a Better Bubbleโ„ข

Riverbender ๐Ÿ•ธ

Alton Advances Agreement For Godfrey Timberwolves To Use Gordon Moore Baseball Diamond

7 hours 46 minutes ago
ALTON – The Godfrey Timberwolves are one step closer to having a new place to play and practice. At Monday’s meeting, Alton Committee of the Whole members unanimously approved a five-year agreement between Parks and Recreation Director Lyndsey Younger and the Godfrey Timberwolves Baseball Organization for the use of Diamond #8 at Gordon Moore Park. Nick Pichee with the Godfrey Timberwolves shared more about the organization and their intentions to revitalize Gordon Moore with

Semi-Truck Overturns On Interstate 255 Near Alton

10 hours 27 minutes ago
(Photos by Robbie Kudelka) MADISON COUNTY - Illinois State Police said a truck-tractor semi-trailer overturned Monday afternoon, Feb. 9, 2026, on Interstate 255 near the Seminary Road exit in Alton, blocking all northbound lanes and forcing traffic to divert. The crash was reported about 1:35 p.m. Feb. 9, near milepost 16 in Madison County, according to Trooper Ryan Wagand of Illinois State Police Troop 8. Wagand said there were no reports of injuries in the accident. Wagand also explained

Madison County State's Attorney Files Multiple Charges In Alton Shooting

10 hours 59 minutes ago
ALTON - Marquan Knight of Alton, 22, faces multiple charges after authorities alleged he shot a man during an incident Feb. 7, 2026, at a residence in Alton in the 1300 block of Lawn Street in the Alton Acres Housing Project. Knight is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm (a Class X felony), home invasion (Class X felony), aggravated discharge of a firearm (Class 1 felony), and felon in possession of a weapon (a Class 3 felony) charges, according to charging documents signed by Madiso

Tell Us Your Super Bowl Feedback

11 hours 18 minutes ago
RIVERBEND - Super Bowl LX is in the books, and the Seattle Seahawks emerged victorious over the New England Patriots. But what does this mean for local fans of the sport and watchers of the game? Locally, people rooted for both teams. The Riverbend celebrated and mourned in equal measure when the Seahawks won. Who were you rooting for? The food is part of the game’s fun. Chicken wings, nachos, dips and more dominated the table. What are your go-to Super Bowl snacks? Bad Bunn

St. Clair County Pursuit Ends With Arrest Of Shooting Suspect

12 hours 43 minutes ago
ST. CLAIR COUNTY - Illinois State Police investigators have arrested a Kansas man accused of firing at multiple vehicles during a pursuit in St. Clair County, authorities said. Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 special agents arrested 33-year-old Drew D. Smading of Wichita, Kansas, after Marissa Police pursued a Volkswagen SUV on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, following a 9-1-1 call reporting that a suspect had fired at another vehicle on Illinois 13 near Lenzburg, police

Edwardsville's LEGO Event to Raise Money for Clean Water Access

13 hours 1 minute ago
EDWARDSVILLE - Local LEGO amateurs and enthusiasts can come together for a day of brick-building fun that supports access to clean drinking water. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at the Edwardsville American Legion, Danielle and Brandon Adair will host Bricks for Water. This annual event encourages people to play and create with LEGOs, view LEGO displays, and chat with finalists from “LEGO Masters.” Tickets to the event cost $10 and all proceeds go to World Visio

Why Measles Vaccines Still Matter

13 hours 19 minutes ago
For many adults, measles was once considered a normal part of childhood. Before vaccines, nearly every child in the United States caught the virus. Today, however, public health experts emphasize that while natural immunity does occur after infection, the risks of measles are far too high when compared to the protection offered by the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Early 2025 data show rising cases in the U.S., a reminder that measles still spreads quickly wherever vaccination

Reverse Dieting Boosts Metabolism After Weight Loss

13 hours 30 minutes ago
Losing weight is hard. It can be a long process. But when you meet your weight loss goals, the feeling is euphoric. That is until you gain some or all of it back. That’s where a concept called reverse dieting – a way to teach your metabolism by gradually adding calories back after a weight-loss journey – can help. “Reverse dieting is used when you've been on an actual calorie-deficit diet for a while, and you're trying to get to middle ground, where you're no longer

Preventing Mold In Damp, Dark, And Warm Home Spots

13 hours 34 minutes ago
You’re cleaning your house, and you spot it: black spots that could be mold. Uh oh. Do you need to make an appointment with your primary care provider? Do you need to call a professional to remove the substance? They’re questions worth asking to make sure you, your loved ones and your home stay in top shape. What is mold, anyway? Andrew Zasada, MD, an emergency medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, says mold is a fungal growth. Fungi are everywhere, he says, and most don’t

