Riverbender 🕸

GRANITE CITY — On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced U.S. Steel will continue sending slabs to Granite City Works and will keep the plant operational following pressure from Budzinski, the United Steelworkers (USW), and the Granite City community. In May, President Trump announced that Nippon Steel would acquire U.S. Steel; however, the deal failed to include any assurances or investment for the Granite City facility. Budzinski joined local USW leaders to demand greater transparency, commitments to the future of Granite City, and a seat at the table for steelworkers as Trump negotiated the acquisition. Following the acquisition, it was announced that Granite City Works would no longer be receiving slabs, significantly impacting operations at the site. However, USW and Rep. Budzinski pushed back, and U.S. Steel declared the decision would be reversed . “After the Nippon deal lacked the commitment of future investments to

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE – The owner of Studio 420 in Collinsville has been charged with possession of nitrous oxide after a series of purchases were made by undercover Illinois State Police agents, resulting in a search of the property and the seizure of several items. Zachariah F. Yinger, 37, of Alton, was charged on Sept. 19, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of unlawful possession of nitrous oxide with the intent to deliver. According to a Complaint For Search Warrant filed on Aug. 19, 2025, Illinois State Police Special Agent Corey Martin requested the issuance of a search warrant for the Studio 420 location at 106 W. Main St. in Collinsville. There, he aimed to search for, seize, and return items including: nitrous oxide; U.S. currency; firearms and firearm ammunition; as wellas safes, lock-boxes, storage containers, secured storage containers, secured safes, and the contents therein. Authorities also sought to seize “paraphernalia and equipment used for ingesting nitrous

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — The Midwest Open beach volleyball tournament brought 25 professional men’s and women’s teams to Plummer Family Park on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, offering the community a chance to experience high-level competition at the city’s new beach volleyball courts. The event was part of the AVP Next series and featured players competing for championship titles and prize money. On the women’s side, Aree Keller and Tiffany Svenssohn took first place, followed by Erica Brok and Lexi McKeown in second. The men’s championship was won by Luke De Greeff and Tynan Gannett, with Cody Caldwell and Wyatt Harrison finishing second. “This was a fantastic event, and such a great opportunity for the community to check out this fun, high-action professional sport at our new beach volleyball courts at Plummer Family Park,” Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy said. “The event wouldn’t have happened without so many businesses and organizations

Continue Reading

ROXANA – A 30-year-old Roxana man faces four felony charges after allegedly sexually abusing a 9-year-old victim. Cody E. Gleason, 30, of the 100 block of East 4th Street in Roxana, was charged on Sept. 18, 2025 with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, including two Class 1 felony counts and two Class 2 felony counts. On June 9, 2025, Gleason allegedly committed multiple acts of sexual conduct upon a victim who was 9 years old at the time of the offense. According to the state’s petition to deny Gleason’s pretrial release from custody, the victim reported that Gleason inappropriately touched her while the two were “lying in bed in the middle of the night watching a Netflix show” while other children were present, including the victim’s sister. The victim immediately reported the incident to her grandmother, and the petition states she gave consistent statements about the event to multiple family members and an interviewer with the

Continue Reading

Did you know that farmers’ markets in the United States generate over $9 billion annually for local economies? Beyond the impressive economic impact, these markets serve as vibrant hubs where communities come together, local agriculture thrives, and seasonal flavors burst forth in abundance. For those who appreciate fresh, sustainably grown food and the stories behind it, fall is an especially compelling time to explore farmers’ markets. The bounty of the harvest season offers a unique opportunity to connect with the land and the people who cultivate it. Why Fall Farmers’ Markets Are Uniquely Worth Visiting Fall farmers’ markets stand apart from their spring and summer counterparts by showcasing a rich palette of produce and artisanal goods that reflect the culmination of the growing season. Crisp apples, hearty squashes, root vegetables, and fresh nuts dominate the stalls. But it’s not just about the variety of food; many markets host special events

Continue Reading

Did you know that families who regularly engage in shared traditions report higher levels of happiness and cohesion? Celebrating the first day of fall can be more than just marking a date on the calendar—it can become an opportunity to strengthen familial bonds and create lasting memories. But how can families turn this moment into a meaningful ritual that everyone looks forward to year after year? The Power of Family Traditions Family traditions are more than routines; they are the threads that weave individual family members into a collective story. Psychologists suggest that traditions provide a sense of identity and stability, which can be especially comforting during times of change. Starting a fall tradition on the very first day of the season offers a natural anchor point—a shared experience that signals the beginning of new rhythms and activities. Crafting Meaningful Fall Traditions Creating traditions around the first day of fall need not involve elaborate plan

