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Did you know that tequila is one of the few alcoholic beverages with a designation of origin, meaning it can only be produced in specific regions of Mexico? This unique spirit not only carries centuries of cultural heritage but also inspires a dedicated day of celebration each year—National Tequila Day. Beyond its reputation as a party staple, tequila embodies a rich history and fascinating traditions that many may not realize. How did this iconic drink become a symbol of Mexican pride and international enjoyment? Let’s delve into the origins of National Tequila Day, uncover some intriguing facts, and discover how you can appreciate tequila in a meaningful way. The Origins of National Tequila Day National Tequila Day is observed annually on July 24th in the United States. Unlike many other food and drink holidays that have murky beginnings, this date was chosen to spotlight tequila’s cultural significance and growing popularity outside Mexico. Tequila itself dates

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July 24 has long been a date marked by remarkable events that have shaped history across the globe. On July 24, 1975, the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was completed as the American Apollo spacecraft and the Soviet Soyuz capsule successfully docked in orbit. This historic mission was the first international human spaceflight, marking a thaw in Cold War tensions and showcasing the potential for cooperation between the two superpowers. The astronauts and cosmonauts shook hands in space, a powerful symbol of peaceful collaboration that inspired future joint missions and laid the groundwork for the International Space Station. Moving back in time, July 24, 1911, saw a major archaeological revelation when American explorer Hiram Bingham III rediscovered the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru. Although locals were aware of the site, Bingham's expedition brought global attention to this remarkable archaeological treasure nestled high in the Andes Mountains. Machu Picchu remains one o

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Today’s high will reach 97 degrees with a low of 75. Expect sunny skies with hot and very humid conditions. The heat feels like 109 degrees at peak times, so be prepared for the heat. A Heat Advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. this evening. Humidity will make it feel even hotter, so drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Allergy indexes are mostly low today with grass, mold, ragweed, and tree pollen all at low levels. The air quality is moderate with some particle pollution. The UV index is very high at 10, so be sure to wear sunscreen if you’re outside. Tomorrow’s forecast calls for a high of 94 and a low of 75, with partly sunny skies and scattered afternoon thunderstorms. It will remain hot and humid, with a dangerous heat risk continuing. Dehydration and heatstroke are possible if you spend too much time outdoors without proper precautions. Make sure to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and limit outdoo

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GRAFTON – Raging Rivers WaterPark is excited to offer a Junior Lifeguard Camp this season taking place July 28th through August 1st. Registration is still open, but spots are filling quickly—don't miss your chance to enroll your future lifeguard in this engaging and educational experience by July 27th. The Junior Lifeguard Camp has 2 age groups 7 - 10 years old and 11 - 14 years old. The program provides kids with invaluable water safety knowledge and hands-on skills vital for life both in and out of the pool. Participants will gain practical experience in lifeguarding, teamwork, and personal responsibility, all while having fun at Raging Rivers WaterPark. To sign up, parents must complete the online registration form at https://www.ragingrivers.com/lifeguard-camps . “This is a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn essential lifesaving skills while boosting their confidence and building friendships,” said Jeremy Hayes, General Manager at Raging Rivers WaterPark

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ALTON – An Alton business owner says the city’s recent decision to revoke the late night liquor licenses of two downtown bars is unfairly forcing her business to close during its most profitable hours. The City of Alton announced on Monday, July 21, 2025 that the late night liquor licenses for Hiram’s Bar and Pour Decisions were being revoked following a hearing led by Mayor and Liquor Control Commissioner David Goins. Late night liquor licenses allow businesses to sell liquor from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Christina Hurley, owner of Stina Snacks (located inside Hiram’s Bar), said at Wednesday’s City Council meeting that the forced early closure will have devastating effects on her business. “It’s not fair to us to have the most profitable hours cut down,” Hurley said. “It’s the most profitable hours for the kitchen and for the bar, so the city not only hurt Hiram’s Bar but my restaurant business

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department responded to a stabbing incident at the Walmart Supercenter located at 1040 Collinsville Crossing Boulevard on Wednesday. According to authorities, two employees became involved in a disturbance that escalated when one worker stabbed the other. The victim was transported to a medical facility for treatment, while the suspect was apprehended nearby. Police officials said more information will be released after formal charges are filed.

