Riverbender 🕸

Did you know that Americans consume approximately 350 slices of pizza every second? Amid this staggering statistic, one particular variation reigns supreme: the cheese pizza. Its simplicity and universal appeal have earned it a dedicated celebration—National Cheese Pizza Day. But where did this day originate, and what makes it deserving of its own spotlight? Delving into the history of National Cheese Pizza Day reveals not just a tribute to a beloved dish, but a reflection of pizza’s cultural journey. The Origins of Cheese Pizza: A Culinary Foundation To understand National Cheese Pizza Day, it’s essential first to appreciate the origins of cheese pizza itself. Pizza as a concept dates back centuries, with flatbreads topped with various ingredients consumed in ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians. However, the modern pizza we recognize today was born in Naples, Italy, in the 18th and 19th centuries. The classic cheese pizza—specifically Margherita

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September 5th is a date rich with historical significance, spanning centuries and continents. In the realm of science, September 5th, 1977, saw the launch of Voyager 1 by NASA. This spacecraft was destined to become one of humanity’s most ambitious explorations of the solar system. Voyager 1 provided unprecedented data on the outer planets and continues to send information back to Earth from interstellar space, helping us understand the vastness beyond our solar neighborhood. In sports history, September 5th, 1936, featured the debut of the first NFL game played under lights, when the Brooklyn Dodgers hosted the Philadelphia Eagles. This innovation brought a new dimension to American football, allowing games to be played in the evening and increasing accessibility for fans. September 5th also holds significance in technological advancements. In 1978, the world's first GPS satellite was launched, signaling the dawn of a new era in navigation and geolocation that would revolutionize

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of a challenge to the Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to terminate Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation and strip legal immigration status from hundreds of thousands of Haitians living and working in the United States. “Haitian Temporary Protected Status holders have been forced to flee their home country due to conflicts and environmental disasters,” Raoul said. “I am the proud son of Haitian immigrants, and I know firsthand that Haitians make key contributions to our state and national economies. TPS helps them contribute to their new communities while working toward a better life for their families. Removing their protected status would throw their lives into uncertainty and chaos. I join my colleagues in asking the court to extend these protections.” TPS is a humanitarian immigration status created

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CARROLLTON – For the first time in many years, volunteer staffers got to explore a second-floor storage room this summer. Not yet renovated, the room is full of artifacts and historical items from years ago. These items have been donated by families committed to artifact preservation and accurate genealogy materials about their own family legacies. In addition to seeing items not usually on display, visitors will also encounter some clutter. There is still plenty to see and a tour of the museum rooms, renovated a decade ago, are dusted, mopped and full of donated items in top condition. Everyone who comes out for Greene County Days activities are cordially invited to visit the Historical Society located in the historic Lee-Baker-Hodges House on the northwest corner of the Carrollton Public Square. It will be open to visitors on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6, from 9 AM to 3 PM (or longer) both days. New displays this year include a piece of hardtack from the

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ALTON - The Alton Expo kicked off today and promises fun throughout the weekend. From Sept. 4–7, 2025, community members can access the Expo for free and enjoy live music on the riverfront at the Alton Amphitheater. A carnival, provided by Luehrs’ Ideal Rides, with rides, games and food vendors will be available all weekend. “It’s really just turned into another chance for the community to come together,” said Dan Herkert, Alton Amphitheater Commission Chair. “It’s a lot of family fun. It’s a safe opportunity and a positive opportunity to show off our community and our riverfront.” On Thursday, Sept. 4, the Expo opened from 5–10 p.m. and CLUless performed from 7–10 p.m. The carnival opens from 5–11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5. DJ She BEATz will spin tunes from 5:30–7:30 p.m., followed by Dirty Muggs from 8–11 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 6, the fun kicks off from 1–11 p.m. NGK performs from 3:30–6:30

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WOOD RIVER – Separate felony cases of burglary in Wood River involve a city resident accused of breaking into a local business and a South Roxana man charged with burglarizing a vehicle. Jeffrey M. Porter, 55, of Wood River, was charged on Aug. 29, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of burglary. On Aug. 22, 2025, Porter allegedly entered Moe’s Corner at 851 Wood River Ave. in Wood River without legal authority and with the intent to commit a theft. Randal L. Mamino, 58, of South Roxana, was charged with one count of burglary, a Class 3 felony. Mamino is accused of knowingly entering an individual’s motor vehicle, a 2012 Ford Econoline E-350, with the intention of committing a theft on July 20, 2025. The Wood River Police Department presented the cases against Porter and Mamino, both of whom were ordered released from custody pending trial. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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BERWYN – Today, Governor Pritzker visited Prairie Oak Elementary School in Berwyn to mark the beginning of the school year and learn more about the impact of pending federal actions on school communities. The Governor visited students in classrooms and met with district and school leadership, teachers, and support staff. "Schools are anchors of the community that provide far more than a high-quality education – they provide stability, meals, and a safe space to learn and grow,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Amid unprecedented attacks on families with immigrants and escalating threats, schools continue to come together to educate and support our students while supporting the communities they serve.” Amid the Trump Administration’s constant attacks on immigrant communities, schools play a critical role in providing a stable and safe learning environment, meals, resources for families, after school programs, and more. Under the U.S. Constitution, every

