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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today participated in a spotlight forum entitled “The Big Beautiful Betrayal—Working Folks Pay While the Mega Rich Profit.” The forum, which was hosted by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), focused on how the Republican tax bill funds massive tax breaks for the ultrawealthy by making the largest cuts in history to health care and food assistance programs that Americans rely on. During the hearing, Durbin questioned witnesses about Republicans’ false argument that SNAP and food assistance programs, which offers nutrition assistance to 42 million Americans, are riddled with fraud or waste, especially given the critical, but modest, average SNAP benefit of $6 per day. “I asked my staff, ‘how does a person apply for SNAP, food stamps, in my home state of Illinois?’ They handed me a 19-page application. Nineteen page application for $6 a day. And the twentieth

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 13 attorneys general, issued guidance affirming the necessity and legality of environmental justice initiatives. The guidance reinforces that despite the Trump administration’s recent efforts to brand these critical activities as illegal, public and private entities can still lawfully engage in environmental justice work to ensure a healthy environment for all people to live, play, work, learn and worship. “Efforts to advance environmental justice remain legal and essential to ensuring all communities have the opportunity to thrive,” Raoul said. “My office is committed to addressing environmental justice issues throughout Illinois, and I proudly join with my fellow attorneys general to support and defend this important work throughout the country.” In their guidance , Raoul and the attorneys general acknowledge that evidence-based studies and lived experience demonstrate that communities

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EDWARDSVILLE – The City of Edwardsville is taking advantage of a once-a-century opportunity to celebrate 62025 Day – the date that the City’s ZIP code and the calendar align. The festivities will take place this Friday, June 20, 2025, in City Park and include a concert, food, games, a commemorative overhead group photo and a charity pie-eating contest. “We couldn’t let this date pass without celebrating with some fun activities for the whole community,” Mayor Art Risavy said. “It will be a great day to visit and enjoy some of our terrific businesses in the 62025 ZIP code and then enjoy an evening in City Park.” Edwardsville’s 62025 Day celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. in City Park, 101 S. Buchanan Street. Visitors can picnic in the park, taking advantage of a variety of local food and beverage trucks that will be set up on East Park Street adjacent to City Park. Visitors also could bring carryout from area restaurants and food

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JERSEYVILLE - The Madison County Catholic Charities will be hosting a Christmas in July Trivia Night fundraiser on Saturday, July 19, 2025. This unseasonably festive event at the Jerseyville KC Hall will put your knowledge of holiday movies and traditions to the test! Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the event will run from 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. Your holiday knowledge could score you a cash prize if you are our first-place winner. There will also be special prizes for the ugliest sweater and best table decorations. Try your luck with our raffle baskets and a 50/50 drawing! Feel free to bring your own snacks! Soft drinks provided, alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Tickets are $20 per person or $120 for a table of six. Call 618.462.0634 ext. 221 with any questions, or to order your tickets today. R.S.V.P. by Friday, July 11th. “Our fundraisers provide us with critical funding to help meet the needs of our clients” said Denise Burton, Area Director of Madison County Catholic

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ALTON/SAINT LOUIS - Most people know Troy Green as the owner of Gumbo 2 Geaux , an authentic Cajun restaurant in Alton. But in his spare time, Green is a musician who can’t wait to share his music with the region. Green invites the Riverbend community to come out to STL miniFEST, a festival on July 19, 2025, at Broadway Boat Bar in St. Louis, to see his set. Not only will Gumbo 2 Geaux be onsite with jambalaya, nachos and hamburgers for sale, but Green will be performing his original music. “It’s a lot of good music, a lot of fun music, a lot of energy, pop music, something that everyone can really get down to,” Green explained. “I’m kind of getting my sea legs again with performing. I’ve done a few out in St. Louis and a few in Alton this past summer. I’m looking forward to my STL show.” STL miniFEST will run from 5:45–11:45 p.m. on July 19, and Green encourages people to arrive by 6 p.m. to see his set. Tickets

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ALTON—The Alton Fire Department quickly responded to a fire in the 600 block of Division Street in Alton and extinguished it in the early morning of Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Deputy Chief Matt Fischer said the fire call came in at about 1:56 a.m. on Wednesday about a fire in the bedroom of the Alton home. “Everyone was out when the firefighters arrived and they made a quick hit and stopped it.” Fischer said the fire likely started with a single-unit air conditioner window unit. Fischer said he is always proud of his firefighters but this was just another example of a quick response and quick work saved the home. The home has considerable smoke damage and fire damage the back part of the house. The utilities were also turned off at the home on Wednesday, Fischer said.

