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Did you know that nearly 77% of people report feeling overwhelmed by their daily responsibilities during peak work periods? As schedules tighten and obligations pile up, the risk of burnout increases significantly. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in the fall, when professional demands, academic pressures, and personal commitments often converge. Amidst this whirlwind, the practice of self-care emerges not as a luxury but as an essential strategy for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Why Self-Care Is Essential in Busy Seasons In high-pressure periods, individuals often prioritize tasks and deadlines over personal health. This tendency can trigger a cascade of negative effects, including elevated stress levels, diminished productivity, and impaired decision-making. Self-care acts as a buffer that mitigates these risks. It restores energy, sharpens focus, and enhances resilience, enabling individuals to navigate their responsibilities more effectively.

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Did you know that gardens prepared thoughtfully in the fall can yield up to 30% more robust growth and healthier plants in the spring? This increase isn't just a matter of chance—it’s the result of intentional care during a critical period often overlooked by casual gardeners. Preparing your garden for the fall season is an investment in your landscape’s future vitality. By implementing targeted strategies now, you can ensure that your garden not only survives the dormant months but emerges thriving and ready to flourish. Assessing and Cleaning Your Garden Space Before the garden beds are covered with frost or the last leaves have fallen, it's essential to give your garden a thorough once-over. Removing dead plants, spent annuals, and fallen debris reduces the risk of pests and diseases that can overwinter and damage your plants next season. For example, powdery mildew spores and certain fungal infections often linger on decaying plant matter. Practical tip: Use

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What if the secret to improving your focus, reducing stress, and enhancing your overall well-being could be unlocked in just a few minutes each day? Mindfulness, the practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgment, is more than a buzzword—it’s a scientifically supported approach to living that many overlook amid busy schedules. Incorporating mindfulness into daily life may seem daunting, but with intentional steps, it can become a natural and rewarding habit. Understanding Mindfulness and Its Benefits Mindfulness is often misunderstood as simply “relaxing” or “meditating,” but it encompasses a broader awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surroundings. Research by the American Psychological Association highlights that mindfulness-based practices can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve attention spans, and even enhance immune function. A landmark study published in JAMA Internal Medicine

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September 8 has long been a day marked by remarkable events across history, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural, scientific, and political milestones. Moving back in time, September 8 marks several significant events that have shaped world history. In 1504, Michelangelo's masterpiece, the statue of David, was unveiled in Florence, Italy. This iconic sculpture, standing at over 5 meters tall, exemplified Renaissance ideals of human beauty and strength, becoming a symbol of artistic achievement and civic pride. Michelangelo’s David continues to captivate audiences worldwide, embodying the spirit of creativity and resilience. Fast forward to the 19th century, September 8, 1888, is remembered for the first of the infamous Jack the Ripper murders in London’s Whitechapel district. The brutal killing of Mary Ann Nichols marked the beginning of a series of crimes that have fascinated and horrified the public for over a century. Despite numerous investigations, the identity of

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EAST ALTON – An East Alton man faces 11 Class X felonies after allegedly making a series of terrorist threats targeting several local businesses. Austin H. Blair, 25, of East Alton, was charged on Sept. 4, 2025 with 11 counts of making a terrorist threat, each Class X felonies. From July 28 to Aug. 27, 2025, Blair allegedly knowingly threatened to commit a terrorist act or created the impression that a terrorist act was about to be committed on 11 different occasions. Blair allegedly made a series of terrorist threats via phone calls to several local businesses, including fast food restaurants, a convenience store and a local bar. On each occasion, he either falsely reported seeing an active shooter approaching the location or threatened to commit an act of violence the location, according to charging documents. On July 28, 2025, Blair reportedly made four such terrorist threats in one day, with each incident described in charging documents as follows:

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ROXANA — Mekhi Shorter, a sophomore running back who transferred from East Alton Wood River, is making an immediate impact for the Roxana Shells football team this season. Through two games, Shorter leads the team with an average of 123.5 rushing yards per game and has scored six rushing touchdowns. Shorter has carried the ball 21 times for a total of 247 yards, with his longest run covering 44 yards. In last Friday’s game against Red Bud, he recorded eight carries for 102 yards and three touchdowns. He is a Midwest Members Male Athlete of the Month for the Shells. “I want to make a good example of myself, I want to show everyone I belong here, and help Roxana win,” Shorter said. As a freshman at East Alton Wood River last year, Shorter played in six games, gaining 144 yards on 16 carries and averaging nine yards per carry. “Shorter is pretty electric until you see him out there playing varsity football you don’t know what to expect and he ha

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September 6 and 7 have long been dates marked by events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. Moving back in time to 1620, September 6 marks the day when the Mayflower departed from Plymouth, England, carrying the Pilgrims to the New World. This voyage was pivotal in the foundation of what would become the United States of America. The Pilgrims' journey was not just a migration but a quest for religious freedom and self-determination, themes that continue to resonate deeply in American culture and politics. Their arrival laid the groundwork for the establishment of Plymouth Colony, one of the earliest successful English settlements in North America. Looking at global conflicts, September 6, 1939, saw the Battle of Heligoland Bight during World War II, the first major air battle between the British Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe. This confrontation set the tone for the aerial warfare that would dominate much of the conflict. The bravery and sacrifice displayed

