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Did you know that nearly 70% of people regret not preserving meaningful memories from their family life? In an era dominated by fleeting digital content and ever-changing lifestyles, capturing tangible moments for future reflection has never been more important. Creating a family time capsule is a powerful way to document your collective story, preserving not just objects but emotions and values for generations to come. Why Create a Family Time Capsule? A family time capsule acts as a bridge between the present and the future. It offers a unique opportunity to record your family’s identity at a specific moment in time—summer 2025—when the world is rapidly evolving socially, technologically, and culturally. Beyond preserving nostalgia, a time capsule fosters family bonding through shared storytelling and thoughtful selection of items. Consider the example of the Johnson family from Vermont, who buried a capsule in 1995 and unearthed it 25 years later. The process

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Did you know that the average person owns over 60 items of clothing but wears only about 20% of them regularly? This statistic highlights a common wardrobe challenge: having plenty of options but struggling to make timely, cohesive outfit choices. One of the most practical ways to maximize your wardrobe's utility and style is mastering the art of seasonal transition—particularly from summer to fall. This shift is not merely about swapping shorts for sweaters; it’s an opportunity to rethink your approach to clothing, layering, and personal style. Assess Your Current Wardrobe Before diving into new purchases or wholesale changes, take stock of what you already own. Review your summer clothes with an eye toward versatility and potential for layering. Lightweight dresses, linen shirts, and cotton tees can be valuable assets if paired correctly with autumnal pieces. For example, a breezy summer dress can become fall-ready when layered with a chunky cardigan and ankle boots.

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September 2nd has long been a date marked by pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most impactful global events on this day dates back to 1945, when World War II officially came to an end. On September 2nd, Japan formally surrendered to the Allied forces aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, marking the conclusion of one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. This moment not only ended years of devastating warfare but also set the stage for a new world order, fostering international cooperation through institutions like the United Nations. The ceremony was solemn yet hopeful, symbolizing a commitment to peace and rebuilding. Going further back in time, September 2nd, 1666, witnessed a critical moment in London’s history: the Great Fire of London started and raged for three days. The fire destroyed large parts of the city, including thousands of homes and many landmarks, drastically altering London’s landscape. Although

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Labor Day, a federal holiday that marks the unofficial end of summer in the United States, is often viewed as a day off work or a signal to enjoy barbecues and parades. However, its origins are deeply rooted in the struggles and achievements of American workers. Understanding the history and significance of Labor Day reveals much about the labor movement, workers’ rights, and the evolving nature of work in the U.S. The Birth of Labor Day: A Movement for Workers’ Rights In the late 19th century, the United States underwent rapid industrialization. Factories, railroads, and mines demanded long hours and harsh working conditions from laborers. Many workers, including children, faced grueling schedules with little protection or compensation. This era saw a rise in labor unions, organizations formed to advocate for better wages, reasonable hours, and safer workplaces. The idea of a “workingmen’s holiday” to honor laborers first emerged in the early 1880s.

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September 1st has long been a date marked by significant events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. Arguably the most consequential event to ever take place on September 1st happened in 1939 when World War II erupted. On this day, Nazi Germany launched an invasion of Poland, unleashing a conflict that would engulf much of the world for six devastating years. The attack began with a surprise assault using blitzkrieg tactics — fast-moving and coordinated strikes by air and land forces — overwhelming Polish defenses. This act prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany, setting off a global conflict that shaped international relations, altered borders, and led to profound social and economic changes worldwide. The war's impact is still deeply felt today, making September 1st a poignant reminder of the costs of aggression and the importance of peace. Stepping back a bit, in 1715, September 1st marked the death of King Louis XIV of France, known

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O’FALLON, Ill. — The Illinois State Police (ISP) Zone 6 is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday evening in O’Fallon. At approximately 7:43 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2025, officers from the O’Fallon Police Department responded to a disturbance call in the 600 block of West Madison Street in O'Fallon involving a man armed with a knife. Upon arrival, officers observed two individuals covered in blood running from the armed man outside the residence. Officers engaged with the man, who refused to drop the knife. An officer discharged their firearm, striking the man. Emergency aid was provided at the scene, but the man was pronounced deceased. The two individuals who fled were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening cuts and stab wounds. The officer involved was not injured. The ISP conducted a thorough investigation and will submit all reports to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office. The investigation remains

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BELLEVILLE — Belleville Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. Officers were dispatched at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Saturday after a 19-year-old Belleville man arrived at Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound. The victim was later transferred to a hospital in St. Louis, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities determined the shooting took place in the 500 block of North 38th Street in Belleville. Belleville Police Detectives and the Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene to process evidence and begin an investigation. The department described the case as active and ongoing, with additional information to be released as it becomes available.

