Riverbender 🕸

ST. LIBORY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that road repairs on Illinois 4 from Illinois 15 to Illinois 13 in St. Clair County will require daily lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Monday, July 7. Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The project is anticipated to be completed this fall. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - For nearly the past two decades, the St. Louis region’s transit advocacy agency Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – in conjunction with AARP in St. Louis and the St. Clair County Transit District – has helped more than 10,000 older adults integrate walking and public transit use to explore area attractions in a group setting through its Ten Toes + Transit Program. Walk leaders are a key component of the ongoing success of this award-winning program, and CMT is seeking additional individuals willing to lead a walking group for its 12-week-long Fall 2025 session getting underway in August. “I was a walk leader for 17 years and enjoyed every minute of it,” stated Mary Fran Balmer, who led more than 400 walks over the years and now walks as part of a group. “I’ve made lifelong friends and visited amazing places as part of this program. I encourage others to consider being a walk leader.” Walk leaders guide a group of

Continue Reading

Food sizzling on the grill is one of the classic sounds of summer — right up there with kids splashing in sprinklers and the crack of a bat at the ballpark. That sizzling can also be a good stand-in for how we might feel outside on a sweltering day. With a little planning, though, we can make our time in the sun feel cooler and more comfortable — and much better for our skin. “Any amount of tan, and certainly sunburn, represents damage to the DNA of our skin cells,” said Dr. Aubriana McEvoy, a dermatologist at WashU Medicine in St. Louis. “And the more sun people get over their lives, the more of a chance there is for damaged cells to turn into skin cancer, which can affect our quality of life and, in some cases, the length of our lives.” Too much sun can also lead to wrinkles, coarse skin and discoloration, making our skin look older than it is, she added. Some simple steps can go a long way toward lowering the risk of skin cancer while keeping

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced an expansion of its list of ZIP codes where lead exposure testing is required for children who live within those areas. 180 new zip codes, representing parts of 47 Illinois counties, have been added to the list this year, bringing the total of high-risk ZIP codes to more than 1,350. By this time next year, all remaining ZIP codes in the state will be included, implementing universal childhood lead testing statewide. “IDPH is committed to building brighter futures for our children and families,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “This latest expansion of lead testing list brings us closer to achieving the ambitious goal of universal statewide testing. There is no safe level of lead in the blood. Early detection and intervention are critical tools to help protect Illinois’s kids from the serious health and developmental challenges caused from lead exposure.” Lead

Continue Reading

GODFREY - The Greater Godfrey Democrats will host a special meeting with the opportunity to meet two local candidates. At 6 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, community members are invited to IBEW Local 649 in Godfrey for the regular Greater Godfrey Democrats meeting, followed by presentations by Randy Raley and Lexy Dona. Raley, a former KSHE DJ, hopes to run against Congresswoman Mary Miller in Illinois’s 15th District. Lexy Dona intends to run for the Madison County Board. “What has been interesting is I’m 56 years old, and I never really understood how to get involved in politics. How do you get involved in the process? I’ve always kind of been interested but never really knew how to participate,” said Craig Rathgeb, the organization's chair. “There are avenues for folks to participate, and my goal as chairman is to teach and pass along the information that I’ve learned and how to participate in the political process and share your views,

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) opposing a proposed rule that would end critical fair housing regulations that prohibit discrimination in the marketing of affordable housing. The Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing (AFHM) regulations require owners of federally assisted housing to target advertising and outreach regarding their properties to communities that otherwise might not have learned about the opportunity to live there. The proposed rule would repeal these regulations, which are designed to ensure that federally assisted housing providers do not market available housing to only certain groups as had been done in the past to maintain racially segregated neighborhoods. “The legacy of discrimination and segregation in housing continues to negatively affect the overall health of communities and limits the potential of neighborhoods

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Henderson Associates Architects, a staple in the Edwardsville architecture community since 1976, has merged with Collinsville-based REspace Design to strengthen its legacy and expand its capabilities. The merger combines Henderson’s longstanding reputation and local heritage with REspace’s expertise in green architecture and emerging technologies. Founded by William Henderson, the Edwardsville firm is now led by his son, Jamie Henderson, who has been at the helm since 1999. The partnership with REspace, a virtual architecture firm co-founded by Eric Bratzler and Ryan C. Suess, aims to enhance efficiency, communication, and cost-effectiveness in architectural design. “We’ve put a lot of focus on green architecture and rely heavily on emerging technologies, employing innovative methods to improve communication, find efficiencies and reduce costs,” said Bratzler. “Pairing our modern approach with the rich heritage, meaningful focus

