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ALTON — A 17-year-old female was fatally shot early Friday morning, July 4, 2025, on Oakwood Avenue, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Alton Police Department. At approximately 2 a.m. on July 4, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 900 block of Oakwood Avenue. Upon arrival, they found the victim with an apparent gunshot wound. Officers provided immediate aid until the Alton Fire Department arrived to assume medical care. The victim was transported to a local hospital and later airlifted to a St. Louis area hospital due to the severity of her injuries, where she subsequently died. The Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division has been activated and is actively investigating the incident. The Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit assisted with processing the scene. Additional support was provided by officers from the East Alton Police Department, Wood River Police Department, SIUE Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s

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July 4th is a date packed with historical significance around the globe, resonating far beyond its well-known American roots. Arguably, the most globally recognized event occurring on this day is the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the United States in 1776. This momentous act marked the birth of a new nation founded on principles of liberty and democracy. The declaration declared the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule, setting into motion a series of events that would not only reshape North America but also inspire freedom movements worldwide. The language of the Declaration, emphasizing unalienable rights and government by consent, would echo in countless other struggles for independence and human rights globally. But July 4th has significance beyond America’s founding. For instance, in 1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point graduated its first class, laying the foundation for professional military education in the country.

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Did you know that nearly 70% of Americans celebrate Independence Day with family gatherings, yet only a fraction of those celebrations incorporate meaningful, creative activities that truly honor the spirit of freedom? Independence Day is more than fireworks and barbecues; it’s an opportunity to deepen family bonds while reflecting on the values that shape the nation. Here are inventive ways to celebrate Independence Day with your family that go beyond tradition, making the day memorable and meaningful for all ages. Reimagining Patriotic Traditions Most families associate July 4th with fireworks, flags, and cookouts, but there are enriching ways to reimagine these traditions. Consider crafting a “Freedom Tree” where each family member writes down what independence means to them on colorful paper leaves. Attach these leaves to a branch or small indoor tree to create a visual representation of diverse perspectives within your family. Another idea is to host a family

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SPRINGFIELD - During the summer season, many people see fireworks as a pinnacle part of their summer celebrations. To those celebrants, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) recommends checking your local town, city, and/or municipalities for their scheduled professional firework displays. It is illegal to purchase or use “consumer fireworks” in the state of Illinois for personal use as they can be extremely dangerous. Things that are not considered consumer fireworks such as sparklers (check local ordinances for legality) and worm/snake pellets are allowed, though it is vital that precautions are taken, and they are only operated by those not under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Even though smaller pyrotechnics such as sparklers are allowed, they can be incredibly dangerous as well. The Illinois Office of the Fire Marshal reported that in 2014, the number one cause of burns and injuries were sparklers. It is important to remember the risks that come with

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BELLEVILLE – Today U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Mike Bost (R-IL-12) and Jared Golden (D-ME-02), as well as Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Angus King (I-ME), and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced legislation to ensure our troops are wearing high quality, safe and reliable footwear as part of their uniforms, all while strengthening our national security and creating good-paying jobs here in the United States. The Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTs) Act would expand current uniform regulations to ensure the combat boots worn by our servicemembers are entirely manufactured in America and made with U.S.-sourced materials. To learn more, see HERE . “Belleville Boots has been crafting top-quality military footwear for our service members since World War I. But like so many American manufacturers, they’re facing unfair competition from a flood of cheap, low-quality imports—often from countries like China. This not only undercuts American jobs,

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WESTMONT – Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery has announced that he will not seek reelection this fall at the union’s convention, concluding 15 years of transformational leadership and decades of service to public education, the labor movement, and working families. Since his election in 2010, Montgomery has been a tireless advocate for IFT members, public education, state services, and all Illinoisans. He was unanimously reelected by delegates in 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022, leading the 103,000-member union through a period of significant growth, increased activism, and bold advocacy. “Leading the IFT has been the privilege and honor of my life,” Montgomery said. “Together, we have stood on the frontlines to defend public education, protect our professions, and uplift the voices of working people. I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m confident that the IFT is poised for an even stronger future.”

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ALTON — A man with Riverbend roots rises to one of the U.S. Marine Corps’ most selective ranks, earning the title of warrant officer following a months-long journey of testing, training and leadership development. Cole Ellis, a 2012 Alton High School graduate, took his oath of office Feb. 1 at Quantico, Va., officially stepping into a role reserved for technical experts and trusted leaders across the Corps. The training was anything but ceremonial — eight weeks of tactical fieldwork, classroom instruction and long hikes under weight, followed by six weeks of advanced technical training in Virginia Beach where he finished on July 3. “Even though I’ve stayed in shape, this course pushed me,” Ellis said. The warrant officer program selects experienced enlisted Marines who demonstrate technical expertise, steady leadership and strong character. Candidates undergo a competitive board process, receive command endorsement and submit a personal essay explaining

