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COLLINSVILLE - Income-qualified customers who have fallen behind on their energy bills can apply for payment assistance from Ameren through their local Illinois LIHEAP agency, thanks to a new program offering an additional $150 in support. This support comes from an Ameren program announced earlier this month that is providing $4 million to assistance agencies to help customers who have been impacted by rising electricity supply prices and extreme summer temperatures. This new program is on top of nearly $58 million in assistance Ameren Illinois customers have benefited from this year. "Our Illinois LIHEAP partners are stepping up to help us distribute much needed bill payment grants to customers who are experiencing financial difficulties due to higher electricity prices," said Joe Solari , vice president of customer experience at Ameren. "We encourage customers who have fallen behind on their bills to reach out to a local LIHEAP agency to determine their eligibility and

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EDWARDSVILLE – Bill Thomas is a man with big ideas and a passion for both Route 66 and Atlanta, the Illinois town he’s called home for more than four decades. His work to bring those big ideas to life makes him something of a giant among men, but he’s also a man among giants: American giants, to be exact. Thomas is the curator of the American Giants Museum, a free museum located about 120 miles north of Edwardsville in Atlanta, Illinois. It features four of the giant statues that sprung up in the U.S. in the 1960s and beyond to greet and entice travelers to stop at restaurants, stores and more. There are plans to add more of these giants – sometimes called “Muffler Men” -- to the museum in the future. Thomas will be at Edwardsville’s West End Service Station, the City’s free Route 66 visitor center, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 28, to share the story of how the American Giants Museum came to be, what it offers the public and how it’s

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Imagine this: the human body can lose up to 1.5 liters of sweat per hour during intense heat exposure, a natural response designed to cool us down. Yet, despite this impressive mechanism, many people find themselves drained, dehydrated, and uncomfortable as temperatures soar toward the end of summer. The challenge of managing heat stress is more than just a matter of comfort—it’s a crucial health consideration that requires smart, proactive strategies. This article delves into the best ways to beat the end-of-summer heat, combining scientific insight with practical advice to help you stay cool, hydrated, and safe as temperatures peak. Understanding Heat Stress and Its Impact Before exploring solutions, it’s important to grasp the effects of prolonged heat exposure on the body. Heat stress occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system becomes overwhelmed, leading to symptoms ranging from mild discomfort and fatigue to severe heat exhaustion and heat

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August 25th is a date that resonates with a rich tapestry of historical moments, spanning continents and centuries. August 25th marks a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. In 1862, the Second Battle of Bull Run (also known as the Second Battle of Manassas) came to an end. This battle was a significant Confederate victory led by General Robert E. Lee against Union forces. The Confederate triumph boosted Southern morale and paved the way for Lee’s first invasion of the North, which would culminate in the Battle of Antietam. This battle’s outcome had profound implications for the course of the war, affecting military strategy, political leadership, and the eventual emancipation efforts that would follow. Across the Atlantic, August 25th, 1944, is remembered as a moment of liberation during World War II. Paris, the City of Light, was freed from Nazi occupation after four years under German control. The liberation was a combined effort of the French Resistance and the

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Today's high will reach 74 degrees Fahrenheit with a low dipping to a chilly 50 degrees. Expect mostly sunny skies and nice conditions, giving an early taste of fall. Winds will come from the north-northwest at around 8 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph. The air feels pleasant during the day, but a bit cooler in the shade. Allergy alert: Ragweed pollen is high today, so those sensitive should take precautions. Mold and grass pollen levels are low. The UV index is very high at 8, so don't forget your sunscreen if you're outside. Tonight will be clear and cold with temperatures falling further, so keep a jacket handy. Tomorrow's Outlook: Sunshine will continue with a high near 74 degrees and a low around 49 degrees. The day will be sunny and pleasant, with gentle north-northwest winds around 7 mph gusting up to 18 mph. Allergy levels remain the same with high ragweed pollen continuing and low mold and grass pollen. UV levels will again be very high. For more local weather updates, visit

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BELLEVILLE — The St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office is reviewing the hit-and-run crash in Belleville that occurred early Thursday morning, Aug. 21, 2025, and information is expected to be released this upcoming week. Authorities located the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash in Belleville early Thursday morning, Aug. 21, 2025, and have a suspect in custody, Belleville Police have announced. A 33-year-old woman from Mascoutah - Emily Johnson - was killed early Thursday morning, Aug. 21, 2025, in a hit-and-run crash in Belleville, according to police. Belleville Police Department officers responded around 3:30 a.m. Aug. 21 to a report of a pedestrian struck in the 900 block of South Greenmount Road, near the overpass of the St. Clair County Orchard Trail and close to Eckert’s Orchard and State Route 15. Emergency personnel found the woman with life-threatening injuries and transported her to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Police are