Continue Reading

ALTON - What happens behind the scenes at Centerstone? With locations across the country, including a spot in Alton, Centerstone is a national leader in mental health and substance use treatment. Brittany McCrady, a clinical manager at Centerstone, shared that she has seen Centerstone grow a lot in the 11 years since she started there as a therapist, and she is proud to be a part of the community in Alton. “When I first started, I felt like the community had a decent bit of stigma about the services and our clients that we work with. And over time, I think some of that has improved,” she said. “I think now, the community sees Centerstone as a great resource — I hope, anyway. Maybe I’m biased. But I think that now our services and our clients are viewed a little bit differently.” McCrady noted that Centerstone has increased their services over the years. With more options, from crisis stabilization to care coordination to outpatient

Continue Reading

O’FALLON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that lane closures will be in place on eastbound Interstate 64 at U.S. 50 in St. Clair County for pavement patching. Beginning, weather permitting, at 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, traffic will be reduced to two lanes. Starting at 7 p.m. the same day, traffic will be reduced to one lane. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 8. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt secured nearly half a million dollars in grant funding to boost tourism in the Metro East. “Investing in tourism brings more people to Illinois, boosting the local economy and creating more jobs,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With the Metro East bordering Missouri, we have seen how these investments encourage people to visit from out of state. Whether you’re a family-owned restaurant or a new boutique, investments in tourism help our entire community.” Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, a total of $6.3 million was awarded to 36 grantees through the Route 66 Grant Program, Tourism Attractions Grant Program and Tourism Private Sector Grant Program. Through the Route 66 Grant Program, Discover Downstate Illinois received $220,500 to boost attendance and interest in the IndyCar event at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison by transforming it into a festival

Continue Reading

DES MOINES, IOWA - The following local students have been named to the Deans' and President's Lists at Drake University. To be eligible for the Deans' List, students must have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher during the Spring 2025 semester at Drake. To be eligible for the President's List, students must have earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during the Spring 2025 semester at Drake. Drake University is recognized as one of the finest national liberal arts universities. A distinctive and distinguished private university in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake enrolls nearly 3,000 undergraduate and more than 1,800 graduate students. Students choose from more than 70 majors, minors, and concentrations and 20 graduate degrees offered through seven colleges and schools. In addition, Drake offers a range of continuing education programs serving working professionals, community members, and area businesses. Drake recognizes the importance of its location in Iowa’s capital city and seeks to connect its teaching

Continue Reading

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – Revity Credit Union proudly hosted its 9th Annual Tee Up Fore Veterans Golf Tournament at Stonewolf Golf Club in Fairview Heights. Despite the rain, the community's spirit shined brightly as the event took place on June 6th, the anniversary of D-Day, a day of profound historical significance. This year’s outing was a tremendous success, raising a total of $41,595 to benefit the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight. The Tee Up Fore Veterans event is a cherished community tradition that unites local businesses, golf lovers, and generous donors, all working towards a common goal: supporting our veterans. This year's event was particularly special as it honored WWII Veteran Ralph "Goldie" Goldsticker, who passed away just a week before the golf outing. His legacy and dedication to our nation were fondly remembered throughout the day. Revity Credit Union generously donated $20,000 to cover the outing expenses, ensuring that all proceeds could directly support the

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - Schnuck Markets, Inc. has announced that Schnucks customers and the company raised $110,000 to support St. Louis tornado victims following a “Round up at the Register” that concluded on June 10, 2025. The two-week campaign allowed customers to choose to round up their grocery purchase to the nearest dollar. Thanks to the generosity of Schnucks customers and the company, 100 percent of these donations will be split evenly between the United Way of Greater St. Louis and Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to support the relief efforts for those affected by the tornado last month. In addition to the round up campaign, Schnucks hosted a personal care item drive in St. Louis-area stores where customers were encouraged to bring in or purchase personal care items and leave them in each store’s respective collection bin. Thanks to the kindness of Schnucks shoppers, 20 pallets of some of the most sought after items have been donated directly to those in need.

