Riverbender 🕸

MARYVILLE – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has teamed up with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to host an ICASH event this Thursday at the Maryville Community Library. Constituents are encouraged to stop by to check if they are owed unclaimed property and receive assistance filing a claim. ICASH Event Details Who: Senator Erica Harriss; Illinois State Treasurer’s Office When: Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 3:00PM – 6:00 p.m. Where: Maryville Community Library, 15 Professional Park Drive, Maryville, IL 62026 ICASH events help residents across Illinois locate and reclaim unclaimed property. Since 2015, more than $2 billion in assets have been returned to Illinoisans. Unclaimed property can include everything from forgotten bank accounts and uncashed checks to insurance payments, stocks, and even the contents of safe deposit boxes.

Continue Reading

JACKSONVILLE – State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) has announced that he is running for re-election as State Representative for the 100th House District. “I am pleased to announce that I am running for re-election as State Representative of Illinois’ 100th District. After talking with so many friends and constituents, I have been encouraged by the number of people asking me to continue to serve as their voice in Springfield,” said Rep. Davidsmeyer. “I first ran for office on the promise that I would remain a good person, that I would fight against big-government intrusion, and that I would work to create a better future for the next generation of Illinoisans. I have remained true to that promise, and I have become a stronger voice than ever against the Democratic majority that wants to take away our God-given rights.” As State Representative, C.D. Davidsmeyer continues to speak out against the radical leftist polices of Gov. J

Continue Reading

UPDATE: As of July 9, 2025, this work has been postponed until further notice. GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent lane closures on Illinois 3 between Schaefer Road and the McKinley Bridge will begin, weather permitting, Monday, July 14. One lane will always remain open in each direction. To minimize impacts to commuters, all lanes will be open each weekday between 6 and 8 a.m. and 3 and 5 p.m. The closures are necessary for a $25.87 million pavement resurfacing project, which is expected to be completed by mid-summer 2026. Drivers are encouraged 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. Over the next six years , IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,000 miles of highway and nearly 10 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which i

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department participated in the statewide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" safety campaign, focusing on impaired driving and other traffic violations. During a six-hour enforcement detail, officers made one arrest for impaired driving. In addition to this, they conducted seven traffic stops for various violations, including speeding, distracted driving, and following too closely. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns are made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. These efforts are complemented by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign, which emphasizes the serious consequences of impaired driving and other unsafe driving behaviors.

Continue Reading

CARLINVILLE - There’s a new support group available for survivors of domestic violence. Locust Street Resource Center will offer a support group for domestic violence survivors at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at 320 S. Locust Street in Carlinville. Executive Director Maria Clark explained that Locust Street Resource Center has been providing mental health and social services support for over 50 years, and they look forward to offering this new resource to community members. “We have some staff members who are in recovery and have experience with domestic violence, and they also wanted to start a domestic violence support group. We thought that was a great idea, definitely something that's needed in our communities,” Clark said. “They are peer-led, so those with lived experience along with mental health professionals are there to supervise the groups.” The domestic violence support group is completely free to attend. Locust Street

Continue Reading

When Gordon Ramsay raises his voice, it is usually about an undercooked dish. But last year, the celebrity chef was calling for help after a scary bicycle accident. “It really shook me,” says the avid cyclist in a June 15, 2024, Instagram post . “Honestly, I’m lucky to be here.” Ramsay says he didn’t suffer any major injuries, but he’s bruised and on the mend. And he’s again joining health care professionals in stressing the importance of wearing a helmet and biking within your means. “I don’t care how short the journey is,” Ramsay says. Biking accidents in the emergency department Kurt Bloomstrand, MD , an emergency medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, has treated people who have fallen off a moving object. It could be a bicycle, scooter or motorcycle. Sometimes it’s a child who’s learning their way. Or it could be an adult who didn’t hit the brakes in time. “A lot of times what happens

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - This summer will bring $45 million in cash to a record-breaking 600,000 people who will receive money they didn’t even know they had from the state’s missing money program, and the only thing they must do is cash the check, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today. The checks are part of the latest round of the Enhanced Money Match program – which takes the “claim” out of unclaimed property. Treasurer Frerichs’ office helps get the check in the mail by leveraging technology to return money to individuals, through I-CASH, the state’s unclaimed property initiative. Most of the matched claims in this Enhanced Money Match round equal $50 or less, though some people can have multiple claims and their checks will amount to much more. “The first thing we tell people, is this – the money belongs to you, the check is real, and this is not a scam,” Treasurer Frerichs said. “The second thing we tell them,

