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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) passed a package of legislation to help bolster America’s health workforce, including reauthorizations of the mandatory funding for community health centers (CHCs) and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), which are set to expire on September 30. In order to help pay for this legislative package, the Senate Judiciary Committee—which Durbin chairs—is working with the HELP Committee on the use of prescription drug competition measures reported by the Judiciary Committee to provide savings. Among other things, the HELP Committee package triples the mandatory funding level of the NHSC—up from $310 million per year to $950 million per year. This investment reflects the efforts of Durbin and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to provide historic investments

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WASHINGTON DC - Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—member of the U.S. Senate’s Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees—issued the following statement after she and her Senate colleagues met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to hear about Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russia’s outrageous and unprovoked invasion: “One thing remains clear: Ukraine has to win this war and Russia has to lose it. It was important to get President Zelensky’s readout of Ukraine’s current military operations and hear how the United States must continue to help our partner in the fight of their lives. So long as Ukraine needs our support, the U.S. should not shy away from our role as a global leader in the fight to uphold democracy, sovereignty and the rule of law. A world with a Ukrainian victory is a safer one, and I hope House Republicans will stop holding up the aid needed to help make that happen.” Duckwort

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WASHINGTON DC - Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) re-introduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for low-income families to afford the diapers they need. The End Diaper Need Act of 2023 would help assist low-income families to address diaper need by providing targeted funding for states, territories and other eligible entities working on this issue. This effort comes after Duckworth and Cramer successfully secured $20 million in the final fiscal year (FY) 2023 appropriations package—and $10 million in the FY2022 appropriations package —dedicated to expanding diaper distribution programs. A companion version of this bill was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03). “Between putting food on the table and keeping up with bills, the last thing working parents should have to worry about is being able to buy diapers that are essential to the health and well-being of thei

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Kraft Heinz is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 83,800 cases of individually wrapped Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices that were shipped to a limited number of customers. The voluntary recall comes as a precaution after a temporary issue developed on one of our wrapping machines, making it possible that a thin strip of the individual film may remain on the slice after the wrapper has been removed. If the film sticks to the slice and is not removed, it could be unpleasant and potentially cause a gagging or choking hazard. Only Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices with the case/package information below are affected. No other varieties or sizes are included in the recall. The issue was discovered after we received several consumer complaints about finding the plastic stuck to a slice, including six complaints of consumers saying they choked or gagged in connection with the issue. No injuries or serious health issues have been reported. Kraft Heinz

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WASHINGTON DC - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) celebrated the progress of their Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument Act after the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today favorably reported the bill out of committee. This bill now can be considered by the full Senate, bringing this legislation closer to becoming law and preserving this critically important moment in American history as a national monument. “We are pleased the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument Act moved closer to becoming law today because it means we are that much closer to protecting and preserving this critical historic site,” the Senators said. “We have been dedicated to preserving these important parts of our state and nation’s history and are committed to seeing the process through. Ensuring our National Park System honors civil rights events of extraordinary cultural and historical importance,

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School will be holding its annual Homecoming dance on Saturday, Sept. 23. This year's Homecoming Court is Ava Heinz, Caleb Thomeczek, Elizabeth Wills, Justin Fears, Layla Lincoln, Eli Waters, Ava Sanders, Braden Kline, Katie Johnson, Duarell Blocker, Emma Baggio, Nicholas Cardinale, and Abigail Taylor. The Homecoming Court will take part in a short parade on Friday, Sept. 22 before Marquette's home football game against Althoff Catholic. The parade will leave from Johnson's Corner at 6:50 p.m. The football game will follow starting at 7 p.m.

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GRANITE CITY - Over 50 teachers from three counties (Madison, St. Clair & Macoupin) gathered Wednesday for a workshop targeting Culinary Arts and Science teachers at the GCSD9 Board Office. The title was The Science Behind Food and Flavor. Topics covered were: What is food science, What is Flavor, Food Industry Overview, Industry trends, Careers, and Roundtable discussions. The event was sponsored by Madison County CTE System , St. Clair CTE, and Macoupin CTE.

