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COLLINSVILLE - Three individuals are facing serious charges in connection with the shooting death of 32-year-old Portia Rowland, who was killed while warming up her car outside her home on Olive Street on the morning of Jan. 21, 2025. On Monday, Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas Haine announced the charges against Sammy J. Shafer, Jr., 36, Gary D. Johnson, and Marty Shaw. According to the charging documents, Shafer is accused of hiring Shaw and Johnson to carry out the murder. Shafer faces two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of solicitation for murder-for-hire. Johnson, identified as the alleged gunman, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of possession of a weapon. Shaw is also charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Investigators allege that Shafer paid $10,000 for the murder. Shaw reportedly gave Johnson a ride on the day of the shooting and was said to have received the same $10,000, subsequently giving $6,500

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ALTON — St. Mary’s Catholic School in Alton held its inaugural Appreciation Dinner this past week, honoring five educators for their long-standing commitment to Catholic education. The event brought together parish and school families to celebrate the contributions of these women, who have dedicated between 25 and 36 years to teaching. The dinner, which took place at St. Mary’s Catholic School, recognized the recipients of the Catholic Educator Lifetime Achievement Awards: Karen Crites and Julia Godfrey, both with 35 years of service; Beth Hogg and Kelly Jacobs, each with 30 years; and Sue Brown, who is set to retire after 25 years of teaching. St. Mary's Catholic School Principal Mary Rivera highlighted the significance of the evening, noting that most of the honorees have spent their entire careers at the school. “What a testament to their faith to do so,” Rivera said in an email. Rivera emphasized the important role these educators play in fostering

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement after President Donald Trump’s administration started mass deportation actions in and around Chicago: “We can all agree that we must remove any dangerous individuals from our country who are here illegally. But the mass deportation actions being undertaken by President Trump’s administration go far beyond those important goals. These actions have the potential to sweep up Dreamers who came to the United States as children, Veterans who have served our nation, and essential workers who care for our family members, build our homes, and ensure we have food on our tables. “Instead, we should focus on deporting those who pose a danger to our country. And we should give the rest a chance to earn legal status. They would have to register with the government, pay their

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined her colleagues on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) in a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Acting Secretary Todd Hunter requesting answers on how the VA is implementing President Trump’s Executive Order to freeze hiring across the executive branch. “President Trump signed this Executive Order without offering any solutions to the ongoing staffing shortages affecting the VA,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “If critical roles are waiting to be filled, and offers are rescinded, that’s deeply concerning. We can’t let service fall by the wayside or allow even one veteran to go waiting for answers on their health or benefits.” The VA reported more than 40,000 vacancies at the end of 2024, including in critical clinical roles like mental health providers and nurses. Thousands of Americans have already received notifications that V

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EDWARDSVILLE - Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois will celebrate Mass at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The event is part of the weeklong observance of National Catholic Schools Week, which runs from January 26 to February 1. During the Mass, Bishop Paprocki will join students, staff, and administration from Catholic schools in the Edwardsville area. This gathering aims to highlight the importance of Catholic education and foster community among local schools. The Diocese of Springfield serves approximately 124,000 Catholics across 28 counties in Central Illinois and operates 43 Catholic schools, including 36 elementary schools and seven high schools.

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PONTOON BEACH – A woman facing felony charges for attacking her husband with an axe claims she was intoxicated and "feeling homicidal" during the incident. Stacy K. Fitzpatrick, 56, of Granite City, was charged on Jan. 21, 2025, with aggravated domestic battery and aggravated battery, both Class 2 felonies. O n Jan. 19, 2025, Fitzpatrick allegedly struck a victim “in the head with an axe, causing a severe laceration to the victim’s head.” A petition to deny Fitzpatrick’s pretrial release states officers immediately saw evidence of the attack upon meeting the victim. “ Victim reported that his wife struck him in the head with an axe ,” the petition states. “ Officers observed him to have a bleeding laceration to the head.” Fitzpatrick later admitted to striking the victim with the axe, adding she was “intoxicated and was feeling homicidal.’” Fitzpatrick’ s criminal history shows prior

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY: ? ?On Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued?charges?on suspect Tawiand Cleafton, 31 years of age, of the 10100 block of Baron Drive Avenue, St Louis, Missouri, 63136, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Abuse or Neglect of a Child, and two counts of Domestic Assault. A booking photo of Cleafton is attached. Cleafton is being held on $500,000 bond. ?? Please note,?charges?are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.? ? The probable cause statement?for the Failure to Register as a Sex Offender reads:? The Defendant is required to register because he plead guilty to attempted forcible rape in 2013 under Chapter 566, RSMo, an unclassified felony. He established residency in St. Louis County and was arrested for domestic violence charges. The Defendant was incarcerated on those charges and released from incarceration on November 4, 2024.

