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ST. LOUIS – Earlier today, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that voters will have the final say on Amendment 3. Amendment 3 will enshrine reproductive rights across our state if it passes. The court ruling is a victory for those who support democracy and everyone who believes that the right to make personal healthcare decisions should remain in the hands of individuals, not the government. “I couldn’t be more excited!” Alderman Aldridge stated as he read the news. We’ve all been fighting for this moment, and it’s finally here. The grassroots effort to get Amendment 3 on the ballot has been inspiring. People from every corner of Missouri poured their hearts and souls into this movement, collecting signatures, raising awareness, and ensuring we could bring this critical issue directly to the voters. "I can’t help but think back to when my colleagues in the Missouri House said that it doesn’t matter what they think about voter ID laws because

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Who won the 2024 United States presidential debate? Cast your vote at the end of this article. PHILADELPHIA – In a highly anticipated debate held Tuesday night, Republican Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off in Philadelphia, presenting their visions for the nation's future. The event drew significant attention from voters and political analysts alike, with many eager to see how the two prominent figures would handle key issues.E The debate, which took place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, covered a wide range of topics, including the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy. Trump, the former president, emphasized his previous administration's achievements and criticized the current administration's policies. "We need to get back to the prosperity and strength we had during my time in office," Trump stated. Harris, representing the Biden administration, defended their record and outlined plans for continued progress. "We have made significant stride

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COLLINSVILLE - At approximately 5:37 p.m. Tuesday, Madison County Sheriff's Deputies, with assistance from the Collinsville Police Department, responded to reports of shots fired in the 8900 block of Rene Avenue in unincorporated Collinsville. Preliminary information indicates that a subject was shot and is currently being treated at a St. Louis area hospital. Authorities have stated that the individuals involved in the incident are known to each other, and there is no evidence to suggest that this was a random act of violence. Madison County Sheriff's Office Detectives are actively investigating the incident. Further details have not been released as the investigation is ongoing.

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GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon trustees on Tuesday agreed to seek grant funds for the third and final phase of a major shared use path project, with construction on the initial two phases set to begin in 2025. The full scope of the project involves the installation of a shared-use path along the southeast side of Glen Carbon Road. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , the new path will eventually connect Schon Park and Route 159 at an overall estimated cost of $1.8 million for all three phases. While the entire path will eventually extend from Mark Trail Drive to Troy Road, this third phase specifically encompasses the area between Mark Trail Drive and Illinois Route 159, which is set to be built last. Phase 1 will extend from Schon Park to just past Lakewood Drive, while Phase 2 will begin at Lakewood Drive and extend to Mark Trail Drive. The cost of the work to be completed in Phase 3 is estimated at $725,000, but 80% of that cost would be covered by a Public Transportation

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GRANITE CITY — The Union Pacific “Big Boy” No. 4014 steam locomotive rolled through the Madison County area Tuesday evening, captivating railroad enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Hundreds of spectators lined the tracks to photograph and view the passage of No. 4014, a marvel of engineering and a relic of a bygone era. Sporting a 4-8-8-4 articulated wheel arrangement and stretching to a length of more than 132 feet, the engine is one of 25 examples of the largest successful steam locomotive ever built. It is the only one of the eight remaining operable. ALCO built No. 4014 in November 1941 at a cost of $265,174 ($5,493,000 in 2023 ) and delivered it the following month to Union Pacific, which placed it in revenue service. The locomotives were produced by the American Locomotive Company between 1941 and 1944 and were used by Union Pacific for heavy freight service on Sherman Hill, west of Cheyenne, Wyoming. The train will continue its journey toward Texas

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COLLINSVILLE - The third annual Midwest Holistic Wellness Fair invites attendees to learn more about alternative healing modalities. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, community members can talk to over 50 vendors about their products and treatments. The event is completely free. Joyce Stewart, who owns Living Free Center for Spirituality and Healing, explained that the fair will offer everything from aura photography to intuitive readings to CBD products. “People don’t realize how large this field is and how many options are out there to get you to a healthy space, mind, body and spirit,” Stewart said. “Here’s your chance. You can talk one-on-one with all these different practitioners. You can sample their products. You can sample their treatments. It’s a really good way to educate yourself about everything that’s out there.” Stewart is from California, where

