Riverbender 🕸

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) participated in a House Committee on Agriculture hearing where she criticized proposed cuts to SNAP benefits at a time when families are struggling with rising grocery costs. In Illinois’ 13th district, 55,000 households rely on SNAP. Like the rest of the country, the majority of those households are home to a child, a senior, or a disabled adult. The budget reconciliation framework passed by House Republicans includes a $230 billion cut to SNAP, which is predicted to increase food costs for a typical SNAP household of four by $175 a month . Furthermore, the Trump Administration’s universal tariffs are projected to cost American families upwards of $3,000 a year . Budzinski’s remarks as prepared for delivery can be found below: Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Craig, thank you for calling this hearing today. I think that this conversation is timely - what we are all hearing from our districts

Continue Reading

GODFREY – Two Godfrey residents were charged last week in related cases of mob action. One faces an additional felony for injuring the victim with a “bladed metal object.” Lamont R. Lastie, 30, and Memoree E. Thomas, 20, both of Godfrey, were each charged on April 2, 2025 with a Class 4 felony count of mob action. Lastie was additionally charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery. The day prior on April 1, 2025, Lastie and Thomas allegedly worked together in striking the victim about the head and body. Lastie reportedly also used “a bladed metal object” to cut the face of the victim, who sustained a laceration to the chin. According to a petition to deny Lastie’s pretrial release, a witness told authorities Lastie knocked the victim to the ground before “swinging at him with a small knife or bladed object,” causing the injury. The petition notes that at the time of the incident, Lastie was on probation from a 2023 case

Continue Reading

ALTON – Challenge Unlimited and Soulcial Kitchen are excited to unveil detailed plans for the recently launched Soulcial Center at Challenge Unlimited, located in Alton, IL, a groundbreaking initiative transforming local food systems, community health, and employment opportunities. Led by Brigadier General John E. Michel (USAF, Ret.), Founder of Soulcial Kitchen and President of the Food is Love Foundation, along with John Becker, Challenge Unlimited VP of Programs, this unique center leverages strategic partnerships with Fresh Harvest 365, LaMay’s Catering, the Food is Love Foundation, and Theodora Farms to enhance community wellbeing and economic growth. Regional Produce and "Dignity in Food" Aggregation Hub: Managed by Theodora Farms, this hub provides a consistent market for local small farms, distributing fresh, locally sourced produce to hospitals, food pantries, and community-based organizations throughout the Metro East. Commissary Kitchen and "Food as Medicine"

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel to reverse course on their deprioritization of domestic terrorism prevention efforts, which leaves our nation less secure and Americans less safe. Durbin began by condemning recent actions, writing: “I write to strongly object to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) recent diversion of agency resources and institutional focus away from domestic terrorism prevention efforts.” The FBI has reassigned staff from the Domestic Terrorism Operations Section (DTOS), which provides operational support to all 55 FBI field offices in investigating domestic terrorism threats, and is contemplating disbanding it entirely. DHS has dismantled a national database used

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee; and U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee; and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court lifted a hold on removals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 : “The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Trump Administration to move forward with deporting people under the Alien Enemies Act—an archaic wartime law—will unquestionably harm people caught up in this oppressive nightmare. “This decision also leaves unanswered whether the President’s dangerous and unprecedented invocation of the wartime authority to go after immigrants was lawful in the first place. “Although

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “The Freedom of Information Act: Perspectives from Public Requesters.” During his opening remarks, Durbin underscored the importance of transparency in government, and he further reiterated that the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) despite unelected billionaire Elon Musk’s opposition. Key Durbin Quotes: “This Committee has approached FOIA in a bipartisan fashion. It should continue to, working to ensure agencies comply with the law and taking opportunities to strengthen the law.” “But this hearing comes at a time when many Americans are angry and fearful. They are frightened for their jobs as the Trump Administration fires thousands and thousands of government

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday that a man who fatally stabbed two victims, including the man’s adoptive father, has been sentenced to two terms of natural life in prison. Bryce V. Andrews, 26, formerly of unincorporated Alton, was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison for the murder of his adoptive father, Robert Andrews, 59. Bryce Andrews also was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Leonard “Jim” Ebrey, who was the legal spouse of Robert Andrews. In addition, Bryce Andrews was sentenced to 10 years in prison for aggravated arson and five years in prison for concealment of a homicidal death. Under Illinois law, those four sentences must be served consecutively, or back-to-back. “The family and loved ones of Robert and Leonard remain in our prayers,” Haine said. “While no sentence can undo the pain caused, we hope today is a step toward healing and accountability.” In February,

