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GODFREY – A man from Alton faces a felony after battering an individual in a public place late last year. Demarcus D. Toliver, 36, of Alton, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery on Feb. 13, 2025 for a violent altercation that occurred on Dec. 21, 2024. Toliver allegedly struck the victim “several times with a closed fist on the face and head,” according to court documents. The incident reportedly occurred in a public place, at the Marion County Horizon Center in Godfrey. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented Toliver’s case, and while he was remanded to jail for his initial court appearance, MCSO records indicate he has since been granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis Senior High School will be closed on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, following a bomb threat communicated via email earlier this morning, East St. Louis School District officials said. The East St. Louis School District 189 announced the closure as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff while law enforcement conducts a thorough search of the campus. In a statement released by the district, officials emphasized that the safety of the school community is their highest priority. “We are actively gathering information and taking all necessary precautions to ensure a safe learning environment,” the statement read. As part of the response to the threat, high school students were temporarily directed to an alternative location upon arrival. All students and staff are reported to be safe at this location, and bus riders are expected to be returned home shortly after 9 a.m. While East St. Louis Senior High School remains closed,

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BRIGHTON/JERSEYVILLE - Community RV and Boat Storage has got you covered — literally. The storage company has a location in Brighton and recently opened a new facility in Jerseyville. Owner Jon Shrimpton says it’s the perfect place to park your camper, boat, motorcycle, lawnmower, tractor, or any other equipment that you want to keep out of the weather and safely stored away. “People pay such an amount of money for RVs and boats, and all you’re doing is preserving the life of what your investment is,” Shrimpton said. “People take their investment. They insure it with us to take care of it. We want it to be a nice facility, easy in and out. It needs to be top-notch, and it is.” Located at 15441 IL-111 in Brighton and 310 McBride Street in Jerseyville, both facilities have security cameras, 24/7 keypad access, fences, automatic gates and light systems to enhance security. They have a wide range of storage options available, from mini

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - During an executive business meeting to consider the HALT Fentanyl Act, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke about the importance of allowing people to sue social media companies when they or their loved ones are harmed by online fentanyl sales. Durbin offered an amendment to the bill to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which he ultimately withdrew after securing an agreement with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to work together toward this goal. The executive business meeting concluded without action on the bill. Key Quotes: “In just a decade, fentanyl has emerged as the deadliest drug in American history. All it takes is two milligrams—a fraction of the size of a penny—to cause an overdose. There is an overdose crisis in the United States, but we have learned that evidence-based solutions reduce deaths. In fact

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 16 attorneys general, today issued a joint statement ahead of a court hearing in Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. National Institutes of Health. At today’s hearing, the plaintiffs will seek an extension of its Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the Trump administration’s unlawful cuts to funds that support cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country. Attorney General Raoul joins the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington in issuing the following statement: “The Trump administration’s attempt to cut research funding at thousands of research institutions across the country is not only unlawful; it undermines public health, our economy and our competitiveness. There are laws i

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general to defend the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) against efforts by the Trump administration and Elon Musk to defund and disband it. The CFPB is an independent agency that oversees big banks, lenders, credit card companies and mortgage servicers, and ensures companies follow federal consumer protection laws. Raoul and the coalition argue in their amicus brief filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland that dismantling the CFPB would significantly harm consumers and hamper enforcement of federal consumer protection laws. “Since its creation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has assisted millions of Americans by helping homeowners facing foreclosure stay in their homes, stopping banks from charging junk fees and returning more than $20 billion to consumers nationwide,” Raoul said. “The CFPB expanded upon the work of states and federal partners

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Did you know that nearly 40% of people consider themselves "morning people," yet only a fraction have structured morning routines? This disparity reveals a significant opportunity for personal and professional growth. Designing an effective morning routine can be the difference between a day filled with focus and productivity versus one mired in chaos and procrastination. It’s time to explore how you can transform your mornings into a powerful launchpad for success. The Importance of a Morning Routine A morning routine is more than just a series of tasks; it’s a deliberate strategy to maximize your potential. Research indicates that individuals who engage in consistent morning routines report higher levels of productivity, better mental health, and increased overall satisfaction in life. By establishing a structured start to your day, you set the tone for how you approach challenges and opportunities. Clarity and Focus One of the key benefits of a morning routine is

