Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - On Thursday morning, May 15, 2025, St. Mary's Catholic School Principal Mary Rivera and Father Jorge of St. Mary’s School fulfilled a lighthearted bet made during the school’s annual eighth-grade volleyball game. The bet, which began when each took a side in the game, stipulated that the loser would wear a blowup costume, walk to McDonald’s, and order chicken nuggets. Although the game ended in a tie, Rivera and Fr. Jorge chose to honor the bet together. After greeting students during the morning drop-off, the pair donned their blowup costumes and, accompanied by two Sisters who teach at St. Mary’s and a police officer for safety, made their way to the nearby McDonald’s in Alton. The visit took place around 8:30 a.m. Thursday, where employees responded with laughter as the two costumed figures ordered chicken nuggets. The event was a moment of community spirit and fun for the school’s staff and students. St. Mary’s School, which

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CARLINVILLE – Blackburn College welcomed 14 regional schools and 26 educators, bringing around 250 high school students for its 36th annual Science Day this spring. The event, held on the College’s campus in Carlinville, offered a day of hands-on science activities, friendly competition, and immersive academic exploration, planned and led almost entirely by Blackburn students. Through Blackburn’s distinctive Work Program, more than 50 student workers were essential in organizing, preparing, and carrying out the event. From coordinating with schools and setting up labs to leading demonstrations and managing logistics, Blackburn students were at the heart of the experience. Seniors Alexia Mosby ’25 and Jessica Muckensturm ’25 coordinated the effort. “I love getting the opportunity to coordinate Science Day because we get to meet regional high school teachers and students throughout the process,” said Mosby. “Many of the Blackburn students

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GRANITE CITY — A Granite City family is facing a challenging journey after their 1-year-old daughter, Laiana Witt, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer. Laiana is currently receiving intra-arterial chemotherapy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., a treatment that requires specialized care and frequent travel. Laiana’s mother, Teela Witt, said the family has been staying at St. Jude’s Hospital for the past week, with Laiana’s first round of chemotherapy scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The treatment involves delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor via a catheter inserted into a blood vessel near the groin. Provided there are no complications, the family expects to return home to Granite City by Wednesday, May 21, 2025, or Thursday, May 22, 2025. The family faces a demanding schedule, with trips to Memphis every three to four weeks for the next six months to complete the chemotherapy regimen.

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ALTON - To mark Mental Health Awareness Month and National Women’s Health Week, Dr. Isha McConkey stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about mental health during menopause. McConkey, D.O., serves as the managing medical director with OSF Medical Group in Alton. She explained that fluctuations in hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect neurotransmitters that impact mood, processing and more. Understanding how your body and brain are affected by menopause can help people manage these symptoms and feel better. “If your estrogen is not stable, neither is your mood,” McConkey said. “What I would like is for women to just trust themselves and trust their bodies and bring all of their concerns to their doctor and kind of let us tease that out.” McConkey explained that a neurotransmitter like serotonin, which impacts happiness, is affected by fluctuating hormone levels. While people with consistently low serotonin

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CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) has been formally recognized by Mental Health America (MHA) as a recipient of the 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health. The Bell Seal is the nation's preeminent certification, recognizing employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. IDOR joins an elite group of recipients awarded this distinction and is the first state governmental agency in Illinois to receive this award. Only two out of five employers meet the criteria for certification and IDOR underwent a rigorous evaluation of its policies and practices during the review process. “We are truly honored to receive this award, as it serves as a powerful affirmation of our efforts to create a culture that prioritizes mental health,” said IDOR Director David Harris. “I am especially proud that IDOR is the first governmental agency in the state to earn this recognition as it underscores our leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment

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JACKSONVILLE - State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) is inviting everyone in the 100th District to participate in a photo contest to update the decor in his Capitol office in Springfield. People of all ages are encouraged to take a picture of a place, object or an event in the 100th District and email the picture with contact information to RepCDDavidsmeyer@gmail.com . Information to include with the photo submitted: First Name, Last Name, Mailing Address, E-mail Address, and Phone Number. The 100th District includes all or portions of Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Morgan, Pike, and Scott Counties. Please visit https://cddavidsmeyer.org/district/ for a map of the 100th District. “There are so many amazing places and cool events throughout the 100th District,” said Rep. Davidsmeyer. “Pick a local landmark, a festival, a farm, business, wildlife, or anything that tells the story of our region. I can’t wait to continue

