ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- Without a budget agreement, millions in Illinois will lose SNAP benefits this weekend. The state is stepping up to assist food banks -- but lawmakers say they need long term solutions if they can't depend on the federal government for help. The ongoing government shut down is quickly turning into a worst [...]
MARYLAND HEIGHTS — Theis Farm has pumpkins of all sizes, apples, greens, jams and more! Let the kids play on the playground while your peruse the market. Pumpkins are $10 and will last you through the Thanksgiving holiday. Get your autumn pumpkin for $10 at Theis Farm! For more information, visit
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County police officers from the South County Precinct responded at 7:44 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, to a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, officers found an adult male who had been struck by a vehicle. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators from the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and the Accident Reconstruction unit. The investigation remains active. Officials ask anyone with information about the incident to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477), where a reward may be available.
The alleged fraud occurred over decades at the Valhalla Cemetery, Crematory and Mausoleum, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday in St. Louis County Circuit Court.
The Missouri Department of Conservation is urging the public to use caution as it investigates reports of sick and dead birds across the state, some believed to be linked to bird flu.
R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, The Black Crowes' former drummer Steve Gorman and Hootie & the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker recently announced they were joining forces for a new supergroup, Howl Owl…
BETHALTO - Bethalto native Sophee Brown has served in the U.S. Air Force since 2023 as a Private First Class in the Military Police unit. Brown, who currently holds this rank, joined the service to protect the United States, according to her family. Brown, a twin, left behind her sister to answer the call to serve. "Sophee is my niece and is a twin. She left behind her sister to serve our country," said Lisa Woulfe, a family member. Woulfe added, "She is my hero as she is brave and so driven to protect the US. Our family is so proud of her." Brown’s service reflects a commitment to national security, and her family continues to express pride in her dedication. Submitted by Lisa Woulfe. How to submit Submitting a tribute is simple. You can fill out our Veteran Salute form at http://contribute.riverbender.com/page/veteran-salute , or email us at news@riverbender.com.
It surprises absolutely no one that the Trump administration lies. Trump himself has been lying constantly ever since his first spin in the resolute desk chair. His new administration is right there with him this time around, ensuring we see nothing but a flood of falsehoods all the time. The administration knows it’s lying. We […]
FOREST HOMES - Forest Homes native Richard F. Moody, a Marine who served during the Vietnam War, was killed in action on Dec. 21, 1965. Moody, who joined the Marines on his 18th birthday in 1965, held the rank of Private First Class at the time of his death. Moody was awarded the Purple Heart along with three other medals and one bar in recognition of his service. His family remembers him as dedicated, noting that he enlisted on his 18th birthday. His sacrifice is part of the broader history of Marine service members who fought in Vietnam, reflecting the commitment and loss experienced by many during the conflict. Submitted by Brenda Copeland. How to submit Submitting a tribute is simple. You can fill out our Veteran Salute form at http://contribute.riverbender.com/page/veteran-salute, or email us at news@riverbender.com.
SHIPMAN - Preston F. Mathis, a veteran from Shipman, served in the U.S. Navy from 2005 to 2009, participating in Operation Enduring Freedom. Holding the rank of ABF3, Mathis was assigned to the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during his service. Deonia Mathis submitted this Veteran Salute. How to submit Submitting a tribute is simple. You can fill out our Veteran Salute form at http://contribute.riverbender.com/page/veteran-salute, or email us at news@riverbender.com.
On This Day, Oct. 31, 1970 ...Led Zeppelin hit #1 on the Billboard 200 chart with their third studio album, Led Zeppelin III. The album spent four weeks in the top spot.Led Zeppelin III was recorded…
Kelly Osbourne's son, Sidney, is proving to be a worthy heir to the Prince of Darkness' throne.The daughter of Ozzy Osbourne has shared a video on TikTok of Sidney biting the head…
St. Ann police Chief Aaron Jimenez told the Post-Dispatch that the officers involved in the shooting are detectives and not required by department policy to wear body cameras.
MADISON — Joan Wilkins, 84, lost her home and belongings in a house fire on Oct. 29, 2025, in Madison. Her granddaughter, Erin Sabol, has launched a fundraiser to assist Wilkins in rebuilding her life. Sabol said Wilkins was not at home when the fire occurred and is currently staying with family members. However, the family discovered that the homeowner’s insurance had lapsed, leaving Wilkins with no coverage for the loss. “All funds are going directly to her to start over and find a new home,” Sabol said in a statement. She expressed gratitude for the support, including kind words, prayers, and donations from the community. The fundraiser aims to provide financial assistance to Wilkins as she begins the process of recovery after the devastating fire. Click here for the GoFundMe.
UPDATE: On October 28, 2025, the Homicide Division was advised the 10-year-old boy died from his injury. An autopsy revealed the boy died from complications of being shot in May during the incident. He is identified as 10-year-old Richard Neal, III. Homicide Detectives still need help solving this case and is seeking assistance from the […]
EAST ALTON – Two local men face felony charges after possessing metal knuckles and more, including a Cottage Hills man facing his sixth charge of driving on a revoked/suspended license. Danny M. Smith, 62, of Cottage Hills, was charged on Oct. 20, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and a Class 4 felony count of driving while his license was revoked/suspended. Smith allegedly possessed a set of metal knuckles on Sept. 30, 2025; his possession of the weapon was illegal as a felon previously convicted of burglary in a prior Madison County case from 2001. Smith is additionally accused of driving a motor vehicle on 6th Street in Wood River while his license had been revoked or suspended for a previous offense of driving under the influence (DUI). Charging documents state Smith had previously been convicted of driving on a revoked/suspended license on five prior occasions in 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, and 2006, with this latest offense being
Did you know that the global Halloween market was projected to reach over $12 billion in retail sales in 2024? From costumes and candy to decorations and parties, Halloween has grown into a cultural phenomenon far beyond its ancient origins. But how did a festival rooted in ancient rites transform into the commercial and social celebration we recognize today? Exploring the evolution of Halloween reveals much about cultural adaptation, commercialization, and the human fascination with the eerie and the festive. Ancient Origins: From Samhain to All Hallows’ Eve Halloween’s roots trace back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated primarily in what is now Ireland, Scotland, and Northern France. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time believed to blur the boundaries between the living world and the spirit realm. During Samhain, people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. This ancient festival
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