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EAST ST. LOUIS – A federal grand jury has indicted three Metro East residents, alleging they fraudulently obtained over $20,000 each in pandemic relief funds through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The indictments charge Katherine L. Liggins, 36, Eric C. Scott, 43, and Tamika N. Wilson, 44, all of Belleville, with wire fraud and making false statements. At the time of the alleged misconduct, Liggins, Scott, and Wilson were full-time employees of the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in St. Louis County. The U.S. Small Business Administration created the PPP to mitigate the financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, offering forgivable loans to struggling businesses for payroll and operational costs. "Countless small business owners and employees fell on hard economic times during the COVID-19 pandemic, and PPP loans allowed many to keep their families fed and lights on," said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. "In one of the most prevalent and widespread fraud

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CAHOKIA - A Cahokia man who died after being shot to death on Camp Jackson Road in Cahokia Heights early Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, has been identified as Trevion J. Brown. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:20 a.m. Tuesday. Brown had an address listed in the 300 block of Range Lane, Cahokia Heights. Cahokia Heights Police are investigating the crime. The call came into police at 12:39 a.m. on Tuesday. Law enforcement said a motive has not been discovered yet and they urge anyone with any information on this crime to contact the Cahokia Heights Police Department at (618) 332-1184.

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MADISON COUNTY — At approximately 5:02 a.m. Wednesday morning, Aug. 21, 2024, Madison County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of an attempted vehicle theft in the 3100 block of West Chain of Rocks Road. Upon arrival, deputies observed the stolen vehicle fleeing the scene, prompting a brief vehicle pursuit. The pursuit concluded in the area of New Poag Road and Old Alton Road where the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. A subsequent foot pursuit ensued, leading deputies to establish a perimeter in the vicinity. Several surrounding police agencies provided assistance in the search effort. Despite the coordinated efforts, the suspect remains at large. "As of this moment, the suspect is not in custody; however, we are actively following up on leads to apprehend him. The stolen vehicle has been recovered. Authorities continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to come forward.

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ALTON - Pride, Inc. will host their biannual City-Wide Litter Cleanup to further their “Love Where You Live” initiative. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, community members are invited to pick up trash around Alton. Pat Stewart, executive director of Pride, Inc., explained that the organization aims to increase awareness about littering and encourage people to take pride in their community. “Litter continues to be a problem in this area. Anybody can drive up and down the streets and see what I’m talking about,” she said. “Our mission is to love where you live. It’s not just taking pride in your home, but in your community. So we’re getting people involved, and it’s always a great event.” Stewart said there will be over 60 groups that participate, from sports teams to scouting troops. You can participate as part of a group or as an individual, and Pride, Inc. will direct you to a location that needs

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ALTON - The Alton Marina will celebrate its 28th anniversary with a Margaritaville-themed party. From 7–10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, community members are invited to the free celebration at the marina, located at #1 Henry Street in Alton. Mark Klose and the Klose Kuarters Band will play, and Ole Morales Tacos will be onsite to offer “the original Alton tacos,” said Rob Honke, the marina’s general manager. “Everybody come down,” Honke said. “It doesn’t cost you anything to get in. Pop by the riverfront for the Food Truck Festival and then take a walk down and hang out with us. Save some room for Morales Tacos and a few cocktails.” Attendees can enjoy drink specials and merchandise giveaways throughout the night. The marina is also offering a special buy-one-get-one dockage deal in the week between the party and Labor Day weekend. The Alton Amphitheater is hosting the Food Truck Festival on Aug. 24, and Honke encourages

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Welcome to another edition of 'This Day in History,' where we take a journey through time to revisit some of the most impactful events that have taken place on August 21. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates Begin - 1858 Jumping back to the 19th century, August 21, 1858, marked the beginning of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates. These debates were a series of seven encounters between Abraham Lincoln, the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from Illinois, and incumbent Senator Stephen A. Douglas, the Democratic Party candidate. The debates were primarily about the issue of slavery and its expansion into the territories. Lincoln's eloquence and moral stance against slavery, although he lost the Senate race, set the stage for his eventual presidential run and the broader national dialogue leading to the Civil War. Hawaii Becomes the 50th State - 1959 Fast forward to the mid-20th century, where August 21, 1959, saw Hawaii officially becoming the 50th state of the United States.