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SPRINGFIELD — As families across Illinois prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the Illinois Optometric Association (IOA) urges residents to think twice before handling fireworks, especially when it comes to protecting their eyes. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 14,000 fireworks-related injuries were reported in 2024, with 22% involving the head, face, and ears. These injuries can range from burns and abrasions to severe trauma, often resulting in temporary vision loss or even blindness. “Eye injuries from fireworks are not just painful — they’re often devastating and completely preventable,” said Angela Oberreiter, OD, President & Chair of the Illinois Optometric Association. “Unfortunately, we see far too many patients this time of year with eye injuries from fireworks, smoke bombs, bottle rockets, and sparklers.” Key Facts About Fireworks and Eye Safety: • Sparklers burn at over 1,800 degrees —

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ALTON - The Alton American Legion organized a picnic at Rock Spring Park on July 4, 1925. The main attraction was an elaborate fireworks finale, but there were activities and entertainment all afternoon and into the night. The White Hussar Band played, revelers danced at the Valley Park Pavilion, there was a Defense Test program, and attendees competed in a variety of athletic events that had been planned in partnership with the Alton Recreation Commission. Legion post members directed the competitions for boys, and several of the playground directors supervised the girls’ competitions. There were ten events for boys, five for girls, one for men, and zero for women. An open Horseshoe Pitching elimination tournament for men started at 1:30 p.m. with two men to a team. Two boxes of cigars were awarded to the first prize winners. The abbreviated marathon for boys under 15 also started at 1:30 p.m. The top three winners won gold, silver, and bronze medals. A separate “Boys’

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DECATUR – Ahead of Independence Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned a lost Purple Heart medal to the brother and granddaughter of a World War II veteran who earned it while fighting to liberate Europe. Frerichs reunited Army Private John L. Moore’s medal with Jerry Moore, his youngest brother, and Angie Holliger, Private Moore’s granddaughter, during a ceremony at the World War II Memorial in Decatur, where Jerry lives. It is the 15th lost medal Frerichs has returned as part of Operation Purple Heart , an unprecedented mission to return lost medals with the rightful owners. The iconic military honor is given to individuals wounded or killed during military combat. “Private Moore defended democracy during some of the fiercest battles of WW II,” Frerichs said. “It is an honor to finally return his Purple Heart to his loving family.” John Moore survived the 1944 D-Day invasion only to be wounded weeks later by shrapnel in hi

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MARYVILLE - The Village of Maryville will continue their “Movie in the Park” tradition with two films later this month. On Saturday, July 19, 2025, community members can enjoy “Moana 2” at Drost Park in Maryville. This will be followed by "Inside Out 2" the following weekend on July 26, 2025. Mayor Wayne White noted that the events aim to provide free, family-friendly fun for the community. “What we really want to do is just bring families and communities together,” he said. “This is an opportunity for us to do that.” The movies start at dusk and are completely free to attend. The Parks and Recreation Committee provides ice cream from Bobby’s and popcorn. There will also be an inflatable obstacle course for the kids to play on. “What we're really trying to do is bring back that spirit of the family drive-in, except on a little bit smaller scale,” White explained. “Maryville, we are just a family community.

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SPRINGFIELD – As summer gets into full swing, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is reminding the public about the importance of motorcycle safety for everyone on the road. In just the past week, ISP alone responded to four motorcycle fatalities. Summer is historically when the highest number of motorcycle crashes and fatalities occur. A National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) assessment shows from 2013-2022, 47% of motorcycle fatalities occur during the summer months. According to NHTSA, motorcycles account for less than 3% of all registered vehicles, but comprise an estimated 12% of all traffic fatalities. To date in 2025, there have been 44 motorcycle fatalities in Illinois according to Illinois Department of Transportation data . Speed and driving while impaired are two of the main causes of motorcycles fatalities and injuries. ? According to NHTSA, 59% of motorcycle fatalities involved impaired driving and 40% of serious injures involved speeding.

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ALTON — The City of Alton's Annual Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks was again a great success. It was an evening of food, music, and fireworks on the Alton riverfront on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Gates opened at 5 p.m., with DJ ChrisXmas providing entertainment to start the festivities. The Lincoln Brass Band performed at 8 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. This year's fireworks celebration drew an enormous crowd throughout the Downtown Alton area. Alton Mayor David Goins expressed enthusiasm for the event, saying, "I love the event each year and look forward to it. It is always a grand event, and this year it was that once again." He highlighted the community’s ability to draw a large crowd each year and thanked the various Alton departments for their hard work on the event. The Alton Police Department emphasized safety and provided important traffic information. Traffic restrictions were in place on several local streets near the East

