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BELLEVILLE - The Illinois State Police (ISP) and students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) have partnered to solve several cold cases in the region. The partnership started in 2022. SIUE Criminal Justice students worked with ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 special agents to identify three women who were killed by serial killer Maury Travis in 2002. Their work also led to charges against Alan Davis for the murder of Truman Smith in 2011. “It's one thing to study in the classroom. It’s another thing entirely to see your work bring real answers and real closure to a grieving family,” said Ryleigh Franklin, an SIUE graduate involved in the program. Each semester, SIUE students review cold cases and choose to focus on ones they believe they can help solve. Students have also created a “Murder Book” with searchable information for cold homicide cases in the Metro East. The three Jane Does, believed to be victims o

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Schnucks grocery stores across the Midwest hosted their annual Hydrate Our Heroes beverage drive through Tuesday, July 16, 2024, collecting drinks to support local police, fire departments, and other first responders during the summer months. The Fairview Heights drive collected 7.5 watermelon bins with water and Gatorade, which was a big success. The campaign, now in its third year, invites community members to donate water, Gatorade, juice, energy drinks, and sparkling water at all 114 Schnucks locations. Monetary contributions are also accepted at the stores’ customer service desks, where organizers purchase beverages on behalf of donors. “A huge thank you to everyone who donated and helped us with our Hydrate Our Heroes event here at Schnucks," Kelly Francis, a coordinator of the Fairview Heights drive, said. Paul Simon, spokesperson for Schnucks, said the drive focuses on collecting the most requested items by first responders. Francis added

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ALTON - Community members are invited to a unique culinary program at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church featuring a famous monk. Father Dominic Garramone, known as “The Bread Monk,” will be onsite at St. Paul’s on Aug. 24, 2025, with a meal and a presentation. Fr. Garramone hosted the PBS cooking show “Baking Bread with Father Dominic” from 1999 to 2001. He has also written several cookbooks and an award-winning children’s book. Father Garron Daniels with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church expressed his excitement to meet Fr. Garramone. “I look forward to warmly welcoming Fr. Dominic to our Church and to the many other visitors we will have!” Fr. Daniels said. At 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 24, attendees can enjoy a light lunch based on Fr. Garramone’s recipe. A braided ham and cheese roll, salad, drinks and dessert will be served, followed by the presentation by Fr. Garramone at 2 p.m. Fr. Garramone is a Benedictine monk from St. Bed

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EAST ALTON – An East Alton man remains in custody after committing his sixth domestic battery offense while on pretrial release from a prior criminal case. Paul B. Hamlin, 56, of East Alton, was charged on July 16, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery and his sixth offense of domestic battery, also a Class 2 felony. On July 15, 2025, Hamlin allegedly strangled a household or family member and struck them about the head and face with a closed fist. Madison County court records show Hamlin had previously been convicted of domestic battery on five prior occasions; twice in 1998 and once each in 1996, 2009, and 2018, all in Madison County. At the time of this latest offense, Hamlin was out on pretrial release from a 2024 case of driving under the influence, according to the state’s petition to deny Hamlin’s pretrial release from custody in this case. The petition notes the victim reported that Hamlin becoming angry with them before striking

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COLLINSVILLE – Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 students in grades K-12 will not be charged admission to any home athletic events held on a district campus. The new policy was approved by the Board of Education at their July 21, 2025 meeting. Students in grades 7-12 must present a valid school ID. Students in grades K-6 who must show their Skyward access to the ticket taker at the gate. Note: All students in grades K-8 must be accompanied by an adult to gain entry. The initiative aligns with the Kahok Athletic Department’s ongoing commitment to foster a strong, supportive and passionate school culture. The goal is to encourage student attendance at athletic events, which will hopefully lead to greater student interest and participation in athletic programs as they progress through school. “By removing the financial barrier to attendance, we believe this move will significantly enrich the school experience for

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MADISON COUNTY — Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor announced today his reelection campaign, marking a continued commitment to public safety, innovation in law enforcement, and the community he’s proudly served for four decades. “With 40 years in law enforcement, I've seen firsthand the power of community collaboration, the importance of accountability, and the need for steady leadership,” said Sheriff Connor. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, and I’m ready to keep working to protect and serve the people of Madison County.” Sheriff Connor’s tenure has been defined by proactive policing, enhanced officer training programs, modernization of department systems, and a focus on mental health initiatives. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has built stronger ties with local organizations, prioritized transparency, and made measurable improvements in neighborhood safety. His reelection campaign will emphasize continue