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RIVERBEND - Local police officers recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for National Police Week. The organization Mustache March 4 PD funded the weeklong trip in May for 11 officers and their spouses. While in D.C., travelers toured the city, visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, participated in a candlelight vigil, and connected with other officers from across the country. “It gives me some perspective to really appreciate my job and what I do,” said Sgt. Danny Green with the Jerseyville Police Department. “I really enjoyed getting back and being able to talk to my other officers about it and tell them what I took away from it. Hopefully they see that I have a little bit of pep in my step and they can see what a benefit it was. I still can’t believe it. I’ll be at work and just think back on that trip and just still, I can't believe I got to do that and was able to be supported in such a great way.” Mustache March 4

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ALTON - Gumbo 2 Geaux has grown exponentially over the past three years, and co-owner Troy Green couldn’t be more excited about the restaurant’s future. Green explained that he and his wife, Kyndra, moved to Alton from Louisiana in 2016. They opened Gumbo 2 Geaux as a way to pay homage to their Cajun roots. Located at 1818 Washington Avenue in Alton, the restaurant has become the go-to spot for Cajun food in the Riverbend region. “Since we’ve been here, it’s been nothing but blessings,” Green said. “We got our restaurant going after a lot of trial and error. We’re coming up on three years here in October.” Gumbo 2 Geaux has their normal menu as well as “crazy, kooky specials” that draw in new customers every day, Green said. You can check their official Facebook page for these daily specials. In addition to their takeout and pick-up options, the restaurant offers delivery, and they are building up their

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ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education unanimously approved the hire of Nicole Walker as a new assistant principal at Alton High School. During the Board’s regular meeting on June 17, 2025, Board members welcomed Walker and approved her hire, effective July 1, 2025. Walker expressed her excitement for the new role and the chance to learn from the Alton community. “I’m very excited to be a Redbird,” she said. “It’ll be my first year, so it’s going to be a lot of learning, but I’m ready to start that path and see how I can better support teachers and what they need, and help support students and what they need, and then also the administration team, and how to keep that learning community that they have that seems so positive.” Prior to accepting the position in Alton, Walker has spent the last nine years at O’Fallon Township High School as a teacher in the SOAR program, an alternative

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What if one simple, colorful drink could deliver a potent mix of vitamins, antioxidants, hydration, and energy all at once? Summer smoothies often get dismissed as just a tasty treat, but they hold remarkable potential as a health-boosting powerhouse. By exploring the nutritional benefits packed into these blended beverages, we can appreciate how summer smoothies transcend the realm of mere refreshment to become a strategic component of a balanced diet. Nutrient Density in a Glass: The Foundation of Summer Smoothies Summer smoothies often combine fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dairy or plant-based milks, resulting in a nutrient-rich concoction. Fruits like berries, mangoes, and peaches are naturally high in vitamins C and A, fiber, and antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Vegetables like spinach or kale add iron, calcium, and vitamin K, which are crucial for blood health and bone strength. For example, a smoothie containing blueberries, banana, spinach, and Greek

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June 18 stands out in history as a day marked by pivotal moments that have shaped nations, inspired movements, and advanced human knowledge. Arguably the most impactful event associated with June 18 is the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. This battle, fought near Waterloo in present-day Belgium, was a decisive confrontation that ended the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history’s most influential military and political figures. After escaping exile on Elba, Napoleon sought to reassert his dominance over Europe, but the allied forces of Britain, Prussia, the Netherlands, and other European powers united to halt his advance. The battle not only reshaped the political landscape of Europe but also set the stage for nearly a century of relative peace and the rise of British global influence. Waterloo’s legacy continues to resonate, symbolizing the triumph of coalition forces against a formidable adversary and marking the end of an era in European history. Stepping back in time,

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ALTON - The Alton Municipal Band continues its 135th consecutive season with the “Coolest Concert of the Year,” featuring tunes that will take the minds of the audience away from the summer heat. Director Chuck Noud will lead the band with songs all about snow, ice, and winter, including songs from “Frozen,” and hit music group Kool and the Gang. An ice cream truck from The Dairy Bar will be present, allowing audience members to purchase the coolest treats around. Alton Municipal Band concerts are free and open to the public. The band performs on Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM at Riverview Park, and on Sunday evenings at 7 PM at Haskell Park. Families are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy a beautiful night of music under the Alton sunset.

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EDWARDSVILLE — State Senators Jason Plummer and Erica Harriss will host an End of Session Town Hall on Tuesday, June 24, to discuss legislation passed during the recent Spring Session. The event is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Edwardsville Gun Club, located at 4104 Staunton Road in Edwardsville. Plummer represents the Edwardsville area, while Harriss serves the Glen Carbon district. The town hall aims to provide constituents with an overview of key measures enacted by the state legislature and offer an opportunity for public engagement. For more information, contact Amanda at 217-782-0956.