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) published a post on the New Dem Dispatch , the New Democrat Coalition’s Substack, detailing some of the lesser-known consequences of Congressional Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill. In the post, Budzinski discusses the sweeping impacts of the bill on the healthcare industry, food assistance, working families’ bank accounts, American jobs, and public safety. Congresswoman Budzinski serves as Vice Chair for Policy of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of 115 center-left House Democrats committed to breaking through gridlock to deliver results for Americans. Read the full post on the New Dem Dispatch here , and below: 10 Things You Might Not Know About Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill By Rep. Nikki Budzinski Last week, Congressional Republicans forced through one of the worst and most harmful bills in American history. For months, Democrats have joined the American people – who oppose

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that the westbound Interstate 55/64 right exit ramp to the Martin Luther King Bridge will be closed for one day. The closure will begin at 5 a.m. Saturday, July 12, and the ramp is expected to reopen by 5 p.m. the same day. 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

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 20 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for unlawfully terminating the Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program. In their brief , Raoul and the coalition explain that the EPA’s mass cancelation of the environmental and climate justice grant program violates clear congressional mandates and fundamental constitutional principles. “The EPA’s congressionally mandated grants are essential to communities that face overlapping environmental and public health crises. Residents of these often rural or low-income communities deserve equal environmental justice, regardless of geographic location or family income,” Raoul said. “I will continue to stand with my fellow attorneys general to fight for critical funding that continues to be unlawfully withheld from those who need it most.” The gran

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS - Citizens for Modern Transit, AARP in St. Louis and the St. Clair County Transit District have selected MetroBus Stop #13101 – located in the retail corridor of East St. Louis in front of Walgreens at 2510 State Street – for its next Transit Stop Transformation Project. The stop is served by MetroBus #1 – State and Main and MetroBus #8 – Alta Sita, which connects 47% of all transit riders in St. Clair County to shopping destinations, places of employments, four Metro Transit Centers and other destinations. The site will be transformed into a colorful, user-friendly space that cultivates community, promotes safety and further increases ridership. Transit riders, area residents, elected officials and other stakeholders are encouraged to weigh in on the types of enhancements they would like to see at the site by completing a short online survey at www.cmt-stl.org by August 30, 2025. Public input will play a key role in the development o

Continue Reading

What if the next great literary conversation took place under an open sky rather than within four walls? Hosting a book club meeting outdoors can transform the typical gathering into a memorable experience, blending the joy of reading with fresh air, natural light, and a relaxed atmosphere. But creating the perfect outdoor book club requires thoughtful planning to ensure comfort, engagement, and a seamless conversation flow. Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Venue Selecting the right location is the foundation of a successful outdoor book club meeting. Consider spaces that offer both aesthetic appeal and functional convenience. Parks and Public Gardens: These spaces often provide picnic tables, benches, and ample shade. For example, a local botanical garden can infuse the meeting with tranquil surroundings that stimulate thoughtful discussion. Backyards or Private Gardens: Hosting at a member’s home allows for greater control over amenities such as seating arrangements, lighting,

Continue Reading

July 9 has been a day of remarkable events across the globe, marking significant turning points in history, culture, and science. Moving back in time, July 9 witnessed the birth of the United States' first capital. In 1790, the Residence Act was signed, which established Washington, D.C., as the nation’s capital. The significance of this decision cannot be overstated, as it laid the foundation for the political center of the United States, a city designed specifically to serve as a symbol of democracy and federal governance. In the realm of science and exploration, July 9 has its own share of milestones. On this day in 1962, Telstar 1, the world's first active communications satellite, was launched into orbit. This breakthrough ushered in a new era of global telecommunications, enabling live broadcasts and data transmissions across continents—a precursor to the interconnected world we experience today. July 9 has also been marked by significant cultural moments. For instance

Continue Reading

ALTON - Following a July 4, 2025, shooting that left a 17-year-old dead , community members gathered at the Alton Housing Authority for a protest. On July 7, 2025, protest organizers called for increased policing and a gate around Alton Housing Authority properties. The shooting on July 4, 2025, claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl whose name has not been released, though those at the protest described her as “a shining star.” “We lost a shining star, a beautiful young lady, well-mannered, focused, and it's a shame,” said Donald Mason El. Mason El is the founder of the 100 Man Movement Crime Prevention Initiative and the F.L.Y. Mentorship Program. The 17-year-old victim was a mentee, and he said she acted as “a big sister” to many of the other young girls in the program. Lee Barham, who organized the July 7 protest, stressed the importance of accountability. He emphasized that elected and appointed officials must be held accountable,

