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EAST ST. LOUIS – A 31-year-old man has been sentenced in U.S. District Court to 20 years in prison for an armed robbery that occurred at a convenience store in East St. Louis. Vernelle E. Hines, who was arrested in Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty to charges of interference with commerce by robbery and carrying and using a firearm during a crime of violence. The incident took place on Oct. 31, 2023, when Hines brandished a firearm at a clerk at the Mega Supermarket. According to court documents, he demanded two bottles of tequila and, upon the clerk's refusal, assaulted the clerk, discharged his firearm into the ceiling, and forcibly took the tequila along with several hundred dollars. Hines was wearing a mask to conceal his identity during the robbery, which resulted in serious and permanent injuries to the store clerk. “This 20-year sentence of a convicted felon who committed a brutal robbery is evidence of the Illinois State Police’s commitment to making communities

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PERE MARQUETTE - The Prairie State Conservation Coalition (PSCC) is set to hold its annual conference at Pere Marquette State Park from March 5 to March 7, 2025, marking the first time the event will take place at this location. The PSCC, an Illinois nonprofit organization comprising various land conservation groups, focuses on protecting and restoring the state's diverse landscapes, which range from lakefronts and river bluffs to prairies and forests. Alley Ringhausen, Executive Director of Great Rivers Land Trust, has been a long-time attendee of the PSCC conference and advocated for the venue change. "I suggested the group come to Southern Illinois and see all the amazing sights and venues we have to offer," Ringhausen said. The event is expected to attract around 150 participants from conservation organizations across the state. In addition to its significance for the conservation community, the conference is anticipated to have positive economic impacts on the local business

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BELLEVILLE - Belleville Township High School District 201 has announced the selection of Dr. Marshaun Warren as its next superintendent, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Warren, who has over 20 years of experience in education and administration, is currently serving as the district's Assistant Superintendent. In this role, she has been instrumental in recruiting high-quality educators and promoting educational excellence within the district. In a statement, Dr. Warren expressed her commitment to preparing students for success in various paths, including the workforce, college, or military service. She emphasized the importance of strong community engagement and responsible financial management as part of her vision for the district. Dr. Warren and her family reside in Belleville, where she said she looks forward to continuing her work in building a strong, innovative, and inclusive educational environment.

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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 March. 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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ALTON - Alton Main Street hosted its quarterly “What’s Up Downtown” meeting on Feb. 26, 2025, to share information about businesses and happenings in downtown Alton. Stakeholders spoke about plans for their businesses and organizations. Alderwoman Betsy Allen invited the community to a flood mitigation meeting to take place at Alton City Hall on Feb. 27, 2025. Chantel Morrigan shared an update on Jacoby Arts Center’s new location at 208 State Street. Megan Tyler spoke about her organization Sacred Spaces of CARE and their work in the community. Julie Harper introduced her new artist collective, Bluff City Bazaar. Father Garron Daniels shared more about the happenings at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Joan Meier from Wisdom Qigong Meditation introduced her practice at Radiance Yoga. Betsy Allen said that the flood mitigation meeting will inform community members about proposed flooding solutions in the City of Alton, including a floodwall. She said

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EDWARDSVILLE — A group of talented students from Edwardsville High School has earned recognition by being selected for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State ensembles. The festival will take place from January 30 to February 1, culminating in a performance at the Peoria Civic Center. The selected students include Liv Warner (Soprano I), Henry Winslow (Tenor I), Owen Zuercher (Bass I), and several others who excelled in their respective categories. The full list of students includes: David Maloney (Bb Clarinet) August Meiser (Double Bass) Daniel Tossey (Bb Clarinet) Mark Hill (Bass I) Savannah Kohlmiller (Alto II) Lucy Schapman (Soprano I) Alan Chen (Violin) Karis Chen (Violin) Adam Cundiff (Cello) Lyla Hahn (Cello) Gwen Harkey (Violin) Ian Kim (Viola) Luci Klingensmith (Oboe) Addie Lingafelter (Violin) Lily Reynolds (Cello) Miko Shimizu (Viola) Maya Taylor (Viola) Ben Waymire (Double Bass) Amelia Zhang (Viola) Students who score at the

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PEORIA — Alton High School announced the recognition of several students in the 2025 Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) All-State Festival held recently in Peoria. The Alton High School Students honored were as follows: Wesley LeBrun, percussion, All-State Honors Band Nadja Kapetanovich, All-State Honors Choir Norah Hardin, 1st violin, All-State Orchestra Makayla Burns, 2nd violin, All-State Orchestra Erick Humphrey, cello, All-State Orchestra Maya Miller, cello, All-State Orchestra Joseph Hicks, bass, All-State Honors Orchestra Austin Koller, bass, All-State Honors Orchestra Madalyn Schrumpf, Future Music Educators Seminar The selection process began in October when over 12,000 students from more than 500 high schools across Illinois auditioned for placement in their regional district band, orchestra, or chorus festival held in November 2024. From this competitive pool, the top 1,000 students were selected for the All-State Music Festival. Laura Plummer

