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ALTON — Major John Franke is set to retire from the Alton Police Department after more than 29 years of service, marking the end of a distinguished career that has seen him hold numerous roles within the department. Franke, who has served as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Special Response Team member, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Captain, and most recently as Deputy Chief of Police, has been a pivotal figure in the department since joining. His retirement will be recognized by colleagues and community members alike, who acknowledge his contributions to law enforcement and the local community. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford praised Franke's leadership and mentorship qualities, stating, "John Franke has been a mentor, a guide, and a leader to countless supervisors and officers under his command. His loyalty to his team and unwavering support for those he leads is unmatched." Ford highlighted Franke's extensive knowledge of police work and his commitment to instilling strong

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ALTON — A semi-truck struck a utility pole at the intersection of 20th and Alby streets in Alton on Tuesday morning, Dec. 3, 2024, causing temporary disruption to a nearby city security camera. The driver initially fled the scene but later returned to acknowledge involvement in the incident. The collision occurred around 7:52 a.m. Tuesday when the truck was making a turn, resulting in damage to the utility pole. Ameren Illinois workers were dispatched to repair the pole following the accident. According to reports, the outage affected only the city security camera in the vicinity. The Alton Police Department was notified of the crash shortly after it occurred. The suspect vehicle was identified as a tractor-trailer pulling a flatbed trailer, which had left the scene before officers arrived. Further investigation led to identifying the truck's owner, and the company subsequently contacted the driver, who returned to the scene. As of now, details regarding any potential charges

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GODFREY - A Godfrey woman is accused by Jersey County Sheriff's deputies of obstructing justice after a convicted felon from Alton charged with pointing a loaded weapon at two people was found in her home. Andrew D. Trobaugh, 44, of Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, a Super Class 3 felony. Trobaugh allegedly possessed a Sig Sauer .22 caliber LR semi-automatic handgun, which was reportedly loaded at the time of the incident. A petition to deny his release states that on Nov. 24, 2024, Trobaugh pointed the loaded weapon at two people to threaten them during an argument. The petition notes Trobaugh had previously been convicted of a felony, making his possession of the firearm illegal. Jersey County Sheriff’s Office records indicate Trobaugh currently remains in custody at the Jersey County Jail. Trobaugh is not only being held in custody for this charge, but is also being held for the Alton Police Department on charges of escape, assault,

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EAST ST. LOUIS — For the second time this year, police are investigating a homicide at the McDonald’s restaurant located at 588 N. 24th St. in East St. Louis. The latest incident occurred on Monday night, Dec. 2, 2024, when a person was found shot multiple times around 7:36 p.m., according to a information from the Illinois State Police. The victim, whose name has not yet been released, was transported to a regional hospital where they were pronounced deceased. In response to the fatal shooting, the East St. Louis Police Department requested the assistance of state police to conduct the investigation. “This is an active and ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time,” the news release stated. This marks the second homicide at the same McDonald’s location this year. In May, Traveon L. Brown, a 22-year-old resident of Cahokia Heights, was killed in a shooting at the restaurant, which is situated near the intersection of

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BROOKLYN - Spectrum, together with state and local leaders, will host a ribbon-cutting event to announce the launch of Spectrum Internet Gig and its full suite of services for more than 280 residents and small businesses in Brooklyn following completion of a more than $630,000 network expansion project. This was completely funded by Spectrum’s investment in broadband expansion. State Senator Chris Belt, Mayor Vera Glasper-Banks, Katherine Pryor of the Marcelles West Senior Citizens Center, Spectrum employees and other special guests will be in attendance at the event, set for Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Spectrum will discuss the company’s ongoing commitment to expand rural broadband access and inform community members and elected officials about serviceability and service offerings. About Spectrum Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company

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As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, winter provides a unique opportunity to host a cozy dinner party that can warm the hearts and souls of your guests. With the right planning and creativity, you can create an inviting atmosphere filled with seasonal flavors, festive decorations, and engaging activities. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you host a memorable winter-themed dinner party that your guests will cherish. Setting the Scene Embrace Winter Decor Creating a winter wonderland at home doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your living space. Simple decorations can go a long way in establishing a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider using elements like: Candles : Opt for various sizes of candles placed on the dining table and around the room. The flickering light creates an intimate ambiance, while scented candles with winter fragrances such as cinnamon, pine, or vanilla can add to the sensory experience. Natural Elements : Incorporate

