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Introduction National Make a Difference Day is observed annually on the fourth Saturday of October. This day invites individuals, communities, and organizations to engage in acts of kindness and service to uplift those around them. It serves as a reminder that even small actions can have a significant impact on the lives of others. This article explores the origins of National Make a Difference Day, its significance, and actionable ways to participate in making a difference. Understanding National Make a Difference Day The Origins National Make a Difference Day was founded by the USA Weekend magazine in 1992, with the intent of encouraging volunteerism and community service. The initiative has since gained traction, with millions of Americans participating annually. The day emphasizes the importance of collective effort in addressing societal challenges and enhancing community well-being. Significance of the Day The significance of National Make a Difference Day lies in its focus

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October 28th has been a significant date throughout history, marked by events that have shaped nations, cultures, and societies. We find ourselves in the year 1972, when the first-ever video game, Pong, was released by Atari. This simple yet revolutionary game marked the beginning of the modern video game industry, paving the way for an entertainment medium that would grow into a multi-billion dollar industry. Today, gaming is an integral part of global culture, influencing art, storytelling, and even social interactions. October 28th thus holds a special place in the hearts of gamers and serves as a testament to the innovation and creativity that can emerge from seemingly simple beginnings. On this date in 2009, a significant step was taken toward addressing climate change when the United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP15, was announced to take place in Copenhagen the following year. This conference aimed to create a global agreement on climate change and

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – The powerful and transformative voices of over 30 Latina authors take center stage in Calladitas Rising: Reclaiming Your Power, Strength, and Voice, now available at the Grafton Art Gallery and on Amazon. This deeply personal and inspiring anthology, co-authored by Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano and Esmeralda Aharon, and edited by Jackie Duty, challenges the cultural saying "Calladita te ves más bonita" — “You are prettier when you are quiet” — by amplifying the stories of Latina women who are breaking free from societal limitations and reclaiming their voices. Through heartfelt narratives, each author shares her journey of navigating cultural expectations, gender norms, and systemic inequities, offering insight, wisdom, and practical advice. These stories are more than personal testimonies; they serve as a collective rallying cry for women everywhere to embrace their authentic selves, advocate for their worth, and rise above

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SPRINGFIELD – St. Clair County reported a total of 51 deer harvested during the youth deer hunting season held from October 12 to October 14, 2024. This figure marks a slight decrease from the 54 deer harvested in 2023, but it represents a significant increase from the 26 deer taken in 2022. Across Illinois, youth hunters collectively harvested a preliminary total of 4,057 deer during the same three-day period, a decrease from the 4,576 deer harvested in 2023. Youth hunters in St. Clair County who have an unfilled, valid youth deer permit will have the opportunity to continue hunting during the upcoming first firearm deer season, which is scheduled for November 24-26.

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ALTON — Two traffic incidents in Alton on October 26, 2024, resulted in injuries to male subjects, prompting ongoing investigations by local authorities. At approximately 9:26 a.m., a male was changing a tire on the side of Homer Adams Parkway when he was struck by a vehicle. Emergency responders transported him by ambulance to a hospital in the St. Louis area. Officials reported that his injuries were non-life-threatening. Later that evening, at 11:18 p.m., another male was struck while walking across College Avenue at the intersection with Johnson Street. In this incident, the passenger vehicle involved left the scene and has not yet been located. The pedestrian was taken to a local hospital, treated for minor injuries, and subsequently released. The Alton Police Department is actively investigating both incidents. They encourage anyone with information to reach out at 618-463-3505.

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BELLEVILLE - St. Clair County voters will see plenty of competition between local candidates on their ballots as Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024 draws closer. For the position of County Board Chairman, incumbent Democrat Mark Kern will face Republican challenger Ryan Musick. Kern has held the position since he was elected in 2004. The Circuit Clerk race will see incumbent Kinnis Williams, Sr. (Democrat) face off against challenger Cindi McDonald (Republican). Williams was officially sworn in as Circuit Clerk in December of 2022. For County Coroner, voters will choose between incumbent Democrat Calvin Dye, Sr. or his challenger, Republican Dean Darnall. Dye has held the position since being elected in 2016. Two candidates are competing to be County Recorder of Deeds. Democrat Michael P. Crockett, Jr. will seek re-election against Republican challenger Jason Madlock. Four total candidates are running for three seats on the St. Clair County Board of Review. Democrats Irma G. Golliday

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October 27th has marked a significant place in history, witnessing events that have shaped nations, cultures, and societies across the globe. Starting with one of the most notable events, we find ourselves in the year 1962, during the height of the Cold War. On this day, the Cuban Missile Crisis reached one of its most critical moments. The United States, under the leadership of President John F. Kennedy, had been engaged in a tense standoff with the Soviet Union regarding the placement of nuclear missiles in Cuba. On October 27, U.S. reconnaissance flights discovered that Soviet ships were en route to Cuba, potentially armed with more missiles. This day would become known for the infamous “Black Saturday,” as the world held its breath, teetering on the brink of nuclear war. Fortunately, after intense negotiations, both superpowers reached a resolution, averting a catastrophic conflict. A significant event in the realm of technology and society took place on October

