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Community Rallies To Support Children Of Woman Killed In Crash

3 weeks 5 days ago
ST. CLAIR COUNTY — Courtney Branon, a 35-year-old woman from Collinsville, died Tuesday morning in a four-vehicle crash on Interstate 64 in O’Fallon, authorities said. The fatal collision occurred around 8 a.m., Nov. 18, 2025. Branon was driving a Ford Bronco when she was involved in a crash with two tractor-trailers and a utility work truck, according to the St. Clair County Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police. Branon’s death has left her children without thei

Corporate investment in residential housing may be another hurdle for first-time buyers

3 weeks 5 days ago
As corporate ownership of residential property across the country rises nationwide, researchers from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and the Center for Geospatial Solutions, which is housed at the institute, warn this rising trend has complicated the housing market for first-time buyers. According to a joint “Who Owns America” report, nearly 9% of residential […]
Robbie Sequeira

RiverBender Blog: I Love the Library

3 weeks 5 days ago
Big bookworm, reporting for duty. I enjoy reading as much as I enjoy surfing the internet and writing for fun. As such, I grew up in libraries around the Riverbend region. And recently, I’ve rediscovered my love for these spaces, their resources, and the people who make them great spots to chill. Let me back up. As the child of voracious readers, I spent a lot of time in the local library when I was very young. My parents would take me to the free events, the storytimes, the annual Summer

Thanksgiving in the United States: A Journey Through History and Tradition

3 weeks 6 days ago
What if the Thanksgiving holiday we celebrate today was shaped by centuries of evolving customs rather than a single historic feast? The story of Thanksgiving in the U.S. is a fascinating tapestry of cultural influences, historical events, and regional practices that have transformed it from a simple harvest celebration into a national holiday symbolizing gratitude, community, and reflection. Origins of Thanksgiving: More Than One Story Contrary to popular belief, Thanksgiving does not originate

How to Bake the Perfect Thanksgiving Pie: Mastering Tradition One Slice at a Time

3 weeks 6 days ago
What if the secret to a memorable Thanksgiving wasn’t just the turkey or the stuffing, but the pie that concludes the feast? Consider this: according to a 2023 survey by the American Pie Council, 89% of Americans say pie is the essential dessert for holiday celebrations. Yet, many struggle to perfect that elusive flaky crust or the ideal filling consistency. Baking the perfect Thanksgiving pie is an art and a science, blending technique, timing, and quality ingredients to create something

Afghan asylum seeker who fought the Taliban now held by ICE in Missouri

3 weeks 6 days ago
The younger children of Mohammad Ali Dadfar believe their father is away, working. That’s what they’ve been told. Only the oldest, an 11-year-old girl, and Dadfar’s wife know the truth. The father of four, an immigrant from Afghanistan who helped the U.S. military fight the Taliban, is in a Springfield, Missouri, jail — held with […]
Mary Sanchez

How to Prepare Your Kitchen for Holiday Cooking

3 weeks 6 days ago
Did you know that the average American household spends nearly 12 hours preparing food during the holiday season? This intense period of cooking can quickly overwhelm even the most seasoned home chefs if their kitchens are not adequately prepared. Setting up your kitchen thoughtfully before the rush can make holiday cooking more efficient, enjoyable, and less stressful. Assessing Your Kitchen Space and Equipment Before diving into recipes and shopping lists, take stock of your kitchen’s