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College welcomes seven new faculty members for the start of the Fall 2025 semester. The group includes professionals in nursing, biology, emergency management services/paramedicine, graphic design and welding. “We’re happy to welcome these professionals to the team at Lewis and Clark,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Sue Czerwinski said. “Our students will certainly benefit from the amount of experience and knowledge they bring to their respective programs." Sara Clohessy, Assistant Professor of Nursing A 2005 graduate of Lewis and Clark Community College’s Nursing program, Sara Clohessy went on to earn a Bachelor of Nursing from Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College in 2012, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University in 2022. She has over 20 years of experience in direct patient care, including critical care, emergency care, leadership and, most

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JERSEYVILLE/BELLEVILLE – The City of Jerseyville, in partnership with American Water Charitable Foundation & Illinois American Water, is excited to announce the grand opening of its brand-new community splash pad, located at Lion’s Club Park. A ribbon cutting celebratory event was held on Wednesday, August 20 with city officials, Illinois American Water team members, and community members in attendance. Grant funds from American Water Charitable Foundation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ FY 2023 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD), as well as funding from The City of Jerseyville helped make the new splash pad possible. This welcoming community splash pad provides a water-based play space designed for people of all ages and abilities. It encourages playful interaction with nature, inspires environmental awareness, and nurtures a sense of connection to the natural world. As part of the city's continued efforts to expand recreational

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JERSEYVILLE – Jersey Community High School (JCHS) is inviting community members to hear from an FBI Special Agent next week on the growing threat of online dangers targeting students. Special Agent Jake Griffin with the FBI Springfield Office will make two presentations in the JCHS auditorium focusing on “Nihilistic Violent Extremism” (NVE) and its impact both locally and nationally. The first presentation, open to JCHS teachers and administrators, will be held from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. The second presentation, open to parents/guardians and community members, will follow on the same day from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. According to a description of the presentation, NVE groups focus recruitment efforts on children and teenagers through online platforms, using certain recruitment methods to introduce them to their ideology with a focus on radicalizing and eventually mobilizing them to violence. “The presentation will provide an overview

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ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s has received the highest national honor for nursing excellence, placing them within the top 8% of hospitals in the U.S. The hospital was awarded Magnet Designation with Distinction. St. Anthony’s went above the benchmark for nursing excellence in 14 categories, putting them into the “with Distinction” category, which is even more exclusive. “We went well above, and we’re really raising the bar,” explained Charlotte R. Liley, DNP, CNL, Director of Professional Practice and Nursing Operations. “We couldn't do this without all of the nursing staff being on board and being involved in the care of their patients and everything we have to do.” Liley credits the hospital’s “professional practice model” and “transformational leadership” as two reasons why they achieved this status. She emphasized that none of this would be possible without the hard work of the nurses on

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued a statement in support of a lawsuit District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed today against the Trump administration in response to their unlawful deployment of National Guard troops in the District of Columbia. “I stand in solidarity with my colleague Attorney General Brian Schwalb regarding his challenge to Donald Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional deployment of National Guard troops in the District of Columbia. “As the district’s complaint explains, it is unlawful, under the Posse Comitatus Act, for National Guard units to perform routine law enforcement functions, like searches, seizures and arrests. It is unlawful for the president to deploy National Guard units without the consent of local leadership, and it is unconstitutional and a violation of federal law for the federal military to command out-of-state National Guard troops who are in state militia status. “The president’s

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GRAFTON - QEM Fire Protection District will host their annual fish fry fundraiser. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, community members can join the QEM firefighters at their location at 14905 Elsah Road in Grafton. An adult dinner costs $15 and children’s dinners range from $6–8. All proceeds go back to the firefighters. “For us, it’s pretty important to have that engagement, especially with our community. We do a lot of outreach,” said Firefighter Victoria Westfall. “We are a 100% volunteer department. Our guys, everybody here, we all have full-time jobs, so we take the day off and we dedicate the whole day to the fire department.” The firefighters will fry buffalo fish and catfish, available while supplies last. Attendees can also enjoy hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and homemade desserts. Westfall noted that the firefighters’ wives will be busy in the kitchen this year, making it a true family