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EDWARDSVILLE - A new challenge discussed at this week’s Edwardsville City Council meeting raises a question for the city’s drivers: could you go a week without driving anywhere? To give local commuters a firsthand look at the challenges faced every day by those who can’t drive (or choose not to), the city’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is encouraging residents to participate in the “Week Without Driving Challenge” from Monday, Sept. 30 to Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. The local effort is inspired by a similar national movement led by America Walks , a nonprofit advocacy group that promotes safer, more walkable communities. BPAC member Aaron Newcom shared more about the challenge and its purpose at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. “This is part of a national movement that was started a few years ago to bring attention to the challenges, the opportunities, and the realities that millions of Americans face every day b

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ALTON - Illinois Central School Bus and the Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11) have issued statements following bussing complications on the first day of school. On Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, confusion about the bus routes resulted in some ACUSD11 students riding the bus after school and others being kept at school until parents picked them up. Parents have taken to social media to express their frustration. Many parents said they didn’t know where their kids were for up to two hours after school let out on Thursday. During the ACUSD11 Board of Education regular meeting on Aug. 20, 2024, Scott Allen identified himself as the regional operations manager for Illinois Central School Bus (ICSB). He apologized for the complications and said ICSB took “full responsibility” for the issues. “As you're aware, Illinois Central has had a particularly difficult start to the 24–25 school year,” Allen said. “On behalf of your student

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CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A relic of American railroad history, Big Boy No. 4014, continues to captivate train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Originally delivered to Union Pacific Railroad in December 1941, this colossal locomotive has a storied past, having traveled over a million miles in its 20 years of service before its retirement in December 1961. Big Boy No. 4014 will depart on the "Heartland of America Tour" on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and travel across nine additional states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. The eight-week tour concludes in late October. No. 4014 will be on display in the following locations: Sunday, Sept. 8: Rochelle, Illinois (Chicago metro area) Sunday, Oct. 6: Houston, Texas Thursday/Friday, Oct. 10-11: Fort Worth, Texas Big Boy No. 4014, part of a fleet of 25 locomotives built exclusively for Union Pacific, is notable for its immense size and engineering prowess.

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BETHALTO – Marlee Durbin, a standout athlete at Civic Memorial High School, is gearing up for the 2024-2025 girls basketball season, fine-tuning her skills over the summer. Durbin, a junior, has been recognized as a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month for the Eagles. "Marlee is a tremendous ballhandler," said Jeff Durbin, head coach of the CM girls basketball team. "She played a lot of varsity her freshman year when Aubrey Wallace had a torn ACL. She was thrown into the fire her freshman year and did fine. I think that made her so much better and ready for varsity basketball." In addition to her basketball prowess, Marlee Durbin is expected to be a key contributor to the CM girls volleyball team this season. Her dual-sport dedication underscores her versatility and commitment to excellence in athletics. Coach Durbin highlighted Marlee's leadership qualities on the basketball court, noting her ability to get everyone in the proper position during offensive

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FOSTERBURG - A single-vehicle crash on I-255 in Madison County resulted in one fatality Tuesday afternoon, according to local authorities. The incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on the southbound lanes of I-255 near Stutz Road. Police reported that the vehicle veered off the roadway, crashed through a fence, and ultimately came to rest upside down. Emergency responders from the Fosterburg Fire Department, Madison County Sheriff's Department, Illinois State Police, and Madison County Coroner's Office arrived at the scene to assist. Further details about the crash were not immediately available.

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ST. LOUIS, MO. — O'Fallon Band Director Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds has a significant reason to celebrate as she heads into the 2024-2025 school year. Prior to a recent concert at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, legendary singer and songwriter Barry Manilow presented her with a $10,000 donation. This honor is part of the Manilow Teacher Award, recognizing her contributions to music education. Dr. Gustafson-Hinds' O'Fallon Marching Band also finished with a strong summer and is anticipating a big year ahead. Half of the Manilow $10,000 grant goes directly to high school band musical instruments and the other half to Gustafson-Hinds. O'Fallon Township High School lauded her achievement, stating, "Congratulations to Dr. G., who was selected for the Manilow Teacher Award! This is a special recognition from legendary singer and songwriter Barry Manilow." The donation is part of the broader Manilow Music Project, which aims to support music education programs across the nation.

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BETHALTO - As the school year begins, Meadowbrook Intermediate School fourth and fifth graders are experimenting with departmentalized classrooms. This model means that students’ days are divided between two classrooms. They work with one teacher for science and math and another teacher for language arts and social studies. Shelby Norris, the new principal at Meadowbrook, explained that the goal is to provide more comprehensive instruction and help students prepare for middle school. “What an opportunity, right? We’re all about what opportunities we can provide for kiddos, and we’re really excited about that,” she said. “Plus, it helps with that transition to middle school. They’re going to be moving between six classes, so if we can start that planning and preparation a little bit earlier for that smooth transition and success in the middle school, why not? Why not give them this opportunity when we can provide it?” As part of