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ALTON - The Old Bakery Beer Company will host their annual Oktoberfest in July event to celebrate German culture and usher in fall. From 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, community members are invited to stop by The Old Bakery Beer Company for the free event. In addition to an Oktoberfest brew and lots of German specials, attendees can compete in a steinholding competition and enjoy the fall feeling in the dog days of summer. “It’s really a kind of chill event, just a day to come enjoy some German specials,” explained Lauren with OBB. “It’s a great day to have a little lager flight, pretend you’re in Germany, enjoy that nice, crisp beer.” As part of their special Oktoberfest menu, Lauren promises “all of those German favorites that pair so well with beer,” including schnitzel, brats, pretzels and German potato salad. She added that OBB’s summer menu will also be available, but only until Aug. 19, s

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EDWARDSVILLE - John Gregory Mudge, Jr., 75, died on Monday, July 21, 2025, following a courageous, years-long battle with cancer. Greg was described by family members as "a man of deep conviction, kindness, and unwavering commitment to justice and community." He was the son of Judge John G. Mudge, Sr. and mother Beverly A. (Fink) Gorman. "He lived his life with purpose and was guided by compassion, service, and marked by an ever-present warmth that made everyone feel seen and valued," his family said. As the owner and operator of Mudge Professional Services, Greg was well-known for his dedication to helping others. Greg was a definite Difference Maker in this area for his lifelong commitment to the region. He was also a long-time board member of the Lincoln School Alumni Foundation and remained an engaged and passionate advocate throughout his life. He was especially active in local political campaigns and causes that uplifted the Metro East communities he loved. “Greg was,

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ALTON - There will be a special visitor at this week’s Farmers' and Artisans' Market in Alton. This week’s “Christmas in July” theme will welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Alton Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The two characters will visit with kids and take photos throughout the morning. Vendors are also invited to sell their holiday-themed wares. “There's really nothing like the look on a kid’s face when they look across the way and they see Santa Claus in a Hawaiian shirt walking toward them in the middle of summer,” said Sara McGibany with Alton Main Street. McGibany noted that this weekend is also a chance for crafters to “break out their totes of Christmas gear.” Vendors are encouraged to bring holiday-themed crafts and products to share with the community. “A lot of our crafters make specific things for Christmas when it rolls around,” she

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is hosting two all-women recruitment events simultaneously on July 31, 2025, in Belleville and Chicago, to encourage women to explore the many career paths available both as sworn police officers and as civilian employees. ? ISP’s first all-women recruiting event was held in March at the ISP Academy in Springfield, IL and was met with great success. The Southern Illinois event will take place at the Southwestern Illinois College campus, located at 2500 Carlyle Avenue in Belleville, IL 62220, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The northern Illinois event will be held at XS Tennis Village, located at 5336 S. State Street in Chicago, IL 60609, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both events are free to attend. ? ISP will share employment information and provide opportunities to meet professionals in various law enforcement specialties and attendees can learn about careers within the different divisions of ISP – Academy and Training, Patrol, Crimina

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GODFREY — St. Ambrose Catholic School continues to prioritize the safety and security of its students and staff by completing a series of major facility upgrades. In recent years, the school has invested approximately $225,000 into building-wide security improvements. Most recently, St. Ambrose completed two grant-funded projects: the replacement of four sets of main school entrance doors and the installation of security film on all windows and glass surfaces throughout the building. This effort is part of a larger, long-term strategy developed in collaboration with the St. Ambrose Safety and Security Committee, established in 2020. This committee is composed of dedicated parents and parishioners with professional backgrounds in safety, law enforcement, and emergency response. The group meets regularly to review protocols and recommend updates to both school facilities and safety procedures. Early committee recommendations led to a phased approach for improvements. Initial upgrades

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PONTOON BEACH – Madison County Transit (MCT) has announced a series of service changes set to take effect on Sunday, August 10, 2025, including updates to MCT Micro zones and fixed-route services. In addition, MCT will host public meetings in early August to collect feedback on proposed changes under consideration in 2026. Changes in August include the following: MCT Micro Logistics Valley - The existing MCT Micro zone serving the Logistics Valley area will be replaced with a fixed-route shuttle service due to road construction challenges and passenger feedback. New #23 Logistics Valley Shuttle – A new shuttle will replace the microtransit service operating within the commerce centers. Once IL-111/270 construction has concluded, a new schedule will be released to further improve service to Gateway Commerce Center, Lakeview Commerce Center, and Gateway Tradeport. MCT Micro – Bethalto | Cottage Hills - The microtransit zone will add MCT Wood River Station a

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ALTON - The community is invited to downtown Alton to enjoy the final two Night Markets of the season. From 7–10 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, and Thursday, July 31, 2025, community members can stop by Sugar Alley — the alley that runs parallel to 3rd Street and intersects State Street — for the Night Market, complete with vendors and live music. Sara McGibany with Alton Main Street noted that the events have been a great summer activity for the Alton community, and she hopes the final two nights go off without a hitch. “It’s wonderful to see the sidewalks bustling with people. All the patio seating has people eating dinner at it. All the shops have reported that they’ve had a lot more foot traffic than a regular Thursday,” McGibany said. “Everything that we had hoped would happen has come true.” This is the first year that Alton Main Street has hosted the Night Market in its new spot. Live music is staged in the greenspace

