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Early risers on April 25 are in for a treat, as the heavens put on a show guaranteed to brighten anyone's morning—a rare and whimsical celestial alignment that will form a vivid smiley face looking down from the eastern sky. This remarkable astronomical event, visible shortly before dawn, features a delicate, 27-day-old waning crescent Moon positioned gracefully beneath two prominent planets, Venus and Saturn. Venus, brilliantly luminous and commonly referred to as the "Morning Star," and Saturn, known for its iconic rings and subtle golden hue, will shine brightly as the eyes of this cosmic smile. Completing the cheerful expression, the Moon's slender crescent will gently curve into a warm, welcoming grin. Astronomers call such occurrences planetary conjunctions, brief moments when celestial bodies appear remarkably close together from our vantage point on Earth. This unique arrangement is particularly special because of its unmistakable human-like expression, providing observers

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EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge offers a luxurious experience in Edwardsville. Located at 2 157 Center in Edwardsville, EXO operates as a nail bar, med spa and restaurant. Gianni Colucci, Director of Culinary, shared more about the lounge’s offerings on a recent appearance on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello . “I try to do my best to make them feel good on the inside and outside,” Colucci said. “It is fun and elegant. People enjoy their time over there. You can see people stay there not just to do the services, but to enjoy the place. It’s also fun to see ladies take care of themselves, and men will stay at the bar and take care of themselves in a different way.” EXO opened in late 2024. They offer a variety of services, but Colucci is especially proud of the culinary department. As a Michelin-star chef, Colucci traveled from Italy to join the EXO team. He has curated an expansive food menu and cocktail menu with

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PIASA - Vivian Zurheide has emerged as a key player for Southwestern High School’s girls softball team, contributing both on the field and as a mentor to younger players. Coach Amanda Edwards praised Zurheide as “an outstanding hitter” and highlighted her value in the field as well as her dedication to working with junior high players. Vivian is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Zurheide is also an outstanding overall athlete and is a talented member of the Piasa Birds' volleyball and basketball teams. Edwards expressed gratitude for Zurheide’s role beyond her athletic abilities, saying, “Vivian is very, very good with the younger girls, passionate about working with younger girls and building a program and passing down the knowledge also rubbing off on everybody around her.” As one of Edwards’ assistants with the Southwestern junior high team, Zurheide’s influence extends to

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O'FALLON - O'Fallon Township High School District 203 inducted 175 new members into its National Honor Society chapter on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The O'Fallon NHS ceremony took place at 7 p.m. in the Milburn Auditorium, formally recognizing students who successfully completed their candidacy. During the event, current National Honor Society officers addressed attendees, highlighting the four core qualities that define the organization: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The induction serves to honor students’ academic achievements and commitment to these standards. O'Fallon Township High School expressed pride in the inductees’ accomplishments, emphasizing the significance of their dedication to both academic and personal excellence.

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ALTON – Improvement projects for two Alton streets are one step closer to reality following unanimous Committee of the Whole approval on Monday. Committee members agreed to move forward with negotiating Construction Engineering Services Agreements between the city and Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab, Inc. (SMS) for two projects – the State Street Phase 3 resurfacing project and the Main Street improvement project. Both projects consist of pavement patching and milling, asphalt resurfacing, sidewalk, curb, and ramp upgrades for certain sections of State and Main Streets. The third phase of the State Street project would span 0.61 miles from Logan Street to West 9th Street, while the Main Street project would cover 0.58 miles from Hillcrest to College Avenue. Once negotiated, both agreements will be presented to the City Council for approval at a future meeting. Stay tuned to Riverbender.com for the latest updates on these and other Alton City Council items.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Framing his remarks with a grateful glance to the past, a resolute look to the present and a hopeful glimpse into the future, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student Nicholas Young will participate in the upcoming Southern Illinois University (SIU) System’s Conversation of Understanding (COU). “From SIU to the World: Insights from the Class of 2025” will be held from 12-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 as a virtual panel discussion . Other student panelists include Paetyn Cage, SIU School of Medicine; Gavin Hardy, SIU Carbondale; and Diamond Jackson, SIU Carbondale Simmons Law School. Sheila Caldwell, EdD, SIU System Vice President for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer, will serve as the moderator. The panelists will shed light on the multifaceted aspects surrounding student success and the tangible benefits it provides for individuals and the broader educational communities across SIU campuses. Young,

