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August 17 and 18 have been days of profound significance. Let's dive into these historical events and understand their impact on our world. 1988: Pakistan's Zia-ul-Haq Dies in Plane Crash On August 17, 1988, Pakistan experienced a significant political upheaval with the sudden and tragic death of its President, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq. Zia-ul-Haq, who had been in power since a military coup in 1977, died in a mysterious plane crash near Bahawalpur, along with several top military officials and the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Arnold Raphel. Zia's death led to a per iod of political instability in Pakistan, ultimately resulting in a return to civilian rule with the election of Benazir Bhutto as Prime Minister. The circumstances surrounding the plane crash remain a subject of speculation and conspiracy theories, adding an element of intrigue to this already dramatic historical event. 2008: Michael Phelps Breaks Record at Beijing Olympics August 17, 2008, was a da

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ST. LOUIS - From illusion rooms like the Reversed Room to installations such as the Cloning Table, the Museum of Illusions St. Louis offers hands-on, mind-bending fun to expand your perception of what’s possible. General Manager Steve Garmon shared more about how the museum got started and what sets it apart on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . “If you come in, you’ll see what I’m talking about - you’ll smile from the time you walk into the door to the time you walk out,” Garmon said. “We have over 65 exhibits of illusions, mind-benders, mind-blowing stuff that will get your brain actually thinking … you’re going to learn how the human mind works and how your brain is kind of teasing you to make you see false reality sometimes.” The Reversed Room at the St. Louis Museum of Illusions is appropriately styled like a St. Louis-style barbeque restaurant - if that restaurant were hanging upside down

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Friday that a 20-year-old Collinsville man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison in connection with a fatal shooting in the State Park Place area outside Collinsville. Albert Campos of Collinsville received the sentence after pleading guilty Friday to first-degree murder in the shooting death of Miguel D. Villegas-DeSantiago, 18, also of Collinsville. The shooting happened outside a residence on Princeton Avenue on the afternoon of Jan. 1, 2023. Villegas-DeSantiago was seated in a pickup when he was shot. A co-defendant, Matias L. Herrera, 27, of Granite City, was sentenced in January to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and unlawful possession of weapons by a felon. Herrera drove Campos to the shooting location. “I pray that the resolution of these cases can be a step toward healing for the family and loved ones of Miguel, who by all accounts was a completely innocent

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WASHINGTON PARK – The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations Zone 6 has arrested Vincent E. Brown, 61, of Belleville, in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred earlier this week. Brown faces a charge of First Degree Murder, a Class M Felony. On August 11, 2024, the Washington Park Police Department requested the assistance of Zone 6 agents to investigate a homicide in the 5000 block of North Park Drive. The victim, 66-year-old Leon Richardson of Washington Park, was found deceased from a gunshot wound. Following a thorough investigation, ISP agents identified Brown as the suspected shooter. On August 15, 2024, less than a week after the incident, ISP agents located Brown’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in Madison, IL. Brown was subsequently taken into custody. The case was then presented to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, which filed the murder charge. Brown is currently being held at the St. Clair County Jail.

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GLEN CARBON - It’s been a historic year for Father McGivney Catholic High School’s track team. Over the past year they have grown to over 35 members, became the first team to accomplish a state championship in school history, earned two individual state championship medals, earned two relay state champion teams, earned two fourth place finishes, and a fifth-place finish. Father McGivney Principal, Joseph Lombardi explained, “It’s incredible to see the hard work payoff for these young men and women. It’s been an honor to watch them flourish and succeed.” He continued, “Hearing Fr. McGivney Catholic High School mentioned at the girls' state track meet in front of a packed O'Brien Stadium at Eastern was truly amazing. I couldn’t be prouder.” This great success didn’t come easy. The athletes had to practice off campus and at several different locations. A hail-storm in March of this year raised awareness of a safety aspect o

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GRANITE CITY – The opening day celebration for educators and then what followed for students at Granite City Community Unit School District 9 was more than just a kick-off; it was an opportunity to build a strong school community. An event for Granite City School staff brought them together, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. "The sense of unity and shared purpose among our staff is inspiring. We are stronger together," said Granite City School District 9 Superintendent Don Harris, who also expressed excitement about the potential positive impact of the event on the school's climate and culture. Harris is a 1994 graduate of Granite City High School. The highlight of the day was a speech by guest speaker David Flood, who delivered a heartfelt message to the staff. "I’m excited to see the positive impact it will have on our students," Harris remarked, reflecting the overall sentiment of optimism and enthusiasm among the attendees. Harris shared his personal

