Riverbender 🕸

THE CONVERSATION - When the Human Genome Project announced that they had completed the first human genome in 2003, it was a momentous accomplishment - for the first time, the DNA blueprint of human life was unlocked. But it came with a catch - they weren’t actually able to put together all the genetic information in the genome. There were gaps: unfilled, often repetitive regions that were too confusing to piece together. With advancements in technology that could handle these repetitive sequences, scientists finally filled those gaps in May 2021 , and the first end-to-end human genome was officially published on Mar. 31, 2022 . I am a genome biologist who studies repetitive DNA sequences and how they shape genomes throughout evolutionary history. I was part of the team that helped characterize the repeat sequences missing from the genome. And now, with a truly complete human genome, these uncovered repetitive regions are finally being explored in full for the first time

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - The Christian County Sheriff's Office said a suspect wanted after possible double homicide in Collinsville started a chase in the county when he refused to pull over. He was spotted first near Hillsboro, IL. The suspect sped through Nokomis and into Christian County and the suspect stopped his vehicle 5 miles south of Assumption, IL., on U.S. 51 where law enforcement said a shooting that involved the suspect and police took place. The suspect was discovered down and apprehended and also airlifted to a Springfield area hospital. No condition report was available, law enforcement said, but there were no other individuals or officers hurt in the gunfire. More should be released about the situation at a press conference in Madison County on Sunday.

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement are investigating the deaths of two females outside a residence in the 1000 block of McDonough Lake Road on Saturday. The Madison County Sheriff's Office said that at 10:26 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2022, the office, along with the Collinsville Police were dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of McDonough Lake Road, in reference to a 911 call where it sounded like a possible disturbance. "Upon arrival, officers found the deceased bodies of two females outside this residence," Jeff Connor, Chief Deputy of the Madison County Sheriff's Office said. "Both females appeared to be victims of a possible homicide. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office took over the scene and after clearing the scene with the assistance of Collinsville and State Police officers, it was determined the suspect had fled. The scene is currently being processed by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Coroner,

Continue Reading

COTTAGE HILLS - Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 100 block of Harvel Court in Cottage Hills on Saturday. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said proper precautions were taken in this case, but after considerable discussion, it ended peacefully. There was not a report of any arrest yet in the case and everyone was reported safe.

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Memorial Hospital’s partnership with Books for Newborns and the Alton Public Schools has been renewed for a third year thanks to an empowering $5,000 grant from Ameren Illinois. To date, more than 1,000 newborns at Alton Memorial have received book bags containing five age-appropriate books and reading materials courtesy of Ameren Illinois’ first two $5,000 grants. Books for Newborns has also provided books to older children participating in the hospital’s outpatient therapy programs. “ These are good people doing great work for a fantastic cause,” said Rusty Ingram, director of Business Development for Alton Memorial Hospital. “We are grateful to Ameren Illinois for helping them help us provide the gift of reading to the young people in our care. Our new moms, the nurses who care for them and their babies, and everyone here hope this program will continue for years to come.” Books for Newborns is a 100 percent volunteer

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons Detectives are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident in the 9000 block of Lucas and Hunt Road in the City of Jennings. On April 1, 2022, at approximately 11:04 PM, St. Louis County Police Officers from the City of Jennings Precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle crash in the area of Lucas and Hunt Road and Hord Avenue. Upon arrival, responding officers observed two motor vehicles involved in the crash. Preliminary investigation has revealed a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, operated by Driver 1, was eastbound on Lucas and Hunt Road when it crossed into oncoming traffic, striking a 2008 BMW X3 operated by Driver #2, which was traveling westbound. The Mitsubishi Lancer was occupied by the driver and one occupant. Driver #1 suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital for life-saving treatment. The occupant of the Mitsubishi Lancer, an adult

Continue Reading

ALTON - Christopher M. Duncan, 36, of the 1200 block of Rixon Avenue, Alton, was charged with two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, a count of unlawful restraint and aggravated battery. He allegedly fired a shot from a handgun into a house in the 3100 block of Edgewood Avenue while the home was occupied. He was also accused of firing at a specific woman. The shooting occurred in February or March, according to court documents. Duncan was charged Thursday. Duncan was also accused of pinning the woman to the floor by threatening her with a handgun. He was also accused of hitting the woman in the head with the gun. Bail was set at $200,000. ALTON - Larry A. Stark, 41, of Alton, was charged with burglary for allegedly entering the Ursuline Convent, 845 Danforth St., Alton, with the intent to commit a theft. He was also charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine for allegedly possessing less than five grams of the drug. Bail was set at $45,000. ALTON - Collin

