Riverbender 🕸

ALTON — The 158th Memorial Day parade took place in Alton on Monday, honoring veterans and community members. The event featured parade marshal Bill Varble, a Vietnam veteran, accompanied by his wife, Judy. The parade was sponsored and organized by the East End Improvement Association and staged by the Alton Optimist Club. Mark Cappel of the Alton Optimist Club and Steve Schwartz, a spokesperson for the Alton Halloween Parade, were also involved in the staging and coordinating of the event. “Parade marshal Bill Varble is a Vietnam veteran from 1968 to 1969. He was a ranger and we are proud to have him as a parade marshal. He and his wife rode in the car,” Schwartz said. He added that the Alton Optimist Club “always does an outstanding job” staging the parade. The annual Memorial Day parade serves as a community tribute to those who have served in the military, continuing a long-standing tradition in Alton.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt is co-sponsoring a measure that will prohibit students from using their cellphones in school during instruction time by the 2026-2027 school year. “Many kids aren’t learning when they have the option to sit on their phone and use social media instead of paying attention in class,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This measure gives considerable choice to the individual school district, allowing them to adopt a plan that works best for them.” By the 2026-2027 school year, school districts would have to adopt a policy that prohibits students from using cellphones in school during instructional time. School board members have the flexibility to adopt a policy based on the needs of their community. The school board's policy has to allow exceptions for medical reasons, for kids with disabilities, for English learners to access learning materials, and for school-issued devices. Each school district’s plan ca

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s Dog Days of Summer campaign kicks off today and will run each Tuesday through Labor Day. The effort, in its second year, features dogs available for adoption from shelters around the state who are desperately looking for a new family. “I am honored to carry on the Comptroller’s Critters program started by my dear friend Judy Baar Topinka, and our social media effort will help match dogs in need with people to love them” said Comptroller Mendoza. Comptroller’s Critters features an online database of participating shelters around the state, searchable by county. Links to shelter websites, addresses and other information is available, including tips about pet adoption and care. Illinois shelters that would like to be added to the database should email: critters@illinoiscomptroller.gov . “We have worked with Comptroller Mendoza’s office for a number of years, and are thankful for

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Three men have been charged in connection with an Edwardsville Police Department investigation into an ATM alarm that sounded at a local bank early Thursday, May 22, 2025. Officers responded to the ATM alarm in the 100 block of South Main Street. While investigating the alarm, responding officers located a suspicious vehicle in the area. Upon further investigation, the following three subjects were taken into custody: Jose Mora Herrera, 24, H/M; Keyler Gimenez Barreto, 19, H/M; Carlos A. Marcanos-Gonzalez, 27, H/M; On Friday, May 23, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office issued two criminal charges each on Herrera, Barreto, and Marcanos-Gonzalez: COUNT 1 – Attempted Theft, a class 3 felony COUNT 2 – Computer Tampering, a class 4 felony The three were in custody as of Tuesday, May 27, at the Madison County Jail pending a detention hearing. These charges, as well as the statements made herein, are based upon probable cause.

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY — An EF3 tornado struck the Greater St. Louis area on the afternoon of Friday, May 16, 2025, causing significant damage and resulting in five fatalities in the City of St. Louis. The tornado severely impacted the Granite City area, prompting an ongoing cleanup effort led by the city’s Public Works Department in coordination with the Madison County Highway Department, the Metro East Sanitary District (MESD), and the Granite City Parks District. Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson expressed gratitude for the collaborative response. “Thank you to the Granite City Public Works Department, the Madison County Highway Department, along with MESD and Granite City Parks District for their assistance in the cleanup. They did a great job,” Parkinson said. Cleanup operations are continuing, and the city has implemented a new plan to assist residents affected by the storm. Mayor Parkinson said those still in need of cleanup or other urgent assistance are encouraged

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department is seeking assistance in locating Maria Webb, who currently has four active felony warrants. The warrants include three issued by the Collinsville Police Department and one from a neighboring agency. Webb is wanted in connection with two separate retail theft incidents and for unlawfully possessing a weapon as a felon. Authorities are asking anyone with information about Webb’s whereabouts to contact the Collinsville Police Department at 618-344-2131, extension 5209. Callers can remain anonymous. The department also encouraged Webb to turn herself in to any police department to address the outstanding warrants. “These charges and statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty,” the police department stated.