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O'FALLON - The O'Fallon Police Department has issued 83 solicitor permits to individuals representing 24 different companies amid an increase in business activity following recent spring storms. The permits are intended to regulate solicitors operating in the area. Solicitors must comply with specific requirements set by the department. Residents who encounter solicitors not adhering to these rules are encouraged to contact the O'Fallon Police Department at 618-624-4545 ext. 1. Officials emphasize that a solicitor permit from the O'Fallon Police Department does not constitute an endorsement of the company by the city. Residents are advised to conduct their own research before entering into any agreements with solicitors.

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From high-energy concerts and family-friendly summer camps to one-of-a-kind markets and vibrant community festivals, the upcoming events promise something for everyone to enjoy throughout the region. For a complete listing of all the exciting happenings, visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ and start planning your next adventure today! Featured GGCA Summer Camp invites children ages 3 to 12 to embark on an unforgettable adventure this summer at Greater Glory Christian Academy. The 2025 Summer Camp theme is "Bible Explorer: Trek through Truth!" and promises a fun-filled experience with outdoor and water games, crafts, weekly field trips to nearby attractions and the NCG Cinema in Alton, along with daily hot meals. Running from June 2nd to July 25th, the camp operates weekdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with before and aftercare available. The cost is $90 per student per week, and CHASI is accepted. Spaces are limited, so interested parents are encouraged to call (618) 468-1068

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville City Council members gave the city’s rules for door-to-door solicitors a long-needed update on Tuesday night. Unanimously approved at this week’s meeting was an ordinance amending the section of the Edwardsville City Code concerning solicitors. Alderman William Krause said these updates have been needed for decades. “This was an item requested out of the Police Department: Update our solicitors … taking into account the various legal changes that have occurred over the last 40 some-odd years from our previous 50-years law that we had on the books,” Krause said. Krause clarified that certain exceptions will apply to Boy Scouts, religious organizations, and political surveyors, but said “solar salesmen” and most other solicitors would first need to register with the city and obtain a permit. He added the city will also establish a “Do Not Knock” list for individual residences to sign up for.

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TROY — For Dawn Mushill, the past 25 years as President & CEO of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce have been more than just a career — they’ve been a dream come true. “There are very few jobs where you can ride an elephant, give a high school commencement speech, appear in a rap video, perform a dance routine with the mayor, and drive a ‘Chambermobile,’” said Mushill with a smile. “Everything I love —connecting people, building relationships, providing resources, and planning events — is part of what I get to do every day.” When Mushill took the role in 2000, she had just moved to Troy and didn’t know a single person in the community. With no clear roadmap, she brought her own vision and energy to the job. “In each of my interviews, I brought suggestions and ideas. By the third round, the Board President told me, ‘Now put those ideas to work’ — and I did.” At

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Christy Schult shared how God has guided her through her career as an educator and her new position as the development director at the Community Hope Center in Cottage Hills. Schult noted that God has been in her life since she was a child, and His influence is as powerful as ever. She believes Christianity does not have to be complex, but instead should be about the relationship you develop with God. She encourages people to focus on building that relationship and putting their trust in God’s hands. “I think sometimes we make it so complicated to be a Christian. You have to know these scriptures, you have to be able to quote, you have to be able to pray in a certain way,” she said. “God never made it complicated for us. He gave us the Word. He gave us simple instructions. We know what we can do, what we can’t do. We know that…Really, He just wants

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ST. LOUIS - Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe announced his appointment of Derek Winters to lead the transition of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department from local to state control. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer issued the following statement: "I spoke to the governor’s office and have full confidence that this appointment doesn’t change the chief’s ability to lead the City of St. Louis’ Police Department in the future. While the governor and I disagree on the issue of local control, we share the common goal of a successful SLMPD, and I look forward to meeting with Mr. Winters in the near future." The governor announced the appointment of Derek Winters as the Transition Director to assist in the implementation of oversight of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) to a citizen-led board of police commissioners, as authorized under House Bill (HB) 495 . In this role, Winters will work closely with City of St. Louis officials, the SLMPD, the Missouri

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BATCHTOWN – A 12-year-old Batchtown girl died from injuries suffered in a UTV accident on June 12, 2025, on private property in Calhoun County, Calhoun Chief Deputy Sheriff Zach Hardin said on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Hardin said the call for the accident came in at 4:24 p.m. this past Thursday. “The girl was operating a side-by-side UTV,” Hardin said, which overturned on the property. Calhoun Ambulance and Calhoun Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and the child was treated, then airlifted to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, where she died on June 14, Hardin said. Hardin said the 12-year-old child was identified as Caroline Goode. “The compassion and generosity of the family led to her saving eight other people with organ donations,” the chief deputy said. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Calhoun Elementary School Gym. The funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at St. Norbert’s

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