The Middendorf-Kredell branch of the St. Charles City-County Library District in O’Fallon will reopen on Wednesday, April 30, after a ten-month, $2.9 million renovation. As one of The Middendorf-Kredell branch of the St. Charles City-County Library District in O’Fallon will reopen on Wednesday, April 30, after a ten-month, $2.9 million renovation. As one of the district’s busiest locations, serving over 225,000 visitors annually, the branch now features improved study and meeting rooms, upgraded restrooms, a redesigned children’s area entrance, and relocated service points including holds pick-up and passport services. New outdoor lockers also allow 24/7 access to reserved materials. The project included major infrastructure updates such as a new HVAC system, carpeting, roof, and parking lot. A public celebration is scheduled for May 13 at 11 a.m.

Between April 14 and April 21, the O’Fallon Police Department responded to 1,092 incidents, booked 53 individuals, and reported 36 traffic crashes. Notable incidents included a suspect caught checking vehicle door handles at a fitness club, a fired employee causing damage with bleach at a local business, and a convicted felon arrested for firearm possession with children present. In another case, a man was arrested after unlawfully entering his ex-wife’s home and assaulting her boyfriend. Two scooters were also reported stolen from a condominium parking lot. Investigations are ongoing in several of these cases.

A Missouri middle school student and his family are suing the Mountain View-Birch Tree School District after the student was suspended for three days for sharing a Snapchat photo of a homemade art project resembling a rifle made from Dr. Pepper cans. The 13-year-old created the project at home as part of a social media trend and posted it privately off-campus. The school labeled it a cyberbullying offense despite finding no credible threat. The family argues the suspension violated the student’s First and 14th Amendment rights, claiming the district’s policy is vague and inconsistently enforced. The lawsuit seeks to overturn the suspension and prevent similar actions in the future.

Missouri residents have just two weeks before the federal Real ID requirement takes effect on May 7, and over half still don’t have one. Real IDs, marked by a gold star, will be necessary for boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings, and accessing nuclear facilities. Missouri began issuing Real IDs in 2019, but only 46% of residents have obtained them. To get one, residents must visit a DMV with documents proving identity, Social Security number, residency, and any name changes. Without a Real ID, travelers may face delays or be denied access to airport security, even with TSA PreCheck. Non-compliant IDs remain valid for driving and voting.