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Did you know that visual storytelling enhances memory retention by up to 65% compared to text alone? Imagine combining this power with the excitement of a scavenger hunt, turning an ordinary day into an engaging adventure. A summer photo scavenger hunt offers a creative way to encourage exploration, observation, and connection through photography. Whether organizing for family, friends, or community groups, this activity can foster interaction and spark creativity. Defining the Concept: What Is a Photo Scavenger Hunt? A photo scavenger hunt challenges participants to find and capture specific items, scenes, or themes using a camera or smartphone. Unlike traditional scavenger hunts that require collecting physical objects, photo hunts emphasize creativity and interpretation, allowing players to express their perspective through images. This modern twist on a classic game leverages the ubiquity of digital cameras and social media to enhance engagement. Planning Your Photo Scavenger

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July 25 has been a date marked by remarkable events that have shaped history. One of the most profound events occurred on July 25, 1610, when Galileo Galilei made a discovery that forever changed our understanding of the cosmos. Using his improved telescope, Galileo observed the four largest moons orbiting Jupiter—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—now collectively known as the Galilean moons. This was revolutionary because it challenged the long-held geocentric view that Earth was the center of the universe. Galileo’s observations provided strong evidence that not all celestial bodies revolve around the Earth, paving the way for modern astronomy and altering humanity’s place in the cosmos. Fast forward to July 25, 1794, during the French Revolution, when the fall of the radical leader Maximilien Robespierre took place. Robespierre, a key architect of the Reign of Terror, was arrested and executed on this day, marking a turning point in the revolution. His

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Today’s high will reach 93 degrees with a low of 75. Expect mostly cloudy skies in the morning, turning partly sunny with scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. It will feel very hot, with temperatures feeling as high as 105 degrees in some spots. Humidity is high, making it feel even warmer. An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday for Madison County. Heat index values could hit 111 degrees, so be sure to stay hydrated, avoid the sun when possible, and check on neighbors and family, especially the elderly and young children. Allergy sufferers should note moderate mold levels and low pollen counts for grass, ragweed, and tree pollen. The UV index is high at 7, so sunscreen and protective clothing are recommended if you’re spending time outdoors. Tomorrow’s forecast calls for a high near 90 and a low around 75 with humid conditions and more scattered thunderstorms possible throughout the day. It will be partly sunny and still feel very warm, with

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MARINE, Ill. — Westbound Highway 70 is closed Thursday night at Route 4 outside Marine after a semi truck struck and killed a pedestrian. The Marine Fire Department was dispatched just before 11 p.m. for the report of a pedestrian struck by a semi truck. Firefighters initially requested a medical helicopter to be put on standby, but canceled the request upon arrival. Westbound traffic on Highway 70 was rerouted off at the Route 4 exit due to the closure. Westbound 70 will be closed for an extended period. The Madison County Coroner’s office responded to the scene, and the Illinois State Police are investigating the fatal accident. Further details have not been released yet.

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COLLINSVILLE — On July 23, 2025, the Collinsville Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing at the Walmart Supercenter located at 1040 Collinsville Crossing. At approximately 1:56 p.m. that day, officers arrived to find a female employee suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported by the Collinsville Fire Department to a hospital in St. Louis, where she remains in stable condition. Authorities identified the suspect as Kelvin F. Fuller, 19, of Collinsville, who was a co-worker of the victim. Fuller fled the scene but was located a short distance from the store and taken into custody without incident. The following day, July 24, 2025, the Collinsville Police Department’s investigative division presented the case to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. Based on the evidence, Fuller was charged with attempted first-degree murder, a Class X felony, and two counts of aggravated battery, each a Class 3 felony. Fuller remains

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BETHALTO - Villa Rose Senior Living Community is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The organization will mark the anniversary with a drone show at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Community members are welcome to park at Villa Rose or at any of the churches along Moreland Road. In recent interviews on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello , staff members shared their experiences and encouraged people to consider Villa Rose. “I think you’ll find something special here,” said Cindy, Villa Rose’s executive director. “Thank you to all the community members that have supported us through the years, those that have entrusted their family members to us. It’s quite an accomplishment when we look at all of the people who we’ve touched.” Cindy explained that Villa Rose was the first independent living facility in the region. To date, they’re the only family-owned senior community in the Riverbend. She believes that

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Fairview Heights Police Officers Molly Muennich and Herminio "Tony" Raimundi recently shared their recovery stories with the city’s Board following injuries sustained in the line of duty on May 17, 2025. Officer Muennich was shot in the mouth, and Officer Raimundi was shot in the arm during the incident. Fairview Heights Police said the officers were responding to a report on Potomac Drive of a suspicious person prowling around a home. When the officers arrived and contacted the individual, they found it was a possible domestic situation. The person then began shooting and hit three Fairview Heights Police officers. Both Fairview Heights Police officers have undergone surgeries and are continuing their recovery before returning to active duty. The presentation took place recently, where the officers updated the Board on their progress. The event included Honorable Mary Russell, Vice President; Mr. John Capps, President; and Lt. Col. Lawrence O’Toole,