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ALTON - An Alton record label has recorded an EP for Little Victory, an up-and-coming band out of Chicago. Harbor Music Co. , founded by Nick Bifano, is an Alton record label and recording studio that recently produced an EP for Little Victory. Bifano explained that he was excited to work with Vince and Erika Camerano, the husband-and-wife duo that makes up the band. Both Vince and Bifano are impressed by Alton’s music scene, and they look forward to building up the resources in Alton so it will become “another hub for great musicians,” Vince said. “We look for people who want to build a team and have a good relationship with our music and our band, and I think the coolest thing so far was completely not being aware of this town in Illinois and then showing up there and going, ‘Where has this been? Where has this community been?’” Vince remembered. “What Nick is doing out in Alton is really a testament to where I think

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JERSEYVILLE - On the most recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Steve Pegram spoke about his organization “Got Faith? Ministries” and the work they do to help people in Jersey County. Pegram has been operating Got Faith? for over 30 years. The organization, located at 508 West Pine Street in Jerseyville, offers a 12-step support group, a clothing closet, a food pantry, free coffee and donuts and other resources to community members, completely free of charge. Pegram spoke about his relationship with God and how this relationship has guided him through difficult times and the creation of Got Faith? Ministries. “Just praise the Lord,” Pegram said. “God’s got all the answers. That’s just it. Rejoice always.” Pegram lives by 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 — “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus”

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HIGHLAND - If you’re considering switching to solar for your home or business, the time to act may be sooner rather than later. As solar energy billing changes take effect in 2025, new solar customers stand to benefit less than those whose systems are installed and approved by December 13, 2024. According to Ameren Illinois , a state law will bring changes to a practice known as “net metering.” Currently, solar customers who generate excess electricity, which gets sent back to the energy grid, receive credit towards their energy bill. As of now, those credits are applied to their entire energy bill - but after Dec. 31, 2024, those credits will only be applied to the “supply and transmission” portions of their bill. While the changes themselves take place after Dec. 31, 2024, the actual deadline for new installations is weeks earlier; Ameren states that “all required documentation, including Witness Testing, must be received by Ameren Illinois

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during the 116th anniversary of the Springfield Race Riot, which occurred August 14-16, 1908, President Joe Biden signed a proclamation designating the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. In December, Congresswoman Budzinski led a letter with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin and 12 Illinois colleagues calling for President Biden to take today’s action. The new national monument will tell the story of a horrific attack by a white mob on a Black community that was representative of the racism, intimidation and violence that Black Americans experienced across the country. National outrage at the attack – which occurred just blocks away from President Abraham Lincoln’s home – spurred action on civil rights, including the creation of the organization now known as the NAACP. “It was an honor to join President Biden in the Oval Office as he designated the 1908 Springfield Race Riot site as

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– U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today joined President Joe Biden in the Oval Office for the President’s signing ceremony to officially declare the 1908 Springfield Race Riot Site as a national monument to be managed by the U.S. National Park Service through an Antiquities Act proclamation. Duckworth has been a steadfast leader in securing national monument recognition for the 1908 Springfield Race Riot Site, a critical event in American history that spurred the creation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). With less than a quarter of National Parks devoted to recognizing the histories of diverse peoples and cultures, designating the 1908 Race Riot Site a national monument will help guarantee that public lands reflect the diversity of our country. “The 1908 Springfield Race Riot site is of extraordinary cultural and historical importance to our state and to this country—a searing, horrific incident that galvanized

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SPRINGFIELD — Leaders from Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a Springfield, Ill.-based nonprofit network of Catholic community hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin, applaud President Biden for signing a proclamation today establishing the archeological site associated with the 1908 Springfield Race Riot as a National Monument. The new monument, managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and located near Madison Street and the 10th Street Rail Corridor, commemorates one of the most violent racial incidents in United States history. HSHS had partnered with the Park Service, Springfield NAACP and City of Springfield in support of a site study and plan that took multiple years. “This monument memorializes a tragic event that is an unfortunate part of our nation’s history,” said Damond W. Boatwright, President and CEO of HSHS. “Our founding Hospital Sisters, in the aftermath of the riot, cared for the injured at St. John’s while homes and businesses

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BELLEVILLE — Edward Burris, a distinguished athlete, World War II veteran, and dedicated community servant, died on Aug. 2, 2024, at 99 years old. Burris, who would have turned 100 in July 2025, leaves behind a legacy as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, along with his military service and commitment to education and sports in Belleville. Burris's early years were marked by athletic excellence at Belleville Township High School, where he advanced to the state finals in tennis in 1943. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Italian campaign during World War II, earning two Purple Hearts for his bravery. After returning from the war, Burris worked as a chemical engineer at Monsanto Chemical Company for over 30 years. His commitment to the community was evident through his 35 years of service with the Harmony-Emge-Ellis School District 175 Board and Belleville Township Board of Education District 201. He played a crucial role in the founding

