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Illinois State Police Combats Vehicle Hijacking And Theft

6 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to target vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violent crimes using grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council. ISP was awarded a $10 million grant for the first fiscal year, and another $677,000 grant announced in June 2024. From January through March 2025, ISP missions resulted in the following: Vehicles recovered – stolen and/or hijacked 243 Stolen vehicle arrests 16 Hijacked vehicle arrests 18 Firearms seized as a result of stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery 7 Missions targeting stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violent crime 39 K9 used for stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violence crime 16 Air Operations targeting stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violent crime 39 Forensic laboratory assignments related to stolen/hijacked

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April Is Alcohol Awareness Month

6 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD - Established in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), Alcohol Awareness Month has become a way for the community to support those effected by or dealing with Alcoholism. Alcohol Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption through activities, events, educational materials, and conversations to create effective strategies for preventing alcohol-related problems and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. The goal is to reduce the stigma associated with alcohol-related problems and facilitate effective solutions for individuals and the public. Whether it is underage drinking prevention, an alcohol intervention for family or friends, or someone finally ready to take the steps to recovery, below are ways you can support. Things you can do to support: Get informed about the dangers of excessive alcohol use Advocate for healthy coping and lifestyle alternatives Encourage early intervention

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Illinois American Water Highlights Work Zone Awareness Week

6 months 3 weeks ago
BELLEVILLE – Illinois American Water is highlighting National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual campaign that promotes safe driving in highway work zones from April 21-25, 2025. “At Illinois American Water, our teams and contractors work daily in and around roadways to help ensure reliable service for our customers,” said Rebecca Losli, President, Illinois American Water. “While safety remains a priority, work zones can pose serious risks. National Work Zone Awareness Week emphasizes our shared responsibility to keep roads and workers safe. When you slow down and stay alert in work zones, you're helping protect lives, including your own.” Illinois American Water invests over $250 million into its infrastructure annually. Whether it’s water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades or routine maintenance and cleaning, Illinois American Water’s top priority is keeping crews and motorists safe. Illinois American Water provides these simple

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Missouri campaign watchdog is once again unable to function due to vacancies

6 months 3 weeks ago
Last fall, St. Louis attorney Brad Ketcher read the news that a Republican candidate for the Missouri Senate was using money from his church to help fund his campaign. As the chief of staff to former Democratic Gov. Mel Carnahan in the 1990s, Ketcher helped establish the Missouri Ethics Commission, a state agency that enforces campaign finance and ethics laws. He was so “appalled” when the Senate candidate in question won the seat in November that Ketcher filed an ethics complaint asking the…
Rebecca Rivas

Fairview Heights Police's Amber Hopkins Inspires Through Resilience and Service

6 months 3 weeks ago
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Amber Hopkins, an administrative assistant with the Fairview Heights Police Department, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute Women in Criminal Justice Blue Line Dedication Award. The award honors women who demonstrate unwavering dedication and exceptional service to their communities. Hopkins, a 20-year member of the Fairview Heights Police Department, currently serves as the administrative assistant to the chief of police and supports the entire command staff. Her career began as a 911 telecommunicator before transitioning to her current role. Beyond her administrative duties, Hopkins has taken on multiple additional responsibilities, including leading community programs such as the Youth Academy, Volunteer Program, RAD Training, Citizens and Senior Academy, and hosting MTU and SILEC classes and other community events. Chief of Police John Smith described Hopkins as “a true leader

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Federal appeals court clarification limits refugees allowed to settle in U.S.

6 months 3 weeks ago
Only refugees who were closest to arriving in the United States are covered by an order the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued last month partially blocking the Trump administration from suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, the court clarified in a filing Monday. A three-judge panel wrote that its earlier order only pertains […]
Shauneen Miranda