Continue Reading

September 22 has been a date marked by pivotal events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. Going back in history, September 22, 1862, saw U.S. President Abraham Lincoln issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation during the American Civil War. This executive order declared that enslaved people in the Confederate states would be set free as of January 1, 1863. While it did not immediately free all enslaved individuals, it was a powerful step toward the abolition of slavery in the United States and reshaped the war’s moral and political goals. Lincoln’s proclamation laid the groundwork for the eventual passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery entirely. In the realm of science and innovation, September 22, 1975, marks the launch of the Soviet spacecraft Venera 9, which would later become the first spacecraft to send back images from the surface of Venus. This mission was a significant milestone in planetary exploration, providing invaluable

Continue Reading

September 20th and 21st have witnessed a fascinating array of events throughout history. Traveling back, on September 20, 1519, the legendary explorer Ferdinand Magellan embarked on his historic circumnavigation of the globe. Setting sail from Spain with a fleet of five ships, Magellan aimed to find a westward route to the Spice Islands. Although Magellan himself would not complete the journey, having been killed in the Philippines, his expedition proved conclusively that the Earth is round and could be circumnavigated by sea. This voyage dramatically expanded European knowledge of the world's geography and opened new avenues for trade and exploration. In the realm of culture and arts, September 20 also holds notable significance. In 1870, the iconic novelist and playwright Leo Tolstoy published the first part of his epic work "War and Peace." This masterpiece has since become a cornerstone of world literature, offering profound insights into Russian society and the human condition

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has officially designated the STAR Tool as the required soil health assessment for all state-funded conservation practices, in accordance with the Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts Act (70 ILCS 405). This decision marks a significant milestone in the commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship in Illinois. The STAR Tool now plays a central role in supporting key conservation programs across the state, including the Partners-for-Conservation Cost-Share program (PFC), the Illinois Healthy Soils Initiative (PA 103-00494), and the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS). “The Illinois Department of Agriculture is proud to elevate the STAR Tool as the standard for assessing soil health across all state-funded conservation programs,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “This decision reflects our deep commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture, supporting

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) today announced achievements in affordable housing, delivering billions of dollars in investments that revitalized communities and expanded access to safe, stable housing across the state. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, IHDA initiatives supported first-time homebuyers, seniors, veterans, and individuals with special needs, meeting the evolving housing demands of Illinois families and strengthening neighborhoods statewide. “As Governor of Illinois, I’m committed to making life more affordable for people across the state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From helping thousands of working families achieve their dreams of homeownership to creating more affordable housing opportunities for our veterans and seniors, I applaud IHDA’s critical investments in our communities that support safe, affordable housing for all.” “Whether it was helping a family buy their first home, providin

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE — The Jersey Community Hospital (JCH) Foundation is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of its Medical Education Fund awards for local students pursuing careers in healthcare. Recipients are eligible to receive $1,000 per semester for up to eight semesters – a maximum of $8,000 in total funding while completing their respective programs. The 2025 JCH Foundation Medical Education Fund recipients are: Annie Hansen , Jersey Community High School graduate, attending the University of Missouri, studying Pre-Med/Physician Assistant. Katreona Benedict , Jersey Community High School graduate, attending Iowa State University, studying Genetics to become a Fertility Specialist. Haley Roach , Jersey Community High School student, attending Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, studying Diagnostic Sonography. Megan Stewart , Jersey Community High School graduate, attending the University of Missouri, studying to become a Physician Assistant

Continue Reading

Did you know that people who regularly practice gratitude report up to 25% higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction? This statistic is more than just a number; it hints at the transformative power of a simple yet profound human experience—gratitude. World Gratitude Day, observed annually on September 21, invites individuals and communities around the globe to pause and reflect on the importance of thankfulness. But beyond its surface celebration, what deeper significance does this day hold in our personal lives and society at large? The Origins and Purpose of World Gratitude Day World Gratitude Day was established in 1965 by the United Nations to promote the recognition and practice of gratitude worldwide. The day was inspired by the idea that expressing thanks is a universal value that transcends cultures, languages, and religions. It aims to foster a spirit of appreciation not only toward other people but also toward life’s circumstances, nature, and the world

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD — Just this year, Illinois has already seen 115 tornadoes touch down in the state, which is the highest number of twisters in the nation for 2025. On top of that, communities have faced repeated rounds of severe storms, unleashing destructive straight-line winds and flooding across the state. With September recognized as National Preparedness Month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is urging all residents to take this moment to review and strengthen their disaster preparedness plans. “Severe weather can strike with little warning, and the best defense is being ready before it happens," said IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “The national ‘preparedness starts at home’ campaign reminds us that we each have a role to play by mapping out a plan and reviewing insurance coverage” IEMA-OHS offers several blueprints to help residents prepare for an emergency. Emergency kits

