GRANITE CITY — Edward Gordon, 55, of Granite City, was struck and dragged by a hit-and-run driver on the night of Sept. 22, 2025, while crossing a downtown street, leaving him with severe injuries that will require months of recovery. According to St. Louis Police, Gordon was crossing South 4th Street at Chouteau Avenue around 9:30 p.m. when a black Ford Edge hit him and dragged him for several blocks. The driver fled the scene. Gordon was on his way home from work, his sister Shawna
ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center just marked its 100th anniversary, and Holly with the OSF OnCall department noted that their work remains innovative and cutting-edge even a century later. As a digital health navigator, Holly works directly with patients to help them receive care and connect to additional OSF services. She is “the boots on the ground,” regularly going out into the community to care for people. “I’ve been around since 2020 in this
GREENVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that Interstate 70 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between the Madison County line and the Fayette County line in Bond County beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Nov. 3, for pavement patching. 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
EDWARDSVILLE/BELLEVILLE - Land of Lincoln Legal Aid has officially launched its Mobile Justice Clinics – two offices on wheels that will travel to all 65 counties in central and southern Illinois to provide free civil legal services. The Mobile Justice Clinics began their tour immediately following a launch celebration on October 20 at Land of Lincoln’s Swansea office. The vans will continue visiting all 65 counties in Land of Lincoln’s service area. A full schedule of locations
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued public health alerts for several food products sold in Illinois and nationwide. FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Meat Sauce Products Produced Without the Benefit of Inspection ILLINOIS – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for meat sauce products produced without the benefit of federal
This weekend, most Americans will turn their clocks back one hour as Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends. The change officially takes place at 2 a.m. on Sunday , giving everyone an extra hour of sleep — and marking the return to standard time . But why do we keep doing it? And is it still worth it? The Purpose of Daylight Saving Time Daylight Saving Time was designed to make better use of daylight during the longer days of spring and summer. By moving clocks forward one hour in March,
ALTON - Dr. Bruce Vest’s Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic P.C. once again took first place in the Alton Halloween Parade. On Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2025, Vest was proud of his “double float” featuring a giant robot, a fire-breathing dragon, and plenty more characters and fun. He shared that his team had been working for “a long time” to build the float, but he was excited to showcase the hard work to the community. “This is Dr. Vest’s Dragon
ALTON - These are the results of the Alton Halloween Parade float competition: Commercial Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic P.C. Tarrant & Harman Real Estate Allied Pest Control, Inc. Organization U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Junior League of Greater Alton Alton Pride Family Division Paxton Belchik Racing Geisen Family Ambience by DARA Junior Youth Division Children’s Tribe A. Montessori Academy St. Mary’s Evangelical School Senior Youth Division
ALTON - People traveled from across the region for the historic 108th Alton Halloween Parade. On Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2025, thousands of community members gathered in downtown Alton to watch the parade and engage with the Riverbend community. Most attendees had a connection to Alton, while others were watching the parade for the first time. But as the parade began, it was clear that all in attendance were having a great experience. “I think we show up,” said Erin. “I’m
ALTON - As the parade marshal, Karen Wilson shared she was honored to lead the 108th Alton Halloween Parade. “It’s pretty special,” Wilson said. “Since I grew up in Alton, I've been coming to these parades forever, and so the fact that I'm a parade marshal is just sort of surreal.” Thousands of people gathered in downtown Alton on Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2025, for the parade. Sponsored by the East End Improvement Association, the Alton Halloween Parade
ALTON - On Halloween night, thousands of people once again gathered in downtown Alton for the 108th Halloween Parade. People from across the region traveled to Alton to watch the parade on Oct. 31, 2025. Sponsored by the East End Improvement Association, the Alton Halloween Parade is one of the oldest in the country. “It's a great tradition for the city,” said Alton Mayor David Goins. “It's always been a special part of my life, and I've always looked forward to the
