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Riverbender ๐Ÿ•ธ

Lumber Delivery Truck Stuck in Vacant Building After Crash

3 days 5 hours ago
EAST ALTON — A lumber delivery truck crashed into a vacant building at the corner of West Main in East Alton on Friday afternoon, Jan. 23, 2026, after the driver failed to stop at a stop sign, authorities said. The incident occurred at approximately 1:31 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2026, when the driver, hauling a load of lumber from St. Louis, was traveling east on Main Street in East Alton. According to East Alton Police Major Al Adams, the driver did not stop at a stop sign at the intersection.

Illinois State Police Release Footage Of Officer-Involved Shooting In East St. Louis

3 days 6 hours ago
In accordance with ISP’s commitment to integrity and public transparency, the video of the event is being made available to the public and can be found HERE . EAST ST. LOUIS — The Illinois State Police released video footage Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, of an officer-involved shooting that occurred Jan. 4, 2026, in East St. Louis, where a trooper fatally shot a woman after she allegedly struck a police vehicle and failed to comply with commands. At approximately 10:08 p.m. on Jan

U.S. Senate Candidate Raja Krishnamoorthi Shares Platform

3 days 6 hours ago
ILLINOIS - Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D) is making a bid for the Senate. Krishnamoorthi recently stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to share more about his platform and his priorities if he wins the Senate seat. Currently serving the 8th Congressional District in Illinois, including parts of Chicago, Krishnamoorthi emphasized the importance of bipartisan efforts and his commitment to “less talk” and “more results.” “I will

Brussels Ferry Closure Scheduled as Ice Floes Threaten Safety

3 days 7 hours ago
BRUSSELS and KAMPSVILLE — The Illinois Department of Transportation announced the closure of the Brussels and Kampsville ferries on the Illinois River on Friday afternoon due to hazardous ice floes, effective on January 23, 2026. The Kampsville Ferry closed at noon on Friday , while the Brussels Ferry is scheduled to close at 6 p.m Friday. The closures will remain in effect until river conditions improve and the ferries can safely operate again. IDOT said motorists are advised to use

Wigger Family Establishes Scholarship for Alton High Seniors

3 days 7 hours ago
ALTON - A new scholarship opportunity will be available to Alton High Seniors this spring thanks to the family of Jim and Emily Wigger. The Wigger Memorial Scholarship is designed to support a college-bound senior pursuing a career in the service of community values. The family has entrusted the Alton Educational Foundation to administer the new scholarship fund and award process. Jim and Emily Wigger were longtime educators in the Alton School District. Jim also served as a beloved coach

Warming Locations in Madison County

3 days 8 hours ago
MADISON COUNTY - With dropping temperatures and a winter storm incoming, there are several warming centers available for community members throughout the Riverbend region. We encourage you to check that these locations are open, as some might be closed due to inclement weather. ALTON Hayner Public Library District With branches located at 326 Belle Street and 401 State Street in downtown Alton and inside the Alton Square Mall, the library serves as a daytime warming center during

Warming Locations in St. Clair County

3 days 8 hours ago
ST. CLAIR COUNTY - With dropping temperatures and a winter storm incoming, there are several warming centers available for community members throughout the Riverbend region. We encourage you to check that these locations are open, as some might be closed due to inclement weather. BELLEVILLE Belleville Public Library The library opens every day at 9 a.m. except for Sundays. Belleville Public Library West Branch This library is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Kampsville, Golden Eagle Ferry Operations Temporarily Closed Because of Weather

3 days 8 hours ago
KAMPSVILLE/GOLDEN EAGLE - The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office announced that the Kampsville Ferry will be closed starting Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, due to heavy ice conditions. Officials said the closure will last until further notice, and travelers are advised to plan alternative routes. Additionally, the Calhoun Ferry Company reported that the Golden Eagle Ferry will cease operations at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, because of ice and will remain closed until conditions improve. In

Exceptional Service Drives Telecommunicators' Award Wins

3 days 8 hours ago
At the Southern Illinois Police Chief’s Association Awards Banquet on Thursday night, Jan. 22, 2026, seven telecommunicators from five different public safety answering points were honored for their exceptional service during various incidents within their jurisdictions. The awards recognized telecommunicators from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Granite City Police Department, Edwardsville Police Department, Collinsville Police Department, and the Wood River Police Department.