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GRAFTON - Having been duly sworn in at the Jersey County Clerk’s office, Grafton City Clerk Jennifer Capler swore into office returning officials Mayor Mike Morrow, City Treasurer, Lisa Fitzgerald, Alderman Richard Mosby, Alderwoman Donna Smith and new Alderwoman Mary Jo Cote at the city council meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. All electees ran unopposed. Mayor Morrow will continue to oversee the affairs of Grafton for the next four years which will include the ongoing project with the ferry committee working towards fulltime ferry service between Grafton and St. Charles, MO, improving city infrastructure and parks, and balancing budget details. Mayor Morrow presented retiring Alderman Andrew Jackson with a plaque of appreciation for his ten years of faithful and dedicated service to the citizens of Grafton. During his decade-long tenure, Andy served as the City Treasurer, chairman of the City Finance Committee and numerous other select committees, culminating in time served

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BRIGHTON - Grace Strohbeck pitched a perfect game recently to lead Southwestern to an 11-0 victory over North Greene in a five-inning softball contest. The game took place recently, with Strohbeck retiring every batter she faced, a rare achievement in softball and baseball. Grace is recognized as the Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for Southwestern, highlighting her all-around contributions to the team. Southwestern head coach Amanda Edwards praised Grace's performance, saying, “It’s always a good day when a kid is perfect. It is always nice to see.” In addition to her pitching prowess, Grace has demonstrated strong offensive skills. Edwards added that she noticed Grace was on track for perfection by the third inning but chose not to mention it until after the game, when the team celebrated.

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BELLEVILLE — Belleville Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Sunday night, April 20, 2025, near an apartment complex on Freedom Drive. At approximately 11 p.m. on April 20, officers responded to the 200 block of Freedom Drive following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found an unresponsive adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso. Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives from the Belleville Police Department, along with the Crime Scene Unit and State Police Crime Scene Investigators, processed the scene and began an investigation. Multiple witnesses were interviewed, and key evidence was collected, leading to the identification of a person of interest. The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Belleville Police Department at (618) 234-1212 or CrimeStoppers anonymously at (866) 371-TIPS (8477).

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement honoring the passing of Pope Francis: “Pope Francis was a pillar of the Catholic Church, a beacon of hope, compassion and light in times of fear, hatred and darkness. Throughout his life, he taught us that in order to be great, we have to be good. He urged each of us to care for the poor, feed the hungry, be humble stewards of the Earth and treat others how we would want to be treated ourselves—even if they pray or live differently than us. His teachings remain as important as ever. “May he rest in peace and may his spirit continue to uplift and guide all those who followed his sacred word.”

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Macoupin County woman alleging she stole several thousand dollars from the Macoupin County State’s Attorney’s drug asset forfeiture account while employed as the office manager for the state’s attorney’s office. The Attorney General’s office charged Jacalyn Walker, 35, of Carlinville with one count of theft of government property less than $10,000, a Class 2 felony punishable by up to seven years in prison; as well as five counts of wire fraud and six counts of official misconduct, all Class 3 felonies punishable by up to five years in prison. Sentences will be served concurrently and are ultimately determined by the court. Walker’s next court date is May 13. “My office regularly partners with state’s attorneys around Illinois to protect residents from individuals who prey upon children, traffic drugs and guns, and so much more. It is unacceptable that someone would take advantage

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Nine individuals have been charged with federal immigration-related offenses in southern Illinois over the past two months, according to U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. The charges stem from cases in Effingham, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties. The defendants, all identified as illegal aliens, face a range of charges including illegal reentry after deportation and possession of firearms. Eight of the nine are repeat offenders, Weinhoeft said, noting that most had been deported previously and subsequently reentered the United States. The only exception faces a firearms-related charge. “Every time an illegal immigrant unlawfully enters the United States, they commit a federal crime,” Weinhoeft said. “These charges show our commitment to prioritizing repeat offenders and those who threaten public safety.” The individuals charged include Josue Lopez-Serrano, 35, of Mexico, charged with illegal reentry in Monroe County; Angel Carmona-Perez,

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SPRINGFIELD, IL. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced the winners of her 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Natasha O’Brien, from Springfield High School, was declared the winner of the contest for her piece titled “Oh, Do I?” Her artwork will be displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for one year. Second place was awarded to “David and the Lion” by Aysha Spence from Eisenhower High School in Decatur and third place was awarded to “Lipstick on a Pig” by Leah Sanderfield from Glenwood High School in Chatham. The winners were selected by judges Julie Dailey, a local artist based out of Springfield, Betsy Dollar, the Executive Director of the Springfield Art Association, and Johnette Mitchell, a leader in the Decatur area art community. Congresswoman Budzinski with Natasha O’Brien, the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. “We received so many incredible submissions and had a number

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ALTON - The Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George will mark the convent’s 100th anniversary with a Mass and blessing. Sister Beata Ziegler and Sister Anastasia Maher shared more about the convent’s history in the United States and their collaboration with OSF St. Anthony’s. They are excited to celebrate the 100th anniversary later this week. They also have an open house to be scheduled later this fall. “This is the jubilee year of hope,” said Sister Beata Ziegler. “Our jubilee corresponds with hope. I think, when we look at Jesus’s sacrifice and our participation in it, it is hope for the world. Our world is in desperate need of goodness and of really being able to understand their dignity and worth, and that is something, through our healthcare apostolate, I believe we can really give.” On April 22, 2025, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will perform an Anniversary Mass at 11 a.m. at the OSF St. Anthony’s Chapel.