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GRAFTON - The Jersey Community Hospital (JCH) Foundation’s Lucky Duck Derby is making a splash in Grafton on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 at Raging Rivers Waterpark. This year’s event will see one lucky duck take home a $1,000 cash grand prize in a “race for the rescue” supporting the JCH Foundation. The 2024 Lucky Duck Derby will be held from 4:30 to 8 p.m., with the race itself kicking off at 6:45 p.m. Participants can purchase rubber ducks for a chance to win over 20 prizes, including the grand prize of $1,000 for the first duck to float across the 30 finish line. If you can’t make it to this year’s event, JCH Foundation Director Charity Roth said on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com that you can still win any of the available prizes. Ducks are available for $10 each, $25 for three ducks, or a “quacker's dozen” of 13 ducks for $100. “The event itself hosts several different activities, but if you purchase ducks,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Patrick Henesey, a senior goalkeeper for the Alton boys soccer team, has shown great progress in helping the Redbirds in their resurgence, taking a 6-1 win over University City, Mo., on Sept. 7, right after a loss at Edwardsville 1-0 on Sept. 5. Henesey has allowed only eight goals in net for Alton in the first six matches as the Redbirds are off to a tremendous start, one of the best starts for the Redbirds in many season. In an interview that followed the game against Edwardsville, Henesey felt Alton had played well, but also though his team could have done better. "It was a good game," Henesey said. "We just need to work on a few things. We should have scored and put it away, but we played well. It was a tough finish." The Redbirds did have some good opportunities in the match, particularly towards the end, when everyone pushed forward to get the equalizer. The goal, however, never came as the Tigers took the three points. "Yeah, it was a good game," Henesey

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MADISON COUNTY - Football season is upon us, and not just for our local high schools and colleges. This season, Madison County Judge Sarah Smith was selected to serve as a Deep Wing Official in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference. She is also officiating at the high school level, freshman on up to Varsity Friday Night Lights games throughout Southern Illinois. “I have three sons who all play football and a husband who coaches at the middle school. Football just runs in our blood, and since I plan on retiring from the military next year, I figured it was the perfect time to get into the officiating profession,” said Smith. The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC), which is comprised of eight full-time member schools from Minnesota and Wisconsin, began in 1972 as the Twin Rivers Conference and was renamed to its current title in 1983. In 2008-09 academic year, the UMAC became a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. The UMAC includes

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COLLINSVILLE — Firefighters and paramedics from the Collinsville and Edwardsville Fire Departments participated in Swiftwater Rescue Training at the Collinsville Aqua Park on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. The training, which included both indoor and outdoor sessions, aimed to equip emergency responders with essential skills for water rescues. During the comprehensive training, participants learned various swiftwater rescue techniques, including self-rescue and victim-rescue strategies. Additionally, they were trained in the proper use and maintenance of specialized swiftwater rescue equipment and practiced rope systems and knot-tying skills crucial for water rescues. "While we certainly hope that the participants never have to use the training that they received today, we're glad that our City's emergency responders are prepared should an emergency arise," said the City of Collinsville. The collaboration between the Collinsville and Edwardsville Fire Departments highlights a commitment

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BELLEVILLE - The City of Belleville and the September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois Committee will host a ceremony commemorating those lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. At 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, community members will gather at the September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois in Belleville. The Belleville Chief of Police and Fire Chief will speak, as will guest speaker Colonel Steven Puthoff, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, G3, Scott Air Force Base. “It’s a ceremony that lasts about a half hour, just paying tribute to those who lost their lives,” explained Karen Dauphin with the Belleville Fire Department. “We want to remember those and remember where you were.” In addition to the speakers, attendees will listen to a bagpipes performance and “Taps” performed on trumpet. They will also hold a moment of silence to remember the 2,977 people who were killed that day. Dauphin said the City of Bellevill

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ALTON - Dip a paddle in the Mighty Mississippi River Saturday, Sept. 21 during the Great Rivers Rendezvous organized by the Mississippi River Water Trail Association. Register now for this fun and recreational paddle that provides three different launch points for paddlers including a three mile jaunt; a seven mile paddle and a 12 mile excursion. All participants will be accompanied by trained safety boaters. All participants will finish at Alton Riverfront Park in time to enjoy the 18th Annual Mississippi Earthtones Festival. Kayak and canoe boat rentals are available through Alpine Shop in St. Louis and Mississippi River Water Trail by emailing grr@MississippiRiverWaterTrail.org or by contacting the Paddle Stop at info@paddlestop.com “We started this event last year as a way to introduce paddlers to boating on the Mississippi River and to showcase the paddling fun the great river provides,” noted Melissa Sauter, head of the Mississippi Water Trail Association.

