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BETHALTO - During their regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education learned about the district’s multi-tiered system of support. The multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) refers to interventions that students can receive when they need additional academic or social-emotional support. During the meeting, the district’s psychologists, interventionists and paraprofessionals shared data for each Bethalto school and explained the academic interventions that students receive at every level. “A district that doesn’t have a strong MTSS program set in place really then struggles with over-identifying students that need to be in special education,” said Alyssa Smith, Bethalto’s Director of Teaching and Learning. “By screening them early, screening them often and constantly monitoring that data, it’s a way for us to stay on top of kids and intervene as quickly as possible so that

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ALTON - The Marquette Catholic High School Dance Team has secured a spot at the IHSA State Championships for the second consecutive year. The team achieved this milestone by finishing in fourth place in the Jazz category at the IHSA Sectional held at Effingham. Marquette's girls' dance squad is shown above. The girls are: Back row left to right: Bella Johnson, Alana Taylor, Grace Stoverink, Grace Schwegel, Lexi Stevenson, and Jaelyn Slow. Front Row left to right: Alisa Buchanan, Birdie Elliott, and Riley Clarkin. The Marquette girls are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athletes of the Month. The State Finals will take place next Friday in Bloomington, where the team will compete against other qualifying schools. The success at the sectional competition underscores the team's dedication and skill in dance, as they continue to build on their achievements from the previous year. This year’s advancement to the state level also reflects the ongoing commitment o

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COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander, Captain Casey Faro, announces the ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Madison and St. Clair counties during February. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers working the detail will be watchful for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and transporting open alcoholic beverages, as well as improper seatbelt and child restraint usage, distracted driving, and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations. Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related

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EDWARDSVILLE – AXS TV and Madison Communications Company announced today that the EGHM Foundation in Edwardsville has been selected to receive a $1,000 grant as part of “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education” — an initiative connecting AXS TV with affiliates, local communities, and schools in support of vital music education programs and the benefits they provide students. The award was presented by Madison Communications to the EGHM Foundation through the Edwardsville School District on Jan. 24, 2025. Public school music programs often experience a severe lack of funding and are the first casualties when budget cuts are made—a problem that has only increased in recent years. “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education” initiative seeks to rectify this, awarding grants to school-age music education programs across the country. These recipients are established programs that exemplify top leadership, instruction, and participation,

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GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City has been charged with aggravated battery against an elderly victim he’s accused of previously threatening. Anthony J. Grady, 38, of Granite City, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery in a case filed on on Jan. 22, 2025. On Jan. 4, Grady allegedly pushed an elderly victim to the ground, causing them to sustain an injury to their neck. The victim in this case was 60 years of age or older at the time of the incident. Grady was granted pretrial release from custody in the case presented by the Granite City Police Department. A motion has since been filed to place additional conditions on his pretrial release. Among the reasons cited for the additional conditions include that he has “previously threatened or perpetrated physical abuse toward the victim in this matter” and is a continued threat to the victim. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not a

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GODFREY – A case of public battery at the Godfrey Walmart has resulted in a criminal charge against an Alton resident. Leighton C. Orban, 18, of Alton, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery. On Jan. 4, Orban allegedly struck a victim “repeatedly with closed fists” while in a public place, the Godfrey Walmart, according to court documents. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented the case against Orban, who was granted pretrial release from custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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BUNKER HILL - Fifty-seven-year-old Jerald Stilts is now facing two First-Degree Murder charges, along with a host of other charges, after the death of Chuck Parrino, Jr., in Bunker Hill in Macoupin County. Charles Joseph Parrino Jr., 45, was pronounced dead on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, by Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya. Stilts was first charged with Concealment of a Homicidal Death, then the other charges followed. Other charges for Stilts are Aggravated Domestic Battery, Armed Violence, Aggravated Battery/Discharge of a Firearm, Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Restraint and Destruction Of Evidence. Parrino, Jr., was a beloved bartender at Bastille Bar in South St. Louis. A celebration of life is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at Bastille in St. Louis. The bar has been collecting funds at its establishment to help with funeral expenses for Parrino, Jr. Stilts was apprehended on Sunday and is now incarcerated at the Macoupin County Jail. The Macoupin County

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ALTON — Jersey's Joey Kiel secured a spot in the state tournament after a strong performance at the IHSA Marquette Catholic boys bowling sectional held Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Bowl Haven Lanes in Alton. Kiel posted an impressive score of 1,355, which allowed him to advance to the next level of competition. The individual champion of the sectional was Gavin Miller of Hoopeston Area, who achieved a six-game series score of 1,457. Kiel is a Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month for Jersey. The JCHS Boys Bowling team also competed in the sectional, finishing in sixth place with a total score of 5,839, narrowly missing the cut for state qualification. Kiel's success this season has drawn attention, and as he prepares for the state tournament this weekend, many will be watching to see how he performs against top competitors.

