Riverbender 🕸

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and other Democratic colleagues in introducing legislation to support our military readiness and national security by prohibiting discrimination against transgender servicemembers. “If you are willing to risk your life for our country and you can do the job, it shouldn’t matter if you are gay, straight, transgender, Black, white or anything else,” said Duckworth. “Every transgender servicemember earned their role through rigorous training and is more qualified to serve in those roles than Pete Hegseth is to be Secretary of Defense. I’m proud to join Senator Warren and my Democratic colleagues in working to reverse the Trump Administration’s offensive transgender military ban, which is disruptive to our military, hurts readiness and not only does nothing to strengthen our national security—it actively makes things worse.”

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GODFREY ­ – Samantha “Reyez” Hangsleben, an Edwardsville High School (EHS) senior, earned their associate degree from Lewis and Clark Community College on May 21 – weeks before their high school graduation on June 1. Hangsleben, who was adopted from Vietnam, participated in a cohort program between L&C and EHS during their junior year, which allowed them to take college courses while completing high school. Initially motivated by the idea of earning an associate degree, Hangsleben quickly recognized that it would be a challenge. “I calculated that I could only achieve this by taking extra classes,” they said. As a result, they enrolled in summer and winter classes in addition to taking extra courses during the spring and fall semesters. As chief photographer for their high school yearbook, Hangsleben balanced shooting events, teaching photography skills, and serving as an officer in the German Club and president of the German

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ALTON - Children and “children at heart” are sure to enjoy week two of the Alton Municipal Band’s 135th summer season of concerts in the parks, as the “almost world famous” Children’s Concert kicks off at Riverview and Haskell Parks. Selections for the children include songs from beloved Disney cartoons and animated movies. Thematic music, evoking images of train rides to faraway places, will delight both the young and old. The band, directed this week by David Drillinger, will perform Thursday night at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday night at 7 p.m. The Thursday concert, at Riverview Park, overlooks the scenic Mississippi River. The Sunday concert, at Haskell Park, will be held at the picturesque setting in front of the Lucy Haskell Playhouse. Blazer, the mascot from Lewis and Clark Community College, will be present for photos and fun. Blazer will also lead the weekly park parade, a cherished Municipal Band tradition. Families are encouraged to bring

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JERSEYVILLE – Classic car enthusiasts and Liberty Village residents alike gathered for a car show on a sunny Wednesday, June 11, 2025. After a highly successful first year, Liberty Village plans to bring the car show back as an annual event. Members of the Jersey County Street Machine Association and White Hall Drag-O-Way car clubs joined the festivities at Liberty Village of Jerseyville with a variety of about 30 makes and models from decades past. Also on hand were hot dogs and hamburgers fresh off the grill, and a “cooling station” with water, lemonade, and plenty of shade. Lorie Hunter with Liberty Village said the event’s main purpose was to get residents outdoors and stimulate their memories with the sights and sounds of a classic car show. After being rescheduled from last week due to rain, she said the car show made for a nice Father’s Day event. “We got nothing but positive feedback,” Hunter said of the car show. “When they

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EAST ALTON – Join the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC?) for the upcoming SEED Series event: Garden Guidance: Reframing Our Relationship with Invasives — An Empowering Conversation with Botanist Wendy Applequist. The event takes place from 10 a.m. – noon, Tuesday, June 24, at the Jerry F. Costello Confluence Field Station in East Alton. “We’re excited to continue the SEED Series with botanist Wendy Applequist, whose work challenges us to think differently,” Environmental Educator and SEED Series Host Erica Doerr said. “By reimagining how we engage with invasive plants, we’re not just managing a problem—we’re exploring new pathways for sustainability, creativity, and community learning.” This thought-provoking session features Applequist, who is an associate scientist at the Missouri Botanical Garden and co-author/editor of “Love Them to Death: Turning Invasive Plants into Loca

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Theatrical event, free day also scheduled SPRINGFIELD – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will celebrate freedom this month with an array of special Juneteenth events, including a free exhibition of a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Lincoln himself. The ALPLM will also welcome the descendant of a civil rights legend, present a stirring theater piece on the meaning of freedom, take part in a community celebration of the holiday and offer free admission on June 19. Starting as a local holiday in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth has grown into a national celebration of slavery’s demise in America. A key moment in the march toward freedom was Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which ordered an end to enslavement for millions of Americans. “Few documents in all of American history carry the weight of the Emancipation Proclamation. We are proud to share it with the public and celebrate its connection to such a joyou