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WOOD RIVER — Madison County Emergency Management Agency wants to remind the public about the dangers of playing on ponds and lakes this winter. EMA Director Fred Patterson said police and fire departments throughout the county have received phone calls about children playing on the ice of ponds, including retention ponds. He said in hopes of avoiding water rescue emergencies and fatalities this winter, emergency officials want to remind the public about the dangers. “The best way to stay safe is staying off the ice,” Patterson said. “It’s an important reminder for children to make sure they're not using retention ponds for hockey or playing or even walking across it.” Retention ponds can have hidden dangers. Often times they can have pumps and aerators circulating water, causing water levels to vary, also weakening the ice. Also the change in temperatures from freezing to above freezing creates thinning of the ice as some areas start to melt.

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ALTON – A mudslide occurred at Riverview Park on Jan. 13, 2025, prompting the Alton Parks and Recreation Department to temporarily close the area above the bluffs. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and nearby structures, including the Abbott Machine Shop, sustained no damage. The mudslide was triggered by a combination of weather conditions, including snow-covered bluffs, frozen ground, and recent sunny days that melted the snow. These factors caused the top layer of soil and vegetation, classified as loess soil, to slide off the steep bluff face, accumulating at its base. In response to the incident, Lyndsey Younger, the Interim Parks and Recreation Director, emphasized the department's commitment to public safety. "We recognize the importance of Riverview Park to our community and are exploring all viable options to ensure the safety of our visitors while preserving access to this cherished space," Younger said. The department is aware that addressing the stability o

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ALTON - In a recent interview on Our Daily Show! with Riverbender.com host C.J. Nasello, Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine highlighted the critical role of community involvement in the justice system, urging residents to report criminal activities to law enforcement. Haine's comments come amid ongoing efforts to enhance public safety in Madison County. During the interview, Haine emphasized the importance of tips from the community, stating, "You have to have trust in the community that it will be reported and successfully prosecuted." Haine noted that the initial report of a crime is often undervalued but serves as the essential starting point for achieving justice. Haine referenced a recent case that illustrates the significance of community trust and reporting. He described how a key witness, who was also a nephew of the suspect, felt compelled to come forward after seeing holiday advertisements that emphasized the value of family. This emotional realization led him

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ALTON - As the consolidated election on April 1, 2025, approaches, Ward 2 Alderwoman Carolyn MacAfee is looking ahead to her goals if reelected. MacAfee has held the position of Ward 2 alderwoman for 12 years. She is facing two challengers in the April 1 election. She expressed appreciation for the accomplishments she has made over the past decade, as well as excitement about her plans for the next four years. “I’m going to continue to make Alton a better place to live,” MacAfee said. “I’m a 24/7, seven days a week alderman.” MacAfee shared that she does not work full-time and she is not raising children, so she is “available all the time.” She answers every phone call and works to make sure her constituents are heard. She pointed to the recent snowstorm as an example. As MacAfee waited in her house for two days for her street to be cleared, she took calls from her neighbors in Ward 2 and directed the Public Works Department

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COTTAGE HILLS — The Cottage Hills Fire Department responded to a fire in a shed located in the backyard of a residence on Deanna Avenue on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. Firefighters arrived at the scene in the 1200 block shortly after the call was placed to 911. Upon arrival, crews found the shed on fire. A box alarm was activated, prompting additional assistance from neighboring fire departments, including Rosewood Heights, Meadowbrook, and Fosterburg. The Alton Fire Department also sent an ambulance to the scene, along with Alton Memorial for fire standby. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, and officials have not yet determined what led to the incident.

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ST. LOUIS — The Delmar Loop Ice Carnival, a beloved winter event in St. Louis, took place on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, drawing a crowd eager to experience a day filled with art, entertainment, and community spirit. The carnival ran from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. along Delmar Boulevard on Saturday, featuring over 55 ice sculptures, live ice carving demonstrations, and various activities for all ages. Samantha Smugala, Executive Director of the East Loop Community Improvement District, noted that this year marked the 18th anniversary of the Ice Carnival. "It is a festival unlike any in St. Louis," she said. "We are here to celebrate ice, not on the roads, but as an art form." She highlighted the impressive display of sculptures representing local businesses, as well as a large ice selfie color wall that attracted many attendees. In addition to the ice sculptures, the carnival offered a range of entertainment, including fire dancers, music, and kids' games throughout the day. One