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville- SIUE will “Unleash the Spirit” during Homecoming & Family Weekend, Sept. 24–28, 2025. The annual celebration invites alumni, students, families and community members to reconnect, recharge and enjoy a weekend packed with high-energy events and time-honored traditions. “Homecoming & Family Weekend is one of my favorite times of the year,” said Cathy Taylor, associate Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Executive Director of Alumni and Donor Relations. “It’s a chance for students, alumni, families and the community to come together, catch up and enjoy being back on campus. The weekend is full of traditions and moments that remind us why this place feels like home.” Homecoming kicks off with COUGARFEST – Rock the Quad, SIUE’s ultimate music and food truck festival, set for Friday, Sept. 26 from 7–10 p.m. on the Stratton Quad. Guests can enjoy live

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Letter to the Editor: With so much troubling news on the national stage, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. One person alone cannot shift the tide against powerful institutions that seem to subvert liberty at every turn. But that doesn’t mean we are powerless. Each of us can still take meaningful action. This September, we have an opportunity. September 17 is Constitution Day, marking the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787. Federal law requires that every educational institution receiving federal funds provide a program on the Constitution for students on this day. Unfortunately, research shows that nearly 90% of schools fail to comply. Our children are too often deprived of even a basic understanding of the foundation of our government and our republic. I urge readers to take one simple step: call your local school principals. Remind them of their legal duty to observe Constitution Day, and don’t go empty-handed—share helpful, nonpartisan resources

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ALTON - Alton Pride’s Festival is next weekend, and the organization couldn’t be more excited. The fourth annual pride festival, hosted by Alton Pride, will feature vendors, food trucks, drag shows, live music and additional fun from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in downtown Alton on Belle Street. Kole Harre, a board member with Alton Pride, noted that the free festival is growing “a little bit bigger each year,” and they are excited for another fun day. “Visibility is huge,” Harre said. “That’s one of our three pillars. Community and connection are two of the three. Making sure people know that they’re supported, there are people out there like them — it’s definitely the visibility of it. Bringing people together, that’s our main goal.” The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. at the main stage in front of Bubby and Sissy’s in Alton. Mayor David Goins will give a brief speech, an

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PONTOON BEACH – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that in addition to the ongoing closure of Illinois 111 at Interstate 270 in Madison County, a full closure of the ramp from eastbound I-270 to southbound Illinois 111 will begin, weather permitting, Tuesday, Sept. 9. This closure is expected to last approximately 14 days as part of the I-270/Illinois 111 interchange reconstruction project. The posted detour for the ramp closure is as follows: Eastbound I-270 to southbound I-255, then westbound Illinois 162 to Illinois 111. Work on the entire interchange is anticipated to be completed by the end of October. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during these closures. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone.

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ALTON - The Lucy Haskell Playhouse has several exciting events planned for the next few months. Located at 1211 Henry Street in Alton, the Haskell Playhouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. From 10–11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, kids can enjoy a story hour with the Hayner Public Library District at the playhouse. Then, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, the playhouse will host their final open house of the season complete with games, a touch-a-truck, and more fun. “We’re doing a first responders day, a special day to thank our first responders and our community heroes,” explained Margaret Hopkins. “We want to pack the park with lots of inquisitive children and thankful people. We’ll have a firetruck, an ambulance, and a police car there for the kids to explore. Those officers and fire people and ambulance people will be there to answer questions for the kids. And then they can come into the playhouse an

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ALTON – In conjunction with Hayner Library and the Jacoby Arts Center, YouthBuild/AmeriCorps students from Lewis and Clark Community College’s Adult Education program built and delivered new Little Art and Book Libraries to the Jacoby Arts Center on Aug. 29, 2025. Each library was designed and hand-painted by local artists. Students built a total of five Little Libraries, with the others going to Alton Boys and Girls Club, Olin Park, Milton Schoolhouse and Alton City Hall. Pictured are Justin McBride, Max Fickle, Kevin Slack III, Cody Revelle, Max Bertschi, Aaden Curry, Myles Fickle, Dallas Hornsey, Colton Kennedy, Daymon Kirk, Rickie Price, Hunter Rezabek, Kaden Thompson, Logan Vogt, Kristopher Williamson, Leif Zarger, Hayner Library Reference Services Manager and Jacoby Arts Center Board Member Johanna Schultis, Jacoby Arts Center Community Development Director Rachel Lappin and Jacoby Arts Center volunteer Casey Buss.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reminding motorists and farmers about traffic safety on Illinois roadways this fall. Agriculture is one of the leading industries in Illinois and farmers across the state will be moving equipment along roadways throughout the upcoming months. As farmers travel between fields, ISP reminds motorists and farmers alike to share the road to help reduce crashes involving tractors and other farm equipment. ISP encourages motorists to follow these safe driving tips this harvest season. Share the road and be patient. Allow for extra travel time. Increase following distance to improve sight lines when driving behind wide, slow-moving vehicles. Reduce speed when encountering farm equipment on public roads. Flashing amber lights mean ‘caution’ and orange and red reflective triangles warn motorists that farm equipment travels at slower speeds. It is illegal to pass in a no passing lane or within 100 feet of an intersection,

