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COLLINSVILLE – Recently filed court documents reveal disturbing new details of a child pornography case out of Collinsville. Layne A. Willhite was charged on March 19, 2025 with six counts of child pornography, each Class X felonies. From July 1 to August 31, 2024, he allegedly asked underage children to send him sexually explicit videos, which he received via social media platforms. Victims ranged from 14 to 16 years of age. A petition to deny Willhite’s pretrial release adds further context into the investigation that lead to his arrest, which began after the Collinsville Police Department was forwarded a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTip from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. “Subsequently, search warrants were issued to ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter), Spectrum, AT&T, and Google,” the petition states. Those warrants yielded information linking Willhite with the emails and IP addresses mentioned i

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ROMEOVILLE- Today, Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton joined Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, Illinois Department on Aging Director Mary Killough, and local advocacy leaders in the second stop of the Governor’s Standing Up for Illinois Tour. The event brought together state and local leaders to call attention to the Trump Administration’s attacks on the federal Social Security Administration (SSA), which will limit access to Social Security benefits for the two million Illinoisans who rely on this support. The event was hosted by The Ovation Center—a recently-opened facility that provides resources, services, and activities to seniors in Will County. “Through economic recessions, global conflict, and political upheaval, Social Security has remained the bedrock of our economy, our social safety net, and our democracy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s dangerous plan to gut the Social Security Administration

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office is now accepting applications for its third annual summer job program. Approximately 150 positions are available for college, trade school, graduate school students or graduating high school students who are enrolled in college or trade school in the fall. Job offerings include working in one of the 25 departments in the Secretary of State’s office or at a DMV. “Our summer job program allows young people to explore career opportunities, earn money and build valuable skillsets,” Giannoulias said. “This type of hands-on work also builds toward future academic and professional success and can translate into long-term benefits for our communities.” Along with building job and people skills for students, the program bolsters the office’s customer service efforts during the busy summer months. Available positions include working in Secretary of State offices in Chicago,

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced 88 awards totaling $57 million through the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program ($7.7 million), Equitable Energy Future Grant Program ($10.3 million), and Energy Transition Community/Zion Grant Program ($39 million) – initiatives under the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). These programs will catalyze energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that will help clean energy businesses grow and utilize Illinois’ clean energy workforce. “A true clean energy future is one that leaves no community behind,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Through the transformative Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, we’re ensuring historically disadvantaged communities are at the forefront as we grow our clean energy economy. These grant programs are driving clean energy projects where they’re needed most, creating opportunities

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BETHALTO - Samantha Pritchett has thrived in Bethalto. Pritchett, one of nine candidates running for a seat on the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education, shared more about who she is and what she stands for. Her family moved to Bethalto in 2018 to join the school district, and she loves the community. She wants to run for school board to continue to build it up. “I just want to help the community, help the school district, make sure that the kids have the right tools, make sure that the teachers have support, and make sure that we’re highlighting the positive things that are going on in the district versus the negative things that are going on,” Pritchett said. “I feel like I bring a professional and a common sense approach to how I do my job, how I parent, how I talk to people in the community. You just have to be willing to sit down and compromise with people, to collaborate with them, listen to ideas, be open to change.”

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BELLEVILLE – Unemployment stats for Collinsville, Belleville, O’Fallon and Granite City remained low for January 2025 compared to 2024 in stats released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). O’Fallon had a rate of 3.7 percent in January 2025 compared to 4.2 percent a year ago, a -0.5 drop. Collinsville also dropped the same amount to 4.1 percent from 4.6 percent a year ago. Belleville had a 4.6 percent rate compared to 5.4 percent a year ago and Granite City also showed a decrease from 5.2 percent to 4.6 percent. St. Clair County had a drop to 4.6 percent from 5.3 percent a year ago. Andy Manar, the Deputy Governor, said Illinois remains laser-focused on investing in our incomparable workforce and creating a positive business environment to bolster economic opportunity in every corner of the state.” East St. Louis’ unemployment rate also decreased from 8.9 percent to 7.8 percent from Januar

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EDWARDSVILLE/ALTON – Madison County recorded an unemployment rate of 4.0 percent in January 2025 from 4.7 percent a year ago in stats released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Jersey also dropped from 4.8 percent to 4.1 percent, Macoupin County stood at 5.0 percent from 5.5 percent a year ago. Greene County had a 4.5 percent rate compared to January 2024 of 5.0 percent a year ago and Calhoun County had a 5.0 percent rate compared to 5.7 percent in 2024. Alton’s unemployment rate dropped significantly from 5.7 percent to 4.5 percent and Edwardsville recorded the best rate in the region from 3.6 percent in January 2024 to 3.0 percent in 2025. Statewide, the rate stood solid at 5.0 percent in January 2025 from 5.2 percent in January 2024. Over the year, the unemployment rate decreased in eleven metro areas and increased in one for the year ending January 2025, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau

