This weekend, most Americans will turn their clocks back one hour as Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends. The change officially takes place at 2 a.m. on Sunday , giving everyone an extra hour of sleep — and marking the return to standard time . But why do we keep doing it? And is it still worth it? The Purpose of Daylight Saving Time Daylight Saving Time was designed to make better use of daylight during the longer days of spring and summer. By moving clocks forward one hour in March,
ALTON - Dr. Bruce Vest’s Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic P.C. once again took first place in the Alton Halloween Parade. On Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2025, Vest was proud of his “double float” featuring a giant robot, a fire-breathing dragon, and plenty more characters and fun. He shared that his team had been working for “a long time” to build the float, but he was excited to showcase the hard work to the community. “This is Dr. Vest’s Dragon
ALTON - These are the results of the Alton Halloween Parade float competition: Commercial Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic P.C. Tarrant & Harman Real Estate Allied Pest Control, Inc. Organization U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Junior League of Greater Alton Alton Pride Family Division Paxton Belchik Racing Geisen Family Ambience by DARA Junior Youth Division Children’s Tribe A. Montessori Academy St. Mary’s Evangelical School Senior Youth Division
ALTON - People traveled from across the region for the historic 108th Alton Halloween Parade. On Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2025, thousands of community members gathered in downtown Alton to watch the parade and engage with the Riverbend community. Most attendees had a connection to Alton, while others were watching the parade for the first time. But as the parade began, it was clear that all in attendance were having a great experience. “I think we show up,” said Erin. “I’m
ALTON - As the parade marshal, Karen Wilson shared she was honored to lead the 108th Alton Halloween Parade. “It’s pretty special,” Wilson said. “Since I grew up in Alton, I've been coming to these parades forever, and so the fact that I'm a parade marshal is just sort of surreal.” Thousands of people gathered in downtown Alton on Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2025, for the parade. Sponsored by the East End Improvement Association, the Alton Halloween Parade
ALTON - On Halloween night, thousands of people once again gathered in downtown Alton for the 108th Halloween Parade. People from across the region traveled to Alton to watch the parade on Oct. 31, 2025. Sponsored by the East End Improvement Association, the Alton Halloween Parade is one of the oldest in the country. “It's a great tradition for the city,” said Alton Mayor David Goins. “It's always been a special part of my life, and I've always looked forward to the
ALTON — Halloween festivities were in full swing Thursday evening, Oct. 30, 2025, as neighborhoods across Alton saw a significant amount of trick-or-treating. The community engaged in a variety of activities leading up to the city’s legendary Halloween Parade sponsored by the East End Improvement Association, scheduled for Friday night, Oct. 31, 2025. The parade will begin at 7 p.m., with live coverage starting at 6:50 p.m. on Riverbender.com. Viewers can watch the event online
GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City faces felony charges of home invasion and domestic battery after an incident that allegedly occurred on Halloween. Jerry M. Watson Jr., 25, of Granite City, was charged on Oct. 31, 2025 with a Class X felony count of home invasion, a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery, and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery. On Oct. 31, 2025, Watson allegedly entered a Granite City apartment unit without legal authority and intentionally
EAST ALTON — The East Alton Halloween Parade took place Thursday evening, Oct. 30, 2025, featuring a range of participants, including local fire and police departments, school bands, and community organizations. Sponsored by the Village’s American Legion, the parade began at Wilshire Plaza and concluded at the East Alton American Legion Post. Participants include the East Alton Fire Department, Survival Flight, ambulances, East Alton Police, and several school bands, including member
If your current 401(k) or SIMPLE/SEP feels too expensive, too confusing, or simply underused, this quick guide will help you decide whether to switch providers or start a new plan—and what to fix first for better outcomes. Note for Illinois employers: State law requires businesses with five or more Illinois employees and at least two years in operation to offer their own retirement plan or facilitate the Illinois Secure Choice program. If you’re currently on the state IRA, you
EDWARDSVILLE - The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Women’s Conference. On Nov. 5, 2025, entrepreneurs and professionals from across the region will gather at The Outlet at Edison’s for a day of panels, breakout sessions and featured speakers. Dawn Mushill, president of the chamber, encourages people to register now so they can enjoy the experience. “We have speakers on the stage,” Mushill said. “We have workshops.