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SPRINGFIELD – When anglers purchase an Illinois fishing license, they’re paying for more than fishing privileges for the year. They’re investing in conservation, education, and economic activity all over the state. Illinois fishing licenses – among the most affordable in the nation – go on sale March 1 for the 2025 season. Fishing license purchases help enhance the outdoor experience for everyone and ensure future generations can enjoy Illinois’ vast aquatic resources. “The successful management of quality fishing opportunities relies on the commitment and support of anglers, and that starts with buying a fishing license,” said IDNR chief of fisheries Mike McClelland . “By purchasing a fishing license, anglers are ensuring sport fishing, hatchery production, and habitat enhancements are here for current and future generations to enjoy in communities throughout Illinois.” The Illinois Department of Natural Resources division

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Letter To The Editor: ALTON - The safety of Alton’s children and families must be our highest priority. Last night’s shooting near a school bus is yet another unacceptable act of violence that puts our entire community at risk. While we are grateful that no one was injured, the fact remains that gunfire erupted as students were simply trying to get home. My heart is with the students, families, and every individual who had to witness this senseless act, and who now have to grapple with the trauma of this terrible act of violence. I would also like to commend the bus driver, whose attentiveness kept the children safe, and our police department for their quick response. Incidents of gun violence have become far too common in our community in recent years, and we must take proactive measures to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods. During my administration, we focused on community policing to combat crime at its roots. We worked to build trust between law enforcement

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ALTON – The Heart Center at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center has impeccable timing when it comes to announcing multiple first-ever procedures its conducted in less than a month’s time – especially with February recognized as American Heart Month. First, the Heart Center recently successfully conducted its first-ever cardioMEMS HF system procedure - a new implantable, wireless monitoring sensor, the size of a small paperclip, to manage heart failure (HF). Now, just weeks later, the Heart Center is touting seamless completion of its first-ever implantation of the world’s smallest leadless pacemaker in the treatment of bradycardia - a condition in which the heart beats too slowly. Mission Partners from the hospital’s cardiology services specialty program implanted Medtronic’s Micra™ leadless pacemaker – which is the world’s smallest pacemaker — leaving no bump under the skin, no chest scar, and requiring

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INDIANAPOLIS, IND. — A legislative proposal in Indiana that seeks to establish a commission for absorbing 33 Illinois counties that have expressed interest in secession has advanced in the Indiana statehouse, but experts caution that significant challenges lie ahead. House Bill 1008, sponsored by Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, passed its initial legislative hurdle recently. The bill aims to create an Indiana-Illinois boundary adjustment commission to facilitate the potential transition of the counties. Huston, a Republican from Fishers, said, “Instead of forming a new state, the counties that voted to pursue secession should join us in a state that shares their values and economic interests.” Despite the bill's progress, the effort faces skepticism. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has publicly opposed the notion of these counties leaving Illinois, asserting that such a move would not be impossible. He emphasized that Illinois offers higher wages and essential

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Letter To The Editor: ALTON – Ray Strebel, Ward 3 Alderman and candidate for Mayor, released the following statement in response to another shooting in our community: “I am outraged by the school bus shooting that occurred last night — my thoughts and prayers are with the family and victim involved. This has gone on far too long. For over a decade, we have endured unacceptable crime rates. We have good people living in our neighborhoods, and they should not have to live with the fear of their neighborhood becoming a shooting gallery. As your mayor, I am committed to building up our community, and with the partnership of our police force and stakeholders in the community, I will form a coalition to put an end to these incidents of violence, especially youth violence. We need a focused approach on prevention to ensure the safety and well-being of our youth and all residents. Leadership must come from the mayor to drive these efforts forward.” About

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Dr. Jay Gambetta, Vice President of IBM Quantum, to discuss Illinois’ position as a leader in quantum computing. During their meeting, Durbin received an update on IBM’s plans to join the Illinois Quantum Microelectronics Park (IQMP) on the South Side of Chicago. IBM plans to build a commercial quantum computer at the park and train the needed quantum workforce through the National Quantum Algorithms Center. Illinois has invested $500 million to scale-up quantum computing and microelectronics research and development (R&D) by attracting companies, researchers, suppliers, and users to IQMP. The quantum park is currently anchored by PsiQuantum, with plans for the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency to join the site soon. Durbin and Dr. Gambetta also strategized about a path forward for Durbin’s bipartisan Department of Energy (DOE) Quantum Leadership Act . The legislation, whic

