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Missouri governor vows state takeover of St. Louis police in State of the State address

7 months 1 week ago
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe doubled down on his support for a state takeover of the St. Louis Police Department on Tuesday, telling lawmakers during his first State of the State address that crime in the city is “unacceptable.” He also waded carefully into the debate over abortion, stopping short of suggesting any rollback of reproductive rights that were enshrined by voters into the state constitution and instead proposing additional funding for alternatives to the procedure.  “Let’s work…
Jason Hancock

Charges Filed Against Edwardsville Man For Serious Sexual Offenses

7 months 1 week ago
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - Charges have been filed against 54-year-old Jose Ramon, Jr. of Edwardsville, following allegations of serious sexual offenses. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, that Ramon faces multiple charges, including first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, and second-degree domestic assault. He is currently being held without bond. According to the probable cause statement, Ramon and the victim had previously been in a relationship but ended it in October 2024. The incident in question occurred on January 2, 2025, when Ramon allegedly confronted the victim at her workplace, demanding sexual relations. When she refused, he is accused of using physical force, pinning her against a wall, and attempting to engage in sexual acts against her will. The statement details that he also inflicted physical harm, including bruising, and attempted to strangle her on three occasions. After

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St.Louis County Phone Scam

7 months 1 week ago

Residents of St.Louis County are being warned about a phone scam related to jury duty. The STL County Circuit Court reports that scammers are calling residents, telling them they have missed jury duty and threatening them with arrest if they don’t pay a fine.  They say the scammers are convincing as they’ll share personal identifying…

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K9 Odin's Bravery Highlighted, Plus Other Alton Police Recognitions At Annual Awards Ceremony

7 months 1 week ago
ALTON - Members of the Alton Police Department were recognized for their exemplary service at the 32nd Annual SILEC/SIPCA Awards Banquet held recently. The event celebrated the dedication of law enforcement personnel and community initiatives that contribute to public safety. Officer Averbeck and K9 Odin received the Medal of Valor for their exceptional courage and bravery while on duty. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford accepted the award on behalf of K9 Odin, highlighting the significant role that service animals play in law enforcement. The Unit Award was presented to Lieutenant James Siatos, Sergeant Patrick Bennett, and Detective Stedmann Middlebrook for their essential contributions to the Madison County Sheriff's Enforcement Team. Their collective efforts in ensuring community safety were acknowledged as vital to the department's mission. Additionally, the Outstanding Citizens Award was given to the leaders of MustacheMarch4PD, a community initiative that has raised over $500,000

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Firings, freezes and layoffs: A look at Trump’s moves against federal employees and programs

7 months 1 week ago

CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) — President Donald Trump has implemented sweeping changes in the first days of his second administration. Changeover among federal government agencies is normal when a new administration comes to Washington. Trump’s actions range from firing career agency employees to freezing trillions in federal grant funds and halting diversity, equity and inclusion programs…

The post Firings, freezes and layoffs: A look at Trump’s moves against federal employees and programs appeared first on The Big 550 KTRS.

News

AGC of MO Names 2025 Leadership and Launches 100th Anniversary Celebration

7 months 1 week ago
On Friday (Jan. 24) the Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) announced its 2025 officers and board of directors, with Mike Rallo, Jr., president of PARIC Corporation serving as chairman of the board. 2025 also marks the 100 year anniversary of the association which was founded in 1925 with 19 charter members. Today AGCMO represents […]
Dede Hance

IBEW Local 1’s Dustin Brooks Opens Brooks Electric and Data Company

7 months 1 week ago
From Labor Tribune:  Dustin Brooks, a 13-year IBEW Local 1 journeyman, has opened Brooks Electric and Data Company, a proud IBEW Local 1 signatory contractor. The company, located on De Soto, Mo., provides residential and light commercial electrical services. Brooks said this new opportunity has been made possible by the knowledge and experience he’s gained, […]
Kacey Crawley

Madison County Officers Recognized For Lifesaving Efforts

7 months 1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE - Area law enforcement officers were honored for their exemplary service at the SILEC/SIPCA Annual Awards Banquet recently. Among those recognized were several members of the Madison County Sheriff's Office for their outstanding contributions to public safety. Communications Officer Cynthia Tweedy received the Telecommunications Award for her nearly two decades of service in public safety. Tweedy has managed 911 calls and coordinated dispatch for multiple jurisdictions, including EMS, fire, and police. She also serves as the LEADS Coordinator for the Madison County Sheriff's Office, playing a crucial role in the agency's compliance requirements. Deputy Blake Johnson and Deputy Ryan Fry were awarded the Certificate of Merit for their heroic actions during a rollover crash. The deputies physically lifted a vehicle off an individual who had been pinned beneath it, enabling EMS personnel to provide medical assistance to the victim. Sergeant Cade Koelker and Deputy Jacob Quad

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Alton Seeks Federal Funds for Street Improvements

7 months 1 week ago
From Riverbender.com:  With unanimous City Council approval, Alton is applying for federal funding for multiple street improvement projects throughout the city. The following sections of the following streets are set to be improved under the Illinois Highway Code: 0.32 miles of Milton Road from Edgewood Avenue to Hillcrest Avenue 0.9 miles of Belle Street from […]
Kacey Crawley

White House Orders National Environmental Policy Act Changes

7 months 1 week ago
From Construction Dive:  President Donald Trump took steps Monday to cut back the White House’s National Environmental Policy Act rulemaking powers and to speed up permits for energy infrastructure projects powered by oil, gas, nuclear, coal, hydropower and biofuel, as well as efforts to mine critical minerals. Trump also directed his administration to prepare recommendations […]
Kacey Crawley

Placemaking: Impacting the Community Through Design

7 months 1 week ago
From BDC Network:  Creating spaces that foster community pride, celebrate local uniqueness, and cater to diverse groups is vital to a community’s identity. There are six key principles to successful placemaking design, and Design Collaborative’s hometown of Fort Wayne is home to several examples. Every community has its distinct charm and character. Placemaking through design […]
Kacey Crawley

Tree Plans Take Root for Olia Village

7 months 1 week ago
From West Newsmagazine:  Greenspace updates on Olia Village came as part of a discussion on Jan. 13 at the Creve Coeur City Council Meeting. The subject matter was a resolution calling for updated steps regarding the Olia Village site on the south side of Olive Street Road from Lindbergh Boulevard. The initial project phase passed […]
Kacey Crawley

Lunchtime Photo

7 months 1 week ago
This is Highway 241, a relatively new toll road that passes through northern Irvine and connects north to Riverside and south to Coto de Caza. It's a handy shortcut for me when I go out to the desert for astronomy nights.
Kevin Drum