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Did you know that nearly 75% of adults say their favorite reading spots significantly enhance their enjoyment of a book? Creating a dedicated space to read outdoors can transform your relationship with literature, offering a peaceful retreat that nurtures focus and relaxation. An outdoor reading nook is more than just a place to sit—it’s a thoughtfully designed environment that invites you to slow down, escape distractions, and immerse yourself in stories. Here’s how to build one that elevates your reading experience. Choosing the Perfect Location Selecting the right spot is the foundation of your outdoor reading nook. It should strike a balance between tranquility and accessibility. Privacy and Quiet: Seek a corner of your garden, patio, or balcony that is shielded from foot traffic and street noise. Natural barriers like hedges, fences, or trellises with climbing plants can provide a sense of seclusion. Shade and Light: While natural light is ideal for reading

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May 19 has been a date marked by remarkable events that have shaped history across the world. Stepping back in time, May 19 is remembered for significant military and revolutionary events. In 1535, the explorer Jacques Cartier returned to France after his first voyage to the New World, marking a critical stage in European exploration and the eventual colonization of North America. Cartier’s expeditions opened the door to French claims in the region that would later become Canada, influencing the geopolitical landscape of the continent for centuries to come. Another key military event took place on May 19, 1864, during the American Civil War. The Battle of New Market occurred in Virginia, where cadets from the Virginia Military Institute played a notable role in the Confederate victory. This battle is remembered for the youthful courage of these cadets, some as young as 15, who fought alongside seasoned soldiers. The engagement underscored the intense and often tragic nature

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ALTON – Osteoporosis can significantly affect women’s health, but local health officials are highlighting preventative measures and more during National Women’s Health Week. Frances Young, Director of OSF Rehabilitation Services in Alton, shared her osteoporosis expertise on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com for National Women’s Health Week from May 11-17, 2025. Young described osteoporosis as a disease in which one’s bones become “brittle and weak.” She said that while osteoporosis can affect both men and women, it’s more commonly found in women. And while it’s mostly seen in patients ages 50 and older, she said bone deterioration starts outpacing bone growth past age 30 – underscoring the need to take preventative action early on. “If you can start exercise at an early age, that can help to prevent it,” Young said. “At an older age, can help to slow the progression of the disease.” Though

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ALHAMBRA – A resident of Alhambra faces felony charges for grooming and arranging to meet a 16-year-old child via Snapchat. Clayton W. Moore, 44, of Alhambra, Ill., was charged on May 14, 2025 with grooming and solicitation to meet a child, both Class 4 felonies. From April 12-15, 2025, Moore allegedly attempted to “seduce, solicit, lure or entice, a child” who was 16 years old via Snapchat. Moore is accused of using an electronic device to arrange a meeting with the child for the unlawful purpose of “an act of sexual conduct,” according to court documents. A petition was filed to deny Moore’s pretrial release from custody. The petition states that on April 16, 2025, a mother submitted a report of Grooming and Solicitation to Meet a Child concerning Moore and her daughter to the Madison County Sheriff's Department. The mother reported that her 16-year-old daughter told her after attending an After Prom party at Moore’s home, Moore had been

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GRANITE CITY — Ameren Illinois line workers, contractors and support personnel continued restoration efforts Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Madison County following severe weather that left thousands without power. Ameren Illinois workers and contractors worked throughout the day and night on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on power restoration efforts. The storm, which moved east from the Mississippi River through parts of the Ameren Illinois service territory on Friday, May 16, 2025, caused power outages for approximately 42,000 customers at its peak around 5:30 p.m. Bretsch said within 12 hours, about 55 percent of those customers had their electricity restored. Granite City was the hardest hit community, experiencing a direct impact from the severe weather. At the height of the outage, more than 18,000 customers in Madison County were without power. Damage assessments revealed nearly 90 utility poles severely damaged or down, along with other supporting infrastructure. Other communities

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ALTON – A sex offender from Alton has been charged with a felony for failing to register with local authorities. Zander L. Richardson, 23, of the 2300 block of Agnes St. in Alton, was charged on May 14, 2025 with a violation of the Sex Offender Registration Act. The offense is classified as a Class 3 felony. On April 12, 2025, Richardson reportedly failed to register as a sex offender with the Alton Chief of Police as legally required. The case against Richardson was presented by the Alton Police Department. He has since been granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of la w.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Mayor Art Risavy gave an overview of recent and future progress being made in Edwardsville at his 2025 “State of the City” address at the last City Council meeting. City Sees High Property Values, Construction Permits Risavy announced the city has an Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) of $1.1 billion, which he said “is a reflection of strong property values.” This amount has seen a steady overall increase since 2009, which the mayor attributed to the warehouse-dominated Enterprise Zone and a string of new commercial developments. Among the new businesses that opened in 2024 are Beauty by Emmah, Raising Cane’s, Artisan Barber Collective, Evergreen Beauty, Pup Kitchen, and Soulful Spaces Therapy. In the fall, Amazon reopened its doors, and other new openings included the Mossy Stone Irish Pub, Clubhouse Sports Lounge, Ed’s Delicatessens, Rae's Cafe, Samm's Last Chance Saloon, 1929 Pizza & Wine, and several other businesses. “