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - You can join Main Street Community Center on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From Branson to South Africa, the Edwardsville community center will sponsor multiple overnight trips within the next year. Lori Johnassee, who coordinates these travel opportunities, encourages people to reach out now to learn about the trips and sign up as early as possible. “It’s a great joy to see people connect with other people,” Johnassee said. “We have been here 50 years now, helping and building programs, and travel has become a very important part of that. It’s the community. It's the camaraderie. It’s finding new friends. It’s keeping yourself active and healthy so that you can continue to age gracefully. Then, the benefits come back directly to our center, where we get to share those benefits right back to you.” From Sept. 20–27, 2025, community members can embark on a coach trip to Coastal Virginia and the Outer Banks. This

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE – The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., along with Illinois American Water, announced today it is now accepting applications for its inaugural Hydration Station Grant Program from eligible organizations within its service areas. This new initiative aims to boost confidence and trust in tap water and reduce single-use plastic waste by providing sustainable hydration options in public spaces. “We’re committed to providing access to clean, safe and reliable water service,” stated Rebecca Losli, President of Illinois American Water. “Through funding provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation, this program is designed to make safe and healthy hydration with tap water more accessible in public spaces while promoting environmental stewardship.” Selected recipients will receive funding

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Green Mount Road over Loop Creek, just north of Illinois 177 in St. Clair County, weather permitting, on Thursday, May 29. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. 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.

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that ramp closures on eastbound and westbound Interstate 55/70/64 will start, weather permitting, at 4 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025 for road construction. Traffic will be restricted at the following locations: Eastbound ramp near Barack Obama Avenue/East St. Louis exit Westbound ramp near the St. Clair Avenue entrance ramp at mile marker 1 Additionally, the following ramp will be fully closed: St. Clair Avenue entrance ramp to southbound I-55/westbound I-64 All ramps are expected to reopen by 10 p.m. the same day. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. 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. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE – A woman from Jerseyville faces a felony charge after stabbing someone with a pair of scissors while on pretrial release from custody. Christina M. Carraway (also known as Christina M. McAdams), 36, of Jerseyville, was charged on May 19, 2025 with one count of aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony. On May 16, 2025, Carraway allegedly stabbed the victim “multiple times with a pair of scissors,” according to court documents. A petition to deny Carraway’s pretrial release notes that at the time of this incident, she was out on pretrial release from a prior case of forgery filed earlier this year. The petition also states Carraway attacked the victim inside their shared residence. Carraway was arrested by the Jerseyville Police Department and currently remains in custody at the Jersey County Jail. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – With several strong storms causing damage across Illinois recently, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today warned Illinois residents to be on alert for scammers looking to exploit homeowners and business owners who may need repairs from storm-related damage. Raoul cautioned residents that scammers often move quickly into communities to take advantage of people with damage to their homes or businesses. Raoul noted these “storm chasers” use the opportunity to pressure people into making quick and often expensive decisions about cleanup and construction work. Raoul also warned residents that scam artists may be operating as public adjusters who offer so-called “free” inspections to help property owners submit claims to their insurance companies. “Just as severe weather during Illinois spring months is inevitable, so too are the scammers attempting to take advantage of the devastation left in the storms’ wake,” Raoul said. “I encourag

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a coalition of 19 attorneys general, submitted a comment letter opposing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) interim final rule that makes significant changes to the 2024 Unaccompanied Children Program Foundational Rule. Raoul and the coalition argue that these changes will deter prospective sponsors, many of whom are parents or close relatives, from coming forward to sponsor unaccompanied children, prolonging the time these children spend in federal custody. “Holding unaccompanied immigrant children in federal custody for prolonged periods of time further traumatizes these children and does not represent the morals of the American people,” Raoul said. “We must do everything possible to unite immigrant children with sponsors, who are oftentimes family members, and support their smooth transition into their new communities. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to protect

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), and Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) introduced the Improving Veterans’ Experience Act to codify the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VEO, established in 2015, gathers feedback directly from veterans, their families, and caregivers on their experience with VA services. VEO has been crucial to improving veterans' trust in VA outpatient care, enhancing digital experiences with the VA Health and Benefits Mobile App and expanding direct outreach to veterans about resources, special eligibility windows, and other important information. “There is no better way to improve VA services than to hear from the veterans, family members and caregivers who are navigating the process firsthand,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “By giving veterans a voice and putting their insights into action, VEO has made VA services