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic's boys' bowling made school history on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, as it qualified IHSA State Championship. The Explorers finished in third place in the IHSA Sectional held at Bowl Haven in Alton with a team score of 6,001. The top bowler for the Explorers was Logan Sherman, who had a 1,294, while Corbin Barnard shot a 1,261, Matthew Carr had a 1,169 set, Gavin Tinsley rolled a 1,145 series, and David Thomas came up with a 1,132 series to help Marquette advance. Marquette's boys are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athletes Of The Month. The Redbirds won the championship with a six-game team score of 6,247, with Minooka coming in second at 6,240, Marquette came in third with a 6,001 score, and Morton was the fourth and final team qualifier with a 5,996. Marquette's boys will compete in the IHSA state tournament next Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2025, at St. Clair Bowl in Fairview Heights. It's the only state finals that are conducted in both

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EDWARDSVILLE - Community members are invited to shake off the winter blues at a Taylor Swift-themed drag brunch at EXO Lounge. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, EXO Lounge will welcome the “fiercest” local drag queens for a morning of performances in addition to the normal EXO nail bar and med spa services. Owner Gina Gamblin noted that EXO’s services are a great way to elevate an average day. “It’s truly special,” she said. “It doesn't have to be your once-in-a-while. It can be your regular routine, just an add to your week.” She is especially looking forward to the drag brunch, which she believes will be a fun experience for attendees. Tickets cost $10 and proceeds will go to a local dental mission sponsored by David Cole Realty , who is hosting the event. Attendees must be 21 or older. Gamblin said the Taylor Swift-themed event will feature performances of Swift’s hits and cocktails named after

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ALTON - The Alton boys bowling team captured the IHSA Boys Bowling Sectional title on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Bowl Haven Lanes in Alton, securing their spot in the upcoming state finals. The Redbirds finished with a six-game team score of 6,247, narrowly edging out Minooka, which scored 6,240. Marquette Catholic placed third with a score of 6,001, while Morton rounded out the qualifying teams with 5,996. Gabe Futney led the Redbirds with a series total of 1,315, followed closely by Sam Ottwell with 1,283 and Eric Braudmeier at 1,278. Lucas Ventimiglia and Brayden Buchanan contributed scores of 1,210 and 1,160, respectively. Gavin Miller of Hoopeston Area earned the title of individual champion with an impressive six-game series score of 1,457. The Alton boys, who have been recognized as Auto Butler Male Athletes of the Month, will compete in the IHSA state tournament next weekend, January 31 to February 1, at St. Clair Bowl in Fairview Heights. This tournament is notable

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CHICAGO - CUB will challenge Ameren's Illinois' proposed gas rate hike. Ameren has already won $111 million in gas rate hikes since 2021, helping to plunge too many consumers across Illinois into crisis while the utility’s parent company rolls in profits. And now the utility wants more. This punishing increase–which calls for hiking key delivery charges by more than 20 percent–would be a hardship for many Ameren customers. "We urge the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to reduce the utility’s wasteful spending and hold it accountable to its customers," CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said. "The volatile gas supply price, along with Ameren’s parade of delivery rate hikes, drive home the point that gas is bad for our bottom lines—in addition to our health and the climate. It is essential that Illinois begin to plan for the long-term transition away from gas to heating alternatives that are cheaper, cleaner and safer." Background: Ameren

