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Spring Clean Your Health

2 months 3 weeks ago
Key takeaways: Some people put off health screenings and appointments in the winter. Spring is the perfect time to do a reset and see what you need. Everyone should get a yearly physical. Talk to your primary care provider about what other screenings and vaccines you need. Spring can also be a time to recommit to health habits at home, like diet, exercise and quitting unhealthy behaviors. Winter means cold, snowy conditions and a desire to stay in. It’s fine to be

US Supreme Court justices skeptical of Trump attempt to end birthright citizenship

2 months 3 weeks ago
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday seemed poised to reject the Trump administration’s attempt to redefine the constitutional right to birthright citizenship, and instead uphold the country’s long understanding of citizenship by birth on American soil.  If a majority of Supreme Court justices strikes down President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship […]
Ariana Figueroa

April Newsbits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

2 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for April 2026. April 2 Tot Time: Totally Turtles Dickson Mounds Museum Lewistown | Fulton County Families are invited to learn about the different types of turtles found in Illinois, presented by Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery’s natural resources coordinator Kayleigh Smith. Registration is not required, but groups of eight or more are encouraged to

Madison County Leaders Kick Off Child Abuse Prevention Month

2 months 3 weeks ago
WOOD RIVER - Local organizations gathered for the annual Child Abuse Prevention Month Kickoff event. On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, stakeholders and community members came together for speeches and a resource fair hosted by Refuge 4 Kids at Riverbend Family Ministries . The goal was to encourage attendees to look out for the kids in their lives and support families. People from across the county were in attendance and spoke about the importance of preventing child abuse. “I've

Alton's Travis Is Field Training Officer Of The Year

2 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - The Alton Police Department has named Patrolman First Class Zach Travis its 2025 Field Training Officer of the Year, citing his work training three new officers throughout 2025 and his commitment to mentorship and professional development, Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. Ford said Travis served as the field training officer for three new officers during the year and “dedicated himself to their development, mentorship, and success without hesitation.” “PFC

Difference Maker: Alton Police Name Vaughn As One Of Rookie Officers of Year

2 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - Alton Police Officer Steven Vaughn has embraced his role with energy, positivity, and a strong commitment to service in his first year. Officer Vaughn and Officer Luke Atkinson are the 2025 Alton Police Rookie Officers of the Year, citing their performance during their first year on the job, including responses to high-risk calls in Alton. Vaughn has excelled on multiple shifts, bringing fresh ideas and teamwork to both A and C platoons. Vaughn with Atkinson are Difference Makers in

Difference Maker: Alton Police Officer Atkinson Leads with Integrity in Domestic and Armed Incidents

2 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - The Alton Police Department has named Officers Luke Atkinson and Steven Vaughn as its 2025 Rookie Officers of the Year, citing their performance during their first year on the job, including responses to high-risk calls in Alton. More about Vaughn in a separate story on Riverbender.com. Atkinson and Vaughn are both Difference Makers in their community. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford described Atkinson as “a dependable and respected member of the department.” In one high-ris

Suspect Arrested In O'Fallon Bank Robbery Investigation

2 months 3 weeks ago
EAST ST. LOUIS — A 62-year-old man accused of robbing a federally insured bank in O’Fallon, Illinois, appeared in federal court last week to face a bank robbery charge, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois. George E. Habermehl Jr. is charged with one count of bank robbery. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the alleged robbery occurred around 11:10 a.m. March 20, 2026, at FCB Bank on Highway 50 in O’Fallon. Authorities said

Fox 2: Dogs rescued in Commonwealth house fire

2 months 3 weeks ago
Fox 2 reported that all residents got of the house fire on Commonwealth Avenue, belonging to the Siebert family, but four dogs remained inside. Maplewood Fire Chief Pete Marsac describes how firefighters went into the burning house to rescue all four dogs.
Doug Miner

Travelers Hit With $2 Billion Bad-Faith Lawsuit After $241 Million Wrongful-Death Verdict

2 months 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO - An Illinois law firm filed a federal insurance bad faith lawsuit Tuesday seeking more than $2 billion in damages against Travelers Property Casualty Company of America, alleging the insurer violated its duty of good faith and failed to protect its insured, Prairie Farms Dairy Inc., from catastrophic financial exposure tied to a Madison County wrongful death case. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. said the lawsuit was filed March 31, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern Distric