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ALTON — “Our Daily Show!,” Riverbender.com ’s flagship talk program, is celebrating a major breakthrough in the podcast landscape. According to PodSEO , a leading platform for podcast rankings and SEO insights, the show has surged into the top 3% of all podcasts. This impressive rise reflects a dramatic climb in engagement over the past month, with the show gaining national traction and officially outpacing long-established programs. “It’s a testament to what happens when a community gets behind something real,” said host CJ Nasello. “We’re not backed by a corporate network — we’re powered by people who care about the Riverbend and want to hear about our region.” While other shows remained steady, “Our Daily Show!” began a rapid ascent starting late June 2025, reflecting significant growth in listenership, downloads, and online engagement. What Sets It Apart Broadcasting live

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BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police Department is investigating a shooting incident involving a 4-year-old boy who was wounded early Thursday morning, July 3, 2025. At approximately 7:30 a.m. on July 3, 2025, Belleville Police officers responded to Memorial Hospital after the child arrived with a non-life-threatening gunshot injury. The shooting occurred at a residence on the first block of North 42nd Street in Belleville. A Belleville Police Crime Scene Investigator collected multiple pieces of evidence at the scene. Police said they are not currently seeking any additional suspects. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities will release more information as it becomes available and appropriate to share.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified a 44-year-old Alton woman who died early Tuesday morning, July 1, 2025, after her vehicle struck a guardrail on Interstate 64. Eileen Campbell, a resident of the 200 block of Madison Avenue, was driving a 2025 Honda CRV westbound near Big Bend Boulevard at approximately 12:40 a.m. when her vehicle went off the road and collided with the guardrail, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol online crash report. Emergency responders from the Richmond Heights Fire Department transported Campbell to Barnes-Jewish Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 2:45 a.m. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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WOOD RIVER — A crash on Thursday morning, July 3, 2025, in Wood River claimed the lives of two people and left a suspect injured, authorities said. At approximately 10:50 a.m. on July 3, 2025, a Wood River Police Department officer attempted to stop a vehicle at Sixth Street and Edwardsville Road. The driver, the sole occupant, fled despite the officer activating emergency lights, according to police. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said the suspect drove recklessly through a business parking lot, jumped a curb, and continued southbound on Sixth Street, ignoring multiple traffic control devices. He said the vehicle then turned westbound onto Illinois Route 143 and ran a solid red light at the intersection with Illinois Route 3. There, it collided with a northbound vehicle carrying two occupants. The impact forced both vehicles into a ravine on the northwest side of the intersection. The struck vehicle caught fire immediately. Both occupants were pronounced dead by Madison

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EAST ALTON – A man from Alton accused of intentionally setting fire to an East Alton residence faces multiple felony charges. Larry D. Greer, 30, of Alton, was charged on July 1, 2025 with a Class 1 felony count of residential arson and a Class 4 felony count of criminal damage to property. On June 29, 2025, Greer allegedly knowingly damaged a residence in the 100 block of Northmoor Place in East Alton by means of fire. He was also accused of causing over $500 worth of damage to various personal property of the property owner. According to the state’s petition to deny Greer’s pretrial release, he was allowed to enter the victim’s home after serving time in prison for a previous domestic battery case against the same victim. After Greer became angry with the victim, she left the residence to stay at a friend’s house before receiving a call from the East Alton Police Department that her house was on fire. “Defendant was arrested, admitting to

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EDWARDSVILLE – A series of “explicit” conversations with multiple minors on Snapchat have led to criminal charges against a man from Edwardsville. Hunter H. Wells, 23, of Edwardsville, was charged on June 27, 2025 with one count of child pornography, a Class X felony, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, both Class A misdemeanors. On Dec. 11, 2023, Wells allegedly used Snapchat to have explicit conversations – and in some cases, send explicit photos – to minors under the age of 18. Specifically, he is accused of soliciting a child “whom he believed to be 15 years of age” to appear nude in a Snapchat video, and exposing himself via Snapchat to minors he believed to be 15 and 14 years of age at the time. The State’s Attorney’s petition to deny Wells’s pretrial release from custody details the investigation that led to his arrest. “On March 11, 2024, the Moline, Illinois Police Department received a cybertip

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COLLINSVILLE — Collinsville author Thelma Ball has published a new book documenting the history of two major World War II defense plants in Illiopolis. "Illinois Munitions: A News Journal of the Oak & Sangamon Ordnance Plants 1942-1950 Illiopolis, Illinois," explores the development and operations of what were once the largest ordnance plants in the United States. The 354-page hardcover volume recounts the federal government’s 1942 investment of $40 million to build two ordnance plants on 19,000 acres east of Springfield, acquired from local farmers. One plant produced fuses, while the other manufactured ammunition and bombs. At their operational peak, the facilities employed about 15,000 workers, predominantly women ordnance workers from rural communities across central Illinois. Ball’s book details the logistical challenges faced by the plants, including workforce recruitment and retention, transportation via road and rail, and housing shortages. Ammunition

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