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and more than 200 law enforcement agencies throughout the state are participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s high-visibility “Click It or Ticket” campaign to stop seat belt law violators and impaired drivers. During the campaign, law enforcement will step up efforts to ticket unbelted motorists and arrest drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs or other substances. “Make sure everyone in your vehicle, whether they’re in the front seat or back seat, is buckled up before hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Not only is a seat belt your best defense if you’re in a crash, wearing one is the law in Illinois.” 40 years ago, Illinois became the third state to mandate seat belt usage, requiring drivers and front-seat passengers

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Representative Hoàn Huynh visited two Asian-owned businesses in Uptown to meet with business owners and celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The visits build on Governor Pritzker’s efforts to support small and minority-owned businesses, including the 23,000 AAPI-owned businesses and 87,000 AAPI-solopreneurs across Illinois. “The Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across Illinois have made vast cultural impacts—persisting even in the face of discrimination and adversity,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, I’m proud to acknowledge the thousands of thriving AAPI-owned businesses across our state and their unique contributions to our history and economic growth.” Small businesses are the livelihood of our communities— they drive our economies, creating jobs, and adding vibrancy and diversity to our neighborhoods,”

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SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to the summer boating season, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Conservation Police are urging people to wear life jackets anytime they're on the water and to only operate boats while sober. National Safe Boating Week is May 17-23, the week leading up to the Memorial Day holiday weekend, to raise awareness of boating safety. “As the boating season approaches, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Law Enforcement, reminds all waterway enthusiasts that safety is a shared responsibility. Every boater plays a vital role in creating a secure and enjoyable environment on the water,” said Office of Law Enforcement Director Jed Whitchurch. “Understanding and adhering to boating regulations such as navigation rules, safety equipment requirements, designated no-wake zones, and staying informed about weather conditions are essential to ensuring positive experiences

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski’s (IL-13) legislation, Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Claims Act (H.R. 2201), passed unanimously out of the full House of Representatives. Congresswoman Budzinski led this bipartisan effort with Representatives Young Kim (CA-40), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). The bill now heads to the United States Senate for further consideration. "Today marks a significant victory for veterans who have endured unimaginable trauma. Those who come forward with Military Sexual Trauma claims have already faced tremendous hardship, and seeking support should never add to that pain, said Congresswoman Budzinski. “It has been an honor to work alongside Congresswoman Kim on this bipartisan bill, which ensures the VA’s claims process avoids retraumatizing MST survivors. With unanimous support from the House, we are one step closer to seeing this bill signed into law and delivering the

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in urging the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to maintain three offices within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that are meant to oversee the agency, protect people’s civil rights and help noncitizens with immigration matters. In March, DHS announced plans over Congressional objection to shut down three offices within the agency, the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman), and the Office of Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO), that were created by Congress to exercise oversight of various DHS programs. The offices’ sudden closure affects pending complaints and investigations, and DHS did not provide individuals or employers any alternative avenue for redress. “These offices provide essential services employers and residents rely upon. The sudden closures are

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department and Edwardsville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 244 are stepping in to offer a financial boost to a program aimed at providing shoes for area students in need. Officers and other department members recently donated $1,680 to benefit the Sole Purpose program, which is being overseen by Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 in collaboration with the police department and the Cyclery & Fitness Center in Edwardsville. The donation was contributed by officers and staff participating in the police department’s periodic “no shave” fundraiser. This charitable effort allows participants to pay to get around the department’s “no beard” rule. Previous recipients have included Edwardsville Neighbors, Glen-Ed Pantry, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Main Street Community Center, Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, the Metro East Humane Society and others. Officer Ryan Grimes, who works

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered a speech on the Senate floor exposing congressional Republicans’ reconciliation bill for what it truly is – legislation that will pay for tax breaks for billionaires at the expense of 13.7 million Americans’ health care coverage. In his remarks, Durbin reiterated that Republicans’ “one, big, beautiful bill” will further push the American Dream out of reach for working families. “Let me tell you a story. It’s one of the oldest in our country. It’s the story of the American Dream. It’s one of perseverance, where anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can achieve success and upward mobility through hard work and determination. It means a job that pays a fair wage, a school that prepares our kids for a better life, a doctor who sees you when you are sick, and a roof over your head at night,” Durbin began. “ dismantles

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EAST ST. LOUIS/O'FALLON, IL. — Andrew P. Blassie, the former executive vice president of the Bank of O’Fallon, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to charges of bank fraud and interstate transportation of funds obtained by fraud after admitting to a scheme that swindled nearly $2 million from the bank. The 69-year-old St. Louis resident acknowledged using a check kiting scheme between September 2023 and September 2024 to falsely inflate his personal checking account balance at the Bank of O’Fallon by depositing checks he knew were backed by non-sufficient funds from accounts at other financial institutions. The indictment states Blassie defrauded the bank of $1,972,887.67 and used the inflated funds to pay for nearly $2.7 million in personal expenses. Blassie also persuaded a couple from Lebanon, Illinois, to invest $489,000 of their retirement savings between August 2022 and September 2024 by issuing promissory notes promising interest payments. He used proceeds

