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AXS TV Awards $1,000 Grant To EGHM Foundation For Music Education

7 months 1 week ago
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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1 dead, two injured after a dump truck crashed into home in Owensville

7 months 1 week ago
GASCONADE COUNTY, Mo. - A person is dead after a dump truck fatally crashed into a home in Owensville Tuesday morning. The crash occurred around 9 a.m. on the 300 block of West Lincoln Avenue in Owensville, the Gasconade Republican Newspaper says. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the crash happened after the [...]
Nick Gladney

Madison County Battery Case Involves Elderly Victim

7 months 1 week ago
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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Charges Filed After Public Battery At Godfrey Walmart

7 months 1 week ago
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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Jerald Stilts Charged With First-Degree Murder, Other Charges, In Bunker Hill Case

7 months 1 week ago
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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Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration freeze on broad swath of federal payments

7 months 1 week ago
WASHINGTON — A federal district judge ruled Tuesday the Trump administration must wait until at least next week before it can move forward with pausing federal spending on trillions in grants and loans, though she emphasized the short-term administrative stay might not continue after a Feb. 3 hearing. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan’s decision temporarily […]
Jennifer Shutt

Sparklight Male Athlete Of The Month: Joey Kiel Advances To State Bowling Tournament With 1,355 Score

7 months 1 week ago
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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Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athletes Of Month: Explorers Boys Bowling Makes History With State Qualification

7 months 1 week ago
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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EXO Lounge to Host Taylor Swift-Themed Drag Brunch

7 months 1 week ago
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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Auto Butler Male Athletes Of The Month: Alton's Remarkable Bowling Journey Continues to State Finals

7 months 1 week ago
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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CUB Challenges Ameren Illinois' Proposed Gas Rate Hike

7 months 1 week ago
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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Fire Departments Respond Swiftly To Early Morning Wood River Structure Fire

7 months 1 week ago
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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