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What do you get when you combine culinary innovation, historical documentation, and a pinch of cultural pride? The celebration of National Waffle Day, a seemingly simple holiday with roots that stretch back centuries. While waffles are beloved worldwide, the story behind the day dedicated to them is an intriguing blend of invention, tradition, and marketing savvy. The Birth of the Waffle: A Historical Perspective Waffles, as food historians note, have origins dating back to the Middle Ages. Early forms of the waffle were made by cooking batter between two hot metal plates, often emblazoned with intricate designs. These early irons were used over open flames, and the resulting cakes were both decorative and practical. The first known waffle recipe appeared in a 14th-century manuscript, indicating the dish’s long-standing presence in European cuisine. The term “waffle” itself is derived from the Dutch word “wafel,” reflecting the treat’s deep roots

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August 23rd and 24th stand out in history as days marked by pivotal moments that shaped the course of global events. Arguably the most consequential event associated with August 23rd is the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942. This brutal confrontation between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union during World War II proved to be a critical turning point in the war. On this day, Adolf Hitler launched Operation Blue, intending to capture the city of Stalingrad (modern-day Volgograd) to secure the eastern front and gain control over the oil-rich Caucasus region. What followed was a months-long siege marked by intense urban warfare, severe casualties, and an unyielding Soviet defense. The battle eventually culminated in the encirclement and surrender of the German 6th Army in February 1943, marking the beginning of the German retreat on the Eastern Front and shifting the momentum in favor of the Allies. But August 23rd’s historical significance extends far beyond the battlefield. In 1939,

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DU QUOIN – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias spent the day in Du Quoin touring the Public Library and visiting the State Fair. The visit to the library follows the awarding of nearly $1.5 million in library grants to Southern Illinois libraries for FY25 to ensure access to quality resources and programming. The Du Quoin library received $12,500 in technology grants and $8,594 in per capita grants. The per-capita grants were calculated according to a statutory formula based on the population of each community, while the technology grants were awarded to help public libraries in underserved communities with needed technology enhancements. View a full list of libraries and award amounts. At the Du Quoin State Fair, Giannoulias toured the office’s tent and visited with attendees and employees. Fairgoers can check out the office’s One-Stop-Shop experience, allowing a customer to attain both driver and vehicle services from a single counter.

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SAINT LOUIS - United Way of Greater St. Louis will kick off their annual fundraising campaign at a Cardinals game next week. On Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, the St. Louis Cardinals will host “United Way Night” at Busch Stadium. A portion of ticket sales will go back to United Way and their efforts to support 16 counties in Illinois and Missouri. The fundraising campaign will continue through the end of the year. “United Way is for everybody, and it impacts everybody,” said Stephanie with United Way. “Our mission at United Way is to help every single person in our 16-county footprint live their best life, whatever we can do.” Stephanie explained that United Way started 103 years ago when a group of people decided they wanted to help the community by supporting existing nonprofits. To this day, United Way of Greater St. Louis works with over 160 nonprofits in the Greater St. Louis region. The money they raise during their fundraising campaign

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Launched nationally in July 2022, 988 is the three-digit dialing code for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, created to provide an easier, more accessible way for people experiencing emotional distress to get help. Since its launch three years ago, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has connected millions of Americans in distress with trained crisis professionals, answering more than 16 million calls, texts, and chats to date. Thanks to these dedicated mental health professionals, including those at Centerstone, response times have dropped dramatically, with the national average speed to answer being just over 60 seconds across all modalities. Answer rates have also improved significantly: 98% for texts, 91% for online chats, and 88% for phone calls. As a result, the 988 Lifeline is reaching more people, more quickly than ever before, helping to save thousands of lives. While the numbers matter, the heart of 988 is the people. None of this groundbreaking work would be possible without

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MARION – Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs today returned a lost Purple Heart medal to the grand-niece of a World War II veteran who earned it while fighting the Germans in Italy. Frerichs reunited Army Private Stephen J. Grabowski’s military medals with grand-niece Chrystal Cantrell during a ceremony at VFW Post 1301 in Marion. It is the 16th lost medal Frerichs has returned as part of Operation Purple Heart , an unprecedented mission to reunite lost medals with the rightful owners. The iconic military honor is given to individuals wounded or killed during military combat. “Private Grabowski sacrificed a great deal to stop an evil dictator and ensure a free world,” Frerichs said. “It is never too late to honor the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation.” On April 15, 1945, during the closing days of active fighting in Europe, Grabowski and thousands of others participated in Operation Grapeshot, the final Allied attack during the Italian Campaign.

