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Local leaders have put out the call to those in need and to those who can help.

Cool Down St. Louis and Ameren kicked off their annual summer program to keep St. Louisans safe from the deadly heat, delivering 240 air conditioners today to elderly and disabled residents, and pledging assistance to the elderly and disabled.

St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay says donations are critical to the program's success, "It is important to note that eventually, all the funds will be exhausted this year. And remind you that 100 percent of proceeds, 100 percent of private donations that go to this, go directly to helping someone in need. There are no administrative costs that come out of our donations. 

If you would like to donate a new or slightly used air conditioner, Vatterot Colleges are taking donated units and they will refurbish them if necessary. For more information go to CoolDownStLouis.org.

Two suspects are on the loose after shooting a man at the Metrolink station in Pagedale.

Police say the shooting happened just after noon near St. Charles Rock Road. The suspects are both black men, one of the men is armed. No word on the victim's condition.

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) - Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard says the school has met a budget milestone.

He told The Southern Illinoisan Editorial Board on Monday that for the first time in several years SIU has been able to enter the next fiscal year with a budget equal to the previous year. University officials had been bracing for another 5 percent cut, but instead were able to convince state lawmakers to reinstate funding at the previous year's level. The school's budget will be $203 million.

Poshard also discussed enrollment. He says it's unrealistic to think the school's declining enrollment will turn around. But Poshard says he sees evidence enrollment is moving in the right direction. He says he has confidence Chancellor Rita Cheng will accomplish the task.