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ST. LOUIS — In September, the American Red Cross reminds people that giving blood now helps support patients the moment they need medical care. Donors of all types, especially those with types O positive and B negative blood, are asked to make an appointment to give. National Preparedness Month is underway – a time to remember lifesaving blood products are an essential part of preparedness for every type of disaster, whether it be home fires or natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding and wildfires. Severe weather can disrupt blood collections by causing blood drive cancellations and impacting donors’ ability to give. Additionally, trauma patients may need blood product transfusions within minutes of entering emergency rooms. Those who give now could help someone in dire moments. A little care goes a long way People coming together to care for one another is the humanitarian spirit shared by our Red Cross community and fans of PEANUTS for the past

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Did you know that avocados, the star ingredient of guacamole, have been cultivated for over 7,000 years? Yet, despite its ancient origins, guacamole remains one of the most beloved dips worldwide, celebrated annually on National Guacamole Day. But how can you elevate this classic beyond the traditional blend of avocado, lime, and salt? This article explores inventive ways to honor National Guacamole Day, offering fresh perspectives and creative ideas to enhance your guacamole experience. Rethinking Guacamole: Beyond the Classic Recipe Guacamole’s simplicity is part of its charm, but innovation can transform it into a culinary adventure. The traditional recipe typically includes ripe avocados, lime juice, salt, chopped onions, cilantro, and sometimes tomatoes or jalapeños. While these ingredients are tried and true, exploring alternative flavors and textures can invigorate your appreciation for this dip. Example: The Sweet and Savory Balance Introducing fruits such as

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September 16 has been a date marked by significant events throughout history, spanning diplomatic milestones, groundbreaking discoveries, and cultural shifts that have shaped the world we live in today. Moving back to the 18th century, September 16, 1776, witnessed a critical battle during the American Revolutionary War—the Battle of Harlem Heights. American forces, under General George Washington, successfully repelled British troops in New York City, providing a much-needed morale boost to the fledgling Continental Army. This engagement helped sustain the revolutionary spirit that ultimately led to American independence. In cultural history, September 16, 1920, saw the first radio broadcast of a baseball game, bringing America’s favorite pastime directly into homes and connecting fans nationwide. This innovation helped popularize sports broadcasting, changing how audiences engage with live events and setting the foundation for modern sports media. Lastly, in the realm

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GILLESPIE — Dylan C. Franko, 26, of Gillespie, was arrested and charged with aggravated fleeing following an incident on Interstate 55 on August 23, 2025. According to charging documents, Franko fled from a Gilliespie police officer while driving a 2017 Ford passenger car and exceeded the posted speed limit by 21 miles per hour during the pursuit. The charges were filed on September 8, 2025. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Fairview Heights Police responded early Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, to a report of a man armed with a rifle walking on MetroLink train tracks. At approximately 1:19 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2025, officers located the individual, who cooperated with authorities. Upon investigation, it was determined that the weapon in question was a Tippmann M4 Carbine paintball gun, not a rifle, and there was no threat to the public. The man was taken into custody on an active warrant. No charges were filed in connection with the incident. Fairview Heights Police Department addressed misinformation circulating online about the call, noting that some posts are based solely on initial dispatch information heard over scanners and may not reflect the final outcome. The department urged the public to rely on official information released directly by the police for accurate updates.

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CHICAGO — An Illinois Lottery player has built the ultimate “rainy day fund” after a $10 Lotto play turned into a $1 million windfall. “I play the lottery once in a while when I have extra cash,” said the lucky winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous under the nickname Rainy Day Fund . “I hadn’t played in a while, but the jackpot was nearly $12 million, so after filling up my gas tank, I decided to buy $10 worth of Lotto tickets with the Extra Shot add-on.” That decision paid off. The Lotto ticket, purchased at the Citgo gas station at 8755 W. 79th Street in Justice, matched all six Lotto Million 1 numbers in the Thursday, July 10 drawing to win $1 million. The winner vividly recalled the moment they discovered their fortune, “I found out the next day at work that someone in Justice had won. That’s where I bought my ticket, so I scanned mine with the app. At first, I thought I had won $1,000. Then I scanned it again,

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EAST ST. LOUIS — A Belleville man has entered a guilty plea to setting a fire in a Lebanon gas station bathroom. Carlos A. Rodriguez, 33, admitted to one count of arson of real property used in interstate commerce in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis. The fire occurred on the evening of Sept. 10, 2018, at the CC Food Mart in Lebanon, IL. Rodriguez ignited a plastic air freshener mounted in the men’s restroom, then left the store. Approximately seven minutes later, customers and employees discovered smoke and an active fire. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Fire Research Laboratory conducted experiments using a replica of the restroom to confirm the fire’s origin and timing, ruling out other patrons who used the bathroom that evening. The blaze and firefighting efforts caused about $6,000 in damage. Rodriguez’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2026. Under federal law, arson of real property used in interstate commerce carrie

