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WOOD RIVER — The Wood River Police Department held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday afternoon, May 14, 2025, to open a new walking trail around the police department property and to dedicate a new police memorial, coinciding with National Police Week. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said the timing was intentional, noting that “this week would be the perfect week” to unveil the trail and memorial. The walking trail, approximately half a mile long, was funded by a grant from the Agency for Community Transit and offers residents a safe place to walk. The new police memorial, located outside the Wood River Police Department, honors five officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Among those commemorated is Police Chief Samuel Thompson, who was shot and killed on Dec. 6, 1912, while attempting to arrest a man threatening his employer near Ferguson Avenue and Second Street. Despite being mortally wounded, Thompson returned fire and killed the suspect. H

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EDWARDSVILLE – Residents from around the Riverbend and beyond have been charged in separate cases with unlawful possession of weapons. Nicholas A. Simpson, 21, of Granite City, was charged on May 9, 2025 with unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (a Class 2 felony) and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons (a Class 4 felony). On May 9, 2025, Simpson allegedly possessed a Glock 17 9mm pistol which he reportedly knew was stolen. His possession of the weapon was unlawful as the gun was “uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible at the time of the offense,” court documents state; Simpson also had no valid Firearm Owners’ Identification (FOID) card. Simpson’s case was presented by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and he was granted pretrial release from custody. Jacob Silva, 18, of Edwardsville, was charged in a separate case filed on May 6, 2025 with a Class 4 felony count of possession of a firearm within five years of admission in a

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — Detectives with the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are investigating a homicide that occurred Monday afternoon, May 12, 2025, in the 1100 block of Rio Avenue. At approximately 1:20 p.m., officers from the North County Precinct responded to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found an adult male suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. No suspects are currently in custody. Authorities have not released the identity of the victim. The investigation remains active. Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Those wishing to remain anonymous or seeking a potential reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). Additional details will be provided as they become available.

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JERSEYVILLE – A local business planning to open at 221 S. State Street in Jerseyville will get a boost in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to complete concrete work at the site. On Tuesday, members of the Jerseyville City Council unanimously approved a large facade commercial grant application submitted by Nana’s Hometown Sweets & Eats Owner Josh Chappell. Building & Zoning Director Jeff Soer said the scope of the work includes converting the gravel portion of the site’s parking lot into concrete. Not only will this ensure consistency between drive-up areas, but also compliance with city regulations against gravel parking lots. Soer said 50% of the total project cost is eligible for TIF funds. With an estimated cost of $48,800, the city has agreed to reimburse up to $24,400 in TIF-eligible project costs. The concrete work at Nana’s Hometown Sweets & Eats is expected to be completed sometime in May of 2025, weather and other conditions permitting. In

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ALTON - For a unique and successful blend of talents in band, theater and engineering, our most recent Remarkable Redbird, junior Wesley LeBrun, will be leading the way. Wesley said during a recent interview that "Alton High is a great school and he is proud to attend." Wesley has been a member of the Marching Band, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and also the Marching 100 at Alton High. He has played a number of different percussion instruments including the snare drum, xylophone, kettle drum and marimba during his three years at Alton High. To participate in the Illinois Music Educators Association contest, Wesley submitted a video performance at a District Festival for a chance to perform with the top high school percussionists in the state of Illinois which he did during a contest in Peoria earlier this year. He was a member of the pit orchestra for the musicals his first two years at Alton High in playing for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and also Annie, but after talking

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged 24-year-old Jullian Boling on Wednesday with aggravated fleeing a stop or detention following a high-speed police pursuit on May 12. Boling, who resides on the 8300 block of Washington Street in St. Louis, faces the charges after officers observed a vehicle traveling eastbound on Chambers Road exceeding the 35 mph speed limit by reaching speeds over 60 mph. The vehicle, which lacked a front license plate, was seen weaving from the right lane into the center turn lane to bypass traffic. An officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop by activating lights and sirens, but the vehicle continued to speed past numerous vehicles and pedestrians. The vehicle was later identified as wanted through a license plate reader system. On May 13, officers located the vehicle parked in front of a Conoco gas station at Bellefontaine Road and Chambers Road. When an officer approached, Boling was found in the

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ALTON — The City of Alton has been recognized in the Family Destinations Guide publication as an affordable and welcoming place for retirees living on Social Security income. The article, published May 10, 2025, highlights Alton’s unique combination of small-town charm, rich history, natural beauty, and manageable living costs. Alton Mayor David Goins expressed pride in the recognition, and said: “It is really nice. It showcases our city and it is just a great representation, and encourages me to see that people from the outside, how they see our Alton. This type of recognition should also resonate with our residents as well.” Alton, located at the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers, offers retirees the opportunity to live comfortably on a fixed income, the Family Destinations Guide article says. The article describes how Social Security benefits can cover housing, meals, and entertainment without financial strain, citing the town’s