Continue Reading

WEST ALTON, MO. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, is pleased to announce the Leave No Trace organization has selected the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary as a 2025 Spotlight site. As outdoor areas nationwide are being impacted by record use, this new initiative from Leave No Trace shines a light on communities rising to meet this challenge with multi-day, onsite education, and restoration initiatives. Riverlands is one of just 20 locations nationwide to receive the distinction this year. Local land agencies or community groups nominate sites for the Leave No Trace Spotlight initiative. The diverse sites chosen in 2025 span the country, each with unique environmental challenges. The initiative aims to equip each Spotlight area with relevant Leave No Trace tools that address the site's impacts and foster healthy lands and people. The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team will be at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary April 10-12, collaborating with the

Continue Reading

ALTON - Riverbend Christian Leadership Academy invites families to its Open House at 6:30 p.m. on April 22 and at 9 a.m. on April 23. The event will take place at the academy's campus located at 2009 Seminary St, Alton. The Open House aims to provide prospective students and their families with an opportunity to explore the school's offerings for the 2025-2026 academic year, which includes grades pre-kindergarten through 12. Attendees will have the chance to take a guided tour of the historic campus, meet faculty and staff, and learn about the academy's mission to equip students with faith, excellence, and leadership. "We are excited to showcase how our Christ-centered mission and values guide every part of what we do," said a representative from the academy. The event will also highlight the teachers’ commitment to educating and inspiring students, as well as the development of students into confident Christian leaders within the community. Families interested in attending

Continue Reading

ALTON - Centerstone’s Glo Bingo fundraiser will raise money for mental health care in Alton. On Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Alton VFW, community members are invited to play glo bingo and enjoy raffles, a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the games start at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own snacks, and the VFW will offer a cash bar. “All the proceeds from the event will go directly back to supporting patient care at Centerstone,” explained Erin Camfield, one of the event organizers. “Centerstone is a nonprofit health system that provides mental health and substance use treatment. There’s a multitude of services that we provide, and all of these proceeds will go back to providing direct care to patients for things that they might need on their mental health wellness journey.” The fundraiser will raise money for these services. Tickets to the glo bingo fundraiser cost $25 online or $30 at the door

Continue Reading

ALTON - Duke Bakery has challenged the community to an Easter egg hunt. On April 7, 2025, Amy Hollis and her family spent the afternoon hiding 72 colored Easter eggs and 12 golden eggs around Alton at local landmarks and businesses. Each egg has a prize inside, and if you take a picture of your egg and tag Duke Bakery’s Facebook page , you will be entered for the chance to win a $100 gift card. “We want to give back to the community that supports our family and our employees,” Hollis explained. “We’ve been in business since 1951. My grandparents started the community involvement, my dad and my uncle continued it, and now my husband and I feel it's very important to give back to the community. We want it to be fun and get the community involved.” In the hours since Duke Bakery posted about the Easter egg hunt , hundreds of people have gone searching for the eggs. Hollis said it has been “so exciting” to see the response, especiall

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski's (IL-13) Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives. This vital legislation aims to simplify the language used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in written communications, making it easier for veterans to access the benefits they’ve earned. To watch the Congresswoman’s remarks during floor debate on the bill, click HERE . By eliminating overcomplicated language, the bill will streamline the process and improve veterans' experiences. Budzinski introduced the bill alongside Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) and House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12). Barrett and Budzinski serve as Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization. "This is a real victory for veterans who have long been frustrated by overcomplicated language when trying to access the benefits they’ve

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent lane closures on Illinois 3 between the McKinley Bridge and Interstate 270 in Madison County will begin, weather permitting, Monday, April 14, 2025 for pavement patching. One lane will remain open in each direction. 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. The project is expected to be completed by June. 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