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ALTON — Brian Dawson, a drywall finisher from Newton, Iowa, recently made a stop in Alton as part of his ambitious 2,450-mile canoe trip down the Mississippi River to the Gulf Coast. Dawson embarked on his journey in June and is traveling with his loyal German shepherd, Jade. Dawson decided to undertake this river expedition and seize the moment to explore the river. "I chose to spend money while I can," Dawson said. "It means the world to me; I've been waiting a long time." Jade, who has been with Dawson for eight years, provides companionship and security during the trip. "She has guard duty during the night and sleeps in the canoe during the day," Dawson noted. The journey, which includes breaks such as a five-day hiatus for the Iowa State Fair, has been both challenging and rewarding. Dawson has been documenting his travels every three to four days in the Mississippi River Paddlers journal and keeps in touch with his family and followers via Facebook. "The most interesting

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education spoke about family and community engagement at their work session on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Family and community engagement has been identified as Goal 4 in the district’s strategic plan. Mary Ann Mitchell, the district’s Public Relations and Communications Director, explained how District #7 has garnered engagement in the past year. “The goal of Goal 4 is that we will develop and strengthen genuine connections and partnerships that will produce positive outcomes with students, families, educators and the community,” Mitchell said. The district launched its new website in December 2023. In the nine months since the website has been operating, it has averaged 18,777 users a month. Mitchell pointed out some of the website’s functions, including a translation tool that will translate the website into different languages for non-English speaking families. “We

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GRANITE CITY - At approximately 6:08 p.m. on Sept. 9, 2024, the Granite City Police Department responded to a report of a single-vehicle traffic crash on southbound Nameoki Road at the Pontoon Road overpass. The victim sustained serious injuries and was later pronounced deceased on the scene by the Madison County Coroner’s Office. "This case is still under investigation and no further information will be released at this time," Major Gary Brooks of the Granite City Police Department said. Further details about the incident, including the identity of the victim and the circumstances leading to the crash, have not been disclosed. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the accident to come forward as they continue to investigate the cause of the crash. The Granite City Police phone number is (618) 877-6111.

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is now investigating a Monday night, Sept. 9, 2024, fatal Cahokia Heights shooting. Lt. Shane Brown of the Belleville Police Department will serve as deputy commander in the investigation. Authorities said the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office was called for a shooting in the 2400 block of Renois Lane in Cahokia Heights about 7:20 p.m. on Monday. When the sheriff’s office arrived, they discovered a man who had been shot in his vehicle. He was transported to an area hospital where he died, authorities said. The Major Case Squad has identified the man as Damonta T. Mosley, 18. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Major Case Squad at (618) 825-5200. Anonymous tips can be done through contacting CrimeStoppers at (866) 371-TIPS (8477).

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ALTON - On the most recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Brian and MJ spoke about building a relationship with God and embracing feelings of discomfort. The two co-hosts discussed the importance of letting Christ into your life. Brian shared that since he was saved, he has become a better person, husband, father and employer. He believes that allowing God into his heart has helped him to grow, and he encouraged listeners to do the same. “If you haven’t made a change yet, I’m failing, because my show is to hopefully give you hope, inspire you and encourage you to have that relationship with Jesus,” Brian said. “Have you heard something on the show that made you uncomfortable to make a positive change? I’m not saying uncomfortable to make you feel uncomfortable. I’m talking about, have you made that change in your life to get comfortable?” Brian noted that all of the show’s guests

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EAST ALTON - In a ceremony held recently, the Riverbend East Rotary Club presented its Business of the Year award to the Werts family, owners of the Wood River-based Werts Welding and Tank Service Company. The family, consisting of Nick, Cheryl, and Dwight Werts, received the award in recognition of their business achievements and contributions to the local community. The Werts family has shown a remarkable commitment to their business and the community, the organizers of the event said that day. Werts Welding and Tank Service Company has been a staple in the Wood River area, providing specialized welding and tank services. The family-owned business has built a reputation for quality, reliability and community service over the years.

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded more than $6 million in grant funding to four recipients through the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program. This program is a partnership between DCEO, the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) and the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and is funded through the Illinois Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED). “We’re fighting homelessness in Illinois with compassion, innovation, and ongoing coordination,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to this award, my administration is one step closer to reaching our goal of functional zero homelessness by providing vulnerable residents the resources they need to find financial and housing stability.” "Too often, systemic inequities compound and force hardworking people into homelessness. Our communities have been asking for ways to uplift and protect eac

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ST. LOUIS - The City of St. Louis is asking residents to provide input and feedback on the future of City streets, sidewalks, and surrounding infrastructure through a new survey and upcoming open houses. Since the spring of 2024, the City has been developing its first citywide Transportation & Mobility Plan in decades. Once completed in 2025, the plan will establish clear, citywide priorities and policy recommendations for a safer and better-maintained transportation network, utilizing national best practices in ways that fit St. Louis. “We’re lucky to have forward-thinking planners and engineers in the City of St. Louis who are committed to making our streets people-friendly,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “While we create the plan that will shape how people get around in St. Louis for decades, we need input from residents from every neighborhood and people who travel on our City streets, whether by car, bus, bike, foot, or with any type of assistance. We

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