Riverbender 🕸

Did you know that nearly 70% of Americans say that food is the heart of any social gathering? A backyard BBQ isn’t just about grilling—it’s about creating an atmosphere where flavors, friendships, and fun come together seamlessly. Planning the ultimate backyard BBQ requires more than just turning on the grill; it’s about attention to detail, thoughtful preparation, and a flair for hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a first-time host, this guide will help you elevate your BBQ from ordinary to extraordinary. Setting the Stage: Designing the Perfect Backyard Ambiance The environment in which your BBQ takes place plays a significant role in guests’ overall experience. Think beyond the food and focus on creating a welcoming space. Layout and Seating: Arrange seating areas that encourage conversation and comfort. Use a mix of tables, benches, and lounge chairs to accommodate different group sizes. If space allows, create separate

Continue Reading

ALTON — Volunteers from across the region are coming together once again to lift up the name of Jesus, bring hope to hurting communities, and meet real needs on the ground. United to Revive, a grassroots ministry made up of believers from diverse churches, backgrounds, and walks of life, is returning to Alton’s Riverfront Park May 20–23, 2025 for a four-night tent revival packed with worship, testimonies, prayer, and outreach. In the weeks leading up to the event, volunteers will also be walking the streets of Alton, praying for the city and sharing God’s love. These Wednesday night Prayer Walks begin April 23 at 5:30 PM, meeting in the Panera Bread parking lot (1837 Homer Adams Pkwy). “Our heart is simple,” says Director Jeremiah Goltz. “To see lives transformed by Jesus and to see churches and people from all walks of life come together—not in competition, but in love and unity.” A Growing Regional Movement In just the past

Continue Reading

Did you know that the average office worker receives around 121 emails per day? Over time, this constant influx can turn your inbox and file storage into a chaotic digital swamp, making it harder to find important information and slowing down your productivity. Just as physical clutter can weigh on your mind and space, digital clutter can impair your efficiency and increase stress levels. Tackling this hidden mess requires intentional effort and strategy. The Digital Clutter Dilemma Digital clutter often goes unnoticed until it becomes overwhelming. Unlike physical clutter, which is tangible and visible, digital clutter is intangible—hidden in folders, inboxes, and drives. Over the years, files duplicate, emails pile up, and storage spaces fill with outdated or irrelevant content. The consequences include slower device performance, increased vulnerability to security risks, and difficulty locating critical documents. For instance, a 2021 study by Radicati Group revealed that

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic High School will hold a blessing ceremony for its new Track and Field facilities and a prayer vigil to honor the memory of Brandon Ahring, a beloved alumnus and assistant coach who died last week in a car accident. On Monday, April 21, 2025, the Griffin community is invited to gather at the school’s new Track and Field complex for the blessing at 3:45 p.m., preceding the school’s first home track meet of the season. Later that evening, at approximately 7 p.m., a prayer vigil will be held to remember Ahring, who was deeply committed to coaching and the McGivney community. Ahring, a member of the Father McGivney Class of 2021, tragically lost his life on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, while returning home from Track and Field practice in a vehicle accident near Hamel. He had served as an assistant cross country and track coach at the school for three years, working under Head Coach Jim Helton. In a statement to the McGivney

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a court victory after the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia found that Google has violated the law by maintaining illegal monopolies in the digital advertising technology industry, stifling competition and harming website publishers, advertisers and consumers. Attorney General Raoul, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 17 attorneys general, joined the Department of Justice (DOJ) in filing a lawsuit against Google in 2023, seeking to stop Google’s anticompetitive conduct that threatens markets in the online advertising industry. “Google has created an environment in the digital world that has caused harm to online publishers and advertisers by weakening a free and open internet,” Raoul said. “Google has maintained its monopolies in digital advertising technologies for too long, and I am pleased that the court found the company liable for its unlawful actions.” The

Continue Reading

Did you know that volunteering not only benefits the community but also significantly improves the volunteer’s own mental and physical health? According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, individuals who volunteer regularly report lower rates of depression and increased longevity compared to those who do not. This dual impact—strengthening both society and the individual—makes volunteering a powerful tool for social cohesion and personal growth. Building Stronger Communities Through Volunteering Volunteering acts as the glue that holds communities together. It fosters connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating networks of support that enhance social capital. Social capital refers to the resources available within a community through relationships, trust, and cooperation. When people volunteer, they contribute to a more resilient and inclusive society. For example, in many urban neighborhoods, local food banks rely heavily