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ALTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, in partnership with the Wood River Drainage and Levee District, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the Upper Wood River Levee Underseepage Design Deficiency Correction Project on June 20, at 9:30 a.m. at the East Alton No. 1 Pump Station in Alton, Ill. The event will recognize the successful federal-local partnership and celebrate a major milestone in flood risk management for the region. The project enhances the safety and reliability of the levee system by addressing a known design deficiency and implementing features that control underseepage from the Mississippi River. Improvements include 80 new relief wells, a drainage collection system, and an access road. “The completion of the project represents a major step forward in safety, resilience, and public service,” said Col. Andy Pannier, commander of the St. Louis District. “It is not just a celebration of concrete

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Did you know that nearly 70% of Americans take road trips each year, yet only a fraction of these journeys are meticulously planned to maximize enjoyment and minimize stress? The allure of the open road is undeniable—freedom, discovery, and spontaneity all wrapped into one experience. However, an epic road trip doesn’t just happen by chance; it requires thoughtful preparation to transform a simple drive into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re aiming to explore the historic highways of Route 66 or chase waterfalls across the Pacific Northwest, a well-crafted plan can make all the difference. Define Your Road Trip Vision Before you buckle up, start by clarifying what you want from your journey. Are you seeking relaxation, cultural immersion, outdoor thrills, or a bit of everything? Pinpointing your goals helps shape your route and schedule. Set Your Priorities: For example, if your main focus is nature, plan stops near national parks or scenic byways. I

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June 12 has long been a date marked by transformative events across the globe, touching on politics, science, culture, and human rights. One of the most impactful events recorded on June 12 took place in 1987, when U.S. President Ronald Reagan delivered a famous speech at the Berlin Wall. Standing before thousands, Reagan issued a bold challenge to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" This statement encapsulated the growing desire for freedom and the eventual end of Cold War tensions. The Berlin Wall, a symbol of division between East and West Germany, represented not just a physical barrier but an ideological one. Reagan's speech is remembered as a powerful moment that energized the movement toward German reunification, which was realized just over two years later in 1989. Moving back in time to an event that reshaped the geopolitical landscape, June 12, 1898, saw the declaration of Philippine independence from Spanish colonial rule. Emilio Aguinaldo,

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ALTON – Members of the Alton City Council voted 5-2 on Wednesday to create an ordinance imposing a 1% local sales tax on groceries to replace a state grocery tax expiring in 2026. The vote tally remained unchanged from Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting . Voting against the resolution to create the grocery tax ordinance were Ward 1 Alderman Chris Bohn and Ward 3 Alderman Michael Velloff, with all other City Council members voting in favor. The State of Illinois has imposed a 1% sales tax on groceries since 1990, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to local municipalities. To offset significant revenue losses when the state grocery tax expires in 2026, the Illinois General Assembly has allowed each municipality to replace the state tax with local 1% sales taxes on groceries and grocery “services.” Alton Comptroller Debbie Dunlap previously estimated that allowing the grocery tax to expire would result in an annual loss of $400,000 to the city’s

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—founding co-chair of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Caucus—met with Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) President Brian Duncan and IFB members to discuss shared priorities to grow Illinois’s agriculture industry and support our farmers. Duckworth and the members discussed the importance of supporting our family farmers by expanding the biofuels market, increasing agricultural exports and improving farm safety net programs as Donald Trump continues to threaten critical federal agricultural programs. Photos from today’s meeting can be found on the Senator’s website. “America has always depended on our nation’s farmers to grow the food and fuel we need, and I’m proud to advocate for them on both the national and international stage,” Duckworth said. “The work of Illinois’s farmers is so important to the strength of our state and our nation, and I will continue

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today met with Illinois members of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) who are in Washington, D.C. for their “Ukraine Days” advocacy effort. During the meeting, they discussed Putin’s unjustified and unprovoked war in Ukraine, President Trump’s continued manipulation by Russian President Putin, and what Congress can do to help our Ukrainian allies. They also discussed Durbin’s bill that prohibits the United States from recognizing the Russian Federation’s claim of sovereignty over Crimea or any other forcibly seized Ukrainian territory. “The Chicago-area is home to thousands of Ukrainian Americans. I am fortunate to represent them in the U.S. Senate, and I welcomed them to the Capitol today,” said Durbin. “During our meeting, we discussed this Administration’s failure to end Russia’s war in Ukraine

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today participated in a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to review the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Department of Defense (DOD). During the hearing, Durbin reprimanded Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for drastically cutting funding for defense medical research while claiming to support the service members who have experienced physical or mental trauma from their military service. In their exchange, Durbin expressed his frustration that military members and veterans will suffer because the Trump Administration has slashed funding at DOD and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for medical research on new treatments for devastating diseases and injuries. “I was surprised to learn that medical research has discovered the probability that men and women who serve our nation develop certain cancers more prevalent among them