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GRAFTON - Families are invited to Raging Rivers WaterPark for the summer season’s final two Family Fun Nights. From 6–9 p.m. on Friday, July 25, and Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, community members can stay late at Raging Rivers to enjoy the waterslides and other attractions. On Aug. 1, the evening will conclude with a fireworks spectacular complete with food trucks and more fun. Jeremy Hayes, general manager at Raging Rivers, explained that the goal is to bring families together. “We’re just open a little bit later for guests to get in and enjoy themselves,” he said. “It’s another way of people making memories.” Admission to the Family Fun Night is included with a season pass or a full-day ticket purchased for that date. You can also buy a Family Fun Night evening ticket for $24.99. Raging Rivers WaterPark closes for the season on Sept. 7, 2025, so there’s only a little time left to get out to the park and have fun. Hayes hopes

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police Department is addressing concerns over the use of low-speed electric scooters, commonly known as e-scooters, on local roadways. The department has received multiple complaints about riders operating these scooters in the community in violation of Illinois law. Under Illinois state law, e-scooters are permitted on roadways only if a municipality enacts an ordinance allowing their use. Even then, riders must adhere to specific rules, including being at least 18 years old and allowing only one rider per scooter. Bethalto has not passed such an ordinance, making the operation of e-scooters on its streets illegal. The Bethalto Police Department highlighted safety concerns after reviewing video footage showing one individual riding on the wrong side of the road through an intersection and another rider pulling out in front of a fire truck responding to a medical emergency with lights and sirens activated. Bethalto Police officers will be actively contacting

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BELLEVILLE – Residents from around the Riverbend have been charged with stolen vehicle possession in a series of unrelated felony cases. Patsy N. Willis, 38, of Belleville, was charged on July 17, 2025 with offenses related to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony. Willis allegedly possessed a 2007 Toyota Camry which she knew to be stolen on June 12, 2025. The Bethalto Police Department presented the case against Willis, and she was granted pretrial release from custody. Amy E. Rives, 41, of Cottage Hills, was charged with a Class 2 felony count of offenses related to motor vehicles on July 17, 2025. Rives allegedly knowingly possessed a stolen 2009 Ford Flex bearing an Illinois registration number on June 16, 2025. George Garcia-Flores, 22, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged on July 18, 2025 with offenses related to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony. On July 3, 2025, Garcia-Flores was reportedly in possession of a stolen Jaguar X-Type which he knew had been stolen.

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ALTON – Two individuals from Alton have been charged in separate cases with domestic battery and more. Kelvin D. Mays Jr., 37, of Alton, was charged on July 18, 2025 with two counts of aggravated domestic battery (both Class 2 felonies) and one count of criminal damage to property (a Class 4 felony). Mays allegedly strangled the victim and forcefully grabbed their finger, causing a fracture of the finger on July 5, 2025. He was additionally accused of causing over $500 worth of damage to the victim’s furniture and electronics. A petition to deny his pretrial release from custody states Mays became angry with the victim under the belief she was “cheating on him with other men.” Mays then reportedly “choked her and pointed a gun at her,” according to the petition, which adds: “During the altercation, he grabbed her finger forcefully to remove a ring, causing a fracture.” The Alton Police Department presented the case against Mays, wh

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — Authorities have arrested a man in connection with the shooting of an 11-year-old child that occurred earlier this week in Cahokia Heights. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has been investigating the incident for the past four days, with 20 investigators following up on more than 75 leads. Their efforts led to the arrest of 33-year-old Jeremiah A. Johnson of Cahokia Heights. Johnson faces charges of aggravated battery, mob action, and obstructing justice. He is currently being held at the St. Clair County Jail. The Major Case Squad continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and is urging community members to come forward with any information. Tips can be reported to the Major Case Squad Command Post at 618-332-4277 or submitted through Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-8477.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A Critical Incident Briefing report for the officer-involved shooting which occurred on May 26, 2025, in the 1300 block of Eagles Way Court in the City of Hazelwood, Mo., has been released by St. Louis County Police. The incident occurred at approximately 11:32 a.m. on May 26, 2025, when the officer responded to the call and encountered the man armed with a knife, according to a briefing from the St. Louis County Police Bureau of Crimes Against Persons. The officer fired his service weapon, striking the man, who sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot injury. The injured man was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Hazelwood officer involved is 29 years old and has two years of law enforcement experience. The shooting remains under investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. CrimeStoppers can be reached at 1-866-371-TIPS for those wishing to remain anonymous