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ALTON - Calvary Christian School’s open enrollment starts this week, and they’re eager to welcome students to their new program. Located at 1422 Washington Avenue in Alton, Calvary Christian School launched in Fall 2024 with 28 students. They follow the classical education model, with students divided into learning levels. Open enrollment starts on Jan. 27 with an open house planned for Feb. 15, 2025, and families are encouraged to reach out to get more information and decide if Calvary Christian School is right for their child. “The families have really bought into what we’re doing, and it’s been a really great year,” said Associate Pastor Wade Dobson. “We always say it’s not education by worksheet. They’re not just given a sheet of paper and answer these questions or complete these problems and turn it back in. There’s a lot more to it than that in terms of their involvement.” Dobson and Mike Harrelson, Calvary’

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST)—Deb Fischer (R-NE), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available—including a female crash test dummy. The bipartisan She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act would help enhance passenger vehicle safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures. The bill is estimated to help save more than 1,300 lives, prevent and mitigate tens of thousands of serious injuries and save billions of dollars in economic impact from preventing and mitigating injuries and deaths. “We can be doing more to improve our roadways and make sure visiting a family member or a routine trip to the grocery store doesn’t end in tragedy,” said Senator

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CHICAGO - In the wake of widespread devastation and loss of life caused by wildfires in Southern California, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today urged Illinois residents who plan to donate to assist those affected to be on the lookout for fundraising scams. “The wildfires still raging in California have tragically destroyed thousands of homes and businesses,” Raoul said. “As many Illinoisans step up to help those affected, I urge them to take the time to look into the charitable organization before donating. Taking the extra step will help ensure your donation reaches legitimate causes that directly contribute to helping the people most in need.” Potential donors should find out if the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups. Donors may want to avoid the middleman and give directly to charities that have a presence in the region. Attorney General Raoul advised donors to ask questions to determine the donations’ ultimate recipients

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GODFREY – Some people search for a job, while others aim for a specific career. Lewis and Clark Community College’s Niccolas Edwards wasn’t looking for a career in business/marketing, then he took a class that piqued his interest, putting him on the path to success. Edwards, who has become a stand-out business student, is a 2011 graduate of Alton High School. He describes his interest in marketing as something that found him. “ While in my intro to business class, the marketing portion really spoke to me,” he said. “Luckily, through expressing my interest to professor (Christina) Wickenhauser, she recommended an internship at Argosy Casino Alton. After being in this field for almost a year, I can truly say I believe this is where I am supposed to be.” His interest in business has led Edwards to join L&C’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where he has excelled on both the state and national levels. “

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Office of Undergraduate Admissions will host virtual information sessions highlighting two programs that help incoming first-year students thrive at SIUE. Newly admitted first-year students and family members are invited to learn more about the Student Success Program and the Community-Oriented Digital Engagement Scholars (CODES) Program at one of two informational webinars on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, and Thursday, March 6, from 6-8 p.m. The Summer Success Program —a free, five-week academic, residential program that takes place before the start of the fall semester—helps students transitioning to college life develop the skills they need at SIUE. While on campus, students can potentially complete up to six credit hours of general education courses, connect to SIUE resources like financial aid, counseling, and health services, and establish a community of peers and mentors on campus through social events

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with former U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as the Secretary of Transportation. During their meeting, Durbin asked Duffy about President Trump’s recent executive order directing agencies to immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and what that means for the future of transportation and infrastructure projects already underway. Durbin also advocated for ongoing infrastructure projects in Illinois, including the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line Extension and the Chicago Hub Improvement Project to modernize Chicago Union Station and its surrounding infrastructure. Durbin also raised the importance of Amtrak funding, and emphasized how many freight railroads run through Chicago as the rail hub of North America. Projects across the state, including the Chicago Region Environmental

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January 27th has seen its fair share of significant events that have shaped the course of history. One of the most notable events that occurred on January 27, 1967, was the tragic Apollo 1 accident. During a pre-launch test for NASA's first crewed Apollo mission, a cabin fire broke out, claiming the lives of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger B. Chaffee. This catastrophe not only shocked the nation but also led to a complete overhaul of safety protocols in the Apollo program. The lessons learned from this tragedy ultimately contributed to the success of subsequent missions, including the historic moon landing in 1969. Fast forward to January 27, 1973, when the Paris Peace Accords were signed, marking a significant turning point in the Vietnam War. This agreement aimed to establish peace in Vietnam and restore the country’s sovereignty. While the accords did not immediately end hostilities, they paved the way for the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops and the reunification

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