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SPRINGFIELD - Labor Day is almost here. Our goal is to keep people safe by raising awareness about the risks of overconsumption this weekend. The key is to know your limits; drink responsibly and please utilize a designated driver or ride-share service if you are inebriated. Be Responsible: When drinking alcohol, it’s important to have a plan to stay safe. Always arrange for a designated driver and never operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol. In addition, be aware of the dangers of overuse and know the signs of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol Poisoning: The ILCC encourages everyone to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning in themselves and others. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, symptoms of alcohol poisoning can include irregular heart rates, seizures, loss of consciousness and more. “As you celebrate, remember to stay mindful and make informed choices. Whether you plan to drink alcohol or simply enjoy the holiday weekend,

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department welcomed Officer Austin Cross in early July as he began his service with the department. Cross joins the force as a lateral officer from Montana, where he previously served as a sheriff’s deputy. Since his arrival, he has been studying Illinois law and has passed the necessary exams to qualify as a police officer in the state. He has now started his Field Training Program alongside a senior officer.

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COLUMBIA, Mo - Columbia College recently announced its dean's list for the Summer 2025 Semester (April-August 2025). To be named to the dean's list, a student must have completed 12 undergraduate credit hours in a 16-week period and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0-point scale. Among those named to the dean's list is Cierra Johnson of Alton, who attended Online. Founded in 1851 in Columbia, Missouri, Columbia College has been helping students advance their lives through higher education for nearly 175 years. As a private, nonprofit institution, the college takes pride in its small classes, experienced faculty and quality educational programs. With locations across the country, more than half of which are on military installations, students may enroll in Day, Evening or Online classes. Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and maintains a network of more than 98,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit ccis.edu.

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CHICAGO - E4, a leading energy and sustainability consulting firm, has partnered with Alton Steel to implement a Community Solar solution that reduces costs while supporting the company’s long-term energy and sustainability goals. As a major steel producer operating a 200-ton electric arc furnace and a 14-inch bar mill in Alton, Illinois, Alton Steel plays a key role in regional manufacturing and infrastructure. Through this new Community Solar subscription, the company is taking an important step toward aligning with their long-term sustainability goals and demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship while managing long-term operational costs. Community Solar offers commercial and industrial businesses a direct way to support clean energy generation without the need for on-site solar installations or upfront capital investment. Participating companies subscribe to off-site solar farms and receive credits on their utility bills, creating meaningful cost savings

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Did you know that the holiday many Americans associate with barbecues and the unofficial end of summer actually has roots in a powerful movement for workers' rights? Labor Day is more than just a day off—it is a tribute to the contributions and struggles of the labor force that built modern society. Understanding this holiday's origins and how it has been celebrated over time offers insight into both the evolution of labor rights and the cultural fabric of the United States. The Origins of Labor Day: A Tribute to the Working Class Labor Day traces back to the late 19th century, a period marked by rapid industrialization and often harsh working conditions. Factories, mines, and other workplaces were fraught with long hours, low pay, and unsafe environments. The labor movement emerged to challenge these conditions, advocating for fair wages, reasonable hours, and safer workplaces. The first Labor Day parade took place on September 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by the Centra

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his office has prevailed in preserving funding to AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. On July 23, Raoul and a coalition of 24 states and attorneys general challenged the White House Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) attempt to gut AmeriCorps by withholding tens of millions of dollars in funding for critical service programs. On Thursday, OMB and AmeriCorps instead agreed to release over $184 million in funding that AmeriCorps plans to award to service programs across the country. “The administration’s abrupt termination of these vital grants and programs had far-reaching and devastating impacts,” Raoul said. “I am pleased the hundreds of Illinoisans who serve some of Illinois’ most vulnerable populations will once again be able to give back to their communities.” On April 29, Raoul and a coalition of 24 states and attorneys general challenged

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services in Alton will be holding its monthly lymphedema education meeting on Thursday, September 4, 2025, with the discussion topic: Lymphatic fluid flow . Riverbend region residents are invited to join the OSF Lymphedema Therapy Team for this free educational session about lymphedema and meet other people with lymphedema. The September lymphedema education meeting will be held: Thursday, September 4, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services 228 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL Enter the Rehab office from the upper mall parking lot, facing Alby Street, under the "OSF HEALTHCARE" sign Interested individuals should direct questions or requests for additional information to OSF Rehabilitation Services at (618) 463-5171. Lymphedema refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid that is usually drained by the body's lymphatic system. Some lymphedema facts include: It most commonly affects