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PONTOON BEACH — With summer just around the corner, Madison County Transit (MCT) is excited to announce the return of the MCT Summer Youth Pass for 2025. This free pass is available to all Madison County students, ages 18 and under, and provides unlimited rides on MCT’s fixed-route buses from Memorial Day through Labor Day. “For more than 15 years, the MCT Summer Youth Pass has helped local students get where they need to go—safely and independently,” said SJ Morrison, MCT Managing Director. “Thanks to the continued support of the MCT Board of Trustees, students across Madison County can enjoy free, reliable transportation to summer jobs, classes, parks, pools, libraries, and more—all while gaining confidence and independence.” Since launching in 2008, the Summer Youth Pass program accounts for over half a million student boardings, providing a valuable transportation resource for families each summer. This year, MCT has distributed

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TROY - Daniel Winfield of Triad High School achieved a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, the school announced recently. Triad High School officials expressed pride in Winfield’s achievement and anticipation for the opportunities that may follow. "Only a fraction of our students ever achieve a perfect 36 on the ACT, and we couldn't be more proud of Daniel," said Triad High School administration. "We are excited to see what opportunities lie ahead for Daniel." The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc. The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. The categories broken out of the ACT are English, Math, Reading, Science and Writing (optional).

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ALTON - This month’s Block Party for Good will offer free groceries, hot meals, health screenings and, for the first time, haircuts. Located at Soulcial Square adjacent to the Salvation Army and Crisis Food Center in Alton, the Block Party for Good provides free groceries to community members. From 2–4 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, community members can stop by Soulcial Square to receive groceries, a hot meal through the Currency of Caring food truck network, and more. “At Soulcial Kitchen, powered by Food is Love, we believe that serving others isn’t just about feeding their stomachs — it’s about nourishing their spirit,” said John Michel, founder of Soulcial Kitchen and President of the Food is Love Foundation. “This Block Party for Good model is a powerful example of what happens when compassion, community capacity, and innovation converge.” In addition to the groceries, provided by the St. Louis Area Foodbank, and the ho

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ALTON - Artist Mary Berry has rediscovered color. Berry, who experiments with sculpture, prints, paint and photography, has her art on display at Milton Schoolhouse through the end of May. She shared that her decision to pursue art was an act of self-care, and she is “exhilarated” to find that her work is resonating with others. “Creativity has helped define another side of myself at this stage of life,” she said. “Before, it was being a wife and mother, then a career in real estate. Retirement gives us an opportunity to explore the side of ourselves we sometimes push aside in order to meet life’s many obligations." The Jerseyville-based artist recently returned to the Riverbend area after years on the East Coast. She worked as a real estate agent and now serves as a caregiver to her mother. In 2022, her friend Darla Cavins introduced her to art and encouraged her to use it as “therapy, because it feels good to get your emotions ou

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Imagine a place where your mind can quiet down, your stress levels drop, and your overall mood lifts—all without medication or therapy. For many people, that place is nature. But why does spending time in natural environments hold such profound benefits for mental health? This article explores the powerful connection between nature and the mind, unpacking the science, sharing compelling examples, and offering practical advice for incorporating nature into your daily life. The Science Behind Nature’s Impact on Mental Health Research has increasingly shown that exposure to natural settings positively influences mental well-being. A landmark 2019 study published in Scientific Reports found that spending just 120 minutes per week in green spaces—parks, forests, or other natural environments—correlates with significantly better health and well-being. The benefits include reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive functioning. Biologically, nature help

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May 20th holds a significant place in world history, marked by groundbreaking achievements and pivotal moments that have shaped our global narrative. Moving back in time, May 20 has witnessed remarkable events across various domains. For instance, in 325 AD, the First Council of Nicaea concluded on this date. This council was the first effort to attain consensus in the Christian church through an assembly representing all Christendom. It was convened by Emperor Constantine and resulted in the Nicene Creed, a statement of Christian faith still used today. The council addressed the nature of the Son of God and his relationship to God the Father, setting foundational theological principles that have shaped Christianity for centuries. Fast forward to 1498, another milestone was reached when Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived in the Indian city of Calicut (now Kozhikode) on May 20. This voyage was significant as it established a sea route from Europe to Asia, opening the door

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