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ALTON - After a successful opening act at Scotty McCreery’s Alton Amphitheater concert on Aug. 9, 2024, the Riverbend region’s own Matt Jordan shared his thoughts on the show with more performances - and new music - coming up next. “It’s awesome,” Jordan said of opening for McCreery. “I’ve listened to him for a long time and we get to play a lot of cool shows.” Jordan said he grew up just outside of St. Louis and in high school, started playing guitar and writing songs. After high school, he briefly moved to Nashville before graduating from Belmont University and moving back home, where he found his current bandmates - two of whom live in Alton. He credits the country music of the 1990’s with being the basis of his musical inspiration, from artists like George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith, and Garth Brooks, as well as “Heartland Rock” sensations like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Bob Seger, and The Eagles

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O’FALLON - Students and faculty members at O’Fallon Township High School have had an exciting few days as they returned to classes. O’Fallon Township High School (OTHS) Principal Dan Howe noted that the first day of school was filled with “lots of excitement” and “lots of nervousness.” He expressed his eagerness to have students back at school after summer break. “It just brings a great energy to the buildings,” he said. “Anytime the school year starts, there’s just always excitement in the air.” Howe added that there are a lot of happenings at OTHS. With impressive athletic programs and over 60 clubs, including a new e-sports club that will start this year, students have many opportunities to get involved and engage with the school community. “At OTHS, we always have new things going on, but also, we have the same great education that we’ve always had here at OTHS that will continue,”

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has issued a charge against Danelle Woodard, 34, of Florissant, Missouri, for Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Woodard, who resides in the 2300 block of Battlefield Drive, is currently being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond. The charge stems from an incident that occurred on August 13, 2024, when police responded to a call regarding a possible child overdose at the Woodard residence. Upon arrival at 8:00 p.m., officers found a 1-year-old child showing signs of an overdose. The child was subsequently admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl. In post-Miranda interviews, both Danelle Woodard and her husband, Christopher Woodard, admitted to using methamphetamine in their bedroom before placing the child in bed. Further investigation revealed a jar containing a crystal-like substance identified by Christopher Woodard as methamphetamine.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — Charles Thomas, 25, of the 6600 block of Hazen Avenue in St. Louis, Mo., has been charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Thomas is currently held on a $30,000 cash-only bond. According to the probable cause statement, the incident occurred on the evening of August 13, 2024. At approximately 8:41 p.m., Metro Security called 911 to report a group of individuals causing a disturbance and consuming alcohol at the Metro Link staircase exit on Hanley Road. Two officers responded initially and detained around 8-10 individuals for open container violations and causing a disturbance. Additional officers arrived at the scene, and Thomas, identified as one of the subjects, walked away and entered a BP gas station across the road. Two officers followed him into the gas station, where they observed him walking away from a backpack left on the ground. Surveillance

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Some walked down the long red carpet with much excitement and flair. Others cruised along quickly, hoping to pass by without much attention. But that didn’t happen, because the order of the day was for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) to give their students a rousing welcome on the first day of classes, Monday, Aug. 12. Faculty and staff from the CHS and Edwardsville campus lined the red carpet and boisterously greeted each high school student as they entered Building D on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. “I am joyful and grateful this morning to see our scholars, their parents and their families,” said CHS Interim Director Natasha Flowers, PhD, associate professor, and assistant dean for anti-racism, equity and inclusion in the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB). “It is important that these young scholars know there are faculty and staff systemwide

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism announced Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitors who spent $47 billion in 2023 – an increase of 1 million visitors and $3 billion in spending from 2022, according to data provided by Tourism Economics. This surge in tourism also led to a new all-time high in hotel tax revenue figures in FY24, totaling $322 million —a 4.5% increase over the previous record set in FY23. "I’m proud to announce that Illinois had a record-breaking year for visitor and hotel tax revenue, which is a testament to our state’s thriving tourism industry," said Governor JB Pritzker. "This impressive growth is a reflection of the millions of visitors who are eager to experience the incredible attractions that make our state a world-class destination—all while providing a significant boost to small businesses and local communities.”

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate increased +0.2 percentage point to 5.2 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +12,900 in July, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The June revised unemployment rate was 5.0 percent, unchanged from the preliminary June unemployment rate. The June monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +10,400 to -4,300 jobs. The July unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. In July, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Government (+11,400), Private Education and Health Services (+3,400), and Other Services (+2,300). The industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included Manufacturing (-2,500), Leisure and Hospitality (-1,500), and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-800). “Steady jo

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