Riverbender 🕸

Did you know that the holiday many Americans associate with barbecues and the unofficial end of summer actually has roots in a powerful movement for workers' rights? Labor Day is more than just a day off—it is a tribute to the contributions and struggles of the labor force that built modern society. Understanding this holiday's origins and how it has been celebrated over time offers insight into both the evolution of labor rights and the cultural fabric of the United States. The Origins of Labor Day: A Tribute to the Working Class Labor Day traces back to the late 19th century, a period marked by rapid industrialization and often harsh working conditions. Factories, mines, and other workplaces were fraught with long hours, low pay, and unsafe environments. The labor movement emerged to challenge these conditions, advocating for fair wages, reasonable hours, and safer workplaces. The first Labor Day parade took place on September 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by the Centra

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his office has prevailed in preserving funding to AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. On July 23, Raoul and a coalition of 24 states and attorneys general challenged the White House Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) attempt to gut AmeriCorps by withholding tens of millions of dollars in funding for critical service programs. On Thursday, OMB and AmeriCorps instead agreed to release over $184 million in funding that AmeriCorps plans to award to service programs across the country. “The administration’s abrupt termination of these vital grants and programs had far-reaching and devastating impacts,” Raoul said. “I am pleased the hundreds of Illinoisans who serve some of Illinois’ most vulnerable populations will once again be able to give back to their communities.” On April 29, Raoul and a coalition of 24 states and attorneys general challenged

Continue Reading

ALTON – OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services in Alton will be holding its monthly lymphedema education meeting on Thursday, September 4, 2025, with the discussion topic: Lymphatic fluid flow . Riverbend region residents are invited to join the OSF Lymphedema Therapy Team for this free educational session about lymphedema and meet other people with lymphedema. The September lymphedema education meeting will be held: Thursday, September 4, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services 228 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL Enter the Rehab office from the upper mall parking lot, facing Alby Street, under the "OSF HEALTHCARE" sign Interested individuals should direct questions or requests for additional information to OSF Rehabilitation Services at (618) 463-5171. Lymphedema refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid that is usually drained by the body's lymphatic system. Some lymphedema facts include: It most commonly affects

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Heading into Labor Day weekend, Attorney General Kwame Raoul highlighted a new report detailing actions his office has taken during the past year to advocate for and protect Illinois workers. The Attorney General’s Workplace Rights Bureau was codified in state statute in 2020 and has since collected more than $27 million in owed wages and restitution for workers and collected $935,000 in penalties against companies alleged to have discriminated against workers on the basis of race or sex. “The dedicated attorneys and staff of my office’s Workplace Rights Bureau work every day to uphold and defend Illinois laws, resolve serious and persistent violations of workers’ rights, and ensure that law-abiding businesses are not undercut by those that violate the law to gain unfair advantages,” Raoul said. “I am committed to continuing to fight for workers’ rights, and I encourage anyone with questions or concerns about their workplace

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Ciara Cunningham, who has played all four years on the Edwardsville girls volleyball varsity, enters her senior year with the Tigers as only one of two seniors on the team, and will provide valuable leadership and experience to the club. Last season, in which Edwardsville went 23-14, and lost in the IHSA Class 4A regional final to Belleville West, Cunningham had a very good season, serving up 103 points and 31 aces, while having 250 kills, 34 blocks, 31 assists, and 84 digs in helping to lead the Tigers to their final record. As 2025 preseason practice got underway, Cunningham has been duly impressed with the team's work rate and is very excited to get the season underway on Sept. 2, 2025, at Lucco-Jackson Gym against Belleville West. Cunningham is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. "They've been going really well," Cunningham said about the workouts. "It's just exciting to see everyone so motivated and excited to get games started, since

Continue Reading

August 30 and 31 mark days of significant moments across history, touching on global events that have shaped politics, culture, science, and society. On August 30, 2005, Hurricane Katrina was moving inland after devastating the Gulf Coast of the United States, particularly New Orleans. The storm, one of the deadliest and costliest in U.S. history, left thousands homeless and caused widespread destruction. The failures in levee systems and emergency response exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure and government preparedness, prompting worldwide reflection on disaster management. The global community watched closely as rescue and recovery efforts unfolded over the following days and weeks. International aid and expertise were mobilized, while the U.S. government faced intense scrutiny for the delays and logistical challenges that exacerbated human suffering. This event highlighted the importance of coordinated emergency protocols, transparent communication, and investment in resilient

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 held its first Mobile Pantry event of the 2025-2026 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at Gordon Bush Elementary School, providing food and essential items to 100 families in the community. The mobile pantry event featured participation from students and staff who helped distribute donated goods. State Representative Kevin Schmidt attended the event and made a donation to support the district’s ongoing community outreach efforts. The East St. Louis School District 189 said the Mobile Pantry program is designed to assist families in need within the district by supplying necessary resources. The district highlighted the collaborative nature of the event and the positive impact of community involvement. The next Mobile Pantry event is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at Gordon Bush Elementary School. Community members seeking more information or with questions are encouraged to contact pantry coordinator