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EDWARDSVILLE – Main Street Community Center is excited to announce a Chicken Dinner Fundraiser to support their operations which include providing free programs and services for local area seniors and adults with disabilities as a part of their kick off to their Annual Fund Drive. The fundraiser will be taking place on Sunday, September 7th from 11 am – 3 pm at the Edwardsville Moose Lodge located at 7371 Marine Rd., Edwardsville, IL 62025. Each dinner is $14 and will include ½ fried chicken, mashed potatoes, 2 sides and a salad. Kids meals will be sold for $7. Desserts sold separately for $2. “Our Chicken Dinner Fundraiser has been a huge success these past few years, so we have made it an annual fundraising tradition along with our Trivia Night to be held on November 7th, also at the Moose. This year we will have a few raffles and will also be selling mums from Market Basket. We appreciate the support and partnership of the Edwardsville Moose

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SPRINGFIELD – For the second time in recent weeks, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has uncovered that Illinois license plate camera data has been shared with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and has ordered that access be shut off. In its continued effort to expand the auditing process for automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems, Giannoulias’ office discovered that the Motorola Solutions technology was being utilized by the Village of Forest Park’s Police Department to give CBP access to its license plate camera data. Motorola has since worked with Forest Park to shut off and disable the data sharing capabilities with CBP and other federal agencies at the direction of the Secretary of State’s office. This comes off the heels of last week’s announcement where the audit conducted by Giannoulias’ office uncovered that Flock Safety, operator of the largest automated license plate reader system in the nation, had allowed CBP to acces

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ALTON - You have the chance to customize a brick at the Lucy Haskell Playhouse. From now until Oct. 15, 2025, the Haskell Playhouse Association is selling bricks to be customized and installed around the perimeter of the playhouse. This annual brick sale aims to landscape the property and engage Riverbend residents in the playhouse’s history and upkeep. “You can do it in memory, in honor, just a special date or anniversary, a wedding, anything like that to make it special for someone or yourself or your family,” said Margaret Hopkins. “When I take my grandchildren to the park, they always like to look for their brick with their initials on it.” The forms for the bricks must be submitted by Oct. 15. Hopkins said they aim to install the bricks by Christmas. You can pick up the forms at an upcoming open house on Sept. 13, 2025, or you can contact the Haskell Playhouse Association for more information. The playhouse was built by Dr. William

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MADISON COUNTY — Deputies Jonas Barnes and Max Ringering graduated from the Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy, Session 156, and received awards during the ceremony, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced this week. Deputy Barnes was honored with the Southwestern Illinois Police Chief’s Association Most Outstanding Officer Award, while Deputy Ringering received the Leadership Award for his role as Squad Leader during the academy. Both deputies will now report to the Madison County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division, where they will continue their training alongside assigned Field Training Officers. The sheriff’s office expressed pride in Barnes and Ringering's achievements and anticipation for their future contributions.

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ALTON - The Hayner Genealogy and Local History Library will host a special presentation that focuses on Alton, ancestry, and a local family. From 6–8 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2025, community members are invited to the Genealogy and Local History Library for an 80-minute feature length film titled “Family Album” and a 15-minute short called “Trilogy.” Altonian Jean King composed music to tell her family’s story in Alton, and her cousin and cinematographer Ann Morrissey Davidson created both films. “It’s really rich,” Davidson said. “I think people will enjoy it. Even if you’re not interested in Alton history or whatever, it’s very moving, about a family.” “Family Album” tells King’s family’s story in four parts — “Our Ancestors,” “Our Immediate Family,” “Our Generation,” and “Our Next Generation” — through song and dance.

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ST. LOUIS – On September 8th, United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) is asking Donor Advised Fund (DAF) holders to help demonstrate the power of collective DAF giving by giving from their DAF to the UWGSL Community Campaign, supporting the local safety net. UWGSL is like a mutual fund of philanthropy, maximizing giving through a trusted, high-impact network of 160 local nonprofits. Much like a mutual fund pools investments to generate broad market returns, UWGSL strategically distributes charitable dollars to maximize impact across the St. Louis region, helping over 1 million people every year. “We are so excited to officially introduce our first annual United Way DAF Day that gives DAF donors the ability to maximize their investments together to lead lasting change,” said Michelle D. Tucker, President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “When you give to United Way through your Donor-Advised Fund, your investment goes further. We look forward t

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