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Officer Connor Maedge has been named the Fairview Heights Police Department’s Officer of the Year for 2024, recognizing his outstanding contributions to law enforcement and community safety since joining the department in February. Maedge has made significant impacts through his enforcement efforts. In 2024, he made 28 traffic arrests and apprehended 30 fugitives. His work also earned him the department’s “Top ACE” award, an accolade given for exceptional achievement. In addition to his enforcement record, Maedge has been recognized multiple times throughout the year, receiving Officer of the Month nominations in August, October, and November. Department officials cited his unwavering character and dedication as key reasons for the honor. Beyond his professional duties, Maedge demonstrated a commitment to community service by requesting toy donations for the Salvation Army at his wedding, an act described by the department as reflecting

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GRAFTON – Raging Rivers WaterPark is set to make a splash as it opens for its 36th season on Saturday, May 17. This summer promises more excitement than ever, with Season Pass holders enjoying a host of exclusive perks. In addition to unlimited park admission, pass holders will receive a complimentary ticket to the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 Indy Car event in June, special event access at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, IL, and free admission to Santa’s Village in East Dundee, IL. Other benefits include exclusive offers, bring-a-friend-free days, and complimentary fountain drinks for both pass holders and daily guests. The 2025 Special Event lineup offers something for everyone: Rubber Duck Race on May 17, with a chance to win $1,000 and other prizes Educator Appreciation Days from May 24–26, offering free admission to school staff with valid ID Magical Mermaid Mondays on June 9, July 7, and August 4 QEM Big Red Day on June 27, featuring firetruck

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the legal justification for President Trump’s attempted acquisition of a private jet as a gift from the royal family of Qatar, which the President has since confirmed . Bondi reportedly provided a memo to the White House Counsel’s Office (WHCO) deeming the gift “legally permissible,” despite its unconstitutionality and her clear conflict of interest with Qatar from past lobbying work. Durbin outlined the gift’s blatant unconstitutionality, writing: “As reported, this gift clearly violates the Constitution and the statutory regime enacted by Congress to govern such gifts. The Constitution unequivocally bestows on Congress the power to control whether any officer of the United States, including the President, may accept a gift ‘from any King, Prince, or foreign State.’&rdquo

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WASHINGTON – As Russia continues their unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression in Ukraine, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today introduced legislation to prohibit the United States from recognizing the Russian Federation’s claim of sovereignty over Crimea or any other forcibly seized Ukrainian territory, including any related airspace or territorial waters. The bill simply states that it is the policy of the United States not to recognize Russia’s claim of sovereignty over Crimea or any other forcibly seized Ukrainian territory and that no Federal department or agency may take any action, extend any nonhumanitarian assistance, or spend any funds that implies such recognition unless any such claim is formally recognized by the democratically elected Government of Ukraine. In 2022, Durbin, along with then-Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), introduced similar bipartisan legislation, the Non-Recognition of Russian

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent lane closures on Beltline Road between Johnson Hill Road and Illinois 157 in Madison County will begin, weather permitting, Monday, May 19, 2025 for bridge repairs. Beltline Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the week. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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CARROLLTON — The Greene County Historical and Genealogical Society has a very special meeting on May 18, 2025, when Carrollton High School grad David Gillingham will present a program about lessons from his late father, Neal Gillingham. The Greene County Historical and Genealogical Society changed the venue for the meeting and program to accommodate a larger audience. The event, originally scheduled to be held at the Lee-Baker-Hodges House on the Carrollton Public Square, will now take place at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Carrollton. The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2025, with a brief business meeting and election of officers. Following the business portion, Gillingham, now of Belleville, a retired Metro East history teacher, will present a program titled "Neal: Laughs and Lessons from a Great Raconteur." The talk will focus on his father, Neal, and will include entertaining and illustrated stories. The Methodist Hall is located behind the

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department is reminding drivers to buckle up as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign. This high-visibility seat belt enforcement initiative runs from May 16 to May 27, 2025, coinciding with the Memorial Day holiday. "Seat belts should be used by everyone, and it is the simplest way to reduce injury or save a life in a crash," said Lt. Matt Senci. Illinois enacted its seat belt law 40 years ago on July 1, 1985, becoming the third state to require seat belt use for drivers and front-seat passengers aged eight and older. Children under eight were required to be secured in appropriate child safety seats. In July 2003, Illinois strengthened the law to allow officers to pull over and ticket drivers solely for failing to buckle up – a change that led to a significant increase in compliance. Since the seat belt law’s initial introduction and subsequent upgrade more than two decades ago, seat belt usage has