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COLLINSVILLE - At the July 21, 2025, meeting, the Collinsville Unit School District 10 Board of Education recognized Collinsville High School drama students and members of the Kahok Special Olympics team for their recent achievements. Four CHS students earned superior rankings at the 2025 International Thespian Festival held in June. Mya Parker received the designation for solo musical performance, Nathalia Lebron-Suarez and Holiday Johnson were honored for scenic design, and Ailee Murphy was recognized for solo acting. Additionally, Lebron-Suarez was named to the 2026 All-State production crew. The board also acknowledged the accomplishments of Kahok Special Olympics athletes who competed in the recent Summer Games. Eli Pollard earned a bronze medal in the tennis ball throw. Maliyah Pfeil won a gold medal in the softball throw and placed seventh in the 50-meter run. Bethany McCullar finished sixth in the 50-meter run, while Brandon McCullar secured a gold medal in the softball throw.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane and ramp closures on westbound Interstate 55/64 in St. Clair County for roadway construction. Beginning, weather permitting, at 5 a.m. Saturday, July 26, westbound I-55/64 will be reduced to one lane between the Collinsville Road overpass and Missouri Avenue overpass. The following ramps will also be closed during this time: St. Clair Avenue to the westbound I-55/64 entrance ramp Westbound I-55/64 to the left-side Martin Luther King Bridge exit ramp Westbound I-55/64 to the Third Street exit ramp All lanes and ramps are expected to reopen by 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us

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EDWARDSVILLE – The City of Edwardsville is now offering a Bike Rack Grant Program in an effort to support and boost the availability of bicycle parking in public spaces throughout the City. Businesses, nonprofits and other groups can apply for a grant of up to $925 to help cover the costs of buying and installing bicycle racks for public use. The program is an initiative of the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which addresses issues related to safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists in Edwardsville. The grant program received City Council approval in July 2025. Committee members hope the program will help make biking throughout the community even easier and offer a secure, convenient alternative to driving. Currently, the City offers bicycle racks at many of its parks and public facilities, but the program would help fill in some bike rack gaps in other community locations. Applicants may be eligible for up to a $925 reimbursement toward

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GRAFTON - Kids are invited to Raging Rivers WaterPark for the chance to train as a lifeguard. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 28 to Aug. 1, 2025, kids ages 7–14 can learn the basic skills needed to become a lifeguard. Kids will learn water safety and life-saving skills while having fun at the park. Jeremy Hayes, general manager at Raging Rivers, explained that the goal is to encourage water safety while preparing kids to one day become lifeguards. “They’re geared to come in and do training with lifeguards and enjoy the day with lifeguards,” he said. “They’re actually learning the basic life-saving skills, CPR, swimming, how to save and what to look for.” Registration for the Junior Lifeguard Camp closes on July 27. You can register your child here . It costs $110 per child; this registration fee is waived for the first 25 children to register in each age group. Kids will work in groups of ages 7–10 and 11–14. They will

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DU QUOIN – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 7 announce the arrest of 70-year-old Jon W. Montgomery of Du Quoin, IL for multiple counts of Possession and Dissemination of Child Pornography. On June 11, 2025, ISP special agents executed a search warrant at Montgomery’s residence in rural Du Quoin and collected electronic evidence. The evidence was analyzed and revealed child sexual abuse materials. Montgomery was booked into the Perry County jail on July 23, 2025, and a detention hearing is set for July 24, 2025. Montgomery was charged with seven counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony) and four counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography – Victim Under 13 Years of Age (Class X Felony). Any individuals with further information are encouraged to contact ISP Zone 7 Investigations at 618-542-2171. There is no additional information. The Illinois State Police provides resources for parents, for the public to report

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EAST ALTON — Emergency responders from the East Alton Fire Department and East Alton Police Department responded Thursday afternoon, July 24, 2025, to the intersection of West St. Louis Avenue and Niagara Street following a traffic accident involving a truck and a Jeep. Upon arrival, first responders found a truck in the intersection and a Jeep a short distance down the road, both vehicles showing signs of damage. East Alton police assisted with traffic control due to the intersection being busy. Survival Flight ambulance also responded to the incident and transported one to a local hospital. The East Alton Police Department is currently investigating the cause of the crash.

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SHIPMAN – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that his office obtained a guilty plea from a former village trustee and treasurer in Macoupin County who misused village funds by collecting pay she was not entitled to and spending funds on personal expenses. Elizabeth Robinson, 47, of Shipman, pleaded guilty to Class 1 felony theft of governmental property, Class 3 felony forgery, and Class 3 felony official misconduct. Macoupin County Circuit Court Judge Joshua Meyer sentenced Robinson to two years of felony probation and 100 hours of community service. She was also ordered to pay $60,000 in restitution, with $30,000 to be paid immediately and the remaining $30,000 to be paid over the course of her probation. “Government employees have an obligation to use government funds and property responsibly,” Raoul said. “Taxpayers must be able to trust that those who serve on their behalf use their authority for the public good and not to enrich themselves. I will

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