Continue Reading

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine - Fairview Heights welcomes Kara Littlejohn, APRN, a board-certified nurse who is a dedicated and compassionate family nurse practitioner with extensive clinical experience in home health, outpatient care and gastroenterology. She has more than 15 years of previous experience as a physical therapist assistant, bringing a comprehensive and holistic approach to patient care. Littlejohn earned her Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Her clinical skills include advanced health assessments, specialized wound care, chronic disease management and interdisciplinary collaboration. Littlejohn emphasizes preventive health care and patient education to empower individuals in managing their own health and wellness. To schedule an appointment with Littlejohn at HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine - Fairview Heights at 5 Ludwig Drive in Fairview Heights, please call

Continue Reading

ALTON - Celebrate the love of the bean – the coffee bean that is – over the next two months during the Great Rivers & Routes Javapalooza. Latte lovers and coffee connoisseurs can sample a variety of specialty coffees created just for this coffee-centric event which runs from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31. A total of sixteen locally owned and operated coffee shops throughout southwest Illinois are taking part in this annual event which focuses on the bean and the shops that create the local brews. Participating shops are showing off their coffee skills by creating a featured signature drink. And to sweeten the pot, visitors who stop by participating businesses have the opportunity to win coffee themed prizes. People who visit local participating coffee shops can scan a QR code and enter a contest for a chance to win three different prizes. Three winners will be chosen at random from the entries and prizes include: 1st Place – At-Home Espresso Machine and a $200

Continue Reading

ALTON – OSF Home Health at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center has been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) as a “Superior Performer” for achieving an overall patient experience score that ranked in the top 20% of all eligible SHP clients for the 2024 calendar year. The annual SHPBest™ award program was created to acknowledge home health agencies that consistently provide high quality service to their patients. The 2024 award recipients were determined by reviewing and ranking the overall experience score for more than 3,200 home health providers. With the largest HHCAHPS benchmark in the nation, SHP is in a unique position to identify and recognize organizations that have made patient experience a priority and have been rewarded for their efforts with high marks on the HHCAHPS survey. “SHP recognizes how much hard work is involved in providing excellent patient care, and we are proud to acknowledge the tireless

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man accused of throwing a billiard ball at a Madison County Sheriff’s deputy and more now faces criminal charges. Ronald L. Jones, 34, of Granite City, was charged on Aug. 25, 2025 with one count each of aggravated assault of a peace officer, firefighter or EMS (a Class 4 felony) and resisting a peace officer (a Class A misdemeanor). On Aug. 23, 2025, Jones allegedly knowingly and without legal justification threw a billiard ball at a Madison County Sheriff’s deputy while they were performing their official duties. Jones is additionally accused of fleeing on foot from the same officer in an attempt to resist his lawful arrest. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented the case against Jones, who was ordered released from custody pending trial. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Today, Edwardsville Children's Museum (ECM) announces its participation in Our World: Worldwide Day of Play on September 27, 2025. As a day dedicated to experiencing joyful learning through play, this event is focused on getting kids and their families up, out, and playing around. ECM will participate in Our World: Worldwide Day of Play by hosting an event on September 27 focused on play. From 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., kids will be challenged to play in all of the ECM exhibits by completing a scavenger hunt of activities throughout the museum – including a special, one-day SLIME! zone. All young adventurers who complete the mission will get to choose a prize courtesy of ECM. Worldwide Day of Play activities are free for ECM members and with paid admission for non-members. “Play is a powerful experience that enriches people’s lives in museums, schools, homes, and beyond,” states Arthur G. Affleck, III, executive director of the Associatio

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville High School Latin teacher James Stark has been named the recipient of the Charles Humphreys Award for Innovative Pedagogy by the American Classical League, the organization announced recently. The American Classical League, a professional group dedicated to promoting the study of classical civilization across the United States and Canada, recognizes educators who advance the teaching and learning of Greek and Latin languages, literatures, and cultures. Stark expressed his enthusiasm about receiving the honor, saying, "The American Classical League has the largest number of Latin teachers as members among the Classical associations in the US, so I'm thrilled to be the recipient." The award citation highlights Stark’s impact on Latin education: "James Stark, who is shaping not only how students learn — but how they all belong in Latin studies. Stark creates a classroom where Latin is vibrant, accessible, and timeless. His commitment to equity i