In Madison County, Duckworth Underscores Importance of Water Infrastructure Funding ย 

13 hours 37 minutes ago
– U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today hosted local, state and regional leaders to discuss ongoing water infrastructure challenges throughout Madison County. As PFAS contamination in drinking water supply has become more prevalent throughout the county, compounded with aging water infrastructure, Duckworth and leaders discussed the need for more funding for the region, an issue Duckworth has been a leader on. Photos from today’s meeting are available on the Senator’s

HSHS Home Care Collects Food Items for Local Food Pantries and Programs in Southern Illinois ย 

13 hours 41 minutes ago
O’FALLON, Ill. — In recognition of February being National Canned Food Month, HSHS Home Care is holding its annual “Cram the Car” food drive this month for local organizations to help those struggling with food insecurity. “Cram the Car inspires me every year when I see how our neighbors, friends and colleagues come together to care for the community,” said Valerie Engelbart, Volunteer/Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care. “It’s

Community Lenten Services to Raise Money for Local Nonprofits

14 hours 7 minutes ago
ALTON - Alton Area Church Women United will host their annual community Lenten services while giving back to local nonprofits. Starting on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, and continuing through Good Friday on April 3, 2026, community members are invited to attend 30-minute Lenten services every Wednesday afternoon. All offerings that are collected during services will be given to Oasis Women’s Center and Crisis Food Center. “We want to have a big crowd, because all the money that’

Juvenile Charged in Connection With Fatal Shooting Of Shannon O'Brien In Ferguson

14 hours 8 minutes ago
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A 17-year-old male was arrested Sunday and remanded to the custody of the St. Louis County Family Court in connection with the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Shannon O’Brien, whose death is under investigation after officers responded to reports of shots fired in Ferguson, Missouri, police said. O'Brien had family ties to Edwardsville and also previously attended EHS. The 17-year-old suspect was arrested Feb. 1, 2026, on allegations of second-degree murder, armed criminal

Lane Closures On I-64 In St. Clair County Announced

14 hours 11 minutes ago
O’FALLON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane closures on eastbound and westbound Interstate 64 between Illinois 157 and Highway 50 beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9. Traffic will be reduced to two lanes in each direction. If required, nighttime lane closures will occur during the following times: Eastbound I-64 : 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Westbound I-64 : 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The closures are necessary to perform pavement and bridge work and are expected t

As Housing Costs Continue to Soar, Duckworth Convenes Metro East Housing Authorities to Discuss Solutions

14 hours 13 minutes ago
ALTON — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with local housing authorities, municipal leaders and service providers to discuss the ongoing housing affordability crisis and how to expand stable, affordable housing opportunities. As the cost of housing continues to consistently faster than the rate of wages, Duckworth underscored the urgent need to address issues preventing homes from being built and ensuring the homes we do build meet the needs of Veterans, the disability community

Gov. Pritzker Highlights Expansion of STAR Bond Program

14 hours 21 minutes ago
BELLEVILLE – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR), and local leaders to highlight the expansion of the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bond program to communities statewide. The program is designed to support economic growth with financing options to develop and revitalize communities through major tourism, entertainment, retail, and destination-based projects in STAR bond districts.

Alton City Hall Features "Empowering" Black History Month Exhibit Through February

15 hours 24 minutes ago
ALTON - Riverbend residents have the chance to learn more about Alton’s Black community throughout Black History Month. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 9 through 28, 2026, community members can stop by Alton City Hall to view an expansive collection of Black History Month artifacts, newspaper articles, and information related to Alton’s Black heritage. Curated by Sheila Goins, Eva Perkins and Charlotte Johnson, this exhibit marks its fifth year at City Hall and promises to be as

What's Up Downtown Information Exchange to be Held Tuesday, February 10th

15 hours 56 minutes ago
ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Tuesday, February 10th at 5:30 p.m. at The Wedge, located at 620 E. Broadway in Alton, Illinois. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. You’ll be in the

Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athletes Of The Month: Seven Eagles Advance to Sectional After Close Regional Finish

16 hours ago
JACKSONVILLE - Civic Memorial High School’s girls wrestling team came up one point short of a regional title over the weekend in Jacksonville, finishing second at the IHSA girls wrestling Illinois School for the Deaf Regional and advancing seven wrestlers to next week’s sectional. Springfield won the team crown with 126.5 points, edging Civic Memorial 126.5-125.5. Chatham Glenwood was third with 101 points, Jacksonville High was fourth with 83.5 points, and Roxana rounded out th