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Welcome to December 3rd, a date that has witnessed a remarkable array of historical events across the globe. One of the most impactful events in history on December 3rd occurred in 1967, when Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the world's first successful heart transplant in Cape Town, South Africa. This groundbreaking surgery marked a pivotal moment in medical history, pushing the boundaries of possibility in the field of organ transplantation. The recipient, Louis Washkansky, lived for 18 days post-surgery, which, although short, demonstrated the potential for heart transplants, paving the way for advancements in surgical techniques and patient care. Barnard's work not only saved lives but also ignited a global conversation about the ethics and implications of organ transplantation, a topic that continues to resonate today. Fast forward to December 3, 1984, when a catastrophic gas leak occurred at the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India. This industrial disaster released

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling on the Biden Administration to prioritize discharging student loans of borrowers who attended predatory for-profit colleges. In his remarks, Durbin underscored that the current administration must move to protect students as the Trump Administration has a proven record of disregarding students’ borrower defense claims. Durbin also emphasized the dangers of for-profit colleges, which historically saddle students with crushing debt while offering either no degree or a near worthless degree. “Predatory, higher-education schools deceiving and swindling students and burying them in mountains of debt… They are called for-profit , and they enroll eight percent of all American college students… They account for 30 percent of all federal student loan defaults,” Durbin began his remarks. Durbin then shared the story of two Illinois constituents

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EDWARDSVILLE – Illinois high schools are invited to register for the free Illinois Invent2Prevent(I2P) school safety and prevention program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), running from January to May 2025. The I2P program is managed by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and EdVenture Partners, in partnership with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS). The I2P program empowers students to take an active role in creating safer school environments. This initiative challenges high school students to design and implement peer-developed projects, tools, and strategies aimed at preventing targeted violence and hate within their schools and communities, using approaches that they believe will be most effective. Students will receive mentorship and guidance throughout the project period, culminating in a competition and summit at SIUE, where each participating high school will receive a $1,000

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CARLINVILLE - Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024 at 20733 North Broad, inside the ImpactLife Donor Bus. What: Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics Community Blood Drive When: Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, 20733 North Broad, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Vicki Walker at (217) 854-3141 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60352 to locate the drive. You may also contact ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 to schedule. Appointments are requested. 2801 South 10th Street | Springfield, Illinois | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions

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ALTON - Mr. Darnell Tingle, executive director of United Congregations of Metro East (UCME,) will speak about the role of community organizing in Climate Change and Environmental Justice on Dec. 10, 2024. He has an undergraduate degree in Ethics, History and Policy and M.A. in Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA. Mr. Tingle has organized, directed and consulted for unions such as Denver Classroom Teachers Association, Denver CO and Unite Here, a part of Services Employees International Union. Mr. Tingle will be able to bring his experiences to bear here in this area regarding next steps in organizing for Environmental Justice and update the community on the shared issues of Piasa Palisades Group and UCM relative to Environmental Justice in this area. The program will be held at Old Bakery Beer Co., 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, IL, to begin at 6:30 p.m on Dec. 10, 2024. Come early and place an order for some craft beer and delicious food. If you have questions,

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WOOD RIVER - A federally funded project to build a detention pond near 9th Street in Wood River is making progress after City Council members gave Madison County authority to complete certain steps on their behalf. City Council members on Tuesday unanimously approved an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Wood River and Madison County for environmental review services related to the 9th Street Detention Pond Project. According to the agreement, the city has received federal grant funding for the project, and is responsible for all associated environmental review, decision-making, and action. The city has requested that Madison County act as the “Responsible Entity” to handle these obligations on their behalf. Madison County was reportedly selected “due to its prior experience navigating the environmental review portion of a similar project's process and as a means of expediting the Project for City.” A full recording of the Dec. 2, 2024

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GRAFTON - Cindy Lou Who’s question, “Where are you, Christmas?” was answered with enthusiasm by Grafton on Friday evening, Nov. 29, 2024, at its annual tree lighting in The Grove Memorial Park. The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in this small river town with its decorated and lighted park, hometown friendliness and the brightly lit tree that now sparkles for travelers along its river and highway. Led by Santa and Mrs. Claus, visitors enjoyed hot chocolate and s’mores provided by Mary Jo and Justin Cote’s team from the Grafton Pub. Fire pits toasted marshmallows and warmed fingers and toes, adding to the jolly camaraderie of families, friends and neighbors as Christmas songs and carols by Nicki Brooks filled the air. Candy canes, Santa hats, sleigh bell necklaces and a photo opp with Santa and Mrs. Claus created first Christmas 2024 memories for smallest to tallest. New to the event this year, four Wal Mart gift cards were given away—an early

