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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Congressman Zach Nunn (R-IA-03), Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT-02) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the New Producer Economic Security Act — bipartisan legislation to help bring the next generation into family farming. This bill would establish a pilot program within the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to address the most pressing challenge for new and beginning farmers: access to land, capital, and markets. This program would help secure the domestic food system and strengthen the farm workforce by giving the next by giving the next generation of farmers the tools they need to succeed. “If we are going to revitalize and strengthen American agriculture going forward, we need to take steps now to ensure young farmers can succeed," said Congresswoman Budzinski. "I’m proud to lead bipartisan legislation that will allow young and beginning farmers access land, markets, and capital —

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC)—and U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51) introduced the IVF for Military Families Act, bicameral legislation that would require TRICARE coverage of fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), for servicemembers and their families. The bill introduction comes after Congressional Republicans—in secret negotiations behind closed doors—betrayed military families by striking a Duckworth-Jacobs amendment that would have required such coverage from the final FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) last year, even though it had passed in the House and through committee in the Senate. The lawmakers’ bicameral legislation would help ensure military families can get the same level of IVF coverage that’s accessible to Members of Congress an

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MEXICO CITY — Today Governor JB Pritzker signed an Addendum to the Illinois-Mexico Sister-State Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) alongside Mexico Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez. The MOU comes at the beginning of a delegation trip from Illinois to Mexico City to deepen economic cooperation and opportunities between the State of Illinois and Mexico. The agreement emphasizes the strong ties between the two entities with a focus on bilateral trade in key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and finance. “Mexico has been an essential partner to the state of Illinois for decades, and I’m proud to stand alongside Governor Gómez Álvarez and assert the importance of this continuing relationship,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “More than ever before, we must reassure our neighbors in Mexico that Illinois will remain a beacon of economic and cultural cooperation and opportunity for our people.” "Illinois has long held Mexico

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SPRINGFIELD–Today, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) announced $20 million in available grant funding for the second round of the Illinois Not-for-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP-IL). The funding will help eligible 501(c)(3) organizations that are deemed at high-risk of a threat, attack, or acts of terrorism implement enhanced safety measures. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Everyone deserves to work, study, or worship in safe spaces,” said IEMA-OHS Interim Director Adnan Khayyat. “Through the Illinois Not-for-Profit Security Grant Program, we are enhancing safety and security measures by providing 501(c)(3) organizations with the resources they need to prevent attacks. I encourage all eligible entities to apply to this funding opportunity as we continue our commitment to safety in every corner of the state.” The second round of the NSGP-IL

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SPRINGFIELD – For a second consecutive year, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will celebrate 30 Days of Public Health throughout the month of April. Governor JB Pritzker helped kick off the month with this video message hailing the state’s “Public Health Heroes.” The observance amounts to an extended National Public Health Week (April 7-13) and coincides with National Minority Health Month. The month-long slate of activities includes an IDPH Job Fair on April 23 and is intended to engage Illinoisans about how they can be healthier and safer in their own lives, and raise awareness about all that public health does to protect us from illness, disease and injury. “National Public Health Week is always one of the weeks in April, but in Illinois, we’ve started a new tradition: we celebrate public health all month long, because seven days just isn’t enough,” Governor Pritzker said. “When it comes to highlighting

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) reintroduced two bills to expand and increase access to employment opportunities for underserved youth. The Helping to Encourage Real Opportunity (HERO) for Youth Act and the Assisting in Developing (AID) Youth Employment Act will increase federal resources for communities seeking to create or grow employment programs and provide tax incentives to businesses and employers to hire and retain youth from economically distressed areas. “To invest in our future, we must invest in the next generation. Increasing youth employment opportunities can address poverty and crime across Illinois while setting up our state’s youngest residents for a brighter future,” said Durbin. “Congresswoman Kelly, Senator Duckworth, and I are reintroducing the HERO for Youth Act and the AID Youth Employment Act to boost

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WILLIAMSON — Deputies and detectives from the Madison County Sheriff's Office are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Adams Avenue at Third Street in Williamson, a small community with a population of 183 near Staunton on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The call to the Madison County Sheriff's Office came at Tuesday morning. Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, but preliminary information suggests that the individuals involved are generally familiar with one another, indicating that this was not a random act of violence. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has been transported to a hospital in St. Louis for treatment, Pulido said. Further details regarding the circumstances of the incident have not been disclosed as authorities continue their investigation.

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BETHALTO – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent lane closures on Illinois 140 between the intersection of Illinois 111/Illinois 140 and Sanders Street in Madison County will begin, weather permitting, Monday, April 7, for resurfacing. Flaggers will maintain one lane of traffic. 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 work is expected to be completed by July. 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.