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EDWARDSVILLE — Eric M. Blumenstock, 38, has been charged with two felonies stemming from incidents at the Madison County Courthouse on Sept. 10, 2025. Blumenstock faces a Class X felony count of Making Terrorist Threats. Authorities allege he intended to create fear by stating he planned to “shoot up” the courthouse located at 200 N. Main St. in Edwardsville, which they say caused a reasonable expectation of an imminent terrorist act. In addition, Blumenstock is charged with a Class 3 felony count of Threatening a Public Official. Prosecutors say he knowingly conveyed a threat to Lt. Senci, a peace officer, verbally stating an intent to take the officer’s life. Under Illinois law, the charges cite statutes 720 ILCS 5/29D-20(a) for making terrorist threats and 720 ILCS 5/12-9(a)(1)(o) for threatening a public official. Blumenstock is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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HARDIN – Illinois American Water continues to make strategic improvements in the Village of Hardin’s water and wastewater systems that enhance customer service, water quality and system reliability. Illinois American Water has invested an estimated $2 million in the Village of Hardin water and wastewater systems since the company acquired the systems in June 2022. Hardin is a village and county seat of Calhoun County. It is located about 43 miles southwest of St. Louis, near Jerseyville. Water and wastewater services are provided to approximately 500 customers in the Village of Hardin. W ater System There have been noticeable improvements in the historic aesthetic discoloration issues in portions of the Hardin community’s water system. “We have received positive feedback from our customers in Hardin, particularly on water quality,” said Brendan St. Peters, Senior Supervisor of Operations, Illinois American Water. A major improvement

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is now taking applications for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) starting next month. Madison County Community Development announced funding is available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems. The program will begin by taking applications Oct. 1 for: Adults 60-year-old and older, Individuals with disabilities, Families with children under the age of six and Households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying Nov. 1. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through Aug. 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed. T

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined students, alumni, and administrators from the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) at Harold Washington College to discuss the impact of heightened federal immigration enforcement efforts on community college students, particularly those with vulnerable legal status. With federal deployments growing in Chicago, the Governor spoke directly to the fears and needs of undocumented students, faculty, and staff navigating new challenges and uncertainty. “City Colleges is a tremendous example of an institution providing effective systems of support for immigrant students—especially as they are being targeted by the federal government in this turbulent time,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Right now, our communities are facing genuine fear as Trump intensifies his federal deployments, and the State of Illinois remains committed to lifting up organizations and institutions that are helping people know their rights and providing

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – America’s Blood Centers (ABC), the national organization of community-based, independent blood centers that supply 60 percent of the nation’s blood, is marking Sickle Cell Awareness Month this September with a nationwide call for more diverse blood donors to meet the critical needs of patients living with sickle cell disease and other conditions requiring precisely matched blood. Donated blood from communities of color is essential for patients whose transfusion needs go beyond basic blood type matching. For individuals with sickle cell disease—an inherited blood disorder affecting about 100,000 people in the United States —regular blood transfusions are often the difference between crisis and survival. Yet, fewer than 12 percent of all U.S. blood donations today come from communities of color, even though one in every 365 African American births is affected by sickle cell disease. “Community blood centers are dedicated t

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METRO EAST ST. LOUIS – Governor JB Pritzker has signed Illinois House Bill 1910, a measure amending the Illinois Local Library Act to help combat the state’s opioid epidemic. Beginning January 1, 2026, all public libraries will be required to keep an opioid antagonist — such as naloxone (NARCAN®) — available at all times. The law also requires that libraries take reasonable steps to have at least one trained person present during operating hours who can recognize an opioid overdose and administer the medication. Under the Illinois Good Samaritan Act , library personnel who administer naloxone in good faith are protected from liability, helping ensure they can respond without hesitation during an emergency. To help libraries meet these requirements, Chestnut Health Systems™ offers free naloxone (NARCAN®) resources and training where attendees will: Learn about the opioid epidemic Learn when and why to administer naloxone Learn how to administer