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GODFREY - BJC Medical Group Convenient Care at Godfrey, formerly Alton Memorial Convenient Care, will move to a new, larger location at 5213 Godfrey Road on Sept. 25. Only one mile from its current location, the BJC Medical Group Convenient Care at Godfrey – part of the BJC Outpatient Center at Godfrey that will open later this year -- will offer three full-time providers and a staff of 10 to serve the Alton community with walk-in and scheduled care for minor injuries, common conditions, and illnesses. “The Convenient Care clinic has become a big part of health care in our area in recent years, and we’re happy to give it a new home,” said AMH President Dave Braasch. “As always, we will continue to look for ways to improve the health of the communities we serve.” Patients can reserve a time online to schedule an appointment HERE.

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ALTON - As Illinois American Water continues work on the Alton sewer system, more road closures are expected. The intersection of Belle Street and Madison Avenue in Alton will close beginning on Monday, Sept. 25. Blocks on Belle Street north of Hamilton Avenue will also close in the coming weeks. Belle Street south of Hamilton Street to 10th Street will remain closed. “The contractor ran into some delays with the work leading up to that intersection ,” Illinois American Water said in a press release. “The closure of this intersection is expected to last several weeks.” Illinois American Water has been working to separate the combined sewer system in Alton. They are replacing the system with new, more sanitary sewers. The intersection of Marshall Street and Belle Street will also close sometime in the coming weeks. Bo’s Hardware and Maher Automotive are still open and accessible, with parking along Belle Street or through the north parking lot entrance

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ALTON - The Zonta Club of Alton-Wood River has partnered with the Alton Police Department, Sacred Spaces of CARE and Oasis Women’s Center for a Walk to Build Domestic Violence Awareness. At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, community members are invited to gather at the Alton Amphitheater for a presentation and a short walk. The event aims to show community members that they are supported. “We’re gathering to come together and to be united with other organizations with the same goal in mind: to raise awareness and to advocate for people in our community,” said Jean Heil, advocacy chair with the Zonta Club. “We want people to know the facts, to know how we can help, to know what to look for, to know resources that we have available in our community, so that ultimately someday domestic violence isn’t an issue anymore.” The Zonta Club of Alton-Wood River is the local chapter of Zonta International , a global organization that aims

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GODFREY - A potential lease agreement between Survival Flight EMS and the Village of Godfrey is on hold again after Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. Trustees voted unanimously to table the item once more after Godfrey Fire Protection District Chief Eric Cranmer asked them to act with more urgency during what he called an “ambulance crisis.” “I’m really disappointed in how the trustees are handling this issue,” Cranmer said. “For those of you who don’t know, we are in an ambulance crisis. “Since Aug. 31, we’ve had 59 medical calls. Fifteen of those have been mutual aid - Jerseyville Ambulance, Alton Fire. Our average wait time for this mutual aid is about 20 minutes. Survival Flight’s coming, they’ve got a contract with St. Anthony’s, so I really wish you all would kind of get off your tails and get this taken care of.” Survival Flight seeks to lease Godfrey Fire Station #1 as their new

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County will be taking applications for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program starting Oct. 2. Madison County Community Development announced that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems. The program will start taking applications on Monday, Oct. 2 for seniors, the disabled and families with children under the age of six. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 1, households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25 percent in their propane tank can start applying for assistance. All other income eligible households can start applying Dec. 1. Households in need are encouraged to apply. The application end date is changing to Aug. 15, , 2024. All applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through that time period. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return

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JERSEYVILLE - This year's Gold Star Mother's and Family's ceremony in Jerseyville has been moved to a new location due to possible weather conditions. Greg Breden, an associate member of the Marine Corps League, said that because of possible rain, especially blowing rain or lightning, the group decided to move the Gold Star Mother's and Family's ceremony this Sunday at 2 p.m. The new location will be at the St. Francis gymnasium, just north of the St Francis Church at 412 S. State St. in Jerseyville. "If we waited until the morning of, we would not be able to notify postponement of the ceremony," Breden said. "Also, the Gibson Girls were already booked up and not sure but others as well probably would have had to redo the whole program. "We would like everyone in the public to pass this notification on. Sorry about the late notice, but the most important thing is we show our support for these families ... Again, we request the public to attend thank you so much and God bless America."