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Alton Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic crash that happened on East Broadway at Main Street around 11 a.m. Saturday. Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido said a preliminary investigation revealed that the occupant of a motorcycle was traveling westbound on East Broadway and collided with a truck that had been traveling southbound on Main Street. "Alton Police Officers and the Alton Fire Department arrived on scene and life-saving measures were attempted, but unfortunately the occupant of the motorcycle died," the chief said. "The Alton Police Department Traffic Division is currently investigating this crash." The chief said no other information could be released at this time about the accident.

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences is partnering with the Arts & Issues series to present the annual William C. Shaw Lecture featuring Brian Greene, PhD, professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University. The lecture entitled “Revealing the Universe - A Journey to the Frontier of Understanding” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14 in the Morris University Center’s Meridian Ballroom, with a book signing following the event in the Goshen Lounge. “We’re excited to once again collaborate with the SIUE Department of Physics and its Shaw Lecture series to present Dr. Brian Greene, one of the world's leading theoretical physicists who is known for his entertaining and inspiring lectures,” said Grant Andree, director of Arts & Issues. A Harvard graduate and Rhodes Scholar, Greene is a prominent theoretical physicist, mathematician and string

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is holding a pet supply drive to benefit Mandy’s Whine and Bark Grooming and Animal Shelter in While Hall. The shelter is in need of cat and dog food, cat litter, blankets, collars, toys, puppy pads and cleaning supplies. The drive will run through Friday, April 15, with drop-off bins located at The Commons Café on the Godfrey Campus and in the lounge of the N.O. Nelson Campus in Edwardsville. For more information about the drive or PTK, contact Elizabeth Grant at eegrant@lc.edu .

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is urging the motoring public to focus on the road while driving and to avoid driving distracted. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. “With the increased use of technological devices, distracted driving has become a serious problem on the roads throughout our state and the nation,” said White. “No driver should be texting while driving.” In an effort to further discourage distracted driving, White has instructed the Secretary of State Police to conduct targeted patrols statewide to crack down on distracted drivers. “The goal is not to write tickets, but to save lives,” said White. “We are reminding the public of the dangers of distracted driving, and police will be issuing tickets to motorists who are driving distracted.” Illinois law prohibits the hand-held use of cellphones and electronic devices in vehicles, unless reporting an emergency or while the vehicle i

Continue Reading

URBANA - At 94 years old, every day counts for Jim Bier. The Champaign, Illinois, resident, U.S. Army veteran, and retired map-maker is able to manage things like visiting the store and strolling his backyard gardens – a space resembling the University of Illinois Japan House gardens, which Bier designed . It all comes with less chest pain and easier breathing thanks to a minimally-invasive heart procedure offered at OSF HealthCare. “I’ve been at home, exercising, building up my legs, and I don't have the difficulties breathing like I did before all this happened back in the garden days,” Bier says. “And so I would say I'm in very good shape at this point.” Bier pauses and adds with a chuckle, “From my waist up. I still have to work on my legs.” Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2011 , transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR for short, deals with a thickened aortic valve in the heart that can’t fully

Continue Reading

PEORIA - The 2022 Academy Awards show will probably be best remembered not for who won or lost or who wore what, but because of “the slap.” Actor Will Smith took to the stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock as he was preparing to present an award. Rock was cracking jokes, including one about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and her shaved head. While his actions are in question, through them Will Smith ultimately shined a light on Alopecia areata, which is the most common form of the disease and affects one in every 500 to 1,000 people in the United States, including Pinkett-Smith. "Hair loss is normal. There's a certain amount of hair loss everybody has. Our hair grows at a similar rate, so we maintain a certain amount of hair,” explains Mark Meeker, D.O., a physician for OSF HealthCare. “As we age, there's androgenic hair loss, we lose more hair than we grow. That's male pattern baldness, for example. Even female pattern baldness that's very genetically