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ALTON - Sergeant Michael “Mike” Morelli of the Alton Police Department has been recognized with the 2024 TNT Outstanding Achievement Award for his extensive contributions to law enforcement and the community. The announcement was made this week by Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford, who highlighted Morelli's nearly two decades of service, including 12 years as a police officer and his leadership role as K-9 Program Supervisor. Morelli began his career in law enforcement as a correctional officer before transitioning to the police department, where he has dedicated significant time to strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the community. As K-9 Program Supervisor, he has trained handlers statewide and led K-9 operations, notably partnering with K-9 Jax for 10 years. Together, they became one of the region's top K-9 teams, assisting in numerous operations and community engagements. The award comes at a time of reflection following the tragic loss of K9 Odin in Augus

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FAIRMONT CITY – The Fairmont City Police Department recently welcomed Officer Jonathon Smelser to its team. Smelser, a graduate of the SWIC Police Academy, previously served with the Venice Police Department and has a background in public service as a volunteer firefighter with the Brooklyn Fire Department. The board meeting provided a platform for city officials to introduce Smelser to the community. Chief of Police Gerald Brown Jr. expressed optimism about Smelser's addition to the department, highlighting his commitment to public service and willingness to assist others. "With his background in public service, he will be a great addition to the department and community," the chief said. Officer Smelser's experience and dedication to helping others are expected to enhance the department's efforts to maintain safety and foster community relations in Fairmont City.

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SOUTH ROXANA – South Roxana Mayor T.J. Callahan appeared on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to outline his achievements and vision for the village’s future as part of our State of the Race 2025 coverage of the April 1 elections. “I always say that South Roxana has been a hard-working community, and we’ve made real progress despite challenges,” Callahan said. “Unfortunately, some candidates are more focused on political games than real solutions. “I want to continue on growth, I want to continue on the opportunity to make things better. We’ve got park grants that are out there, I’m in the process of trying to get Dollar General upgraded … I’m in the process of trying to get another gas station in there,” he said, adding that further development for new businesses is also underway in the community. Callahan was appointed mayor in 2023 after former mayor Barbara Overton resigned. While Callahan’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - Cross-River Crime Task Force Commander Marcos Pulido announced today that a significant amount of suspected methamphetamine was seized during a recent deployment of the unit. The countywide deployment of the unit, led by Pulido and its Deputy Commanders – Alton Police Capt. Kurtis McCray and Granite City Police Capt. Adam Connor – was conducted on March 12, 2025, with 30 law enforcement officers who are assigned to the Task Force. The Task Force apprehended multiple individuals who were in possession of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, as well as roughly a half-pound of suspected methamphetamine. Charges are pending against those individuals. Multiple fugitives, including one from Missouri, were apprehended. Ten people were arrested on outstanding warrants, which included charges for Weapons Offenses, Drug Offenses, Aggravated Fleeing/Attempting to Elude a Police Officer and Felony Theft. “The ongoing collaboration between our skilled and dedicated law

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EDWARDSVILLE – A new dispensary is hosting its Grand Opening celebration in Edwardsville this weekend. Ivy Hall Dispensary , described as “Illinois’ first Social Equity dispensary brand,” will open the doors to its newest location this Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 9 a.m. Located at 6197 Old Alton Edwardsville Road, their business hours will be Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Grand Opening celebration will feature free refreshments from Goshen Coffee, free donuts from Dippidy Donuts, food trucks, and special giveaways. A 25% discount for new customers is just one of the store’s special promotions for the event; free merchandise, discounts on featured products, and bundle deals across certain categories will join other surprise in-store offerings. Conveniently situated near the city and campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the new

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ALTON - Austin Jones, a freshman at Alton High School, showcased his wrestling skills at the 29th Annual Freshmen and Sophomores Championship Series held in Springfield, Illinois, this past weekend. Competing in the 101-pound weight class, Jones secured an eighth-place finish out of a highly competitive bracket of 32 wrestlers. Jones is an Auto Butler Male Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. Jones' journey to the state level was marked by notable performances earlier in the season. He achieved a first-place finish at the regional competition and placed third at the sectional for the IWCOA (Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association) State series. His overall record for the freshman year on the Alton Redbirds varsity team was 26-17. "We were very impressed with his finish and proud of all of his accomplishments," Jones' parents said. Jones' achievements highlight his potential as he continues to develop in the sport of wrestling.