Continue Reading

April 21 is a date rich with historical significance, marked by events that have shaped cultures, nations, and the course of human history. One of the most legendary events associated with April 21 is the founding of Rome. According to Roman tradition, Rome was founded on April 21, 753 BCE, by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus. This mythic founding story has been a cornerstone of Roman cultural identity and has influenced Western civilization's understanding of origins, governance, and empire-building. Rome grew from a small city-state to one of the greatest empires in history, laying foundations in law, architecture, and politics that still resonate today. Moving forward to the age of exploration, April 21, 1506, marks the beginning of the construction of the new St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This monumental project was commissioned by Pope Julius II and involved some of the Renaissance’s greatest artists and architects, including Michelangelo. The basilica

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois issued the following statement in response to the death of Pope Francis. “Today, our church mourns and prays. Pope Francis showed what it means to be a witness of love. This is beautifully reflected is his fourth and final Encyclical Letter, issued October 24, 2024, Dilexit nos , Latin for ‘He loved us,’ quoting Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans , in which he wrote that Christians can overcome all adversities through Him [Jesus} who loved us’ (Romans 8:37). “Pope Francis challenged the world daily through his words and actions that we are all called to something greater, not of this world, but the next. His life was a testament that if we are to go to heaven, we must embrace our crosses and sacrifices, and we must live an authentic Catholic life. That means we must show empathy, compassion, and love to our neighbors. We must live humbly and selflessly.

Continue Reading

TRILLA, Ill. — The Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a small, single-engine plane that occurred Friday morning in Trilla, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board. The crash happened at approximately 10:15 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2025, on County Road 1400 N, near the intersection of 551-587, about three miles south of Mattoon in Coles County, according to the Illinois State Police. The Coles County Sheriff’s Department initially contacted ISP to investigate the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are also involved in determining the cause of the crash. All four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The aircraft remained in the roadway, which was closed until around 5 p.m. on April 20. The Coles County coroner identified the victims as Ross R. Nelson, 46; Raimi A. Rundle, 45; Courtney L. Morrow, 36; and Michael H. Morrow, 48 — all from Menomonie, Wisconsin.

Continue Reading

Did you know that the term “4/20” originated not from a government decree or a marketing campaign, but from a group of high school students in the early 1970s? Today, 4/20 is globally recognized as an informal holiday celebrating cannabis culture, but its roots and evolution reveal a rich tapestry of social movements, cultural shifts, and legal battles. Understanding the cultural history of 4/20 provides insight into broader conversations about drug policy, counterculture, and social identity. Origins: From a Secret Code to a Cultural Phenomenon The most widely accepted origin story of 4/20 traces back to 1971 in San Rafael, California, where a group of five high school friends, known as “The Waldos,” coined the term “420” as a secret code for their after-school cannabis sessions. They chose 4:20 p.m. as their meeting time, and “420” soon became shorthand for marijuana use. This innocuous code, initially known only within a small circle,

Continue Reading

April 19th and 20th are dates that resonate through history. One of the most pivotal events associated with April 19 occurred in 1775 when the Battles of Lexington and Concord ignited the American Revolutionary War. Often considered the opening salvo in the fight for American independence, these skirmishes marked the moment when colonial militias confronted British troops, setting the stage for a new nation to emerge. The phrase “the shot heard ’round the world” is commonly linked to this day, symbolizing the global impact of the struggle for liberty. Earlier in history, on April 19, 1770, Sweden witnessed the coronation of King Gustav III. His reign was notable for efforts to strengthen royal authority and promote the arts and culture, leaving a lasting imprint on Swedish society. Although his time on the throne was cut short by his assassination in 1792, Gustav III’s influence remains significant in Swedish history. Moving forward to the 20th century,

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE — Belleville Police are investigating a reckless discharge of a firearm after multiple shots were reported in the area of Dale Allen Drive and Chaucer Drive on the evening of April 16, 2025. At approximately 7:30 p.m. on April 16, Belleville officers responded to calls of gunfire and found two unoccupied parked vehicles that bullets had struck. No injuries were reported in the incident. Police recovered evidence at the scene and learned from witnesses that two groups of juveniles were involved in the shooting. Detectives and the Crime Scene Unit arrived to continue the investigation. Belleville Police said two juveniles found near the scene were interviewed and detained by officers. Detectives have identified the two groups involved and are in the early stages of the investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Belleville Police Department at (618) 234-1212 or CrimeStoppers at (866) 371-TIPS (8477).