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BELLEVILLE - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the Attorney General’s office has charged a St. Clair County man with allegedly possessing child pornography and failing to register as a sex offender. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child pornography online. Raoul’s office charged Charles B. Zamarron II, 43, in St. Clair County Circuit Court with 10 counts of possession of child pornography, each Class 2 felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison, and four counts of failure to register under the Sex Offender Act, Class 2 felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison. Zamarron’s next court date is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 22 at which time a detention hearing will be held. “These charges highlight the importance of my office’s Internet Crimes Against Children

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ALTON - Being a realtor can be more dangerous than you might think. September is Realtor Safety Month, and Lisa Webb with Third Street Realty gave some helpful safety tips for realtors on the most recent “Third On Third” segment on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com “Realtor Safety Month is bringing awareness to local and national real estate agents on how to prepare when they’re going out to show a house, how to prepare themselves when they’re doing an open house, how to protect themselves when they go out and do their job,” Webb said. Webb had some advice for her fellow realtors on how to stay safe. First, she said you can avoid getting trapped at a house you’re showing by planning ahead where or how you park your car. “ you’re a real estate agent and you’re showing a house, you’re not going to park in the driveway,” Webb said. “Why? Because if you get there first … somebody who you’re

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The City of Cahokia Heights will receive funding for affordable housing and community revitalization through the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Strong Communities Program. “Investing in affordable housing uplifts our community and boosts our local economy,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea), who supported the move. “We are taking strong strides toward revitalization and attracting investments in the communities that need it most. Cahokia Heights residents deserve sustainable, livable housing options and this funding will help the area continue to grow.” The Strong Communities Program is designed to support local revitalization efforts and attract further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties. A total of $19 million was approved by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) to support these revitalization efforts across

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GODFREY - With the “Family Game Night” theme in full swing, the Great Godfrey Maze has attracted quite a crowd already, one weekend into the season. From Sept. 15 through Oct. 28, the hemp maze and other activities will be open on Fridays and Saturdays at Robert E. Glazebrook Park. Godfrey’s Fall Festival , which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 23, will add some extra fun to the normal weekend activities. “We have a lot of pride in what we do,” Chris Logan, the Godfrey Parks and Recreation director, said. “I know everyone that works here enjoys doing it and is just so happy to do it. It’s all worth it when you see families come out and have fun.” There are several activities for kids of all ages to enjoy, including inflatables and the beloved Corn Crib. You can read more about each offering in this article on RiverBender.com . The maze is a favorite fall tradition for many families. In keeping with

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SPRINGFIELD – Over the year, total nonfarm jobs increased in eleven metropolitan areas, decreased in two and was unchanged in one for the year ending August 2023, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). The unemployment rate increased in thirteen metropolitan areas and decreased in one. “Steady, consistent job growth statewide continues to boost a strengthening Illinois economy,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.“A growing labor market and newly created jobs are giving workers and jobseekers the opportunity to reenter the workforce and pivot career choices that better suit the talent and diversity of the state workforce.” The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Elgin Metro (+2.5 %, +6,400), the Danville MSA (+2.2%, +600), and the Springfield MSA (+2.0%, +2,200). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago

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ST. LOUIS – On Monday, Sept. 25, United Way of Greater St. Louis’ Charmaine Chapman Society will kick off the Divine 9 fundraising challenge. The Charmaine Chapman Society has 600 members and is one of the largest Black philanthropic groups in the nation. The Divine 9 challenge is designed to increase financial support for United Way’s annual campaign and celebrate Black Sororities' and Fraternities' continued commitment to service that ensures the St. Louis region is a better place to live, work and thrive. Last year’s challenge raised a total of $354,000 and the winners were: Sorority = Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - $107,857 Fraternity = Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - $53,273 This year’s Divine 9 co-chairs will be Francella Jackson and Cedric Mitchell. The fundraising challenge will run through November 20. This challenge will serve as an avenue to bring together members of the nine historically Black Sororities and Fraternities in

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EAST ALTON - Helmkamp Construction is proud to announce the promotion of Mark McGuire to Superintendent. McGuire began his construction career with Helmkamp in January of 2015 as a Carpenter’s Apprentice. With nearly nine years of experience and growth at Helmkamp, he is looked at as a bright, up-and-coming leader among our team in the field. Kyle Ogden, Helmkamp’s Vice President of Building & Life Science Construction, said “Mark has been a great example of how intelligence and hard work pay off. He has grown into a knowledgeable, capable, and respected individual who has been mentored under some of our best long-time superintendents. We’re excited for him to continue a long and satisfying career with Helmkamp.” McGuire’s transition to Superintendent comes at a time when labor shortages and a generational skills gap continue to be a rising challenge in the construction industry. According to a recent study by the Associated General Contractors of

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