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – Today, it was announced that the federal government has awarded Boeing a contract to build the next-generation fighter jet for the U.S. Air Force. Mayor Jones issued the following statement: “Today is an exciting day for Boeing and the entire St. Louis region,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “The City will remain a strong partner as we continue to promote St. Louis as a leader in innovation and industry.” The sixth-generation fighter, which will replace the F-22 Raptor, will be designated the F-47, Trump said. He also said that the U.S. will have “state-of-the-art stealth technologies virtually unseeable,” and will fly alongside multiple autonomous drone wingmen known as collaborative combat aircraft.

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ALTON, — The Alton Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 2800 block of Residence Street Friday afternoon, March 21, 2025, where heavy smoke was visible upon their arrival. Firefighters encountered challenging conditions as strong winds caused flames to spread to a neighboring house, as well as a tree and some bushes in the vicinity. In response to the escalating situation, Alton requested a box alarm, prompting assistance from the East Alton Fire Department. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control quickly. The initial structure where the fire originated sustained significant damage, while the neighboring house incurred only minor damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Alandyn Simmons and Layne Logan, the two seniors on the Edwardsville girls basketball roster this season, played their final home game on Feb. 11, a 64-16 win over Rochester at Lucco-Jackson Gym, and both made major contributions to the Tigers' 17-9 record at that time before the postseason. Simmons, a transfer to Edwardsville from Lift For Life Academy in St. Louis, was definitely a presence in the middle for the Tigers, averaging 6.4 points and 5.5 rebounds-per-game, adding on 15 assists, 19 steals, and seven blocked shots. Logan added outside scoring punch, and averaged 3.1 points and 2.5 rebounds-per-game, also adding 16 assists, six steals, and two blocked shots. The two girls are Spencer Homes Female Athletes of the Month for the Tigers. In a joint postgame interview with the two seniors, both expressed sadness of how quickly the season went for them. 'I am very sad," Simmons said. "I think the end came way too fast. It came way faster than I expected." Logan

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EDWARDSVILLE - Lucas Krebs is a senior returning infielder for the Edwardsville baseball team, and one of the Tigers' key players, who contributed mightily to the team's success last season, and hopes to repeat it this year. Krebs slammed a home run in Thursday night's Edwardsville opener. Krebs was one of Edwardsville's top players in 2024, hitting .372, with two home runs and 34 RBIs, helping the Tigers to a third-place finish in the IHSA Class 4A state tournament, and is considered one the top prospects in the local area. He displays his leadership qualities every day on the team. Krebs is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. In a recent interview, Krebs thought that preseason practice went well for the Tigers, with everyone locked in preparation for the opening three-game set in the Illinois Prep Baseball Report Kickoff Classic showcase, which involved steam from around the state, this weekend at Tom Pile Field. "I think things are going great," Krebs

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ALTON – Martha Pfister, candidate for Ward 2 Alderwoman, appeared on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to share her goals for the ward if elected as part of our 2025 State of the Race coverage ahead of Election Day on April 1, 2025. A born-and-raised Alton native and frequent community volunteer, Pfister announced her candidacy at the start of 2025 with three main pillars: community, connection, and collaboration. Aside from one weekend, she’s been knocking on doors every weekend since. “I’ve met a lot of different people and been in a lot of different neighborhoods,” she said. “People really just want to know what’s going on and they want to be connected to their alderperson.” Pfister and Tiana Gipson are running as challengers to incumbent Ward 2 Alderwoman Carolyn MacAfee. If elected, Pfister plans to host monthly “Ward 2 meetings” focused on the city’s second ward which would be open to the

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ALTON - In February, House Republicans passed a budget proposal that would force up to $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid and raise the federal deficit by more than $4 trillion to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. Congresswoman Budzinski convened the roundtable as a platform for individuals, particularly Medicaid recipients and providers, to share how they would be impacted by these cuts. “The proposed cuts to Medicaid by Congressional Republicans are unacceptable. To fund enormous tax breaks for billionaires, they are threatening to strip vital healthcare from 216,167 people in my district alone — this includes 90,675 children under 19 and 18,000 seniors over the age of 65,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Yesterday, I brought together Medicaid recipients and healthcare providers to put real faces to these cuts and remind President Trump and Congressional Republicans of the devastating impact their plan would have on millions of Americans. I will fight to protect

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department announced it made 2 DUI arrests, issued 10 speeding citations, and 4 other citations during the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period. “We strongly enforce traffic laws for one reason – to save lives,” said Edwardsville Police Lt. Brandn Whittaker. The Edwardsville Police joined forces with state and local law enforcement and highway safety partners in the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign. The safety effort was funded by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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