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CHICAGO – Heading into Labor Day weekend, Attorney General Kwame Raoul highlighted a new report detailing actions his office has taken during the past year to advocate for and protect Illinois workers. The Attorney General’s Workplace Rights Bureau was codified in state statute in 2020 and has since collected more than $27 million in owed wages and restitution for workers and collected $935,000 in penalties against companies alleged to have discriminated against workers on the basis of race or sex. “The dedicated attorneys and staff of my office’s Workplace Rights Bureau work every day to uphold and defend Illinois laws, resolve serious and persistent violations of workers’ rights, and ensure that law-abiding businesses are not undercut by those that violate the law to gain unfair advantages,” Raoul said. “I am committed to continuing to fight for workers’ rights, and I encourage anyone with questions or concerns about their workplace

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EDWARDSVILLE - Ciara Cunningham, who has played all four years on the Edwardsville girls volleyball varsity, enters her senior year with the Tigers as only one of two seniors on the team, and will provide valuable leadership and experience to the club. Last season, in which Edwardsville went 23-14, and lost in the IHSA Class 4A regional final to Belleville West, Cunningham had a very good season, serving up 103 points and 31 aces, while having 250 kills, 34 blocks, 31 assists, and 84 digs in helping to lead the Tigers to their final record. As 2025 preseason practice got underway, Cunningham has been duly impressed with the team's work rate and is very excited to get the season underway on Sept. 2, 2025, at Lucco-Jackson Gym against Belleville West. Cunningham is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. "They've been going really well," Cunningham said about the workouts. "It's just exciting to see everyone so motivated and excited to get games started, since

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August 30 and 31 mark days of significant moments across history, touching on global events that have shaped politics, culture, science, and society. On August 30, 2005, Hurricane Katrina was moving inland after devastating the Gulf Coast of the United States, particularly New Orleans. The storm, one of the deadliest and costliest in U.S. history, left thousands homeless and caused widespread destruction. The failures in levee systems and emergency response exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure and government preparedness, prompting worldwide reflection on disaster management. The global community watched closely as rescue and recovery efforts unfolded over the following days and weeks. International aid and expertise were mobilized, while the U.S. government faced intense scrutiny for the delays and logistical challenges that exacerbated human suffering. This event highlighted the importance of coordinated emergency protocols, transparent communication, and investment in resilient

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EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 held its first Mobile Pantry event of the 2025-2026 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at Gordon Bush Elementary School, providing food and essential items to 100 families in the community. The mobile pantry event featured participation from students and staff who helped distribute donated goods. State Representative Kevin Schmidt attended the event and made a donation to support the district’s ongoing community outreach efforts. The East St. Louis School District 189 said the Mobile Pantry program is designed to assist families in need within the district by supplying necessary resources. The district highlighted the collaborative nature of the event and the positive impact of community involvement. The next Mobile Pantry event is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at Gordon Bush Elementary School. Community members seeking more information or with questions are encouraged to contact pantry coordinator

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine - Fairview Heights welcomes Kara Littlejohn, APRN, a board-certified nurse who is a dedicated and compassionate family nurse practitioner with extensive clinical experience in home health, outpatient care and gastroenterology. She has more than 15 years of previous experience as a physical therapist assistant, bringing a comprehensive and holistic approach to patient care. Littlejohn earned her Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Her clinical skills include advanced health assessments, specialized wound care, chronic disease management and interdisciplinary collaboration. Littlejohn emphasizes preventive health care and patient education to empower individuals in managing their own health and wellness. To schedule an appointment with Littlejohn at HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine - Fairview Heights at 5 Ludwig Drive in Fairview Heights, please call

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ALTON - Celebrate the love of the bean – the coffee bean that is – over the next two months during the Great Rivers & Routes Javapalooza. Latte lovers and coffee connoisseurs can sample a variety of specialty coffees created just for this coffee-centric event which runs from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31. A total of sixteen locally owned and operated coffee shops throughout southwest Illinois are taking part in this annual event which focuses on the bean and the shops that create the local brews. Participating shops are showing off their coffee skills by creating a featured signature drink. And to sweeten the pot, visitors who stop by participating businesses have the opportunity to win coffee themed prizes. People who visit local participating coffee shops can scan a QR code and enter a contest for a chance to win three different prizes. Three winners will be chosen at random from the entries and prizes include: 1st Place – At-Home Espresso Machine and a $200

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