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ST. LOUIS - Schnuck Markets, Inc. today announced that, in total, Schnucks customers donated $135,675 to support United Way as part of the company’s Sept. 18-Oct. 1, 2024. Round Up at the Register campaign at all Schnucks locations throughout the Midwest. One hundred percent of customer round ups will benefit the United Way chapter in the community in which they were donated and will contribute to the organization’s campaign to mobilize communities around the world to close gaps and open opportunities so everyone can thrive. Proceeds will also support United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline, a free and confidential resource available 24/7 in up to 250 different languages. Schnucks and its teammates have a long history of supporting United Way. In 2023, the company campaign raised more than $2.34 million to support United Way affiliates in communities that Schnucks serves. (The 2024 company campaign total will be announced in the coming weeks). “While United Way of Greater

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EDWARDSVILLE - First Mid Trust Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Wright, CFA, as their new Chief Investment Officer. In this role, Wright will lead First Mid Trust Services investment strategies, ensuring the highest level of portfolio management services and customized investment solutions for both individual and institutional clients. He will also provide investment services through a newly created entity named First Mid Wealth Strategies as a Wealth Manager, RJFSA. This entity will allow First Mid to bring even more investment solutions to clients in the company’s Metro East and St. Louis regions, emphasizing the fiduciary responsibility to act in their best interest by providing unbiased, transparent, and personalized investment advice. Wright brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the investment industry to the position. Over the course of his career, he has worked with trust and investment clients in the Metro East and greater St

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SPRINGFIELD - Enrollment at Illinois community colleges continues to climb for the third straight year according to the Fall 2024 Illinois Community College Opening Enrollment Report, released today by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). The Illinois Community College System’s opening Fall 2024 enrollment report recorded an overall increase of 7.4%, the largest fall-to-fall enrollment growth in the last 15 years, outpacing last year's fall enrollment increase of 5.7%. "Our community colleges are stronger than ever, and the proof is in the numbers,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Fall 2023 to Fall 2024 rate of enrollment incline for the Illinois Community Colleges System is outpacing growth nationally and is the best we’ve seen in 15 years. According to a report released by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, Fall 2024 community college enrollment nationally increased 4.7 percent from the previous year as compared to the 7.4 percent

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EDWARDSVILLE - Prairie Farms Dairy, one of the nation's leading farmer-owned dairy cooperatives, went head-to-head with many national CPG companies to compete for the ConvenienceStore News Best New Products Awards. Prairie Farms came out on top in the Frozen Novelties and RTD Coffee categories with Best New Products Awards for its Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches and Barista Style Iced Coffee Drinks. "We want to thank Convenience Store News for giving Prairie Farms an opportunity to compete for the prestigious awards and the consumer panel for recognizing the superior quality of our Premium Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches and Barista Style Iced Coffee Drinks," said Matt McClelland, CEO/EVP of Prairie Farms Dairy. "The awards hold special significance because Prairie Farms and our thousands of convenience store operator partners are committed to ensuring on-the-go consumers have access to products that win on taste and deliver value." In February, Prairie Farms made a splash in the Single-Serve

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PEORIA – Governor JB Pritzker has announced that $7.9 million in grants will be awarded to support new grocery stores and equipment upgrades in underserved areas of Illinois. Multiple local food stores were part of the Pritzker grants initiative for grocers. The funding, which includes $6.9 million for the Illinois Grocery Initiative New Stores Program and $1 million for the Equipment Upgrades Grant Program, aims to combat food deserts and prevent grocery store closures across the state. Pearl Market Inc. in Alton, which will receive $239,550 for new refrigeration and lighting. Sinclair Foods in Jerseyville received $185,381 for eight new refrigerated cases, including walk-in freezer, dairy, produce, bakery and deli areas. Our Market At The Plaza Cooperative in Carlinville, awarded $2,393,174 for a full renovation and new store establishment. The announcement was made during an event at which Pritzker was joined by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency has announced that one month after federal disaster declarations were made in response to severe storms that impacted Illinois in July, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved over $67.7 million in grant assistance for residents. "This aid has reached more than 19,200 households across the state, with the number continuing to rise daily," the emergency management agency said. The storms caused significant damage in several counties, including Cook, Will, Winnebago, Henry, Fulton, St. Clair, and Washington. Residents in these areas who are uninsured or underinsured are encouraged to apply for assistance. The available support varies, as individual recovery needs may differ from those of neighbors and friends. The deadline for applications is set for November 19, 2023. Residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov , download the FEMA mobile app, or contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 fo