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GODFREY – A convicted sexual predator from Godfrey faces a new felony charge after his latest failure to register with local authorities. Jason M. Clapper, 42, of Godfrey, was charged on July 14, 2025, with his latest offense of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender, a Class 2 felony. On May 25, 2025, Clapper allegedly failed to register his new address within three days of moving from his previously listed address in the 4700 block of Iriquios Trail in Godfrey. Under the Sex Offender Registration Act, he was legally required to register his new address with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Charging documents state Clapper had previously been convicted of failing to register as a sex offender in four prior Madison County cases – two from 2012 and one each from 2020 and 2024. According to the Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry , Clapper was also convicted in Macoupin County of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Clapper was reportedly

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JERSEY — Tanner T. Eyler, 28, was charged with multiple felonies on July 22, 2025, following events that unfolded in and around Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton this past weekend, according to Jersey County State’s Attorney Ben Goetten. Eyler faces charges including Possession of a Firearm by a Repeat Felony Offender, a Class X felony; Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, a Class 2 felony; and Theft, a Class 3 felony. He is currently being held at the Jersey County Jail. On Sunday, July 20, 2025, Deputy Jeff Klunk of the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office encountered Eyler near a pickup truck that had run off Scenic Drive. Eyler fled into the woods down a steep ravine as Deputy Klunk approached. Subsequent investigation revealed the pickup and an attached camper had been stolen from Missouri several days prior. Additionally, Eyler had reportedly fled from police in the East Alton area the previous evening while driving the stolen vehicle. Following Eyler’s

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SPRINGFIELD - The popularity of residential pools has increased over recent years raising the risk for accidental drownings meaning homeowners and parents need be extra vigilant to protect kids who have access to the water. Public pools are a popular summer destination for people to beat the heat, but they can pose some hidden dangers. “Pools have been a popular way to cool off this summer, but we can’t afford to get complacent — drownings can happen in an instant and often without a sound. It’s not like the movies,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “If children are in or around the pool, stay off your phone, put down your book, and keep your eyes on them at all times. Staying cool at the pool is fun — but it comes with serious responsibility.” Statistics from the American Red Cross show a four-sided isolation fence (separating the pool area from the house and yard) reduces a child’s risk of drowning 83% compared

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GRAFTON – On July 22, 2025, Jersey County State's Attorney Ben Goetten charged Tanner T. Eyler (age 28) with multiple felony charges stemming from his actions on July 20 in and around Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton. Eyler was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Repeat Felony Offender (Class X felony), Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (Class 2 felony), and Theft (Class 3 felony). Eyler is being held at the Jersey County Jail. On July 20, Jersey County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) Deputy Jeff Klunk, while patrolling along Scenic Drive, came across Eyler standing near a pickup which had run off the road. As Deputy Klunk made contact with Eyler, he fled into the woods down a steep ravine. Subsequent investigation revealed that the pickup, along with a camper, had been stolen from Missouri days prior. In addition, on the evening prior, Eyler fled in the stolen pickup from police in the East Alton area. JCSO Deputies and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)

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GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon Village Board members on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, approved an agreement to look into expanding and renovating the village’s Police Department. Police Chief Todd Link shared more about the department’s expansion plans at this week’s Village Board meeting. “The police department would like to pursue an agreement with FGM Architects to perform a feasibility study for expansion and upgrades to the police department,” Link said. “The cost would not exceed $20,000 and we would pay for this out of our seized assets.” With the board’s approval, t he feasibility study will start in August of 2025 and will “explore options for upgrading, expanding, and renovating the current PD floor plan,” Link said. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , the full scope of the project includes the following under the current proposal from FGM Architects: The Police Department’s

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ALTON - Following a July 4, 2025, shooting that claimed the life of 17-year-old Shabrya Hudson, the community will come together for a bowling benefit to help her family with funeral costs. From 1–4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, community members are invited to Bowl Haven in Alton for a benefit complete with bowling, a strike pot, and raffles. Proceeds will go to Hudson’s family to support funeral expenses and other costs. “This is a bowling benefit for a girl, Shabrya Hudson, who tragically lost her life to gun violence on July 4,” said Brittany Baker, organizer of the event. “We’re just doing a benefit to help the family out and everything like that. It's a bowling benefit, something that even kids can do, just have fun, kind of like a celebration of life.” Baker explained that she is close with Hudson’s older sister, and the family is struggling with the emotional toll of Hudson’s death. Many family members have also

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department commemorated Patrolman Addis Miller on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, marking 88 years since he was killed in the line of duty. Alton Police Patrolman Miller died on July 22, 1937, after being shot while arresting a suspect wanted for questioning in a series of burglaries. The incident occurred at Alton City Hall on East 3rd Street. According to the department, after Miller took the suspect into custody, the individual retrieved a hidden pistol from the patrol car and opened fire. Despite being mortally wounded, Miller returned fire and wounded the suspect, who was subsequently arrested in Missouri. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 100 years in prison but served only 24 years. Miller had served with the Alton Police Department for a decade and is remembered for his dedication and bravery. He was survived by his wife “88 years later, we still remember. We still honor. We still carry his memory,” the Alton Police

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