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) announce awards totaling $16.2 million in grants to 1,123 artists, arts organizations, and communities throughout Illinois. This year's funding empowers the creative sector, bolsters youth employment in the arts, and enhances regional arts initiatives across the state. “The arts enrich our lives, our communities, and our culture,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With key arts funding under attack at the federal level, I’m proud that Illinois is continuously investing in our state’s talented artists, encouraging young people to pursue their passions in the arts sector, and enhancing communitywide access to arts initiatives.” Grant programs funded in the first quarter of FY26 include the Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF), General Operating Support (GOS) with Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) and Regional Arts Partner (RAP) grants. These programs fortify the state's vibrant cultural

Continue Reading

ALTON, IL – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project and The National Great Rivers Museum is thrilled to announce the return of their signature Halloween event, Haunted Night at the NGRM, set to take place on Friday, October 3rd, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Nestled in America’s most haunted small town, Alton, Illinois, this festive fall event promises a night filled with thrills, chills, and family-friendly fun! The public is invited to visit the National Great Rivers Museum for a wide array of family-friendly yet spooky activities to kick off the Halloween season. Visitors can enjoy child-friendly ‘Sunset Dam Tours’ from 6:00-7:30PM offering families the chance to travel 80 feet to the top of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam above the Mississippi River for the evening sunset. ‘Dam after Dark Tours’ run from 7:30-9:00PM where guests can plan for a spookier experience. “We encourage guests to join us for the Dam after Dark Tours, an intriguin

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – A Collinsville man accused of deceptively obtaining $900 from an elderly victim faces multiple felony charges in a case of home repair fraud. Marlon A. Taylor, 41, of Collinsville, was charged on Sept. 17, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated home repair fraud in an amount over $500 against an elderly victim. He was additionally charged with a Class 3 felony count of theft. According to charging documents, Taylor entered into a written agreement in the amount of $1,900 with a victim who was 60 years of age or older at the time of the offense. The agreement was reportedly for “tree topping and hauling services,” which Taylor allegedly knew would not be performed. Taylor was additionally accused of stealing $900 from the same victim, which he reportedly obtained by means of deception. The case against Taylor was presented by the Granite City Police Department, and he was granted pretrial release from custody. A ll individuals charged

Continue Reading

ILLINOIS - Ted Dabrowski, a Republican from Wilmette, Illinois, has announced his bid for governor. Dabrowski recently appeared on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about his main concerns for the State of Illinois as he prepares for the primary in March 2026. Hoping to secure the Republican nomination, Dabrowski spoke about taxes, immigration, the SAFE-T Act, education, and more. “Politics are a really big deal in Illinois because we’ve got a state that’s sort of struggling in so many ways. Some of us want to promote new ideas, good ideas, and get the state out of the mess it's in,” Dabrowski said. “I saw that the politicians weren’t picking up the right ideas. We kept doing the same wrong things. Taxes keep going up. We’re not getting new jobs. The crime continues. So I said, I can’t keep writing about it. I know the problems now. I know how to solve them. It was either keep complaining or get in the

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – A set of 1989 Chicago Bears pins, baseball cards of Hall of Famers Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron, collectibles from the U.S. bicentennial celebration, and a 14-karat yellow gold Omega woman’s watch are just a few of the unclaimed property items being auctioned online from September 19 to September 28, 2025. “Our online auction is a great opportunity for everyone to explore and find distinctive items to keep or to give as gifts,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “If you’re a sports fan, we have some great baseball, basketball and hockey cards, or if you like unique jewelry, the auction features pocket watches, pins, and other treasures.” The online auction also features sports collectible cards of iconic baseball, basketball, and hockey players, including Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Wayne Gretzky, and Brett Hull. Some of the other

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – National Seat Check Saturday is Saturday, Sept. 27, with the Illinois Department of Transportation reminding parents and caregivers to take advantage of free car seat checking stations throughout the state. Technicians will be available to determine if your child is in the right car seat, provide instruction on how to install it correctly and explain the importance of registering with manufacturers in case of a recall. “Unfortunately, many parents are not well-informed about car seats,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “They believe they’re protecting their kids, but nearly half of car seats are either the wrong type for the child’s age and size or are installed incorrectly, which significantly increases the risk of injury in a crash. We know parents love their kids, so they’ll do everything in their power to protect them. A simple but crucial step is to double check

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced a bipartisan calling for the release of Azerbaijani economist and academic Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu. The resolution urges the Department of State to prioritize Dr. Ibadoghlu’s well-being and release; denounces the suppression of academic freedom and peaceful expression in Azerbaijan; and supports efforts at a lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It also notes that Azerbaijan’s attempt to improve its international image, including by hosting the upcoming Grand Prix auto race, will not succeed without easing its political repression. “Despite America’s dangerous and troubling retreat from the global stage at the behest of the Trump Administration, the United States remains a beacon of hope by those trapped under brutal regimes and for all who seek to enjoy the freedoms of democracy,” said Durbin. “As a U.S. Senator, I have used

Continue Reading