. She says it’s important to know what to take and when in order to avoid side effects that can be serious. What to take Draper says an antihistamine like Astepro, Zyrtec, Allegra or Benadryl is a typical first line of defense. “There are also decongestants for severe nasal congestion or sinus pain and pressure,” Draper adds. Sudafed is a well-known decongestant. If a more severe case brings symptoms like face swelling or wheezing, Draper says treatment could be a steroid like Flonase or prednisone. For more chronic (in other words, long term) allergy cases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) today joined U.S. Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Salud Carbajal (D-CA) in reintroducing the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. This legislation addresses the dangerous, nationwide shortage in safe, accessible parking spaces for large commercial trucks by providing U.S. Department of Transportation funding on a competitive basis for the construction of new lots and spaces. “I grew up in a family trucking business,” said Bost. “I know firsthand how difficult, and oftentimes dangerous, it can be when America’s truckers are forced to push that extra mile in search of a safe place to park. By expanding access to parking options for truckers, we are making our roads safer for all commuters and ensuring that goods and supplies are shipped to market in the most efficient way possible. This is a matter of public safety for everyone; and I’m committed to do all I can to drive this

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MATTOON - First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) continues to change lives for low-income and first-time homebuyers throughout the bank’s Illinois communities. Using grant funds from the Downpayment Plus® (DPP) Program through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, First Mid has helped those who never thought they would become homeowners move into the house of their dreams. In 2024, First Mid awarded 97 grants for a total of $970,000, helping deserving families complete their homebuying journey. Kayla Aaron, Regional Retail Loan Manager at First Mid, said in today’s current housing market, finding a home at the right price and making a down payment can seem impossible. However, DPP grants can give people the vital assistance they need. Those participating in the program must contribute $1,000 of their own funds before First Mid can get the homebuyer up to $10,000 in grant money to put toward a down payment. There is also an application process with income requirements

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EAST ALTON - The East Alton Fire Department responded to a motorcycle fire on Powder Mill Road Friday at approximately 5:00 p.m. The incident occurred just across the Wood River Creek bridge. Upon arrival, firefighters found the motorcycle engulfed in flames and quickly extinguished the fire. According to witnesses, the driver of the motorcycle fled the scene shortly after the fire ignited. As firefighters managed the situation, Powder Mill Road was closed to ensure safety and facilitate their efforts. The cause of the fire remains unclear, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—the author of the Right to IVF Act —and U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11) reintroduced legislation to expand and protect access to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) that millions of Americans rely on to have children. The Family Building FEHB Fairness Act would require Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Program—the largest employer-sponsored health insurance plan in the world—carriers to cover IVF and ART and would give the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) one year to implement its requirements from the date of enactment. The bill’s reintroduction comes after President Trump’s toothless executive order , which fails to take any serious, meaningful action to protect and expand fertility services—despite him promising to do so during his presidential campaign. “Donald Trump promised to make IVF more affordable—but

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ALTON - With 40 years in the construction industry, Tycon Builders is looking toward the future. On Feb. 28, 2025, Tycon Builders celebrated its 40th anniversary with a party at their location at 3414 College Avenue in Alton. As owner Paul Yost reflects on the past four decades, he is proud of the work they’ve completed and hopes to do more in the future. “We’re fortunate. After this many years, it just seems to flow,” Yost said. “Our phone’s been ringing for 40 years. I can’t even count how many leads we’ve had. That’s the key. The phone has got to ring.” Yost started his training as a high schooler at Alton High School’s J.B. Johnson Center. He helped build two houses during his junior and senior years. Out of high school, he started Paul Yost Construction before partnering with another contractor and founding Tycon Builders. Forty years later, Yost is the sole owner of Tycon and couldn’t be prouder

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ALTON - Tanjela Johnson is passionate about helping others. Johnson, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. She serves as the president of Alton’s chapter of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) , and she works with several other nonprofits in the community to promote voting and help people get their needs met. “When we talk about racism, empowerment, peace, justice, those are things that really have always resonated with me,” Johnson said. “I’ve always been one to make sure that people feel like they just have a peaceful day and a peaceful environment. We are in a society where racism is just still very, very active. And a lot of times when we think about racism, we think about just the hate side of it, but a lot of it is just not being educated or not knowing each other. So being part of all of these different entities, it allows me to get