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Weeks into the start of the new year, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School’s (CHS) New Director Kimberly Allen shares her vision, along with goals for students, faculty and the school. SIUE alumna Allen, who worked at the CHS for four years as a faculty associate for special education, has returned to the school with a wealth of knowledge. Allen earned a bachelor’s in special education in 2008 and a Master of Educational Administration in 2012, both from SIUE. The new administrator answered questions about her new role. What is your education expertise background? My expertise lies in both special education and educational administration, which has equipped me with a deep understanding of how to support diverse learners, while also leading school-wide initiatives that promote equity, achievement and organizational effectiveness. With experience and an educational background in both the public schoo

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ALTON - The Alton and Greater Godfrey Democrats will host their 45th annual banquet. On Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, community members are invited to the Alton VFW for the event. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the banquet starts at 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy food, a 50/50 raffle, a wine pull raffle, and networking. “It’s about awakening and reconnecting the Democratic Party, bridging the gap between the old and the young, empowering each other, collaborating, mentorship, community service, and just getting back to the roots of why the Dems are here for the people,” explained Carolyn Caruthers. Tickets to the banquet cost $55 and you can purchase tickets online . Caruthers noted that the banquet’s theme is “Awakening and Reconnecting the Democratic Party.” Caruthers said they hope to attract younger people who want to be involved in local politics. She said the region’s voting count has been lower in recent years, and the banquet’s

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CARLINVILLE - Community members are invited to a candlelight vigil in honor of Charlie Kirk. On Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, the Macoupin County Courthouse will serve as the meeting spot for a prayer vigil. The prayer starts at 7 p.m., but organizer Rawley Eldridge encourages people to come as early as 5:30 p.m. for conversations. “What I would like it to look like, and what it should look like, is just everybody gathering together and showing remorse for the family that lost their father and their husband,” Eldridge said. “We can all pray together, share stories on why we believe he made an impact and how he reached us in different ways.” Bibles, candles and rosaries will be available while supplies last. Eldridge also hopes to order t-shirts; you can message him through the official Facebook event page for more information or to place your order. He shared that Kirk’s work had “a pretty big impact” on his own life. He resonated

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ALTON - A man was seriously injured late Sunday night, Sept. 14, 2025, after being trapped beneath his vehicle following a rollover crash in the 800 block of Oakwood in Alton. Firefighters responded quickly to the scene at 11:30 p.m. on Sunday after receiving a call reporting the rollover crash with the vehicle on top of the victim. Firefighters said upon arrival, they found the man lying beside the overturned vehicle. According to officials, a group of bystanders who heard the crash came to the man’s aid and lifted the vehicle to free him before first responders arrived. The injured man was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. Authorities are currently investigating the crash.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Community members have one last chance to sign up for the 2025 Walk for Mental Health Awareness. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Moody Park in Fairview Heights, NAMI Southwestern Illinois (SWI) will host their annual walk fundraiser, complete with raffles, a silent auction, a picnic lunch, face-painting, a tie-dye station and plenty more fun. Kaleigh Peery can’t wait to celebrate the organization and raise money for their work to promote mental health awareness. “It’s that community. I keep bringing that up because that’s what NAMI is,” said Peery, Business and Communications Manager for NAMI SWI. “It’s just going to be a wonderful day of togetherness.” NAMI, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness, prioritizes education and advocacy. Peery said they are “one of the largest grassroots mental health awareness nonprofits in the country,” with over 600 affiliates in the U.S.

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Agency for Community Transit (ACT) honored Jamall Arnold, a recent Edwardsville High School graduate, during its board meeting Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, recognizing his successful completion of a one-year apprenticeship program. The ceremony, attended by family, friends and local officials, highlighted Arnold’s transition from apprentice to full-time ACT employee. Launched in partnership with Madison County Employment and Training and the U.S. Department of Labor, the apprenticeship program began in August 2024 to provide high school students with practical job skills and professional experience in the transit industry. Arnold worked as a bus cleaner under the guidance of experienced ACT staff, participating in paid training several hours after school. Arnold completed the program in August and has since accepted a full-time position with ACT. “Once again, an apprentice from this impressive program has come to work for ACT on a full-time basis,”

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Avant Elementary School in East St. Louis has opened a new School Food Pantry, a development aimed at increasing access to essential food and resources for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The pantry, launched in partnership with the St. Louis Area Food Bank, seeks to provide support with dignity, compassion, and care. The initiative reflects the district’s commitment to addressing food insecurity among its students and their families. “Avant families by increasing access to essential food and resources. The school is committed to distributing items with dignity, compassion, and care — because every family deserves to feel supported,” the district said in a statement. The district expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the project, emphasizing the collective effort to strengthen the school community. “We’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this vision a reality. Together, we’re

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