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February 21 has marked significant moments in history across various fields, including politics, science, and culture. One of the most notable events that occurred on February 21 took place in 1965, when Malcolm X, a prominent African American civil rights leader, was assassinated in New York City. His assassination sent shockwaves throughout the nation and the world, profoundly affecting the civil rights movement. Malcolm X was known for his powerful speeches and advocacy for Black empowerment, and his death represented a significant loss for those fighting for racial equality and justice. In the wake of his assassination, many turned to his writings and speeches, which continue to inspire activism to this day. Fast forward to 1992, when the United States witnessed a landmark event in its legal history. On this day, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey , upholding the constitutional right to have an abortion while allowing states to impose certain

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HOLIDAY SHORES — A home in Holiday Shores was completely destroyed by a fire on Thursday evening, Feb. 20, 2025. The blaze erupted around 6 p.m. in the 6000 block of St. James Drive, prompting a Box Alarm response from multiple fire agencies. Holiday Shores Fire Chief Jim O'Brien reported that firefighters from the Holiday Shores Fire Protection District, along with teams from Meadowbrook, Prairietown, Worden, and Hamel, battled the flames. O'Brien noted that the house was fully engulfed when crews arrived on the scene, but the homeowners had managed to escape safely prior to their arrival. "The firefighters fought the blaze valiantly in the frigid conditions," O'Brien said, emphasizing the low temperatures, which were in the teens. He confirmed that all firefighters remained safe during the operation. To assist with the response, Madison County and Holiday Shores maintenance personnel salted the roads in the area to mitigate ice hazards. Madison County Emergency Management

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WOOD RIVER – The Wood River Fire Department honored Engineer/Paramedic Tyler Staicoff with a 2024 Firefighter of the Year Award for his excellent performance at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Fire Chief Wade Stahlhut said each year, award winners are selected by their department peers for exemplifying the qualities of a firefighter, including bravery, dedication, selflessness, resilience, and more. “This year, our first Firefighter of the Year Award goes to someone who has truly made an impact felt throughout the entire department,” Stahlhut said. “Engineer/Paramedic Tyler Staicoff has demonstrated extraordinary commitment not only in responding to emergencies, but maintaining a high level of commitment in his fire and medical training, fitness, mentoring fellow firefighters, engaging with community members on prevention education, and continuously striving for excellence with the desire to do more.” Stahlhut noted Staicoff’s involvement

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SPRINGFIELD – State higher education leaders are pleased with Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which includes a higher education budget of $2.73 billion. The higher education budget emphasizes college affordability and supports ongoing initiatives by including a $10 million increase for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) and a $46 million, or 3 percent, increase to operational funds for public universities ($37 million) and community colleges ($9 million). “The governor's proposed higher education investments will help us build on the progress we've made toward a more affordable and equitable higher education system and thriving Illinois economy for each family and student in our state,” said Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) Executive Director Ginger Ostro. “Even at a time when the state has to make difficult fiscal decisions, Governor Pritzker has prioritized investing in our students because they are the future of our state.”

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CHICAGO—On the heels of his 2025 State of the State budget address, Governor Pritzker focused on one of his top legislative priorities this year: lowering prescriptions drug costs. After introducing the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (PDAA) in his address, the Governor hosted a roundtable in Springfield with legislators and independent pharmacists to discuss the impact pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have had on their businesses. In Chicago, the Governor visited Chicago Pride Pharmacy to highlight the struggles faced by independent pharmacies and the importance of reform. “Predatory pharmacy benefit manager practices hurt small, independent pharmacies that often are the only source of medication for entire communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Unfairly high prices put a disproportionate strain on these small business owners and the clients they serve and can cause closures that contribute to medical access deserts—a loss for Illinois communities

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MACOUPIN COUNTY - The Illinois State Police is investigating a serious incident that has closed Fosterburg Road near Brighton Bunker Hill Road on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. The Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 reported the situation occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. Preliminary information suggests that ISP Troop 8 units are currently on the scene, working to gather more details about the incident. As a result, Fosterburg Road is closed at this location. The Illinois State Police urges motorists to seek alternate routes to avoid delays. The State Police said the investigation remains active, and officials have not released additional information at this time.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Aviation, Space and Innovation Subcommittee—is demanding a more detailed explanation from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau on why the FAA abruptly fired hundreds of employees in the wake of multiple deadly airplane crashes. In her letter, Duckworth is requesting multiple answers from the FAA by this Friday, February 21, regarding the reasoning behind these firings and the impact these firings will have on passenger safety and our ongoing aviation safety crisis. In the letter, Duckworth wrote: “I am alarmed about the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) abrupt firing of hundreds of FAA employees. In the wake of multiple deadly airplane crashes, Congress and the flying public need a more detailed explanation. At a minimum, we need to know why this