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BELLEVILLE — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) has announced that Lisa Quandt, a special education teacher from Belleville, will be her guest at President Trump’s Joint Address on March 4, 2025. This invitation comes at a time of heightened scrutiny and criticism of the U.S. public education system, particularly in light of proposed budget cuts by the Trump administration. Lisa Quandt, who has dedicated 32 years to education and is a member of the Illinois Federation of Teachers Chapter 434, began her career as a full-time substitute teacher at Belleville West High School. She later transitioned to a full-time role in the special education department, where she focuses on supporting students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Quandt also coaches the varsity cheer team and sponsors several extracurricular programs, including the National Honor Society and Student Council. Rep. Budzinski's announcement aligns with the American Federation of Teachers' "Protect

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ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO. - A two-vehicle crash on U.S. 67 south of Red School Road in St. Charles County resulted in a fatality at 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. The incident involved a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2005 Mack tractor, both traveling northbound at the time of the collision. According to the crash report, the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, a 61-year-old male from Berkeley, Mo., was attempting to make a left turn when he applied the brakes. The driver of the Mack tractor, a 71-year-old male from Pacific, Mo., reportedly struck the rear of the Silverado. The impact resulted in the Silverado being towed away due to total damage. Emergency responders arrived on the scene, and the driver of the Silverado was pronounced dead at 2:48 p.m. on Feb. 26, 2025, by Dr. Melissa Kroll from Washington University Hospital. He was transported by the St. Louis County Medical Examiner to the St. Louis County Morgue. The driver of the Mack tractor was unharmed and was able to

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ALTON - Lori Bregenzer loves food. That’s why she decided to open Comfort Cuisine at 4 East Broadway in Alton, a kitchen that sells takeaway homecooked meals that people can heat and eat. Bregenzer has a lot of projects in the oven, and she is excited to serve up Mardi Gras specials and a new podcast in the coming weeks. “I’m always, always thinking about food,” Bregenzer said. “I wake up thinking about what I’m going to eat for dinner tonight. So it’s kind of a natural thing for me.” Comfort Cuisine opened last year to provide homecooked meals to the Riverbend region. Community members can stop by and pick up that week’s entree to take home, reheat and enjoy. Bregenzer also offers lunchbox options, a weekly sandwich special that is perfect for the busy worker or on-the-go family. Lunchboxes come with either potato chips or salad and “a taste of dessert.” She recently started serving reheatable breakfast

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - The Major Case Squad was activated on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, to assist the Cahokia Heights Police Department in the investigation of the shooting death of 15-year-old Charles E. Jones. Over a five-day period, 14 investigators pursued more than 80 leads related to the case. The shooting incidents occurred between 6:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. in a neighborhood behind Rally’s, located in the 1600 block of Camp Jackson Road in Cahokia Heights. According to investigators, the initial altercation took place at the intersection of Kenneth Avenue and Armand Drive. Two males, an 18-year-old and 21-year-old Dontae Jackson, were walking along the roadway when a white Nissan Maxima approached. The vehicle slowed down, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the occupants of the Nissan and one of the pedestrians. After the Nissan fled the scene, the two pedestrians returned to a residence in the 100 block of Lazarcheff. During the incident, Jones, a rear-seat passenger in the

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COLLINSVILLE – A man from East St. Louis faces a felony after burglarizing a White Castle restaurant in Collinsville. Ernest F. Jones, 57, of East St. Louis, was charged on Feb. 20, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of burglary. Jones allegedly entered the White Castle in Collinsville unlawfully and without authority on June 6, 2024, “with the intent to commit therein a theft,” according to court documents. The case against Jones was presented by the Collinsville Police Department, and he was granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON – A woman from Alton was charged with escape after failing to turn herself in as legally required. Anita S. Ward, 46, of Alton, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of escape on Feb. 20, 2024. Ward allegedly failed to return from furlough and report for periodic imprisonment by Feb. 20, as ordered on Feb. 5. Ward had been sentenced to a five-year term in the Illinois Department of Corrections for two previous criminal cases from 2023, according to a petition to deny her pretrial release. Ward was charged in one case with identity theft and in another case with possession of a fraudulent driver’s license “The Defendant was ordered to turn herself in to the Madison County Jail on Feb. 20, 2025 by 9:30 a.m.,” the petition states. “The Defendant failed to do so by the time and date issued by an Order of the Court.” The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented the latest case against, Ward, who was remanded to jail for her initial

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