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ST. LOUIS – Today, Mayor Cara Spencer announced she is appointing Nate Hayward as the City’s new commissioner of corrections. Hayward comes from a role as deputy director of security in the St. Louis County Justice Services. He brings 32 years of correctional experience, starting as a correctional officer and working his way up to eventually overseeing the daily operations of the St. Louis County Justice Center and being responsible for the safety and health of detainees. Hayward fills the position left vacant on Aug. 15 by Doug Burris, who served the City of St. Louis as interim commissioner of corrections since January, beginning serious efforts to improve conditions at the CJC. Hayward and Burris previously worked together at the St. Louis County Justice Center when Burris was the director of justice services there. “Making the CJC a place where detainees are safe and can begin working toward a better future as contributing members of society is a top priority

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BRENHAM, Texas – Blue Bell Ice Cream is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream half gallon packaged in a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough carton produced in its Brenham, Texas, plant because of undeclared almond, walnut, and pecan. The recalled product was mistakenly packaged in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream cartons with a Moo-llennium Crunch lid. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds, walnuts, and pecans run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. A Blue Bell employee discovered the incorrect packaging on two half gallons while restocking a retailer. No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported to date. No other incorrect packaging has been discovered or reported to date. The half gallons can be identified as Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream packaged in a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough half gallon carton with a Moo-llennium Crunch lid and with the following code

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COLLINSVILLE - MC Conventions: St. Louis Comic Con promises a fun day of toys, vendors, comic books and cosplay. From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, community members can come out and enjoy a day of Comic Con fun. Randy Beasley, who organizes nine Comic Cons throughout the Midwest every year, expressed his eagerness to share the day and the excitement with the Greater St. Louis community. “It’s just different levels of joy,” Beasley said. “That’s one of the main reasons to do it.” Parking is free, and general admission to the Comic Con is $12. Children under age 12 are free. Beasley prides himself on keeping his conventions affordable for people to attend and meet the celebrity guests. “It’s not an arm and a leg to get in,” he said. “I love the bigger conventions. My wife and I will go. But sometimes it’s $50, $60 just to get a ticket to get

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SWANSEA - The Swansea Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating Bill Crispin, who was last seen on Aug. 23, 2025, at approximately 3 p.m. near the intersection of Frank Scott Parkway West and Illinois Route 159 in Swansea, Illinois. Officials say Crispin was on foot when he went missing and has a medical condition that requires ongoing care. The department is urging residents and businesses in the area to check their properties, including outbuildings, and review any surveillance footage for possible sightings of Crispin. “We are urging residents and businesses in the area to check their property, outbuildings, and review any surveillance camera footage for any possible sighting of Mr. Crispin,” the Swansea Police Department stated on its official Facebook page. Anyone with information about Crispin’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Swansea Police Department immediately at 618-233-8114. The department emphasized the importance of community

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SPRINGFIELD - Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford, IL., invites the public to the premiere of Big Medicine: York Outdoors, a new 35-minute documentary that elevates the story of York on Sept. 6 at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The event will also feature panel discussions, history lectures, and outdoor programming. In collaboration with Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and NEW Multimedia, Big Medicine: York Outdoors follows a group of Black adventurers on a transformative four-day river journey along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in Montana. This expedition retraces the path of the original Corps of Discovery while connecting York's legacy to the joy, healing, and empowerment that the great outdoors can provide. York was the only Black member of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Despite his significant contributions and perseverance during the grueling two-and-a-half-year journey, York’s story has been overshadowed in history. As Captain William

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BELLEVILLE — The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department announced the passing of three of its members this week, paying tribute to their dedication and service to the community. Bailiff John E. Klaus, an active member of the department, died on August 14, 2025. On the same day, retired Lt. Col. Thomas W. Knapp also passed away. The following day, retired Deputy Willie C. Smith died. In a statement, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office described the men as individuals of integrity who devoted their lives to serving the community. "Please keep their family and friends in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time," the sheriff's office said.

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in locating Juan C. Gonzalez-Anton, who faces a felony warrant for aggravated driving under the influence. The warrant stems from a traffic stop in May 2025, during which Gonzalez-Anton was found driving while intoxicated despite having suspended or revoked driving privileges related to a prior DUI. The Collinsville Police shared the information about Gonzalez-Anton in its "Fugitive Friday" social media segment. Authorities remind Gonzalez-Anton that he can turn himself in to address the charges. The police department encourages anyone with information about his whereabouts to call 618-344-2131, extension 5209. Tips can be submitted anonymously. "These charges and statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty," the department said in a public notice.

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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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