Continue Reading

ALTON - Physical activity is good for us, we all know. Yet it can be hard to fit into our daily schedules – and it’s easy to understand why. Family, school, work and other important obligations can take up a lot of our time and energy. But there is one healthy activity most of us can fit into a packed schedule – and it’s often hidden in plain sight: walking. You may not see it highlighted often by social media influencers, but for something so simple it has a huge amount going for it. “Walking has far-reaching benefits, including reduced anxiety and depression, improved mobility and cardiovascular health, increased brain function, weight loss, and it adds years to life,” said Liz Salerno, an assistant professor in the division of public health sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. And you don’t need to walk a huge amount to benefit. While a popular goal is 10,000 steps per day (about five miles), studies have found

Continue Reading

ALTON – Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, will host a free, virtual Flourish Open House webinar on April 5 from noon – 1 p.m. The webinar will help participants gain a better understanding of the services Centerstone offers families through the Flourish program, which serves families through building parenting skills and supports. “The goals of the Flourish program are to increase well-being, improve permanency and enhance the safety of the family,” said Taylor Marks, Centerstone’s Flourish supervisor. Flourish provides free services to many Illinois families. Flourish can help families improve their parenting and communication skills and strengthen relationships in the family. The webinar will address these services and many others provided by Flourish. Presenters in the webinar include: Alyssa Cline, MSW – Centerstone’s Flourish Group Leader Breauna Hurd, MSW – Centerstone’s Flourish Group Leader Karl

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Alton School District Board of Education voted Friday morning to ratify a proposed three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Alton Education Association (the District’s employee union). Teachers and staff previously voted and agreed to the new contract on Thursday afternoon. Now approved by both parties, the new contract will go into effect on July 1, 2022, and run through June 30, 2025. Negotiating team members for the Alton Education Association (AEA) and board of education began meeting in late January and arrived at a tentative agreement on March 23. Proposals for the new agreement, bringing changes to contract language and proposing salary increases, were exchanged during the joint sessions. Regarding language, the new contract will provide increased sick leave days, stipends for increased certifications, insurance provisions, and other additions and changes. The new contract language also strengthens or clarifies existing contract language relative

Continue Reading

SOUTH ROXANA - The Village Of South Roxana has filed a suit in circuit court, asking a judge for an order to tear down an unsafe house at 901 Sinclair Avenue. The suit claims the house is vacant and a nuisance. The owners, Steven L. Russell and others have not responded to notices to repair the structure. The defendants “have permitted the property to remain in constant and continuous disrepair, causing it to become a menace to public safety, comfort and public welfare; the premises is imminently dangerous, unsafe and is a public nuisance and should be immediately demolished,” the suit claims. The suit alleges that the cost of correcting the problems is greater than the value of the house. The cost of the demolition could be collected from the owners, the suit claims.

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons Detectives are currently investigating an officer-involved shooting in the City of Northwoods. On March 30, 2022, at approximately 10:29 PM, two City of Northwoods Police Officers in full uniform and marked patrol units responded to a call for service for a check the welfare in the 3700 block of Colonial Avenue in the City of Northwoods. Upon arrival, officers observed an adult male near the residence. As the officers approached the residence, they were fired upon by that same adult male suspect. An exchange of gunfire ensued between the suspect and officer (s). The suspect then fled the area on foot. The officers were not struck by gunfire, however one officer was transported to an area hospital for treatment of a medical issue. An extensive search of the area was conducted by several police agencies and K-9 units but was unsuccessful in locating the suspect at that time. The City of Northwoods Police

Continue Reading

GREENFIELD - Greene County Coroner Danny J. Powell released more information Friday afternoon about the tragic fire that claimed the lives of two Greenfield females on Thursday. The coroner said the deceased are identified as Nancy L. Hillis, 77, and Danika C. Alderfer, 11 months old, of Greenfield. The coroner said that at approximately 12:23 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2022, West Central Dispatch received a call of a kitchen fire at 1003 Green Street in Greenfield. A Greenfield Police officer and Greene County Sheriff’s deputy were first to arrive at the residence and attempted to make entry into the home. "They were advised two occupants were still inside the residence," Powell said. "Greenfield Fire Department arrived a short time later. Both officers and one of the other occupants of the residence were transported to a local hospital for smoke inhalation. "At approximately 1:15 p.m. my office received a call asking for me to respond to the scene. I was advised that two occupant

Continue Reading

COLUMBIA – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that I-255 between IL 157 to IL 3 in Monroe and St Clair Counties will be intermittently restricted to two lanes beginning Wednesday, April 6, 2022, weather permitting. This work is necessary to complete pavement repairs. This work is expected to be completed by April 10, 2022. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. The contractor on this project is Kelley and Sons of East St Louis.

Continue Reading