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ALTON - From Alton to Godfrey, East Alton to Wood River, and the entire Riverbend region — this election was a fight. Every candidate gave it their all, laid out their vision, and worked hard to shape the future of their communities. Their supporters stood with them, knocking on doors and pushing forward with energy and passion. That’s what democracy is all about. But tomorrow, the election is over. Some will celebrate. Others won’t. That’s how it goes. But what happens next? That’s what matters. Our communities don’t move forward divided. They don’t succeed through fighting. They thrive when we get to work—when we build, when we fix, when we come together. The schools, businesses, roads, and neighborhoods that needed attention yesterday still need it tomorrow. The issues that mattered last week don’t disappear just because the votes are counted. This isn’t like the national election. We are all neighbors, friends, an

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ALTON - Alton Mayoral candidate Brant Walker discussed his vision for the city recently during an appearance on "Our Daily Show!" with CJ Nasello. Walker, who is campaigning to lead Alton, emphasized the need for economic development, improved infrastructure, and effective management of rental properties. During the interview, Walker shared his vision for the future and included some discussion of the challenges Alton faced during his previous time as mayor, including frequent flooding and the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on local businesses. Walker said he was proud of how he and his staff handled all the challenges that presented themselves during that period. "We’ve been accustomed to dealing with floods about every 10 months, and while we became better at flood fighting, the pandemic also brought constant challenges," he said. Walker noted that about 50 percent of the city consists of rental properties, which he believes poses a challenge for community stability. "We

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ALTON - Alton Alderman and candidate for Mayor Ray Strebel's campaign outlines several key themes, starting with a commitment to restoring fiscal responsibility. He argues that understanding the allocation of tax dollars should be accessible to all residents. "You shouldn’t need an accounting degree to understand how your tax dollars are spent," he said, asserting that City Hall should operate as efficiently as families manage their own budgets. He expressed concerns over proposed salary increases for department heads, labeling such actions as "negligence" rather than leadership. Public safety is another cornerstone of Strebel's campaign, as he highlights Alton's crime rate, which he notes is higher than the national average. "That’s not just a statistic — that’s a wake-up call," he said, advocating for proactive measures to enhance community safety. Strebel argues that a secure environment is crucial for attracting families and businesses to the area. Infrastructure

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Letter To The Editor: ALTON – As we stand on the brink of an important election day, I want to reach out to the extraordinary citizens of Alton. The upcoming election on April 1, 2025, provides us with a vital opportunity to shape the future of our beloved community. Your voice matters, and your vote is the key to driving our progress forward. It has been my privilege to serve as your Mayor, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. My commitment to fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and public safety remains unwavering. We have faced challenges, but together we have transformed them into opportunities for growth. **A Record of Progress** In my first term, we made significant strides that have not only stabilized our economy but have also enriched the lives of our residents: - **Financial Resilience:** Together, we turned a $3.8 million deficit into a $7.7 million surplus, enhancing our city’s credit rating and securing a brighter economic

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GRAFTON – Get ready for a wild and wacky ride on the mighty Mississippi! Mississippi Mermaids is not your ordinary floating café. We’re serving up a splash of fun, a tide of flavor, and a wave of silliness that will have you laughing all the way down the river—all aboard our grand ship that is large enough to host every bit of the excitement. Step aboard our ship, a vibrant venue inspired by the river’s playful spirit. Guests will discover themed rooms, secret decks, and expansive outdoor lounges with stunning views of the water. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a full-on river adventure. Our service team takes the fun to another level. Our waiters are dressed in deep diver outfits, complete with flippers and snorkels, ready to “dive” into service with puns and playful banter. Imagine being greeted with a cheery, “Hope you’re ready to make a splash!” as you settle into your riverfront seat. Mississippi

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ALTON – Alton Mayor David Goins recently appeared on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com for our State of the Race 2025 interview series with local candidates for public office. Goins outline d key accomplishments from his first term and his vision and goals for a second if re-elected on Election Day, April 1 , 2025. Goins said one one his proudest accomplishments from his first term has been the city’s financial turnaround. As he explained in a recent campaign video , his “smart financial management” turned the city’s $3.8 million deficit into a $7.7 million surplus, boosting the city’s credit rating while lowering property tax rates. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding aside, Goins said city finances still rest comfortably at an over $3 million surplus. Alton’s finances weren’t fixed overnight, and the deficit marking the first half of Goins’s first term unfortunately kept more than four street