Collinsville K9 Rocky Named Officer of the Month

3 days 8 hours ago
COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Police Department’s K9 Rocky has been named the department’s December Officer of the Month for his outstanding work in multiple critical incidents. During December, Rocky responded to a missing person call and successfully tracked the individual for over a mile through snowy conditions. On Christmas Day, despite it being his day off, Rocky assisted in a search covering more than eight acres to locate evidence. The most significant event came when Rocky

1818 Chophouse Offers Special Romantic Dining Experience for Valentine's Day

3 days 9 hours ago
EDWARDSVILLE - Couples or groups have the opportunity for a unique fine dining experience this Valentine’s Day. On Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, 1818 Chophouse will host “A Valentine's Affair: An Evening of Romance, Indulgence, and Unforgettable Flavors,” part of their “The Perfect Pairing” series. The evening will include a seven-course prix fixe menu with a variety of delicious flavors and optional wine pairings. “Guests can look forward to a delightful evening

Pickleball Enthusiasts to Compete in Tournament to Help Raise Funds for New Ambulance ย 

3 days 9 hours ago
ALTON — Local athletes and community members are invited to pick up their paddles for the Duck Pluckers Pickleball Tournament, taking place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Grip & Sip. As pickleball continues its surge as the fastest-growing sport in the nation, this local event aims to bring together players of all skill levels for a day of competitive play and community building. The tournament will feature Mixed Doubles divisions, with round-robin play followed by a single-elimination

Deputy Chief Wins Blue Light Award: Medal of Valor Awarded to Five Courageous Officers

3 days 9 hours ago
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — The Fairview Heights Police Department honored several of its officers at the recent SILEC/SIPCA Awards Program for their exceptional service and bravery. During the ceremony, detectives were presented with the Award of Merit for their successful year-long investigation into the murder of a child. The Fairview Heights Police Deputy Chief was recognized with the Blue Light Award for years of dedicated service and leadership during challenging times, particularly in supportin

Attorney General Raoul Charges Belleville Man Who Allegedly Reproduced Child Sexual Abuse Material

3 days 9 hours ago
BELLEVILLE – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Belleville, Illinois man for allegedly reproducing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Jacob W. Burkert, 31, in St. Clair County Circuit Court with four counts

IDPH Responds to Federal WHO Withdrawal with New Efforts Aimed at Keeping Illinoisans Safe

3 days 10 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) marked the one-year anniversary of the federal government announcing their intent to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The withdrawal, which the federal government recently finalized, will disrupt long-standing systems for global disease detection, emergency coordination, and the rapid sharing of life-saving health information. “Withdrawing from the World Health Organization

Water Main Break Disrupts Service on East Alton South Street

3 days 10 hours ago
EAST ALTON — A water main break on South Street has caused some homes in the area to lose water service, the Village of East Alton announced around 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. The Village of East Alton stated that residents affected by the disruption may experience a temporary loss of water until repairs are completed. Officials also warned that a boil order could be issued for certain homes, with notices to be posted directly at affected residences. The village has

State of Illinois Urges Readiness Ahead of Major Weekend Winter Storm and Extreme Cold

3 days 10 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) are advising residents to prepare for a multi-wave winter storm and dangerously low temperatures expected to impact the state starting Friday, January 23 through Sunday, with Southern Illinois expected to be the most heavily impacted by significant snow accumulations. A major weather system is expected to bring extreme cold across most of Illinois this weekend, alongsid

Prepare Now: Red Cross Offers Safety Tips Ahead of Weekend's Winter Weather

3 days 10 hours ago
ST. LOUIS, MO. — With the potential for winter weather and dangerously cold temperatures this weekend in the greater St. Louis area, the American Red Cross urges everyone to take action now to protect themselves and their families. “Winter storms can create dangerous conditions very quickly, especially when temperatures drop and roads become icy,” said LaKricia Cox, Executive Director, Red Cross of Greater St. Louis. “Preparing now and knowing what to do before a storm

Alton Grocery Reports Busy Days In Anticipation Of Severe Winter Weather Storm

3 days 10 hours ago
ALTON — Schwegel's Grocery Store in Alton experienced a surge in customers seeking essential supplies Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, and Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, amid forecasts of heavy snow and severe winter weather for the weekend, according to co-owner Monica Schwegel on Friday. Located at 901 Alby St., Schwegel's reported steady inventory despite increased demand. Schwegel said the store has always maintained stock of milk, eggs, bread, and rock salt, which residents were preparing to buy

Metro East Grocers Manage High Demand While Maintaining Inventory At Most Locations

3 days 10 hours ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Shoppers at most area grocery stores found themselves waiting in long lines on Friday morning, Jan. 23, 2026, as they stocked up on essentials ahead of a winter storm expected to hit the Metro East Illinois area this weekend. Justin Hawkins, owner of the Philly Pretzel Factory in Glen Carbon, described the scene Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at Schnucks after he snapped a photo used above, saying, “We saw people standing in the back of the store — in front of the meat