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GRANITE CITY - Lavoris Montgomery is organizing a fundraiser to support the burial expenses for her grandson, Devontray Jamal Williams, of Granite City, who died in his sleep on April 17, 2025, at the age of 4 months and 17 days. The infant’s mother, Dekearra Williams, had recently returned to work six weeks earlier and had not yet been able to add him to her insurance policy. Montgomery expressed the need for assistance and said, “We really could use your help and support in giving my grandson a proper burial.” The fundraiser aims to provide financial relief during this difficult time for the family. Click on this link for more information on the GoFundMe.

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BRIGHTON - Grace Stroheide pitched a perfect game recently to lead Southwestern to an 11-0 victory over North Greene in a five-inning softball contest. The game took place recently, with Stroheide retiring every batter she faced, a rare achievement in softball and baseball. Grace is recognized as the Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for Southwestern, highlighting her all-around contributions to the team. Southwestern head coach Amanda Edwards praised Stroheide’s performance, saying, “It’s always a good day when a kid is perfect. It is always nice to see.” In addition to her pitching prowess, Stroheide has demonstrated strong offensive skills. Edwards added that she noticed Stroheide was on track for perfection by the third inning but chose not to mention it until after the game, when the team celebrated.

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GRANITE CITY — The Granite City Police Department announced the addition of a new officer to its ranks on Tuesday. Freddy Edwards, a graduate of Granite City High School. Edwards officially joined the department and is set to attend the Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy starting in May 2025. The Granite City Police Department welcomed Edwards as a local recruit who will begin his formal training in law enforcement in the coming months. Freddy was a standout athlete at Granite City High School. He played college football at Culver-Stockton. Freddy was also just added to our GCHS football coaching staff as an assistant football coach under head coach Steve Roustio. Grantie City High Athletic Director John Moad had high praise for Freddy and his addition to the police department and football coaching staff:" "Freddy was one of the best pure athletes to come out of GCHS," Moad said. "He made things look easy on the field and court. It is grea

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O'FALLON, Ill. — The O'Fallon Police Department is seeking public assistance following a burglary at the Bike Surgeon at 201 E. State St. early Sunday morning, April 20, 2025. The O'Fallon Police said the incident occurred around 5:45 a.m. on April 20. Police reported that the suspect was seen riding a bicycle both before and after the crime. Authorities are asking residents to review any surveillance footage from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., particularly in the downtown O'Fallon area around Presidential Streets and numbered streets. “We encourage everyone to check their cameras,” the Belleville Police Department said. Anyone who observes suspicious activity or individuals is urged to contact the O'Fallon Police Department at 618-624-4545 and ask for the on-duty supervisor. The investigation is ongoing.

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ALTON/SWANSEA – Soulcial Kitchen Powered by Food is Love is excited to announce its next Block Party for Good community celebration, taking place this Friday, April 25, 2025 , at two vibrant locations: Soulcial Park – 127 Northbelt East, Swansea, IL – from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM Soulcial Square – Corner of Market Street and East 5th Street, Alton, IL – from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM More than just a party, these monthly gatherings are a joyful expression of dignity, generosity, and shared community purpose. Every Block Party for Good is built on the simple, powerful belief that Food is Love. Guests will enjoy free, restaurant-quality meals from our Currency of Caring -fueled food trucks, along with free fresh grocery giveaways from our award-winning partners at the St. Louis Area Food Bank. “We believe food can do more than fill a belly—it can fuel hope, restore dignity, and create community,” said John Michel, Founder of

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“Billie,” or “Sweet William,” as he was affectionately called by the local schoolchildren, was an Angora goat ram who belonged to Emil Koch of the Koch Brothers Meat Market at 634 E. Broadway in downtown Alton. And Sweet William was a smoker: “the prize cigarette smoker in Alton,” according to an April 17, 1925, Alton Evening Telegraph newspaper article. He could smoke six cigarettes at a time if they were lit for him and placed in his mouth. He would carefully smoke a cigarette halfway and then turn it sideways with his tongue and swallow the whole thing, “fire and all.” He then smacked his lips to ask for another. He did not prefer any brand over another “but may signify a preference later on after he has tried all brands.” The whole area loved Billie and helped take care of him. He got his wool clipped at Walnut Grove Dairy, where they also styled his beard with a curling iron and permanent wave. He could stand on his

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