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College will host their first ever Blazer Con convention next month. From 1–8 p.m. on April 12, 2025, community members are invited to the River Bend Arena at the LCCC Godfrey campus for Blazer Con, complete with a cosplay contest, Dungeons and Dragons games, video game competitions, panelists and more. Whether you’re a bonafide “nerd” or just getting into pop culture, organizers encourage you to come out and enjoy the day, completely free of charge. “We’re pretty psyched,” said Jared, one of the organizers. “Man, we’ve been working really hard at this, and it’s just a passion project that we want to bring to the community.” Organizers Jared and Daniel collaborated with the college’s Video Game Club to create the convention. They explained that students have wanted to hold a convention on the college’s campus for years, and they finally have the support they nee

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April 1st is a date that has seen its fair share of remarkable events throughout history, spanning politics, culture, and science. This day is not just known for being April Fool's Day; it marks significant milestones that have shaped the world. Let's delve into the rich tapestry of events that occurred on this day across various years. Starting with one of the most impactful global events, on April 1, 1976, Apple Inc. was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. This trio's vision and innovation would go on to revolutionize the technology industry, changing the way we communicate and interact with computers. From the first Apple I computer to the sleek designs of the iPhone, the company's influence is undeniable. The establishment of Apple also marked the beginning of a new era in personal computing, contributing to the growth of the tech industry as we know it today. Moving to April 1, 1945, during World War II, the Battle of Okinawa began. This battle would become

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Did you know that nearly 75% of people enjoy a good prank? While some may cringe at the thought of being the butt of a joke, the thrill of lighthearted mischief can foster camaraderie and laughter among friends, family, and coworkers. April Fools' Day, celebrated in many countries around the globe, presents the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner jokester. This article explores fun and harmless pranks that are sure to elicit giggles without crossing the line into mean-spirited territory. The Essence of a Good Prank At its core, a successful prank is about creating a moment of surprise and joy rather than discomfort or embarrassment. The best pranks strike a delicate balance, ensuring the recipient can laugh along once the initial shock wears off. With that in mind, it’s essential to consider the audience and tailor your prank to their personality. Here are some classic and creative ideas to get you started. Whimsical Office Pranks The Classic Fake Bug : A realistic-looking

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SPRINGFIELD - Land of Lincoln Honor Flight kicks off our 2025 flying season with Mission #73 on April 15, 2025. Mission #73 will serve 93 Veterans including 11 Korean Era veterans 82 Vietnam era veterans from 41 Illinois home towns of Alhambra, Aviston, Bartelso, Beckemeyer, Bethalto, Bloomington, Bondville, Breese, Carlinville, Columbia, Decatur, Divernon, Fairview Heights, Germantown. Grant Park, Highland, Hoffman, Jacksonville, Joliet, Lincoln, Marrisa, Mascoutah, Minooka, Morrisonville, Normal, Palmer, Pana, Pekin, Pocahontas, Salem, Shattuc, Shelbyville, Sidney, Springfield, Taylorville, Teutopolis, Trenton, Tuscola, Vandalia, Waverly, Winchester and Xenia. Our April 15th veterans represent all branches of the military. These Veterans and their Guardians will report April 15, 2025 to the Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport at 4:00 AM to travel to Washington DC on a chartered Sun Country 737 aircraft to visit the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, as well as Arlington

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ALTON — Centerstone is proud to announce that Jennifer Thomason, regional chief operating officer for Illinois, has been selected to join the prestigious Expanding First Response 2025 Commission. Hosted by the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, this national commission brings together a diverse group of experts to enhance and expand community responder programs nationwide. The Expanding First Response Commission was launched in 2023 as a first-of-its-kind initiative uniting direct service professionals, elected officials, formerly incarcerated individuals, practitioners, and research experts. The commission aims to shape national conversations and drive meaningful change in first response systems, ensuring that communities have the necessary resources to address crises effectively and compassionately. Thomason’s selection to this influential group highlights her dedication to improving crisis care, strengthening first response systems, and advocating

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ALTON - During the last election, I supported David Goins, with much hope for his success, preferring him over Brant Walker. I support neither candidate this time. Ray Strebel deserves your vote for mayor of Alton. Please read on, it gets interesting. First, a disclosure: I unsuccessfully ran for mayor against Walker in 2017. I ran against Walker because, prior to Walkers win in 2017, Alton’s crime was trending downward, and the budget was in good order, but crime started increasing and the budget turned into the red soon after he took office. Surprisingly, he claimed the opposite was true, and he also claimed an increase in new businesses under his watch, which was the opposite result I found when I made a FOIA request. Walker’s focus was on quantity, giving him a long list of mostly small accomplishments he could recite during the campaign. But I felt these were mostly basic, everyday things any mayor should do. Alton needs a leader with a well-considered plan bringing

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