EDWARDSVILLE - During the work session of the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education, Board members and Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton discussed the possibility of purchasing warehouse space for the district. Shelton said that he wanted to “build some understanding and context around our need for a warehouse” by discussing the district’s current solutions and how Hadley House is utilized. He explained that there was previously 5,000 square feet of storage and office space in Lincoln Middle School that was torn down to make way for the new gym that is currently being constructed at Lincoln. Following this, the district leased 17,000 square feet of space between BJC Healthcare and Kohl’s in Edwardsville from April 2023 to June 2024, at which point BJC Healthcare evicted the district because they needed the space. Since then, the district has stored maintenance items, chairs and desks, orders and other items in the schools. Shel

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a bicameral spotlight hearing entitled “Restoring Accountability: Exposing Trump’s Attacks on the Rule of Law.” Today’s spotlight hearing was led by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary. Durbin began by asking Liz Oyer, the former head of the Justice Department’s Office of the Pardon Attorney who was fired for refusing to give actor and Trump “Special Ambassador” Mel Gibson special treatment to own a firearm despite a domestic violence conviction, about President Trump granting “full, complete and unconditional” pardons to every person convicted of offenses related to the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. “It

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - With 30 days left until the REAL ID enforcement date takes effect on May 7, 2025 Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wants Illinoisans to get the facts about REAL IDs as many scramble to get one. “The federal REAL ID rollout has caused a great deal of confusion across the country, including here in Illinois,” Giannoulias said. “We’re monitoring REAL ID demand and adjusting our services to efficiently accommodate the unprecedented surge.” Giannoulias noted if you’re not traveling after May 7, you probably don’t need a REAL ID right away. Given the recent surge at Illinois DMVs, Giannoulias advised Illinoisans who don’t need a REAL ID in May to consider holding off to avoid waits at facilities. He added that the May 7 “deadline” isn’t really a deadline. On May 7, Americans will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID, or a valid passport, to board a domestic flight; however, DMVs will

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with a bipartisan coalition of 13 attorneys general, today announced a $335 million national settlement in principle with pharmaceutical company Mylan Inc. (Mylan) over allegations the company deceptively promoted its opioid products as being less prone to abuse despite knowing for years that many of its opioid products – particularly its fentanyl patches – were actually more vulnerable to abuse. Illinois will receive more than $9 million in abatement funds from the settlement. “This bipartisan settlement represents the latest development in the work state attorneys general are doing to hold entities responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic that has wreaked havoc in communities across our country,” Raoul said. “I remain committed to ensuring funding is equitably distributed across Illinois to help fund services that mitigate opioid addiction.” Mylan, which is now a part of Viatris, has manufactured

Continue Reading

SWANSEA — Three young boys and three police officers were recognized for their heroic actions in saving a resident from a fire during a Swansea Village Board meeting. The Swansea Police Department and Swansea Fire Department honored the individuals for their quick thinking and bravery in an incident that occurred on March 28, 2025. The boys, identified as Roman, Xavier, and Darius, were playing outside when they noticed smoke coming from their neighbor's house. They promptly alerted an adult, who called 911, ensuring a swift response from emergency services. Swansea Police officers Schutzbach, Lindley, and Sgt. Kemper-Damm were the first responders on the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered that a resident was trapped inside the garage. The Swansea officers collaborated to breach the garage door and successfully rescued the individual. This incident underscores the vital role of community involvement in public safety, showcasing how the actions of both the children and

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a Granite City man was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. 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 sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office prosecuted Sergio Alberto Zuniga-Chapol, 26, who was sentenced by Madison County Circuit Court Judge Amy Maher after pleading guilty to four Class 2 felony counts of possessing child pornography involving children under the age of 13. His sentence will be followed by three years to life of mandatory supervised release, and he will also register as a sex offender for life. “This sentence represents a degree of justice for the young victims who are exploited and abused by child sexual abuse material,” Raoul said.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is teaming up with the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies to promote Distracted Driving Awareness Month, reminding drivers to pay attention or pay the price. Distracted driving, which involves cellphone use or any activity that takes attention away from the task of operating your vehicle, is a risky behavior that endangers everyone on the road. “Arriving late is better than never arriving. Stay focused, stay safe and reach your destination without distractions,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Remember: Don’t Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward.” According to IDOT statistics, 260 people died and 29,458 people were injured in crashes involving distractions between 2019 and 2023. In 2023, 58 people were killed in crashes involving at least one distracted driver, 4.7% of all traffic fatalities that year. All o

Continue Reading