ALTON — Halloween festivities were in full swing Thursday evening, Oct. 30, 2025, as neighborhoods across Alton saw a significant amount of trick-or-treating. The community engaged in a variety of activities leading up to the city’s legendary Halloween Parade sponsored by the East End Improvement Association, scheduled for Friday night, Oct. 31, 2025. The parade will begin at 7 p.m., with live coverage starting at 6:50 p.m. on Riverbender.com. Viewers can watch the event online
GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City faces felony charges of home invasion and domestic battery after an incident that allegedly occurred on Halloween. Jerry M. Watson Jr., 25, of Granite City, was charged on Oct. 31, 2025 with a Class X felony count of home invasion, a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery, and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery. On Oct. 31, 2025, Watson allegedly entered a Granite City apartment unit without legal authority and intentionally
EAST ALTON — The East Alton Halloween Parade took place Thursday evening, Oct. 30, 2025, featuring a range of participants, including local fire and police departments, school bands, and community organizations. Sponsored by the Village’s American Legion, the parade began at Wilshire Plaza and concluded at the East Alton American Legion Post. Participants include the East Alton Fire Department, Survival Flight, ambulances, East Alton Police, and several school bands, including member
If your current 401(k) or SIMPLE/SEP feels too expensive, too confusing, or simply underused, this quick guide will help you decide whether to switch providers or start a new plan—and what to fix first for better outcomes. Note for Illinois employers: State law requires businesses with five or more Illinois employees and at least two years in operation to offer their own retirement plan or facilitate the Illinois Secure Choice program. If you’re currently on the state IRA, you
EDWARDSVILLE - The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Women’s Conference. On Nov. 5, 2025, entrepreneurs and professionals from across the region will gather at The Outlet at Edison’s for a day of panels, breakout sessions and featured speakers. Dawn Mushill, president of the chamber, encourages people to register now so they can enjoy the experience. “We have speakers on the stage,” Mushill said. “We have workshops.
MARYVILLE — Maryville Elementary School held its annual Pumpkin Drop event on a sunny day this week, drawing participation from students and local community members. The event took place on the school grounds, where pumpkins were dropped from a height as part of the festivities. Granite City Firefighters Local 253 assisted in ensuring the event ran smoothly, contributing to what organizers described as one of their favorite days of the year. The Granite City School District #9 shared photo
GRANITE CITY - Alexis Ruiz was a senior outside hitter for the girls' volleyball team at Granite City High School, and despite the Warriors ending the season with a 5-19-1 record, she was very proud of her team and how hard they worked over the season. The Warriors lost their final match of the year to Edwardsville in the IHSA Class 4A regional at Granite City Memorial Gym 25-14, 25-3, but Ruiz had a good year statistically. She ended up with 42 kills, served up 46 points with eight aces, 13
BELLEVILLE — A 1948 Jackie Robinson baseball card valued at $9,000 was stolen from Collectors Corner at 116 E. Main Street in Belleville earlier this week, but was recovered Thursday evening, Oct. 30, 2025, store management reported. The card, a prized collectible because it commemorates Robinson’s rookie season in 1947, was taken when the business owner briefly stepped away from the counter. Robinson is known for breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier on April 15, 1947, when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers. After discovering the card was missing, management posted an image of the suspected individual on social media to seek public assistance. At approximately 7:18 p.m. Thursday, Collectors Corner announced the card had been located. “Thanks to all the help, the card has been located,” the business said in a statement. “Now we just have to work out the details of what happens next.” Robinson’s MLB career spanned
ALTON - Riverbender.com is celebrating its 20th anniversary by reflecting on the past and planning for the future. Started on Oct. 31, 2005, by owner John Hentrich, Riverbender.com has become the leading independent news site in the region. The company has expanded to include EdGlenToday.com and MetroEastStar.com , while offering additional services like website design and digital marketing. Hentrich expressed his appreciation for the team and community that has allowed Riverbender.com to grow. “I owe the credit to the team and the advertisers that support us. I'm so fortunate. It's been a fun ride and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!” Hentrich started Riverbender.com because he wanted to share content that went beyond newsprint. Over the years, Riverbender.com has developed a robust video platform and radio program, including Riverbender Radio . With shows like CJ Nasello’s “Our Daily Show!” and Brian
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