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS - Citizens for Modern Transit, AARP in St. Louis and the St. Clair County Transit District have released the proposed design concept – developed by local architecture firm Trivers – for the Transit Stop Transformation at MetroBus Stop #13101, located in the retail corridor of East St. Louis in front of Walgreens at 2510 State Street. The design features a modern bus shelter, added seating, lighting, wayfinding, green space and more. Transit riders, area residents, elected officials and other stakeholders are being asked to provide feedback on the proposed design concept via a quick online survey accessible at www.CMT-STL.org . “These projects are community-based initiatives,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “Local feedback is essential to ensuring the transformation meets the needs, wants and pulse of the community. We thank everyone in advance taking the survey.” Insights gained fro

Continue Reading

SAUK VILLAGE – Today, Governor Pritzker joined Dr. Tony Sanders, State Superintendent of Education, to celebrate the start of the 2025-26 school year with students and staff at Wagoner Elementary School in Community Consolidated Schools District (CCSD) 168 in Sauk Village. The Governor highlighted Illinois’ continued record investments in education, which are strengthening school communities, supporting teachers, and expanding opportunities for students from preschool through high school. “I am thrilled to visit the students, teachers, and administrators at Wagoner Elementary to celebrate another school year. Being here today, I am reminded of the promise we make to our children to give them the support, resources, and foundation to work hard and get ahead. In Illinois, we back those promises with action,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “When we invest in our schools, we build stronger and safer communities, we secure our long-term economic future, and we

Continue Reading

GODFREY – Resurrection Lutheran Church of Godfrey will host a free Carbon Monoxide Installation Event to coincide with National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 5–11, 2025. Local volunteers have continued to partner with the Godfrey Fire Protection District and the Alton Fire Department to install new 10-year UL-Listed carbon monoxide detectors in approved homes. UL-Listed means it meets important safety standards according to the National Fire Protection Association. As a self-funded nonprofit, the association strives to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, and passion. Sharon Groh, Resurrection volunteer, says this is the third installation event held by the church and partner volunteers. The next installation is scheduled for Oct. 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. To qualify, the applicant must be a homeowner living in Alton or Godfrey. Nearby community homeowners will be considered on an individual basis. If you would like a carbon monoxide device

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration: Illinois Workforce and Innovation Board Daniel Serota will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois Workforce and Innovation Board.* As Vice President of Government and Public Affairs at Aon, a leading global professional services firm, Serota creates meaningful and sustainable connections with a wide variety of stakeholders to further Aon’s public service mission and community outreach activities. With over a decade of experience in this role, he leads public policy and political initiatives for Aon at the federal, state, and regulatory level, and he directs Aon’s Political Action Committee. He also empowers the Latino Professional Network within Aon as Executive Sponsor. Serota has garnered recognition from some of the top leadership groups in Chicago, including Crain’s Chicago Business’ 40 Under

Continue Reading

CHICAGO AND WASHINGTON, DC — The League of Women Voters of Chicago, League of Women Voters of Illinois and League of Women Voters of the US issued the following joint statement in response to the threat of deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago. “The President has once again threatened to deploy the National Guard with a rationale of lies—this time to Chicago—against the wishes of local and state officials and the general public. “The League of Women Voters stands with Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Johnson, and echoes the position that there is no justification for this action. Chicago is not experiencing any emergency that requires federal force. The President's threats are nothing more than bullying and retaliation against an American city and a sovereign state for not bowing to his personal agenda. “We've seen in DC and Los Angeles how the presence of federal troops does nothing to make residents and businesses safer. Terror an

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today a new program that will grant funds to clean up cemeteries that have been abandoned, neglected, or are otherwise in need of additional care. Units of local government and not-for-profit organizations (including, but not limited to, not-for-profit cemetery authorities) are eligible to apply for ten Cemetery Relief Fund Grants that will be issued yearly. Each grant, valued up to $20,000, is supported by funding allocated in the FY26 state budget signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker . Applicants may apply by completing and submitting the application found online here . The deadline to apply is October 24, 2025. “Cemeteries hold deep historical and emotional significance for local communities, and it is vital they are properly maintained for future generations to honor and remember their loved ones,” said IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. “This program will hel

Continue Reading

ALTON - Sparks Hauling and Junk Removal is growing, and owner Denise Sparks shared that she is in the process of getting a trash compactor at her building at 2201 East Broadway in Alton. In a recent interview on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello , Sparks explained that she wants a trash compactor to cut her costs at the landfill and increase her services. She encouraged anyone who wants to know more about her business or her plans to stop by her building or give her a call, adding that it’s a clean, well-run building. “You could probably eat off my warehouse floor,” she said. “You can walk by my facility at any time and it’s spotless. You can come inside, look at my warehouse. It’s spotless. I run a tight ship. You can look inside my fence and it’s spotless. My dumpsters, everything. I have nothing to hide. I’m about as transparent as anybody is going to get.” Sparks said there has been some confusion

Continue Reading