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ST. LOUIS — U-Haul® has made 24 Company stores across three states available to help storm victims with 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box® container usage after a powerful weather system spawned a number of deadly tornadoes on Friday. The tornadoes tore through homes — and in some cases communities — while being responsible for more than 20 casualties, according to news reports. Many families remain without power and face a long rebuilding process. While St. Louis and other areas of Missouri were among the hardest hit, cities across multiple states experienced damage. Access to dry and secure self-storage units and portable storage containers is vital to communities during the clean-up process. Find U-Haul-owned and -operated storage near you at uhaul.com/locations . The U-Haul Disaster Relief program applies to new self-storage and U-Box rentals and is based on availability. The U-Box portable container offer is for on-site storage at Company facilities.

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ST. LOUIS, MO. — To further assist those affected by the severe storms and tornado that hit St. Louis yesterday, the American Red Cross has opened a third shelter. The shelter locations are: · Grace United Methodist Church, 6199 Waterman Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112 · Friendly Temple Outreach Center, 6356 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, St. Louis, MO 63133 · 12th & Park Recreation Center, 1410 S. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104 Identification and/or proof of residency is NOT required to be admitted to a Red Cross shelter. American Red Cross services are free and available to all regardless of race, religious beliefs, nationality, or citizenship status. The role of the Red Cross in any disaster is to focus on addressing the immediate needs of those affected. The Red Cross is coordinating with community, government, and emergency management officials to determine assistance needed. How to help: For individuals wishing to assist the Red Cross in respondin

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Four Fairview Heights police officers were wounded in a shooting Saturday night, prompting a statement from the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge President Chris Southwood. The incident occurred as the officers were carrying out their duties in the city. Southwood expressed relief that none of the officers who were struck by gunfire lost their lives. “We are eternally grateful that none of the officers who were struck by a violent criminal’s bullets will lose their lives, which is especially poignant during this month when we traditionally honor officers who have been killed in the line of duty,” he said. While acknowledging the outpouring of support in the form of “thoughts and prayers” for the injured officers, Southwood emphasized that such gestures alone are insufficient. “ What the men and women in this most dangerous profession need more than anything is laws and respect. Laws that punish the perpetrator

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — The Illinois State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred May 17, 2025, in Fairview Heights, after three police officers were shot while responding to a report of a suspicious individual. At approximately 9:44 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, Fairview Heights officers were dispatched to Potomac Drive following a call about a suspicious person near a residence. Upon arrival, officers encountered what appeared to be a domestic situation. During the encounter, the individual opened fire, striking three officers. One officer was shot in the face and underwent emergency surgery; that officer remains in critical but stable condition. A second officer was shot in the arm, sustaining a broken bone and is receiving hospital treatment. A third officer was reportedly shot in the back, but their vest prevented the bullet from causing injury; this officer was treated and released. Two additional officers were treated for injuries sustained while

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May 17 and 18 stand as remarkable dates in history, marked by events that have shaped political landscapes, advanced human rights, and fostered cultural evolution worldwide. One of the most impactful global events associated with May 17 is the adoption of the landmark 1990 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This groundbreaking treaty, adopted on May 17, 1990, marked a pivotal moment in international law and human rights, establishing comprehensive protections for children worldwide. It underscored the global commitment to safeguarding children's rights to education, healthcare, and protection from exploitation. Its adoption reflected a growing consensus around the importance of nurturing future generations in safe and supportive environments. Traveling back in time to 1792, on May 17, the New York Stock Exchange was founded under the Buttonwood Agreement. This event laid the foundation for what would become the largest stock exchange in the world, profoundly