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a spotlight forum entitled “Cruel and Unamerican: The Abuse of Immigrants to Attack our Constitutional Order.” Durbin first questioned Ximena Arias-Cristobal, a 19-year-old Dreamer, who was wrongfully arrested after being misidentified at a traffic stop, about her experience with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. “What a heartbreaking story you’ve told us. Two and a half weeks in prison… were there any others circumstances that had been arrested by ICE or authorities for immigration issues?” Durbin asked. Ms. Arias-Cristobal responded that there were many people in the same situation as her. She said, “a lot of people were ripped away from the comfort of their own home, a lot of them walking on the side of the street, and a lot of them went to their court date and got

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GODFREY – The College for Life program at Lewis and Clark Community College has won a $10,000 Cargill grant through the company’s Community Engagement and Giving program. The check was presented June 10 at a brief ceremony on the college’s Godfrey Campus by Joe Fletcher, a Cargill strategic account representative and parent of a College for Life student. It was Fletcher who informed program leaders of the grant opportunity. “I’m humbled and proud to announced that Cargill’s Community Cares program has donated $10,000 to College for Life,” he said. “We hope this gift helps create transformative opportunities for College for Life students, helping them compete, grow and connect. This is not just a donation, this is a commitment to the brighter – more inclusive – future we all envision.” According to Access and Accommodations Interim Director Emily DeGrand, College for Life intends to use the funds in a couple of different

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Aviation Subcommittee—pressed Federal Aviation Administrator nominee Bryan Bedford to commit to upholding the strong 1,500-hour certification standard for our nation’s pilots and strengthening the FAA’s oversight of Boeing at his confirmation hearing. In light of Mr. Bedford’s previous comments against the 1,500-hour rule, Duckworth raised concerns that Mr. Bedford would unilaterally attempt to weaken this standard and produce less-prepared pilots in the immediate aftermath of our nation experiencing the first major deadly commercial crash in more than a decade, amid a surge in near-misses with an air traffic controller shortage and aging controller equipment. When Duckworth asked Mr. Bedford for his commitment to not reduce the 1,500-hour rule if confirmed, Mr. Bedford refused

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WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) pressed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins during a House Agriculture Committee hearing where she raised serious concerns with President Trump’s budget proposal for USDA that suggests slashing funding for agriculture research, nutrition assistance, and conservation. She cited the recent testimony of farmers to the House Agriculture Committee, in which they shared how conservation programs, which the President seeks to eliminate, have helped improve their livelihoods. “The idea that we would take away opportunities to improve farmers’ livelihoods - and to completely eliminate Conservation Technical Assistance, which farmers have told this committee directly that they rely on - is ridiculous,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. She also highlighted Secretary Rollins’ misguided decision to eliminate the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) and the Local Foods

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PEORIA – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) today announced the recipients of the 2025 Made in Illinois Grant Program. This year, 29 small and mid-sized manufacturers across Illinois are receiving a combined $1.35 million in capital grant funding to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth in the state’s vital manufacturing sector. The program is part of Illinois’ broader commitment to support the state’s manufacturers while bolstering the manufacturing ecosystem. “Illinois is a globally-recognized manufacturing hub and the Made in Illinois Program is designed to support the small and mid-size manufacturers that make up a crucial part of our economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This grant program helps companies access resources to become more competitive, enhance economic development, attract capital, and bring jobs to communities

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Patty Muray (D-WA), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today led 25 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing legislation that would establish a nationwide right to in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Ever since Roe was repealed by Donald Trump’s Supreme Court majority, Republicans’ ongoing assault against reproductive freedom has threatened Americans’ access to IVF services—as evidenced by the Alabama Supreme Court ruling last year that shut down state clinics and painted IVF parents and their doctors as criminals. The Protect IVF Act would protect against such attacks by creating a statutory right for patients to access IVF services, a right for doctors to provide IVF treatment in accordance with medical standards as well as a right for insurance carriers to cover IVF without prohibition, limitation, interference or impediment. By establishing a statutory

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “23 and You: The Privacy and National Security Implications of the 23andMe Bankruptcy.” Today’s hearing will examine the bankruptcy of 23andMe, Inc., and the potential sale of the company’s database of customers’ personal genetic information. The hearing also will provide an opportunity to examine policy and ethical issues associated with the collection and use of personal genetic information, the need for a comprehensive federal data privacy law in the United States, and the treatment of consumer data privacy in the bankruptcy process. Key Quotes: “In short, 23andMe has access to deeply personal information about you and your health. Information that you would normally want to keep private—between you, your family, and your doctor. Yet no

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