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with members of the Illinois Municipal Electric/Utilities Association (IMEA/IMUA) to discuss clean energy tax credits and addressing the supply chain issues that have led to a shortage of transformers, which are an essential component of electrical infrastructure that adjusts the voltage of currents moving through electrical wires. Due to a sluggish supply chain, building sectors and utilities are grappling with an unprecedented shortage of transformers. Consequently, there have been significant delays on a number of clean energy projects and reconstruction efforts following the 176 tornadoes that struck Illinois last year. The shortage has also harmed the country’s ability to upgrade the electric grid to accommodate increased demand for electric vehicles and other clean energy technologies. They also discussed the importance of preserving the clean energy tax credits Democrats created in the Inflation

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ALTON – The Alton Police Department is investigating a shooting incident that occurred at 6:42 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in the 1200 block of Central Avenue. The department received multiple calls reporting gunfire as an Alton School District bus was dropping off night school students in the area. Preliminary reports indicate that as a student exited the bus, multiple individuals began shooting in the direction of the student. Fortunately, neither the bus nor any individuals were struck by the gunfire. The bus driver responded quickly, moving to a safe location and following established safety protocols to protect the remaining students on board. Evidence was collected at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have determined that the shooting was not a random act, with indications that the suspects specifically targeted the individual involved. The police have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the general public. Alton Police Chief Jarrett

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today introduced the Securing Our Lands And Resources (SOLAR) Act. This legislation establishes guidelines for solar panel projects on prime and unique farmland funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. It ensures rural communities have a say in the approval process for solar panel projects, while still providing farmers flexibility to utilize their land for renewable energy projects. “We are losing precious and productive farmland that is being gobbled up, acre after acre,” said Bost. "That has a big impact on America's agricultural supply chain, our food security, and our Southern Illinois economies. The worst part is, many local communities aren't allowed to have a say in what land is designated for solar projects. My legislation puts the power back into the hands of the people by allowing them to determine what's best for their area, not bureaucrats in Springfield." The SOLAR Act will require

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Today, the Illinois State Senate confirmed Doug Scott as Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Scott was reappointed to a five-year term by Governor JB Pritzker in January 2024 after serving out the remainder of former Chairman Carrie Zalewski’s term. “States are at the forefront of keeping the country’s clean energy ambitions apace. Three years ago, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) charted Illinois’ path to a 100 percent clean energy economy, and in the years to come, the ICC will continue to play a critical role in steering Illinois toward its decarbonization goals,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As a regulator, Doug Scott understands the importance of balancing reliability, safety, and affordability alongside these goals. Illinois is fortunate to have Chairman Scott at the helm of the ICC.” “I’m grateful to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Senate for their continued support of my leadership at the ICC.

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ALTON – A public meeting to discuss a potential permanent flood wall in downtown Alton will be held in the Alton City Council chambers at City Hall at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. The wall, expected to be approximately 1,050 feet long and up to 5 feet tall, would run along the north end of Broadway from William Street to Piasa Street. The city is seeking public input on the project before it proceeds to the City Council for consideration and approval. The invitation from the city reads as follows: “The City of Alton cordially invites the public to an open house meeting on the planned flood mitigation improvements within the downtown district. The purpose of the open house is to provide citizens with updated information regarding the project scope and proposed timeline.” The flood wall project aims to protect buildings in the city’s downtown business district and industrial corridor. The area includes 45 buildings, 23 residential units, about 25 businesses,

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ALTON - The YWCA’s school board candidate forum has been rescheduled. The forum, previously scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, has been postponed due to the Alton High School girls basketball game. The forum will now be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the YWCA in Alton. Hosted by the YWCA and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the forum invites the community to hear from all of the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education candidates ahead of the April 1, 2025, consolidated election. “YWCA and NCNW are thrilled with the Alton High School Girls Basketball success and do not want to miss tonight's basketball game,” the YWCA and NCNW said in a statement. “To be true to our Redbirds, we have cancelled tonight's Alton School Board Forum and have postponed the date to Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m.” There are four ACUSD11 Board of Education seats up for grabs. Current Board members Christina Milien, Tiana Gipso

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Did you know that nearly 70% of remote workers report feeling lonely, and over 50% struggle with motivation? The shift to remote work has revolutionized our professional lives, offering flexibility and convenience but also presenting a unique set of challenges. As more companies embrace this model, the question of how to maintain motivation while working from home becomes increasingly pressing. The Challenges of Remote Work Working from home can blur the lines between personal and professional life, making it difficult to stay focused and productive. Without the physical separation of an office environment, distractions abound—whether it's household chores, social media, or the allure of a comfortable couch. The absence of structured routines and in-person interactions can leave many feeling isolated and unmotivated. Create a Dedicated Workspace One of the most effective ways to combat the distractions of home is to establish a dedicated workspace. This doesn’t mean

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