Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How serious is St. Louis’ flu surge—and what should you do?

Make time for Chrisette Michele on the St. Louis Patch calendar

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Friday January 9th Patch AM
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Hi St. Louis! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How serious is St. Louis’ flu surge—and what should you do?
  • How a deadly I-70 crash led to a 15-year sentence
  • How will St. Louis County spend its $21 million opioid windfall?

Also on today's calendar: Molly Healey Album Release Concert and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in O'Fallonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Jackie D.!

Today's riddle: What did the shovel say to the dirt? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in O'Fallonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A shower in the a.m.; cloudy, with a high of 51 and low of 39 degrees.
  • Saturday: A few morning showers; breezy, temps: high: 45, low: 24.
  • Sunday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 39 and low of 25 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Flu cases surge in St. Louis, city officials issue health advisory (stlpr.org) — St. Louis health officials are warning residents about a sharp rise in flu and respiratory illnesses, with local ER visits at their highest level this season. They urge people to get vaccinated now, saying immunity will build before the expected late-January peak, as Missouri and neighboring Illinois also see very high flu activity.
   

2. Man sentenced to 15 years in death of St. Louis officer David Lee (ksdk.com) — A man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the 2024 crash on eastbound I-70 near Grand Avenue that killed St. Louis police officer David Lee. Prosecutors said he was speeding, intoxicated, and under the influence of multiple drugs when his car struck Lee as the officer responded to a prior wreck, and the judge imposed the maximum term.
   

3. How St. Louis County is using millions from opioid settlement funds (wdio.com) — St. Louis County is steering more than $21 million in opioid settlement money into treatment, mental health care, and prevention programs that could affect services across local schools and communities for years. Officials say about $6.5 million has arrived so far, with $1.5 million already committed and a new committee prioritizing upstream prevention and support for residents battling addiction.
   

4. Guardian Angel Settlement Association delivers holiday gifts to St. Louis seniors (firstalert4.com) — Guardian Angel Settlement Association in south St. Louis just delivered nearly 300 donated holiday gift packages to local seniors, emphasizing that older residents are valued and supported. Operating campuses in north and south St. Louis, the long-running nonprofit also offers food, clothing, rent help, therapy, and classes year-round, partnering with United Way volunteers to reach vulnerable neighbors.
   

5. 4YOU: Introducing the United Way of Greater St. Louis (kmov.com) — United Way of Greater St. Louis is being spotlighted as First Alert 4’s first 4YOU partner of 2026, highlighting its support for 160 local nonprofits serving the St. Louis community. The organization’s programs, including the 211 helpline and Volunteer Center, assist more than a million people annually across 16 Missouri and Illinois counties, and residents are encouraged to donate or volunteer.
   

📸 Around St. Louis

Feedback image
📸 Dred and Harriet Scott looking towards the east and freedom. From in front of the Old Courthouse. —Jackie D. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in St. Louis

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday January 17
  • Chrisette Michele
    City Foundry STL, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis
    6:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday January 9
  • Girls Varsity Basketball vs Maplewood Richmond Heights High School
    Hancock Sr. High , 229 W Ripa Ave , Saint Louis
    5:00 pm
  • Boys Varsity Basketball vs Maplewood Richmond Heights High School
    Hancock Sr. High , 229 W Ripa Ave , Saint Louis
    6:30 pm
  • Akeem Woods: St louis with Ashley Gavin!
    Helium Comedy Club , 1151 St Louis Galleria St , Richmond Heights
    7:00 pm
    • Saturday January 10
  • LATE NIGHT DATE NIGHT - Night Out 21+
    Painting with a Twist , 28 The Blvd Saint Louis , Richmond Heights
    8:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making St. Louis PatchAM possible:

  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Nominate an Outstanding Volunteer to be a 2026 Woman of Achievement
    It’s the final days of Women of Achievement’s call for nominations for the 2026 Women of Achievement. Please nominate an outstanding volunteer... (More info)

Ok St. Louis! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I really dig you!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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