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SPRINGFIELD – To help pay tribute to veterans and honor their legacies and sacrifices, State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) and Senator Jason Plummer (55th-Edwardsville) are encouraging constituents to submit a photo and story of their loved one who served our nation so it can be displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois Capitol from November 11 through November 25 in honor of Veterans Day. “Having the Veterans Day Display at the Illinois Capitol is a special tribute and humbling reminder to the brave men and women who have served our country,” said Senator Harriss. “I look forward to visiting the display wall every year and reading the stories of our heroes.” "As someone who has worn the uniform, I understand how much this annual Veterans Day Display means to the men and women who have served their nation and the impact this has on their loved ones" said Sen. Plummer. "It’s a heartfelt tribute to those who have given so much for our

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EDWARDSVILLE - Delivering on Promises: The Legacy of the Civil Rights Act and Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, and the 2024 Presidential Election” will be the next topic of discussion for the Southern Illinois University (SIU) System’s Conversation of Understanding (COU), scheduled from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 in the Morris University Center’s Legacy Room at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. To attend virtually, visit the SIU System YouTube Channel . In part, the discussion will celebrate six decades of progress while looking ahead to the future. The discussion will explore how these landmark pieces of legislation laid the groundwork for increased civil rights, economic opportunity and social equity. The panelists, SIUE faculty members, consist of: Bryan Jack, PhD, professor and director of SIUE’s Universities Studying Slavery Initiative in the Department of Historical Studies; Anthony Cheeseboro, PhD, associate professor in the

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ALTON — A traffic stop in Alton escalated into a brief pursuit and a crash Saturday afternoon, Oct. 26, 2024, resulting in a vehicle colliding with a residence and subsequently catching fire. At approximately 1:30 p.m., a Madison County Sheriff's Deputy attempted to stop a vehicle near State Street and West Delmar Avenue after receiving information that the occupant was wanted. The driver failed to comply, leading to a short pursuit. The chase concluded when the vehicle was traveling southbound near the 1200 block of West 9th Street, where it crashed into two vehicles and then struck the side of a house. The impact caused the suspect vehicle to ignite, which in turn set fire to the side of the residence. Authorities reported that the driver has temporarily eluded capture, although they indicated that apprehension is imminent. No injuries were reported, and the occupants of the crash declined medical attention. The situation remains under investigation as law enforcement

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ALTON — A vehicle involved in a police chase with a truck struck two other vehicles before crashing into a home on Ninth Street in Alton around 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Authorities reported that the driver of the vehicle that crashed into the house fled the scene. No injuries were reported among the occupants of the other two vehicles involved in the incident. Authorities were looking for the driver for questioning. Illinois State Police has also been contacted to assist Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Alton Police in the case. The Alton Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish a small amount of smoke that had begun to emanate from the house following the collision. More details on the incident are expected to be released as the investigation continues.

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ALTON - AP Cigar Co. will host its monthly After Hours event with a Halloween twist. At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, community members are invited to smoke cigars, enjoy a barbecue and watch the 107th Alton Halloween Parade with AP Cigar. The event will be located at Mac’s new concert venue in the 300th block of Piasa Street. Mike Weller, owner of AP Cigar, noted his excitement to share the experience with Alton residents. “The goal is to have the most cigars on the Mississippi,” Weller said. “We want to try to give the most products. We want to try to give great service. More importantly, we want to give the ultimate experience of smoking a cigar in Alton.” AP Cigar hosts monthly After Hours events at Mac’s Downtown, but this month’s event will center around the Halloween Parade. Attendees can watch the parade while taking advantage of the AP Cigar deals. Every month, AP Cigar offers discounts on cigars during their Afte

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GODFREY - Authorities are investigating a serious head-on collision that occurred in Godfrey, on Friday evening, Oct. 25, 2024, At approximately 8:33 p.m. Friday, the Madison County Sheriff's Office and Godfrey Fire Department responded to the crash site on Godfrey Road (Highway 67) near Davis Lane. The Madison County Sheriff's Office said preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of a blue passenger vehicle was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes when the collision occurred with a southbound vehicle. Both occupants of the blue vehicle had to be extricated and were subsequently airlifted to hospitals in the St. Louis area. The driver of the southbound vehicle was also transported to a St. Louis hospital. All individuals involved in the crash are reported to be in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected as authorities continue to gather information.

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GODFREY - In just a few years, Brittney Lehr of Carrollton took the degree she earned from Lewis and Clark Community College and used it as a first step on the way to earning a Juris Doctorate from SIU Carbondale and an assistant state’s attorney position with Sangamon County. After graduating as valedictorian of Carrollton High School’s Class of 2015, Lehr enrolled at Lewis & Clark Community College, where she earned an associate in applied science in 2016. According to Lehr, there were several reasons she chose L&C. “L&C is affordable and there are some great scholarships available,” she said. “I found some excellent networking opportunities with law enforcement agencies, professors and institutions.” Lehr credits Professor and Criminal Justice Program Coordinator Jessica Noble as a mentor who helped her navigate L&C as well as all the transfer programs at other institutions. “She cares about each of her students,” Lehr said. “She

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