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CHICAGO – Ahead of Giving Tuesday, Attorney General Kwame Raoul cautioned potential donors today to make wise giving decisions this holiday season. Under Illinois law, fundraisers and charitable organizations are required to register each year with the Attorney General’s office. “I encourage potential donors to review my Charitable Trust Bureau’s tips before making donations for Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season,” Raoul said. “I will continue to offer resources to Illinois residents who give charitable donations to ensure their generous donations are used for the intended purpose.” Attorney General Raoul recommended donors consider the following tips before making charitable donations: Don’t assume that charity recommendations on social media are legitimate and have already been scrutinized. Research the charity yourself. Ask how much of your donation will go to the charity and how much will be used to pay fundraisin

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The 2024 election delivered a powerful message to the D.C. swamp: the voters were fed up with leaders who ignored their struggles. They handed President Trump and Republican majorities in both houses of Congress a mandate for change. From factory floors and family farms to Main Streets and mom-and-pop shops, working Americans rejected the status quo that had long ago left them behind. Even traditionally Democrat-leaning states like New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California saw significant shifts toward President Trump, highlighting the growing disconnect between D.C. Democrats and the rest of the country. We should be focusing on illegal immigration and kitchen table issues, like jobs, rising grocery prices, the cost of energy, and fixing supply chain disruptions that lead to empty store shelves. These are the things that matter to working families in Southern Illinois and across America. Now that the contentious November election is over, it’s time to roll up our sleeve

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that he intends to nominate Kash Patel to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): “We already have a FBI Director, Christopher Wray, and his term does not expire until 2027. President-elect Trump knows this, because he nominated Director Wray in 2017 after he fired the previous Director, James Comey, another lifelong Republican who failed Trump’s loyalty test. President Biden kept Director Wray in office because the FBI is supposed to be insulated from partisanship. Now, the President-elect wants to replace his own appointee with an unqualified loyalist. The Senate should reject this unprecedented effort to weaponize the FBI for the campaign of retribution that Donald Trump has promised.” Trump made an announcement about Patel’s appointment

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GENESEO - The Illinois State Police (ISP) Blackhawk Area Task Force (BATF) arrested 27-year-old Vanshpreet Singh from Ontario, Canada, and 36-year-old Manpreet Singh from Ontario, Canada, for Possession of Cocaine (Class X Felony), Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine (Class X Felony), and Cocaine Trafficking (Class X Felony). ? ? On November 29, 2024 at approximately 2:10 p.m., an ISP trooper conducted a commercial motor vehicle inspection on a Volvo truck-tractor semi-trailer combination on Interstate 80 eastbound in Henry County. During the commercial motor vehicle inspection, the trooper observed numerous indicators of criminal activity. A subsequent search revealed suspected cocaine. The total approximate weight of the cocaine located was 1,146 pounds and has an approximate street value of more than $40 million dollars. “ISP’s coordinated focus on trafficking is helping keep dangerous drugs out of our communities,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “From

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EDWARDSVILLE - Over 300 students from 20 local school districts recently gathered at SIUE for the 2024 Future Teachers Conference. On Nov. 15, 2024, high school students who want to work in education could learn from local teachers and speakers. SIUE’s School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) hosted the day-long conference, which highlighted SIUE’s teaching pathways. “There is a teacher shortage,” said Angie White, Director of Field Placements with SEHHB. “It’s very important that we try to get more and more teachers into the pipeline. By offering this conference to all the school districts — and it’s free of charge — we hope to inspire and keep them motivated to go into a teaching profession.” Tron Young, a three-time SIUE alum and assistant superintendent at Alton Community Unit School District #11, served as the keynote speaker. Other speakers included 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year Dr. Rachael

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a busy week ahead, starting with the Local Author Book Fair on Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, community members are invited to Hayner’s Alton Square Mall location for the book fair, where they can meet 25 local authors. Mary Cordes, Hayner’s executive director, noted that it will be a fun day for local writers and readers to connect. “We encourage people to come out, buy some books, and then head inside the library and take a look at all the services that we have,” she said. “People can come out and take a look at us and buy local. Buy local. Support your local writers.” There will be a variety of genres available at the fair, from romance to sci-fi to children’s books. Cordes noted that it’s a great opportunity to do some holiday shopping. Shoppers can get their books autographed by the authors and then wrapped at the Community Service League’s

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O'FALLON - CrimeStoppers has drastically increased the reward for tips that result in an arrest about the recent shooting of a beloved area teen. Colin Brown, a 16-year-old, was fatally shot around 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 23, 2024, while traveling south on Highway 1-55 with his father. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, as authorities have not identified the shooter or the location from which the bullet was fired. To aid in the investigation, the CrimeStoppers Tip Hotline is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for tips that result in a felony arrest related to this homicide. Friends, family, and anonymous donors have contributed to increase this reward. Local police are seeking assistance from the public to gather information that may lead to the apprehension of those responsible for Brown's death. Investigators emphasize that no detail is too minor and encourage anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. "Any information that could help piece together

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