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EDWARDSVILLE – During the recent Labor Day enforcement period, the Edwardsville Police Department conducted a successful impaired driving campaign. This effort resulted in five arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). In addition to the DUI arrests, officers issued 19 speeding citations, 5 seat belt citations, and 22 other citations. “The Labor Day safety campaign was a success." said Lt. Matt Senci. "It not only made the roads safer but also educated the public about the serious risks of driving under the influence." The Edwardsville Police Department collaborated with other law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners across the state for the Illinois Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High Get a DUI” campaigns. This effort was part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” initiatives, funded by federal highway safety

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department is investigating a shooting that injured a woman early Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, on Tara Avenue. At approximately 4:12 a.m. on Sept. 3, 2025, officers responded to multiple calls reporting shots fired in the 300 block of Tara Avenue in Alton. Alton Police said upon arrival, they found a female victim who had been struck by gunfire inside her residence. Emergency medical personnel from the Alton Fire Department provided care and transported her to a hospital in the St. Louis area. She has since been discharged. Officers secured the scene and collected several items of evidentiary value. Detectives from the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division and Crime Scene Investigators from the Illinois State Police assisted with the investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the victim was not the intended target, and investigators believe the individuals involved were familiar with one another. Alton Police said the investigation

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GRANITE CITY – Local authorities have charged residents of Maryville and Frisco, Texas in separate cases of domestic battery filed in Madison County. Anais C. Elliott, 33, of Frisco, Texas, was charged on Aug. 25, 2025 with one count each of aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony) and domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor). On Aug. 24, 2025, Elliott allegedly struck one victim, a household or family member of Elliott’s, about the head and face with her hands before cutting another victim’s arm with a knife. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to deny Elliott’s pretrial release from custody in the case presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to the petition, Elliott became angry with the first victim while drinking and struck him about the face and head before the second victim attempted to intervene. Elliott then reportedly cut the second victim’s arm as they were trying to stop the battery.

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SPRINGFIELD - As a part of his Driving Change campaign, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias hosted a third virtual Town Hall for Metro East residents Wednesday evening to discuss the skyrocketing cost of auto insurance. Between the first three virtual Town Halls, over 600 Illinoisans have participated to learn more about the issue and share their stories. Residents shared their first-hand accounts of auto insurance rates increasing due to a recent move, a poor credit score or advanced age – reasons that have nothing to do with their driving record. This was the third of a series of virtual Town Hall meetings that the Secretary of State’s office is conducting over the next several weeks to gather feedback from Illinoisans to help inform state legislation for members of the General Assembly to consider. Eight of the 10 highest rates of uninsured drivers in Illinois are found in Metro East ZIP codes, which also rank among those with the lowest average credit

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Louis Medical Examiner's Office has identified a 19-year-old man who died from gunshot wounds sustained Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, on North 38th Street in Belleville. DreShawn Mathis was pronounced dead at 9:23 p.m. Aug. 30, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, the St. Louis Medical Examiner’s Office said. Belleville Police said they were dispatched to Memorial Hospital at about 7:20 p.m. Saturday after Mathis was brought there seeking medical attention for gunshot wounds. Mathis was later transported to a hospital in St. Louis. The shooting occurred in the 500 block of North 38th Street, police reported. The incident remains under investigation, and no further details were immediately available.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - The National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwestern Illinois chapter (NAMI SWI) will host their annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness this month. At 10 a.m. on Sept. 20, 2025, community members are invited to Moody Park in Fairview Heights for the family-friendly festival, which will include the walk. Attendees can also enjoy a scavenger hunt, tie-dye station, silent auction, raffles, attendance prizes, resource tables, picnic lunch and more fun. “People can come and just spend the morning with us,” said Heather Kapp with NAMI SWI. “We’re right now at about 250 walkers registered, so it could be one of our biggest events ever, which we’re very excited about. And the timing, obviously, with the climate of everything just going on in the world right now, couldn’t be more perfect, because we really do need to shine that light on mental health and prioritizing it.” Kapp suggests bringing money for the raffles and the

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police Department Sgt. Brian Cave retired on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, after more than 25 years of service. Cave worked his final shift with the department on Tuesday, marking the end of a long career in law enforcement. The Granite City Police Department expressed appreciation for his years of dedication and noted that he will be missed. “We wish him the best in the future,” the department said in a statement.

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