Continue Reading

AURORA – Aurora University has named Antonia Phillips of Alton to the Dean's List for the spring 2025 semester. Phillips is majoring in Sport Management, Marketing. The Dean's List recognizes full-time undergraduate students who have earned a 3.6 grade-point average or higher.

Continue Reading

ALTON — A 17-year-old female was fatally shot early Friday morning, July 4, 2025, on Oakwood Avenue, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Alton Police Department. At approximately 2 a.m. on July 4, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 900 block of Oakwood Avenue. Upon arrival, they found the victim with an apparent gunshot wound. Officers provided immediate aid until the Alton Fire Department arrived to assume medical care. The victim was transported to a local hospital and later airlifted to a St. Louis area hospital due to the severity of her injuries, where she subsequently died. The Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division has been activated and is actively investigating the incident. The Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit assisted with processing the scene. Additional support was provided by officers from the East Alton Police Department, Wood River Police Department, SIUE Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s

Continue Reading

July 4th is a date packed with historical significance around the globe, resonating far beyond its well-known American roots. Arguably, the most globally recognized event occurring on this day is the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the United States in 1776. This momentous act marked the birth of a new nation founded on principles of liberty and democracy. The declaration declared the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule, setting into motion a series of events that would not only reshape North America but also inspire freedom movements worldwide. The language of the Declaration, emphasizing unalienable rights and government by consent, would echo in countless other struggles for independence and human rights globally. But July 4th has significance beyond America’s founding. For instance, in 1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point graduated its first class, laying the foundation for professional military education in the country.

Continue Reading

Did you know that nearly 70% of Americans celebrate Independence Day with family gatherings, yet only a fraction of those celebrations incorporate meaningful, creative activities that truly honor the spirit of freedom? Independence Day is more than fireworks and barbecues; it’s an opportunity to deepen family bonds while reflecting on the values that shape the nation. Here are inventive ways to celebrate Independence Day with your family that go beyond tradition, making the day memorable and meaningful for all ages. Reimagining Patriotic Traditions Most families associate July 4th with fireworks, flags, and cookouts, but there are enriching ways to reimagine these traditions. Consider crafting a “Freedom Tree” where each family member writes down what independence means to them on colorful paper leaves. Attach these leaves to a branch or small indoor tree to create a visual representation of diverse perspectives within your family. Another idea is to host a family

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - During the summer season, many people see fireworks as a pinnacle part of their summer celebrations. To those celebrants, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) recommends checking your local town, city, and/or municipalities for their scheduled professional firework displays. It is illegal to purchase or use “consumer fireworks” in the state of Illinois for personal use as they can be extremely dangerous. Things that are not considered consumer fireworks such as sparklers (check local ordinances for legality) and worm/snake pellets are allowed, though it is vital that precautions are taken, and they are only operated by those not under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Even though smaller pyrotechnics such as sparklers are allowed, they can be incredibly dangerous as well. The Illinois Office of the Fire Marshal reported that in 2014, the number one cause of burns and injuries were sparklers. It is important to remember the risks that come with

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE – Today U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Mike Bost (R-IL-12) and Jared Golden (D-ME-02), as well as Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Angus King (I-ME), and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced legislation to ensure our troops are wearing high quality, safe and reliable footwear as part of their uniforms, all while strengthening our national security and creating good-paying jobs here in the United States. The Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTs) Act would expand current uniform regulations to ensure the combat boots worn by our servicemembers are entirely manufactured in America and made with U.S.-sourced materials. To learn more, see HERE . “Belleville Boots has been crafting top-quality military footwear for our service members since World War I. But like so many American manufacturers, they’re facing unfair competition from a flood of cheap, low-quality imports—often from countries like China. This not only undercuts American jobs,

Continue Reading

WESTMONT – Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery has announced that he will not seek reelection this fall at the union’s convention, concluding 15 years of transformational leadership and decades of service to public education, the labor movement, and working families. Since his election in 2010, Montgomery has been a tireless advocate for IFT members, public education, state services, and all Illinoisans. He was unanimously reelected by delegates in 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022, leading the 103,000-member union through a period of significant growth, increased activism, and bold advocacy. “Leading the IFT has been the privilege and honor of my life,” Montgomery said. “Together, we have stood on the frontlines to defend public education, protect our professions, and uplift the voices of working people. I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m confident that the IFT is poised for an even stronger future.”

Continue Reading