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon trustees on Tuesday unanimously approved more than $200,000 for improvements to a major intersection in the village. The project will consist of widening Illinois Route 159 to the east and Glen Carbon Road to the south to establish a northbound and an eastbound right-turn lane at the intersection of Route 159, Glen Carbon Road, and Cottonwood Road. The improved area will cover an approximate length of 0.19 miles, according to the village’s Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code. The Village Board has allocated $209,627 for the project, which will be paid using Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds. Mayor Bob Marcus asked if the village had more MFT funds available, which was confirmed. Public Works Director Scott Slemer explained at Tuesday’s meeting that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) asked the village to adopt a resolution authorizing the use of MFT funds for the project, which trustees did shortly afterwards.

Continue Reading

HIGHLAND - The Highland Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred Sunday, July 6, 2025, at approximately 12:40 p.m. on Veterans Honor Parkway at Michael Road. Officers responding to the scene found that two vehicles were involved in the collision. The Highland Fire Department and EMS personnel from multiple agencies were called to provide care and treatment to the victims. One individual was later pronounced deceased. Authorities are withholding the victim’s identity out of respect for the family. The police department is working with the Metroeast Crash Assistance Team to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. The investigation remains ongoing. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic incident,” the Highland Police Department said in a statement. Officials are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information to contact the department at 618-654-2131, extension 1.

Continue Reading

JACKSONVILLE — State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) is pleased to announce the first winning entry in his 100th District Photo Contest. The winning photograph was captured by Theresa Crouch of Brighton and will be proudly displayed in Rep. Davidsmeyer’s Springfield office at the Illinois State Capitol. The contest invited residents from across the 100th District to submit photographs that reflect the character and charm of the region. Submissions included images of local landmarks, scenic views, and vibrant community life, all showcasing the diverse beauty of the district. The photo, which beautifully captures the morning fog settling over the landing in Grafton, Illinois, was selected from dozens of entries submitted by talented residents across the district. The contest invited constituents to showcase the landscapes, people, and communities that make the 100th District unique. “This photo truly represents the heart of our district,”

Continue Reading

ST. CLAIR COUNTY — The Illinois State Police announced the results of a month-long Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement operation targeting underage alcohol sales in St. Clair County. Conducted in June 2025, the surveillance aimed to identify businesses selling alcoholic beverages to minors and enforce underage drinking laws to reduce impaired driving incidents. Illinois State Police Zone 6 Commander Jamie Brunnworth revealed that 13 establishments were found to have sold alcohol to individuals under the age of 21. Employees cited for unlawful delivery of alcoholic liquor to a minor, a Class A misdemeanor, included Autumn M. Marish, 28, of Mascoutah at Scooter’s; Octaviano Jeronimo Mariscal, 27, of New Baden at Camino Real Mexican Cuisine; and Margarete A. Hund, 64, of Mascoutah at The Vault. Other employees cited were Jameel D. Johnson, 22, of East St. Louis at Green Mount Moto Mart; Margarita Reyes, 32, of Columbia at Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant; Tamaziah Hood, 18,

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a variety of free databases available for community members to utilize. In a recent interview on “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , Hayner’s executive director Mary Cordes explained that the databases offer free, verified resources for a variety of professions, studies and more. From studying for the ACT to learning about home repair, Hayner’s databases have a lot of information available. “We have a ton of databases. I’m always trying to promote them because I feel like they’re one of the most valuable things we have in our collection that people just don’t know about,” Cordes said. “They’re not super glamorous, but they’re super helpful.” All of these databases can be accessed with your Hayner Library library card. You can access them at home or come to the library and use the computers there. Cordes pointed to Learning Express , an onlin

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - Brogan Kanallakan is displaying talent at both the plate and in his first base role this summer. Joe Kallal, one of the summer coaches for Jerseyville's American Legion teams, sees great potential in the rising junior for Jersey Community High School. Brogan is a Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month. Brogan's older brother, Drake, was an outstanding athlete and was a towering 6-foot-6 player. He played at Jersey Community High School under Coach Darren Perdun and went 6-1 his senior year with a 2.19 ERA. He pitched at Rockhurst and also had success from 2017-2021. Brogan is following in the footsteps of Drake and has the physique and also athletic talent to be a great baseball player, Coach Kallal said. "He will be a junior this year," Coach Kallal said. "He has a lot of baseball potential." Brogan is also an honor student at JCHS.

Continue Reading