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BELLEVILLE — A collaboration between the Illinois State Police (ISP) and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is advancing investigations into cold homicide cases while offering hands-on experience for criminal justice students. Students and ISP agents reviewed the 2011 shooting death of Truman Smith in East St. Louis. Smith was shot while making a delivery and later died at a hospital. On May 22, 2025, 34-year-old Alan Davis of East St. Louis was charged with first-degree murder related to the case. Davis is currently incarcerated at Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro on an unrelated 2012 aggravated battery conviction. The partnership has contributed to identifying women involved in Jane Doe cases linked to serial killer Maury Travis. Three bodies found along Illinois roadways in 2002— previously unidentified — were confirmed through forensic efforts supported by the collaboration. ISP entered these cases into the National Missing and Unidentified

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JERSEYVILLE – A domestic dispute between two armed relatives from Jerseyville has lead to domestic battery and weapon charges against both individuals. James R. England, 33, of Jerseyville, was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated assault/discharge firearm, both Class 4 felonies, on July 15, 2025. He was also charged with a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery/bodily harm. England allegedly “endangered the bodily safety of several people in the immediate area” by firing a weapon in a reckless manner, with charging documents stating “the projectile could have struck and injured or killed any of the persons” in the area. He is accused of firing the weapon during an assault on a family member, Dylen J. Bauza, who he also reportedly struck about the face and body with his fist. Bauza, 23, also of Jerseyville, was charged on July 15, 2025 with a Super Class 3 felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and a

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — An 11-year-old juvenile was critically wounded in a shooting Monday afternoon on Andrews Drive in Cahokia Heights, authorities said. Cahokia Heights Police responded at 3:29 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, to the 1600 block of Andrews Drive following reports of a shooting. The juvenile was transported to a local hospital and remains in critical condition. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was called in to assist with the investigation. Lieutenant Tim Lawrence of the Madison County Sheriff's Office is leading the operation. Officials are seeking information from the public related to the incident. Tips can be submitted to the Major Case Squad Command Post at (618) 332-4277 or to Crime Stoppers at 1-866-371-8477. The command post is located at the Cahokia Heights Police Department.

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TROY — Approximately 300 feet of Country Lane in Troy will be fully closed from Thursday, July 31, 2025, through Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, to allow for necessary reconstruction work, officials announced. The closure will begin at the intersection of Troy-O'Fallon Road. Residents affected by the closure and motorists traveling east of Troy-O'Fallon Road on Country Lane are advised to use a detour route: take Country Lane east to Baurer Road, then head north on Baurer Road to access Highway 40. Kilian Co., the contractor responsible for the project, said the work is essential for improving roadway safety and minimizing the duration of disturbances. “We kindly request the forbearance and understanding of all residents and motorists during this time,” a company said. During daily operations, residents within the closure may experience temporary loss of access to their driveways. Additionally, there will be a drop in elevation greater than one foot as crews reconstruct

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BRUSSELS - On May 16, 2025, at 9:46 p.m., a Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office conducted a citizen contact near the boat ramp located on Pohlman Slough, in Brussels, Calhoun County, Ill. Subsequent to an investigation, a suspect, April L. McGee, aged 38, of Alton, Ill. was arrested for the following offenses: Possession of Methamphetamine (Less than 5 Grams) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Driving Uner the Influence - Alcohol Driving Under the Influence - Drugs Illegal Transportation of Alcohol - Driver McGee was arrested without incident and released with a Notice to Appear at a later date at the Calhoun County Courthouse. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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GRAFTON – The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) will host employment screening events for its Juvenile Justice Specialist positions. Juvenile Justice Specialists make a difference in the lives of youth by providing a safe and healthy environment through mentoring relationships and direct supervision of youth. The positions are full-time, year-round, shift-work positions and the position has a starting salary of $65,004. There are job openings at the following Illinois youth centers: Monarch Youth Center in Lincoln, and IYC Pere Marquette in Grafton. The screening dates and locations are listed below: Monarch Youth Center at Lincoln- 861 S. State St., Lincoln, IL August 11, 12 September 9,10 Illinois Youth Center Pere Marquette- 17808 State Highway 100W, Grafton, IL August 22 September 19 October 17 November 14 December 12 Interested applicants must attend one of the upcoming screening events to be considered and must complete an online application

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EAST ALTON – The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is inviting the community to attend a research presentation showcase for its summer interns from 5-7 p.m., July 29, 2025, at the Jerry F. Costello Field Station. Guests are encouraged to explore interactive presentations showcasing innovative research projects and to engage directly with the interns. Family-friendly activities will be available to spark curiosity in future ecologists, making the event welcoming for all ages. “This public poster session is a fantastic platform for our interns to not only showcase their hard work but also gain crucial experience in presenting scientific research,” said Internships and Special Projects Coordinator Amy Monroe. “We welcome everyone to join us, interact with these budding scientists, and discover the exciting advancements they've made during their internships.” A guided tour of the Field Station facility will begin at 5:30

