Riverbender 🕸

CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed the bipartisan Clean Slate Act (HB 1836), a law that will automate the state's record-sealing system process for individuals with certain non-violent convictions following a waiting period. Individuals with violent and serious convictions including murder, domestic battery, DUI, sex crimes, and other serious crimes are not eligible for record sealing under the Clean Slate Act. The bill also does not apply to any crimes that aren’t already

ALTON – The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center Laboratory, based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs. Recognized for rigorous and robust standards, CAP accreditation elevates quality and mitigates risk, an important way that laboratories can contribute to improved patient outcomes. The facility’s director, Huazhang Guo,

BENTON – A Southern Illinois District judge sentenced a Kentucky man to 15 years in federal prison for possessing more than 150 grams of meth and a firearm as a felon. James W. Towery, 45, of Salem, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute meth and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. “Armed drug dealers belong in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Southern Illinois communities are safer with this

BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Monday evening, Jan. 19, 2026, on the 600 block of State Street. At approximately 8:19 p.m., officers responded to reports of a shooting near the entrance of a residence. Upon arrival, they found a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel provided aid at the scene, but the victim later died from his injuries. A woman was taken into custody at the scene and is currently

JERSEYVILLE – A Godfrey man faces multiple charges after allegedly driving under the influence in Jerseyville and attempting to flee from police with a loaded handgun and drugs inside the vehicle. Coulton E. Faulstich, 22, of Godfrey, was charged on Jan. 15, 2026 with the following offenses: Unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 felony) Aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon (Class 4 felony) Aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (Class 4 felony)

EAST ST. LOUIS - Growing up in East St. Louis and graduating from Assumption Catholic High School, I never imagined that one day I’d be named president of Ameren Illinois. But as I prepare to step into this role on January 1, 2026, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought me here — a path paved with hard work, mentorship, and a deep connection to the community that raised me. I still remember the moment that sparked my interest in the utility industry. I was a kid, standing

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that since President Donald J. Trump took office on January 20, 2025, lawsuits filed by Raoul’s office have protected approximately $6.6 billion in federal funding for the state of Illinois and critical programs and services that support individuals, families and organizations across the state. In the past year, Raoul’s office has filed more than 50 lawsuits defending the rule of law and the civil rights of all Illinoisans,

ST. LOUIS, MO. — The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, leading to about a 35% drawdown of blood products in the past month. Individuals are urged to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O, A negative and B negative blood. High flu activity in nearly every state may be sidelining donors, slowing efforts to rebuild the

ST. LOUIS - Tyler “Tai” Davis, a multifaceted artist and chef known for his contributions to the St. Louis arts and culinary scenes, died suddenly on Jan. 9, 2026, at age 41. Davis was widely recognized for his diverse talents as a chef, painter, photographer, cellist, fashion designer, and mentor, as well as for his philanthropic work and advocacy for mental health. Davis was the featured celebrity artist at Mooneyham Art, which announced that his entire collection is currently

OHLMAN, IL. — A magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck near Ohlman, Illinois, in central Illinois early Tuesday morning, Jan. 20, 2026, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake occurred at 1:27 a.m. Central Time about 3 miles north-northeast of Ohlman at a shallow depth of approximately 8.8 kilometers (5.5 miles), making it more noticeable despite its moderate size. The tremor was felt across parts of Christian and Sangamon counties, including areas as far as the Metro East region

“New year, new me” sounds like an ancient proverb—but it’s closer to a catchy slogan than a timeless saying. That surprise matters because the phrase feels bigger than it is. People use it to announce a fresh start, to post a gym selfie, or to joke about quitting a habit for 48 hours. It has become a shorthand for self-improvement, reinvention, and hope. But where did it actually come from, and why did it spread so fast? A phrase that feels old, but isn’t Unlike

A On January 20, 1942, senior officials of Nazi Germany met in a lakeside villa in Berlin for what became known as the Wannsee Conference. The meeting did not start the Holocaust, which was already underway, but it helped organize it. Participants discussed how to coordinate the deportation of Jewish people across Europe and how different government agencies would cooperate in carrying out mass murder. It mattered at the time because it turned genocide into a managed state project with shared

This morning starts cold with cloudy skies and a temperature near 29 degrees. As the day progresses, expect the clouds to break, making way for partly sunny skies. The high will reach around 38 degrees, with a noticeable breeze kicking in from the south at about 12 mph, gusting up to nearly 29 mph by the afternoon. The wind will lend a chill, making it feel colder than the thermometer. Evening brings mostly cloudy skies with temperatures dropping but remaining above freezing. Overnight, clouds stic

GRANITE CITY - Granite City Community School District #9's Preston Brown is a School Resource Officer at the district’s elementary schools and a S.A.B.R.E. instructor serving eight schools in the Granite City community. Brown, a graduate of Madison High School and Southwestern Illinois College, where he earned an associate degree, began his career by serving in the U.S. Navy. His daily responsibilities as a school resource officer include ensuring building safety, conducting perimeter checks,

DeKALB - Northern Illinois University announces its fall 2025 Dean's List students. To earn this distinction, students must meet a minimum semester grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology or a minimum of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale in the colleges of Business, Education, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, MAJOR(S), HIGH SCHOOL (if listed) Edwardsville, IL Drew Bagby,

ALTON – The Metro East Auto Theft Task Force has charged five local residents with felony possession of stolen vehicles and other offenses. Shawn R. Murphey, 43, and Trina G. Skelton, 45, both of Alton, were each charged on Jan. 14, 2026 with Class 2 felony counts of offenses related to motor vehicles and Class 4 felony counts of possession of a controlled substance. The two are accused of knowingly possessing a stolen 2017 Chevrolet Trax bearing an Illinois registration number on Nov.

BELLEVILLE — Woodland Elementary School in Edwarsville Assistant Principal Ali Hiller has been named the Illinois Principals Association Southwest Region Assistant Principal of the Year. The recognition was presented Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2026, at the IPA Southwestern Region Awards held at Cooper Fire in Belleville. Hiller, who is in her second year at Woodland Elementary, expressed both surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award. “I

SPRINGFIELD – In celebration of the founding of the United States 250 years ago, Governor JB Pritzker is inviting Illinoisans to unite in service by volunteering with organizations of their choice to foster community connection and build a legacy of giving back throughout 2026. “Illinoisans throughout history have always come together to help their neighbors, and it’s this deep sense of community that makes our state the best in the nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – One year after Donald Trump fired 17 Inspectors General (IGs) just days into his second term, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced legislation to help restore public trust in IGs as Trump has worked to replace them with loyalists tied to his Administration. The Inspectors General Independence Act would prevent Donald Trump and future Presidents from appointing their own political allies to serve in the Administration’s “independent” watchdog

EDWARDSVILLE/GRANITE CITY – Madison County authorities have charged residents of Edwardsville, Granite City, and Litchfield, Ill. for their roles in two separate mob action incidents. 22-year-olds Desintee E. Herzing and Madison M. Tartt, both of Granite City, were charged with one count each of mob action, both Class 4 felonies, on Jan. 15, 2026. The two are accused of knowingly acting together without legal authority to physically attack the same victim and disturb the public peace