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1181 into law, clarifying that the protections in the Citizen Participation Act apply to the freedom of the press to opine, report, or investigate matters of public concern. The Citizen Participation Act protects against “strategic lawsuits against public participation” (SLAPPs), and with this new amendment, news media will be explicitly added as a protected entity. In Illinois, journalists facing defamation lawsuits and similar litigation for reporting on public matters will be protected under the same legislation. “As Trump and his friends continue their frivolous and targeted attacks on members of the free press, we are working to protect and empower Illinois journalists as they keep the general public informed,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This law will strengthen our anti-SLAPP legislation in Illinois—ensuring press don’t have to fear retaliation for reporting the truth and

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ALTON — The Alton Food Truck Fest drew a lively crowd to the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as attendees enjoyed a variety of food options and live music along the riverfront. The 2025 festival featured 16 food trucks, including Cajun Seduction, The Spud Shack, Jaaise Grubb, Go Gyro Go, Tuk Tuk Thai, Mr. Noodle, G Burrito, Takozz, Beast Craft, Doughboys, Grace Chicken + Fish, Jive Turkey, The Sweet Side, Solar Smoothie, and Scoops N More. Festivalgoers sampled diverse cuisine while taking in the performance by Almost Famous, a five-piece cover band known for energetic renditions of hits from artists such as The Beatles, Journey, Queen, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Dan Herkert of the Alton Amphitheater Commission expressed satisfaction with the event’s turnout and atmosphere. “The Amphitheater Commission is delighted to see so many people enjoying a positive experience and seeing what our community has to offer,” Herkert said.

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ALTON – The latest Riverbend resident charged with sharing child pornography via Kik is an Alton man additionally accused of having a “graphic conversation” with a minor via Snapchat. Taylor A. Sandberg, 26, of Alton, was charged on Aug. 20, 2025 with seven Class X felony counts of child pornography. On April 12, 2025, Sandberg allegedly disseminated four video files via the Kik app, followed by three more videos shared via Kik on April 21, 2025. Each of the videos reportedly depicted prepubescent male children engaged in various sex acts. According to the state’s petition to deny Sandberg’s pretrial release from custody, a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children lead to an investigation by the Alton Police Department yielding not only the child pornography, but “a graphic conversation” over Snapchat from November of 2024 between Sandberg and an alleged 13-year-old. A second cybertip linked to the same

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ALTON — Two vehicles collided at the intersection of Alton Square Drive and Homer Adams Parkway at 4:02 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, prompting immediate response from the Alton Police Department and Alton Fire Department. Officials reported that one person received treatment at the scene but declined transportation to a hospital. Another individual was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. The crash resulted in significant damage to both vehicles, causing some traffic disruption during the cleanup process. Authorities have not released additional information regarding the cause of the accident. (Photos by Ryan Schlueter).

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WOOD RIVER — People gathered along the streets of Wood River on Saturday morning to celebrate the annual Wood River Labor Day Parade, which began at 10 a.m. at the Emerick Sports Complex. The parade proceeded south along 6th Street, turned west on Ferguson Avenue, and concluded at North Haller. Representatives from each local labor union participated in the event, distributing candy to parade watchers as they walked. The parade also featured a backhoe and other equipment, with the Wood River Police Department and Fire Department leading the procession. Robert Pollard, Wood River Township Chairman, served as this year’s parade marshal. Following the parade, the celebration continued at Gordon Moore Park in Alton, Illinois, where the James Stanley Charity Softball Tournament was scheduled to conclude. Union members and their families were invited to enjoy food and refreshments at the park.

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SUMMERFIELD — The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lane closures on Summerfield Road between Old U.S. Highway 50 and West Casad Street in St. Clair County are scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 25, weather permitting. Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic during the work. The lane closures are necessary for pavement rehabilitation operations and are expected to be completed by early September. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on www.GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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CHAMPAIGN — Building on efforts to bolster reproductive health in Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker signed two bills to protect reproductive rights by safeguarding medical professionals and making contraception and the abortion pill more available across the state. Gov. Pritzker signed an expanded state shield law ( HB3637 ) protecting health care providers from discipline for providing health care services that are lawful in Illinois, and HB3709 which requires public colleges and universities to offer contraception and medication abortion if they have an on-campus pharmacy or student health center. While Trump’s anti-choice agenda has fueled unprecedented attacks on reproductive freedom in states across the nation, Illinois continues to enshrine women’s access to critical care into state law. “Six years ago, I made a promise to the women of this state: As governor, I will ensure that your medical decisions will be your own. And we elected a General Assembly

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EDWARDSVILLE – The largest student cohort to date of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Summer Success Program (SSP) took one more step toward degree completion when they celebrated the ending of their summertime academics. “You have so much to be proud of and to be in anticipation of, because you all did so well in the program,” said SSP Director Kelly Atkins, EdD. Atkins encouraged the 84 students who completed the five-week program. The 2025 Summer Success Closing Ceremony was held Friday, Aug. 8 in the Legacy Room of SIUE’s Morris University Center. SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, was among the SSP faculty, staff and supporters who came out to wish the students well. “We were excited to praise our incoming college first-year students who elected to pursue an early start to their college careers,” said Letrice “Lee” Young, EdD, SSP coordinator. Throughout the program, participants lived in University

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