MARYVILLE — Maryville Elementary School held its annual Pumpkin Drop event on a sunny day this week, drawing participation from students and local community members. The event took place on the school grounds, where pumpkins were dropped from a height as part of the festivities. Granite City Firefighters Local 253 assisted in ensuring the event ran smoothly, contributing to what organizers described as one of their favorite days of the year. The Granite City School District #9 shared photo
GRANITE CITY - Alexis Ruiz was a senior outside hitter for the girls' volleyball team at Granite City High School, and despite the Warriors ending the season with a 5-19-1 record, she was very proud of her team and how hard they worked over the season. The Warriors lost their final match of the year to Edwardsville in the IHSA Class 4A regional at Granite City Memorial Gym 25-14, 25-3, but Ruiz had a good year statistically. She ended up with 42 kills, served up 46 points with eight aces, 13
BELLEVILLE — A 1948 Jackie Robinson baseball card valued at $9,000 was stolen from Collectors Corner at 116 E. Main Street in Belleville earlier this week, but was recovered Thursday evening, Oct. 30, 2025, store management reported. The card, a prized collectible because it commemorates Robinson’s rookie season in 1947, was taken when the business owner briefly stepped away from the counter. Robinson is known for breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier on April 15, 1947, when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers. After discovering the card was missing, management posted an image of the suspected individual on social media to seek public assistance. At approximately 7:18 p.m. Thursday, Collectors Corner announced the card had been located. “Thanks to all the help, the card has been located,” the business said in a statement. “Now we just have to work out the details of what happens next.” Robinson’s MLB career spanned
ALTON - Riverbender.com is celebrating its 20th anniversary by reflecting on the past and planning for the future. Started on Oct. 31, 2005, by owner John Hentrich, Riverbender.com has become the leading independent news site in the region. The company has expanded to include EdGlenToday.com and MetroEastStar.com , while offering additional services like website design and digital marketing. Hentrich expressed his appreciation for the team and community that has allowed Riverbender.com to grow. “I owe the credit to the team and the advertisers that support us. I'm so fortunate. It's been a fun ride and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!” Hentrich started Riverbender.com because he wanted to share content that went beyond newsprint. Over the years, Riverbender.com has developed a robust video platform and radio program, including Riverbender Radio . With shows like CJ Nasello’s “Our Daily Show!” and Brian
Key Takeaways: OCD is a mental health disorder that happens a person gets stuck in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Risk factors range from genetics to childhood trauma. Treatment includes medication, therapy or a combination of both. About 1 in 40 people suffer from OCD. Last NFL postseason, Washington kicker Zane Gonzalez made the biggest kick of his career when he made a game-ending field goal against Tampa Bay, giving the Commanders their first playoff win in 20 years. But Gonzalez made more headlines with his extensive pre-kick routine than the actual game-winner itself. TV cameras caught Gonzalez’s extensive routine, which included fixing his sock, tapping his helmet and adjusting his hair repeatedly before the kick. It wasn’t any superstition, but part of Gonzalez's obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Fans took to social media to scrutinize Gonzalez’s unusual behavior as some type of nervous behavior. It wasn’t until
COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department is intensifying its efforts to enforce laws against driving under the influence for Halloween weekend. The department issued a reminder urging residents to avoid impaired driving to prevent legal consequences, including vehicle impoundment and arrest. In a recent statement, the department emphasized its aggressive stance on DUI enforcement and offered several recommendations for those planning to celebrate Halloween safely. Collinsville Police suggestions include designating a sober driver, using ride-share applications, public transportation, or taxi services, and employing what they referred to as the "shoelace express." The police department encouraged the community to have a safe, fun, and sober Halloween.
COLLINSVILLE - In a special Halloween edition of Fugitive Friday, Collinsville Police highlighted several individuals wanted on charges related to driving under the influence. The announcement was made to raise public awareness about these fugitives and encourage community assistance in their apprehension. The Collinsville Police provided the photographs above of those on the wanted list. The individuals featured include: - Martin Tovar - Aggravated DUI / license suspended or revoked. - Reggie Simuel - Aggravated DUI 3rd+ Subsequent - Marcelino Ruiz-Perez - DUI BAC .08 or more - Stacey Thomason - Aggravated DUI 3rd+ Subsequent - Juan Gonzalez-Anton - Aggravated DUI - Aja Blount - FTA - Aggravated DUI x2, Aggravated Fleeing, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon Collinsville Police urges anyone with information on the whereabouts of these individuals to contact the department at (618) 344-2131 extension 5209. Collinsville Police said this initiative aims to enhance public
BETHALTO - Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 students, faculty and administration celebrated a major achievement at a special assembly. On Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, the Civic Memorial High School community came together to recognize their new status as an “exemplary” school. The Illinois School Report Card data, which measures student achievement and school culture, released earlier this week. As an exemplary school, Civic Memorial is in the top 10% of schools in the state. “We’re always celebrating kids. We’re always honoring our teachers and acknowledging them and lifting one another up. It’s just an incredible place to be,” said Superintendent Dr. Jill Griffin. “They’re all working together and they know they’re moving towards one common goal, so it’s incredible. It’s so exciting because it’s not an easy thing to accomplish.” According to the Illinois School Report Card data for Civic
With baby boomers aging, look around an outdoor festival, and you’ll see plenty of what look like the walking wounded. You’ll see older adults who are walking as though they need a hip or a knee replaced. But, what about an ankle? For people living with chronic ankle pain from severe arthritis, especially after past injuries or fractures, daily life can become a painful, frustrating struggle. But for the right candidate, a total ankle replacement can offer not just pain relief, but a chance to walk, shop and move through life again with ease. Though it's been around for decades, total ankle replacement is still relatively unknown compared to hip or knee replacements. That's largely because until recently, the results weren’t great. Early generations of implants often failed, leaving surgeons hesitant and patients skeptical. Technology has advanced in the last 10 to 15 years with custom, patient-specific metal implants. Bryce Paschold, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon
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