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WOOD RIVER — A residential structure fire in Wood River early Tuesday morning, Jan. 28, 2025, resulted in moderate smoke inhalation for the sole occupant, who escaped the blaze unharmed. Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to the incident in the 100 block of Conley, reported at approximately 1:17 a.m. on January 28, 2025. The Wood River Fire Department said upon arrival, initial crews observed visible flames on two sides of the residence, which quickly spread to a third side as fire suppression efforts commenced. Interior fire attack teams controlled the fire swiftly, though additional work was required to extinguish flames in the attic and wall spaces. The fire department said the occupant, an adult male, was treated on the scene by Alton Memorial EMS for smoke inhalation. The fire department said the blaze is believed to have been ignited by an alternative heating source that caught blankets on fire. Wood River Fire Department crews were released from the scene a

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Office for Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) has successfully completed a four-month-long certification program on how to create mentoring programs, activities and events that are inclusive to youth, volunteers and staff with disabilities. The certification was operated by Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD). The Fall 2024 cohort was the fifth time the certification was offered, and it featured participants from 20 unique mentoring organizations across 13 different U.S. states. Collectively, it is estimated that 7,860 young people will be impacted by these programs that graduated the Disability Mentoring Program Certification. “The Office of ACCESS has remained committed to creating an environment where students with disabilities can do more than just attend college but thrive and succeed beyond graduation,” said ACCESS Director Dominic Dorsey, and president of SIUE’s

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GLEN CARBON - The following area student received degrees during the 2024 Fall semester at Sam Houston State University. Glen Carbon, IL Ryan Hicks, Bachelor of Science, Communication Studies

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HIGHLAND - GRID Solar is prepared for another great season of providing solar energy savings. On a recent episode of “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello , GRID Solar co-owner Ryan Wagner shared how solar systems can benefit customers on both sides of the river. Wagner explained that while every customer has their own goals for their system, and although Illinois and Missouri have different policies and incentives in place, there are still major savings possible when you install a solar system through GRID. “We try to design the most economical version of that system, because whether you’re preparing for Armageddon or you want to save the planet, whichever one, everybody wants to save money,” Wagner said. “We always design our systems with that at the forefront.” Ameren Illinois recently changed their net metering policy , but Ameren Missouri — which, Wagner pointed out, is a completely different company — has

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Defense (DOD), the State Department, and the Department of Treasury requesting they produce all relevant materials related to alleged misconduct by Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to be Director of the FBI, related to the rescue of two Americans held captive by Iranian-backed militants in Yemen. Allegedly, Mr. Patel publicly commented without authorization and prior to the confirmed safe retrieval of the two hostages. If true, Mr. Patel appears to have inappropriately involved himself in a sensitive operation with no regard to the safety of the hostages or the success of the mission. Durbin wrote, “I have recently received highly credible information revealing that while serving in the first Trump Administration’s National Security Council, Kash Patel broke protocol

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies. The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act , co-led by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on the safe handling of breast milk and breastfeeding supplies, baby formula and other related products in consultation with nationally recognized maternal health organizations. This reintroduction comes after the bipartisan legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent late last year in the 118th Congress. “Far too often, traveling moms are mistreated and wrongfully denied access to their breast milk and the breastfeeding equipment they need to pump and feed their babies,” said Senator Duckworth.

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SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and the co-chairs of the Congressional Labor Caucus Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) led 57 lawmakers in a letter calling on REI to bargain in good faith with workers who have been negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with the outdoor sports retailer for three years. “We urge REI to meet its duties as required under the National Labor Relations Act to negotiate and refrain from union-busting tactics such as eliminating bonuses and raises, terminations of union supporters, and unilateral changes to REI’s staffing and scheduling practices,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Chris Carr, Chair of the REI Board of Directors. “Workers have been negotiating with REI for three years and are far from reaching an agreement. Given that it is the policy

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Did you know that by 2030, it is estimated that AI will contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy? This staggering figure reflects not just its financial impact, but also how deeply AI is weaving itself into the fabric of our daily lives, often in ways we may not even recognize. From optimizing our commutes to personalizing our shopping experiences, artificial intelligence is not just a futuristic concept; it is a present-day reality that's enhancing our everyday existence. Understanding AI: More Than Just Technology Before diving into the myriad ways AI is improving our lives, it's crucial to grasp what AI truly is. Artificial Intelligence encompasses a variety of technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics, all designed to simulate human intelligence. These technologies analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns, make predictions, and automate tasks. The result? A more efficient, convenient, and personalized world. Enhanced

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