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, today announced they have joined the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) lawsuit to block the acquisition of Surmodics Inc. (Surmodics) by GTCR BC Holdings LLC (GTCR) alleging that the deal, which seeks to combine the two largest manufacturers of critical medical device coatings, is anticompetitive. “The proposed acquisition of Surmodics by a private equity firm represents a troubling trend of wealthy investors attempting to limit competition and innovation in a market while extracting advantages that come from eliminating competitors,” Raoul said. “If approved, this acquisition would increase prices for Illinois residents by putting profits before people. I will continue to work to increase options for consumers and rein in anticompetitive behavior wherever it occurs.” In their lawsuit, Raoul and the FTC allege that private equity firm GTCR’s proposed acquisition

Continue Reading

ALTON – The National Scenic Byway Association is proud to recognize the Great River Road and the Mississippi Parkway Commission with the 2025 Byway Partnership Award, celebrating a multi-state collaboration that is turning the iconic route into a model for environmental stewardship and public engagement. Spanning 3,000 miles through 10 states along the Mississippi River, the Great River Road is a lifeline for wildlife and communities alike. In recent years, the Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) and its state partners have launched an ambitious and wide-reaching effort to support pollinators — including bees, butterflies, and birds — whose health is critical to ecosystems and agriculture. Through partnerships with the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, the U.S. Forest Service, and Rotary International, the byway was officially designated as the Great River Road Pollinator Trail. The Commission has developed a pollinator playbook, public brochures,

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls increased +14,800 (+0.2%) over-the-month to a record high of 6,172,300 in March. The previous record was set in December 2024, with 6,161,000 jobs. Additionally, the February monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report of -6,500 to +900. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.8 percent in March, while the revised unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, unchanged from the preliminary February unemployment rate. The March payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. The industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job increases included: Government (+4,500), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+2,600), and Private Education and Health Services (+2,200). The industry sectors with monthly payroll job decreases included Information (-400) and Financial Activities (-300). Compared to a year ago,

Continue Reading

ALTON - Community members gathered in downtown Alton to protest the Donald Trump administration. On Saturday, April 19, 2025, protests across the country called for Trump’s impeachment. Dozens of Riverbend residents met at the intersection of Broadway and Highway 67 for the protest in Alton. Clayton Monroe, who has organized weekly Sunday protests against the Trump administration in Alton for the past several weeks, explained the purpose behind the rally. “To put it simply, we're just here to let the current administration know that we're not going to take this lying down and that they do not speak for the majority of people,” Monroe said. “We want to make that very clear. We also need it known that beyond the current administration, our current system is fundamentally broken and it needs fixed severely.” Monroe emphasized that the protests have been peaceful, with a “generally positive” response. He said community members have engaged

Continue Reading

PONTOON BEACH – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that nightly ramp closures at the Interstate 270/Illinois 111 interchange in Madison County will begin, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2025. The closures are necessary for pavement patching. Each ramp will be closed for one night and reopen by 5 a.m. the following morning. All ramps will remain open daily between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. throughout the project. The anticipated order of ramp closures is: Northbound Illinois 111 to eastbound I-270 Westbound I-270 to southbound Illinois 111 Westbound I-270 to northbound Illinois 111 Southbound Illinois 111 to eastbound I-270 Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during these closures. 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,

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) officials, legislators, and community leaders convened today to recognize progress made to reduce gun violence in Chicago and Illinois due in part to the Peacekeeper Program. The State of Illinois adopted this model in 2023 as a strategy of the OFVP. A recent Northwestern University evaluation report found a 41% reduction of gun violence rates in Chicago and Cook County suburban hotspots targeted by the program. “Corner by corner, block by block, and neighborhood by neighborhood – we are freeing our communities from the age-old patterns of crime and violence,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From Day One, violence intervention and reduction has been a focus of my administration, and I established the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention and worked with the General Assembly to pass the Reimagine Public Safety Act to organize and support efforts such as these exactly because I believe

Continue Reading

ALTON/BETHALTO/EDWARDSVILLE/GODFREY - As the Riverbend community celebrates Easter, Schnucks and Dierbergs encourage you to get everything you need from their stores ahead of time. All Schnucks locations will be closed on Sunday, April 20, 2025. In a statement, Schnucks said they decided to close stores so that their employees could enjoy the holiday. “All Schnucks stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 20 so that our teammates can spend time with their families and loved ones,” Schnucks said. “Stores will reopen at their normally scheduled time on Monday, April 21.” For more information about this, visit their official website at Schnucks.com . On their official Facebook page , Edwardsville's Dierbergs Markets location said they will also be closed on Easter Sunday. The store will reopen at 6 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated data revealing that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) now affects approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States—an increase from the previous estimate of 1 in 36. Experts attribute this rise not to a surge in incidence, but to improved diagnostic tools, heightened awareness, and more inclusive screening practices that are helping identify children earlier and across a broader spectrum of communities. “This updated prevalence reflects the strides we’ve made as a society in understanding autism,” said Erica Duijzer, Chief Operating Officer of Hope Clinical Care. “Early and accurate diagnosis is critical—it paves the way for timely interventions that can transform the developmental path for individuals on the spectrum.” The CDC report underscores positive trends in early detection, with more children being diagnosed at younger ages

Continue Reading