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC)—joined U.S. Senator and SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and a group of 34 Democratic Senators calling on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to immediately reinstate the more than 1,000 VA employees terminated last week who serve Veterans and their families nationwide, including critical employees addressing Veteran suicide working at the Veterans Crisis Line. The Trump Administration’s mass terminations of VA employees, which included a substantive number of Veterans and military spouses, comes at a time when VA faces critical staffing shortages and increased demand for its services, such as urgently needed mental health care to reduce the Veteran suicide rate. In addition, many of these terminated employees had exemplary performance records and multiple years of work experience i

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DURBIN CRITICIZES TRUMP AND MUSK FOR DISMANTLING OF USAID AND HARMING AMERICAN FARMERS IN SENATE FLOOR SPEECH In his remarks, Durbin also debunked Kremlin-fostered falsehoods about USAID that have been circulated by Trump, Musk, and foreign adversaries and called on Republicans to speak up WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) criticized President Trump and Elon Musk’s ill-advised mission to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—the largest distributor of humanitarian aid in the world. Consequently, programs that provide clean drinking water, treat debilitating disease, and advance human rights have been shut down, recklessly gutting American soft power and providing a huge strategic opening to China. “This month, President Trump and Elon Musk attempted to dismantle USAID, the largest distributor of humanitarian aid on this earth. Musk was gleeful when he said

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is announced it will be awarding $25,000 in funding for its new Clean Communities Litter Grant program. “We wanted to do something to get people more involved in helping to keep their communities clean,” Chairman Chris Slusser said. “For the past five years we’ve offered citizens litter kits to assist in keeping communities clean and this grant opportunity is the next step.” Slusser said Building and Zoning is overseeing the new grant program, which is promoting environmental stewardship, engaging residents in cleanup efforts and fostering pride in shared public spaces. Building and Zoning Administrator Chris Doucleff said the grant will provide funding up to $2,500 in matching funds. “This is a 100 percent match grant,” Doucleff said. He said the grant is intended to provide financial assistance and support for municipalities, townships, park districts and partners that help combat litter in their

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — An officer-involved shooting on January 13, 2025, near the intersection of W. Florissant Avenue and Ferguson Avenue resulted in the death of 37-year-old Durell Dorn, of St. Louis. The incident unfolded shortly after 9:52 a.m. when Country Club Hills police officers responded to reports of a motor vehicle crash in the vicinity. While en route to the crash site, officers received updated information indicating that the driver of the vehicle was firing a gun at passing vehicles. Upon arrival, St. Louis County police officers observed Dorn, armed with a handgun featuring an extended magazine, walking westbound on W. Florissant Avenue. According to the police, Dorn fired a shot at one of the officers, prompting a return of gunfire from the police. Following the exchange, Dorn fled west on W. Florissant Avenue towards Ferguson Avenue, where he was subsequently struck by a St. Louis County police vehicle at the intersection. Officers on the scene provided immediate

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ALTON – YWCA ANNOUNCES 2025 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION HONOREES YWCA Southwestern Illinois is thrilled to announce the 2025 Women of Distinction honorees: Dr. Jerrica Ampadu, Julie Botterbush, Rebecca Cowart, Rose Gibson, Kim Hunt, Anne Johnson, Tanjela Johnson, Michelle Matsche, Megan Tyler, and Dr. Tanya Patton. These remarkable leaders will be inducted into the prestigious Women of Distinction (WOD) Academy, joining over 300 outstanding female leaders from Madison County. Join us in celebrating their incredible achievements at the annual Women of Distinction Gala on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Desira Caffey, YWCA Board Member and Woman of Distinction Co-Chair, shares her excitement, "Each year, YWCA proudly recognizes extraordinary women who embody our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Our 2025 WOD honorees are exemplary leaders, innovators, and role models. We're thrilled to spotlight their inspiring stories as we build excitement for our upcoming gala." The Women

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District will host a special program focused on Forest Park’s owls. At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Hayner’s Alton Square Mall location, community members are invited to learn more about local owl populations at a lecture titled “Forest Park Owls: Hiding in Plain Sight” by Mark H.X. Glenshaw. An award-winning naturalist, Glenshaw has been studying great horned owls at Forest Park for two decades. He will talk about the birds, their behaviors and his observations. “I think one of the biggest things they’re going to come away with is that this is all in our backyard, and not just Forest Park, but all over the place,” Glenshaw said. “I’ve seen owls in every corner of the St. Louis Metro region. Illinois, Missouri, suburban, urban, rural, big, small, you name it.” Glenshaw regularly hosts “Owl Prowls” through Forest Park, allowing him and his guests to observe the

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