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is advising private well owners to check if they are in the vicinity of community water systems (CWS) that have shown elevated levels of one or more Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in testing conducted by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA). Illinois EPA recently sent notices to 47 CWS , and 10 CWS with emergency connections , around the state whose systems indicated levels of PFAS in excess of groundwater quality standards. The presence of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” in the source water for those CWSs means there could also be elevated levels in the groundwater that supplies nearby private wells. IDPH recommends well owners in the vicinity of impacted CWS have their water tested by a private laboratory, and consider other options, such as installing carbon filters on their faucets. “The overwhelming majority of Illinois’s water systems do

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Peter Welch (D-VT) in reintroducing legislation to expand Medicare negotiation of drug prices. The Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act would help lower drug costs for consumers, reduce federal spending and give the Department of Health and Human Services stronger tools to negotiate lower drug prices in Medicare Part B and Part D. “No one should have to choose between paying for their lifesaving prescription or paying the rent—that’s why three years ago the Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act , to empower Medicare to directly negotiate with drug manufacturers,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin and our Democratic colleagues in reintroducing the SMART Prices Act to help build on the progress we’ve made to lower the cost of prescription

Continue Reading

This past weekend, among all the stress of my move to a new place , I found myself on a road trip to Decatur, Illinois. I got the keys to my new apartment on Friday, so one could argue that I was busy enough without devoting all of Saturday to a trip up north. In fact, I argued that, several times, with myself, debating whether or not to go. But I bought concert tickets months ago, before the lease was signed, and the concert was on Saturday at the Decatur amphitheater. So I spent Friday at work, then did a flurry of cleaning and moving on Friday night, and then was up bright and early on Saturday for a two-hour drive. I lived in Decatur for a few years when I was going to college at Millikin University, so the drive itself wasn’t a problem. It felt nostalgic to navigate the backroads, a route I discovered eight years ago (!!) when I first visited campus. The main struggle was staying awake after my late Friday night. I blared music and drove blearily through the

Continue Reading

Did you know that cycling just 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 50%? Beyond being a popular recreational activity, cycling serves as a potent form of exercise and an efficient mode of transportation, offering benefits that extend far beyond physical health. In cities around the world, more people are turning to bicycles not only to improve their fitness but also to navigate daily commutes in a sustainable and economical way. Enhancing Physical Health Through Cycling Cycling is a low-impact aerobic exercise that engages multiple muscle groups, making it an excellent choice for people of various fitness levels. Unlike high-impact activities such as running, cycling minimizes joint strain while promoting cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility. Cardiovascular and Respiratory Benefits: Regular cycling elevates heart rate and improves lung capacity, which can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as stroke,

Continue Reading

May 27th is a date that has witnessed a wide array of significant events throughout history, shaping the world we live in today. Going back in time, May 27 marks several notable events across different spheres. In 1703, the city of Saint Petersburg was founded by Tsar Peter the Great of Russia. This strategic port city was intended to open a 'window to Europe' and became Russia’s cultural and political capital for over two centuries. Peter’s vision for modernization and Westernization found a tangible expression in Saint Petersburg’s architecture and institutions, many of which remain central to Russian identity today. On a different note, May 27, 1967, marked a significant political milestone in the United Kingdom with the first successful flight of the Concorde, the supersonic passenger airliner developed jointly by Britain and France. Capable of crossing the Atlantic in less than half the time of conventional jets, Concorde symbolized technological ambition

Continue Reading

Did you know that children who spend at least an hour a day playing outside are 50% more likely to develop stronger social skills and exhibit greater creativity? Outdoor play isn’t just about burning off energy; it’s a critical component of healthy childhood development. Yet, creating a space that is both fun and safe can be a challenging balancing act for parents and caregivers. How do you design an environment where kids are free to explore and imagine, while minimizing risks and hazards? This article delves into the essential considerations and practical strategies for crafting an outdoor play area that captivates children’s imaginations and keeps them secure. Prioritizing Safety Without Sacrificing Fun Safety is often the first concern when designing a play space, but it doesn’t need to come at the expense of enjoyment. In fact, thoughtful safety measures can enhance the play experience by allowing children to explore diverse activities confidently. Choosin

Continue Reading