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BETHALTO - A Bethalto man is facing multiple felonies after he allegedly admitted to stabbing his dog repeatedly. Nikolas G. Duley, 25, of Bethalto, was charged with animal torture, a Class 3 felony, and aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class 4 felony. Descriptions of the charges state that he “repeatedly stabbed a boxer-type dog in the neck and rib cage with a knife, inflicting pain on the animal." On Aug. 8, 2024, Duley was reportedly seen with lacerations on his hands at Alton Memorial Hospital, where he indicated to nearby security officers “that he had killed his dog,” according to a petition to deny his pretrial release. “Officers went to his apartment, finding a dog deceased from multiple stab wounds to the ribs and neck,” the petition states. “The animal was left on the couch, with blood throughout the apartment.” The petition concluded by adding Duley “has been involuntarily committed in the past, and shows signs of

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ALTON - After a years-long series of abusive incidents, an Alton couple faces several counts of battery against children and weapon-related charges. Anthony L. Glen, 55, and Jazmin S. Keyhea, 36, both of Alton, were both charged with aggravated domestic battery (both Class 2 felonies), with each separately facing additional charges. Keyhea faces an additional Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery, as well as one count of possession of a firearm with no valid Firearm Owners’ Identification (FOID) card (a Class A misdemeanor). Glen was additionally charged with unlawful use or possession of weapons by a felon, his second or subsequent such offense and a Class 2 felony, as well as one count of domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor). The two aggravated domestic battery charges against Keyhea concern two incidents from years prior. She allegedly “beat” a 16-year-old family or household member “with an extension cord, leaving a raised scar”

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ALTON - AP Cigar will host its first “AP After-Hours at Mac’s Downtown” event next week. On the last Thursday of every month, AP Cigar will take over the patio at Mac’s Downtown for a night of cigars, free appetizers and conversation. The first AP After-Hours event is scheduled for 6:30–9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, and AP Cigar owner Mike Weller couldn’t be more excited to share his love of cigars with the Alton community. “Name a better patio to enjoy cigars on,” Weller said. “It’s such a beautiful thing. It’s really not so much about cigars, but it’s supposed to be elevating what you’re already doing. If it’s a conversation with somebody new or somebody that you’ve known your whole lifetime, that’s what it’s about. It’s just elevating that experience.” Located at 202 State Street in downtown Alton, AP Cigar sells premium hand-rolled cigars from around

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A previous Our Daily Show! interview dedicated to Staunton's Rich Henry with host C.J. Nasello. STAUNTON — Route 66 has lost a beloved figure with the death of Rich Henry, the operator of the renowned Henry's Rabbit Ranch. Henry, who was known for his unique blend of Volkswagen Rabbits and his affection for the animal namesake, died suddenly on Friday, according to local sources and Route 66 enthusiasts. Henry’s Rabbit Ranch, also known as Henry’s Ra66it Ranch, has been a popular stop for Mother Road travelers for nearly 30 years. Located on a historic alignment of Route 66 on the southeast side of Staunton, Illinois, the ranch has attracted visitors from around the globe. Henry's Facebook page indicates he graduated from high school in 1965. Tributes from friends and visitors began pouring in on social media following the news of his death. Cheryl Eichar Jett, a fellow Route 66 enthusiast, reflected on Henry's contributions to the community. "Sad news from

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Swim lessons and adult supervision are crucial to avoid tragedies in the pool. After decades of decline, drowning deaths are on the rise in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over 4,500 people died each year from drowning from 2020-2022, reported in the CDC’s Vital Signs study . The study shows drowning to be the number one cause of death for children ages 1-4. The research points out that 55% of American adults have never taken a swimming lesson, and that drowning death rates for Black people were 28% higher in 2021 than 2019. Jon Gehlbach, MD, is the medical director of the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. He says swim lessons and adult supervision are two of the most important things for kids getting in the water. “The best thing we can do to keep kids safe around the water is getting them comfortable with swim lessons. A common misconception among young,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Detectives from the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are investigating the death of a teenage male in the 300 block of Goetz Avenue. The incident has been classified as suspicious. When officers from the South County Precinct responded to a report of a shooting in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered a teenage male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is currently ongoing, and authorities are working to gather more information. No further details have been released at this time. Residents with any information regarding the incident are encouraged to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Those wishing to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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GODFREY – This fall, The Nature Institute (TNI) is joining Monarch Watch, a citizen science initiative aimed at aiding scientists in understanding the migration patterns of monarch butterflies. The Monarch Watch Tagging Program, established in 1992, focuses on marking and recapturing monarchs to study their fall migration dynamics. On September 10, 2024, TNI staff will be at Heartland Prairie, located across from Gordon Moore Park, at 5:30 p.m. to facilitate this project. They will provide butterfly nets and offer training on how to safely catch the butterflies. Once tagged, participants will release the monarchs to continue their journey. "This program is free for TNI Members and $10 for non-members," TNI stated. The organization encourages participants to register in advance to ensure there is sufficient equipment available. "The Monarch Watch Tagging Program was initiated in 1992 to help understand the dynamics of the monarch's spectacular fall migration through mark and

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