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SPRINGFIELD – House Republican members of the Illinois House Energy & Environment and Public Utilities Committees held a Capitol news conference on Tuesday to warn of a coming summer energy cost crisis and offer solutions to expand energy production capacity. The Republicans held the press conference after last week sending the House’s Energy & Environment Committee Chair and Vice Chair a letter explaining the urgent need for hearings into the recent results of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) capacity auction which returned a shocking $666.50 per Megawatt-day price across all zones in the summer. That same price just one year ago was $30. State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) serves as the House Republican ranking member and spokesman on the House Energy & Environment Committee. Severin says Illinois' energy policies are to blame for the recent huge spikes in energy costs for Illinois utility customers. “House Republicans are concerned

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – To honor our nation’s Veterans Affairs (VA) researchers and commemorate the 100th anniversary of Veteran-focused research beginning at what is now known as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with U.S Senators Murray (D-WA) and Blumenthal (D-CT)—member and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC), respectively—introduced a resolution to designate May 12th to 16th as Veterans Affairs Research Week. Her resolution recognizes the vital, lifesaving and cutting-edge research conducted by the department that improves the lives of Veterans, people in the United States and individuals worldwide. Duckworth is a combat Veteran and a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC). “The scientists and researchers at the VA are incredible public servants who work relentlessly to improve the care and services our Veterans have earned,”

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EDWARDSVILLE – Center Grove Road will be closed east of Esic Drive for several months beginning Tuesday, May 27, 2025, for replacement of the bridge that carries traffic over the MCT Nickel Plate Trail. The approximately $3.6 million project will include replacement of the bridge superstructure and guardrails, pier repairs, pavement patching and marking. The closure was scheduled for the summer months to limit travel disruptions and slowdowns near the two schools on Center Grove Road – Edwardsville High School and Metro East Lutheran High School. The road is expected to reopen just prior to Edwardsville School District 7’s first day of the 2025-26 school year, which is Wednesday, August 20. Construction crews will be on site 10 hours a day, six days a week, weather permitting. Detour signs will be posted. To bypass the closure, drivers can use Esic Drive and Governors’ Parkway for access to and from Illinois Routes 159 and 157. Access will be maintained throughout

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ALTON – The Alton Educational Foundation is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the Alton High School Wall of Fame Induction Class of 2025. Members of the community are encouraged to submit nominations between now and June 9 for deserving recipients. The Alton High Wall of Fame recognizes excellence in a wide array of areas and individuals from any one or more of the following areas can be nominated: Graduates of Alton High School (must have graduated prior to 2015 for consideration as a Class of 2025 Inductee) AND/OR Retired employees of the Alton School District AND/OR Community members who have achieved excellence in their respective field and/or community (can include, but not limited to, service fields such as business, the arts, education, healthcare, military service, civil service, nonprofit and others). Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals from any one or more of the three categories. Persons may

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EAST ST. LOUIS — A St. Louis man was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison Friday after admitting to robbing four banks in less than three weeks in late 2023. Tyrone Leslie, 40, pleaded guilty in January to four counts of bank robbery, with one count charged in the Southern District of Illinois and three in the Eastern District of Missouri. The Missouri cases were transferred to southern Illinois to be prosecuted together. Leslie’s robberies occurred between Nov. 14 and Dec. 4, 2023. Court documents show he took $2,740 from U.S. Bank on Tesson Ferry Road in St. Louis on Nov. 14, $964 from People’s National Bank on Hampton Avenue in St. Louis on Nov. 17, and $5,050 from PNC Bank on Manchester Road in St. Louis on Dec. 2. On Dec. 4, he attempted to steal $4,125 from FCB Bank in Caseyville. After the FCB Bank robbery, Leslie led police on a high-speed chase. The Caseyville Police Department led the investigation. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said, “Bank

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STAUNTON – Congratulations to the SCTE Gateway Chapter (Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers), for winning three major national awards at the recent SCTE Chapter Leadership Conference that was hosted in St. Louis, Missouri. The chapter’s purpose is to provide local networking, professional development and certification opportunities to current and prospective members across 70 locations worldwide. They were named the SCTE Chapter of the Year for the third year in a row out of 67 other chapters across the globe! This is a powerful acknowledgement of the passion, leadership, and excellence coming straight from this chapter. The Gateway Chapter also received the “Membership Award” along with the “Striving for Excellence Award”. Madison Communications, a fully integrated service provider of High-Speed Internet, HDTV, and Voice Service located in Staunton, IL are especially proud of two of their long-time employees that are a part of the SCTE

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