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CASPER, Wyo. - Casper College officials have released the names of the 392 students who made the Dean’s Honor Roll for the 2025 spring semester. The recognition is given to part-time degree-seeking students, those taking six to 11 credit hours per semester, and full-time nondegree-seeking students who earned a GPA of 3.5 or better. Students named to Casper College’s Dean’s Honor Roll are listed below by their hometown. East Alton, IL: Autum Spink

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GODFREY – L&C Recruiter Daniel Nosce received Lewis and Clark Community College’s highest honor this spring for his exceptional dedication and positive impact on the college campus. Nosce, a friendly and familiar face at college fairs, community events, and school visits, has played a key role in connecting students with educational opportunities at L&C. Colleagues praise his enthusiasm, approachability, and relentless drive to support and uplift others. Nosce is the newest recipient of the college’s Pantone 286 Award, named for the Pantone Color System identifier for Lewis and Clark’s “Trailblazer blue.” “Daniel is an exceptional member of our team whose unwavering commitment exemplifies the very essence of the Trailblazer spirit,” President Ken Trzaska said. “He consistently works with integrity and purpose, ensuring the success of those around him. Daniel is not only a steadfast presence—he is a steady force that unites

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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB1563 into law, clarifying that civil eviction procedures do not restrict law enforcement from enforcing trespassing laws, providing critical clarity for property owners and law enforcement agencies handling unauthorized occupancies across the state. “This outdated eviction law has treated squatters the same as tenants, leaving property owners in limbo and tying the hands of law enforcement,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I want to thank the bill sponsors, Sen. Lakesia Collins and Rep. Jawaharial Williams, for their leadership in spearheading this important legislation. This bill delivers long-overdue clarity, closes dangerous legal loopholes, and ensures that trespassers can no longer manipulate the system to delay removal from properties they never had any right to occupy in the first place.” “Squatters are a problem, and no one should have to get an eviction notice to remove them from their home.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that her Improving Veterans’ Experience Act passed the House as part of S. 423, the PRO Veterans Act of 2025. The legislation, introduced with Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Congresswoman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) would codify the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VEO, established in 2015, gathers feedback directly from veterans, their families, and caregivers on their experience with VA services. VEO has been crucial to improving veterans’ trust in VA outpatient care, enhancing digital experiences with the VA Health and Benefits Mobile App, and expanding direct outreach to veterans about resources, special eligibility windows, and other important information. “It’s critical that the veteran experience remains at the heart of VA’s operations,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “The firsthand feedback of veterans,

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to the rescissions package that the Trump Administration and congressional Republicans jammed through Congress last week, clawing back $9 billion in previously appropriated funding to public broadcasting and foreign aid. In his remarks, Durbin underscored the danger of defunding sources of public media and destroying foreign aid programs. “What was in this bill? There were primarily two major elements. One element was foreign aid, humanitarian assistance for around the word, paid for by the United States. The other element was public broadcasting, National Public Radio, for example. Eight billion was taken out of foreign aid. One billion was taken away from public broadcasting,” Durbin said. “I’ve cast, as a member of the Senate honored to represent the State of Illinois, over 9,000 votes… This vote last week was one of the votes . Why

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a coalition of state attorneys general, sued the Trump administration to stop its unlawful attempt to restrict access to critical health, education and social service programs. Earlier this month, the administration issued notices prohibiting state safety net programs from serving all residents, regardless of immigration status. The change threatens access to critical services like Head Start, Title X family planning, adult education, mental health care and community health centers. Many of the rules took effect immediately or with minimal notice and affect undocumented immigrants, lawful visa holders and U.S. citizens who lack access to formal documentation. Many crucial state programs now face loss of federal funding while immediately instituting difficult and costly immigration verification measures. “Some of our most crucial social service programs are now at risk because of the Trump administration’s lates

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PONTOON BEACH – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that in addition to the ongoing closure of Illinois 111 at Interstate 270 in Madison County, a full closure of the ramp from southbound Illinois 111 to westbound I-270 will begin, weather permitting, Friday, July 25, 2025. This closure is expected to last approximately 14 days as part of the I-270/Illinois 111 interchange reconstruction project. The posted detour for the ramp closure is as follows: Southbound Illinois 111 to eastbound Chain of Rocks Road, then southbound Illinois 157 to westbound I-270. Three additional outer ramps will be closed for 14 days, each at different times. Specific closure dates will be announced as the work progresses. Work on the entire interchange is anticipated to be completed by the end of October. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during these closures. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obe

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