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general in sending a letter to Congress expressing opposition to a sweeping and dangerous U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee amendment to the budget reconciliation bill. The amendment imposes a 10-year prohibition on states from enforcing any state law or regulation addressing artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making systems. “As the highest legal officers in our respective states, we are already aware that AI is being used for nefarious purposes, including the creation of child sexual abuse material and attempted election interference,” Raoul said. “I urge Congress to reject this amendment because states need the flexibility to respond to these new and emerging threats posed by the rapid advancements in AI technology.” According to the letter Raoul and the coalition issued, the rise of AI presents real, immediate dangers, ranging from

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SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration: Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes David Goldenberg will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes.* Goldenberg is the Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), overseeing the organization’s work across the Midwest. Before joining ADL, he was the Executive Vice President of Resolute Consulting, where he advised public and private sector clients on crisis communications and strategic engagement. Earlier in his career, Goldenberg spent a decade in government and politics, including as Chief of Staff in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he worked on key initiatives to fight antisemitism, xenophobia, and religious discrimination through the U.S. Helsinki Commission and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. He was named a Leadership Greater Chicago

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) today called on Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley to convene a hearing on the Trump Administration’s violations of the right to due process. Senator Welch and Ranking Member Durbin were joined by every Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. “The Senate Judiciary Committee has a special responsibility to examine whether the Executive Branch has circumvented the Constitution in carrying out its policy agenda. We urge you to schedule an immediate hearing on the administration’s infringement of this critical constitutional right,” Democratic Senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee write. The Senators add, “For over two centuries, America’s commitment to due process has helped define us as a free nation. In recent months, President Trump has repeatedly departed from

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ALTON – YWCA Southwestern Illinois is now enrolling children for its 2025 Summer Camp, a dynamic 10-week adventure filled with hands-on learning, creativity, and nonstop summer fun! Running from June 2 through Aug. 8, 2025, the camp offers full-day programming Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with core activities scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Designed for working families and curious kids alike, this summer camp is the perfect blend of enrichment and excitement. Each two-week theme gives campers the opportunity to dive deep into new worlds and explore big ideas through engaging, age-appropriate activities: ? Weeks 1–2: Space Explorers ? Weeks 3–4: Dino Mania ? Weeks 5–6: Artistry Adventures ? Weeks 7–8: STEM-tastic ? Weeks 9–10: Around the World in 10 Days Campers will participate in daily STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities, Social Emotional Learning, and experience enriching visits from special guests

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S T. LOUIS — Soldiers Memorial Military Museum will hold its annual Memorial Day Program on Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10 a.m. This solemn and powerful event honors the memory of America’s fallen service members and includes a wreath-laying ceremony, keynote address, and musical tribute. The program features a keynote address by Maj. Gen. Charles D. Bolton, Commander of the 18th Air Force at Scott Air Force Base. The Red and Black Brass Band will perform the National Anthem and “Taps,” while representatives from the American Legion and the City of St. Louis will offer remarks. “This Memorial Day, we invite the community to join us in reflecting on the sacrifice and service of those who gave their lives in defense of our country,” said Mark Sundlov, Managing Director of Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. Program: Invocation by Rev. James Williams POW/MIA Remembrance Service Remarks from the office of the Mayor of the City of St. Louis Procession

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul and a coalition of attorneys general issued a joint statement after the Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in their case fighting the Trump administration’s attempt to end birthright citizenship. Attorney General Raoul joins the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington in issuing the following statement: “We were proud to stand together to defend birthright citizenship and the rule of law at the U.S. Supreme Court today. For 127 years, since the Supreme Court settled the issue, the law has been clear: If you are born in this country, you are a citizen of the United States and of our states. Administrations of both parties have consistently respected that right ever since. As every court to have considered the policy agrees,

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CHICAGO – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-led a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting a legal challenge to two of President Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives. Raoul and the coalition filed their brief in National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education v. Trump before the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. The plaintiffs in the case, higher education associations and the city of Baltimore, challenged vague provisions in the executive orders that direct federal agencies to terminate “equity-related grants or contracts” and to include in contracts or grant awards a requirement that recipients certify that they do not operate programs promoting “diversity, equity and inclusion.” One of the orders also directed the U.S. Attorney General to encourage the private sector to end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting where he outlined how Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi’s Justice Department is already stonewalling the Committee’s oversight efforts. Durbin also reiterated his calls for AG Bondi to provide to the Committee a memo she purportedly gave to the White House Counsel’s Office deeming President Trump’s attempted acquisition of a private jet as a gift from the royal family of Qatar “legally permissible,” despite its unconstitutionality and her clear conflict of interest with Qatar from past lobbying work. During his remarks, Durbin also noted that by this time in the Biden Administration, Durbin, as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, had convened Judiciary Committee oversight hearings with the FBI and the Bureau of Prisons. He

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