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The victim is Cortez Scott, 30. He was killed Friday evening.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons has identified Cortez Scott, 30, as the victim of a homicide that occurred in Bellefontaine Neighbors on February 28, 2025. Police responded to a call for service regarding a shooting in the 10100 block of Maraldo Place at 8:22 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found an adult male suffering from life-threatening gunshot injuries. Scott was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing. Authorities have not released further details at this time. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Those wishing to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). Additional information will be made available as it is obtained.

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The aviary and the Bird House are both closed until further notice.

The university's operating deficit is more than $10 million, Chancellor James Minor said. The cuts include changes to degree programs, buyouts and the "consolidation, reduction or elimination of some positions."

About a month ago a fellow named Luke Rosiak, author of a book on the Deep State, decided to tweet about 18F, "GSA's tech arm, a far-left agency that viciously subverted Trump during his first term." He followed up with stuff like this: What did diverse hiring mean in practice? The government tech arm turned ...continue reading "Trump kills elite tech group because it’s too woke"

JERSEYVILLE – If you’ve ever wondered how to make a T-shirt quilt or big block quilt, the Jersey County Arts Council has you covered with a series of quilting classes throughout the month of March. Classes will be held at the Jersey County Arts Council space in the First Presbyterian Church, located at 400 S. State St. in Jerseyville. Interested attendees will need to provide their own supplies, including fabric, but the first night of classes will include more detailed instruction on which items to buy. Some supplies will be available at each class for a fee. In addition to learning how to make a T-shirt and/or block quilt, the classes will also cover basic piecing, sewing, and quilting skills. Attendees are strongly encouraged to attend each class and do their “homework” to ensure successful completion. To secure your spot, a nonrefundable $20 donation to the Jersey County Arts Council is required. To find out more about the upcoming quilt classes and

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Fish fries are being held at various churches and organizations throughout the St. Louis area this year, offering a delicious meal and supporting local causes.

SPRINGFIELD - Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary record statewide total of 1,045 wild turkeys during the 2024-2025 fall archery turkey season. The total compares last year’s harvest of 803 and the 5-year average of 763 birds harvested. The previous record total for fall archery season was in 2015 when 851 turkeys were taken. This season 27,422 permits were sold (excluding landowner permits) compared to 25,741 for the 2023-2024 season. The season dates were Oct. 1, 2024 through Jan. 19, 2025 and all 102 counties were open for hunting. Harvest reports were 51% male and 49% female compared to 54% males and 46% hens last year. A total of 62% of hunters reported using crossbows versus 37% using compound bows and 1% using traditional bows. The top five counties for fall archery wild turkey harvest this season were Fayette, 37; Jefferson, 28; Pike, 25; Marion, 24; and Jo Daviess, 23. The table below includes the preliminary 2024-2025 county-by-county fall archery turkey

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Halted funding threatens the sustainability of the entire system, experts say.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation—and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) demanded answers from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Acting Administrator Janet Petro and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau on why, despite Elon Musk’s conflicts of interest, each agency has or may soon award billions of dollars in federal contracts to private companies controlled by Musk while he serves as a government employee. “If accurate, this presents a striking new phase in Mr. Musk’s conflicts of interest. Mr. Musk holds unprecedented leverage over you and your agencies by directing ongoing efforts to substantially influence, alter, and undercut your departments’ operations, personnel, and funding. Simultaneously

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ)—founding co-chairs of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus —joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and other Senate colleagues in introducing bicameral legislation to permanently codify the Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). The introduction of the Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act comes after Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent order eliminating all environmental justice efforts at the DOJ on her first day as Attorney General. “The Trump Administration seems determined to undermine the protections aimed at helping every American—no matter their zip code—to be able to breathe safe air, drink clean water and live, work and play on uncontaminated land,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our bill would help ensure the Justice

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville concluded its annual Black Heritage Month (BHM) on Feb. 28, 2025. The month of February was amply seasoned with presentations, speakers, information, activities and events that challenged the mind, fed the soul and stirred the spirit. This year’s theme was Black Legacy: Embers of Resilience. The time evoked pride and joy, smiles and laughter. It provoked thought and raised questions. On display were creativity, community engagement and culture. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who seek something greater. A premier metropolitan university, SIUE is creating social and economic mobility for individuals while also powering the workforce of the future. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced investments in Holcim’s Chicago operational headquarters for the planned spin-off of its North American business to be named Amrize. Holcim’s $18.6 million investment in capital expenditures, bolstered by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with DCEO, will establish Chicago as the operational headquarters for its planned North American spin-off, poised to meet the growing needs for advanced building solutions across the country. “Illinois is thrilled that Holcim will continue to grow its presence in our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to our competitive incentive programs, paired with our skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and commitment to innovation, Illinois continues to position itself as a premier destination for businesses to grow and locate.” As part of the State's comprehensive

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced up to $10 million in funding for the Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program to support workforce programs that expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and pre-apprenticeship programs leading to RAPs. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Since day one, my administration has prioritized expanding access to apprenticeship programs as a pathway to high-paying jobs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the new Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant program, we’re building on that commitment, initially prioritizing non-traditional and in-demand sectors to increase apprenticeship opportunities and support employers. These are the types of strategic investments that ensure we have a strong workforce in critical fields that drive future growth. And most importantly,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in reintroducing the Farm to Fly Act to create new, robust markets for American agricultural products and to strengthen domestic energy resources. The bill would foster the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) within existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, allowing for greater collaboration, and ensuring USDA’s SAF definitions reflect eligibility for American agricultural crops. “By utilizing sustainable aviation fuel, we can cut harmful emissions, support family farmers and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m proud to join Congressman Max Miller and colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the Farm to Fly Act — legislation that will allow homegrown biofuels to power our aviation sector while supporting growth in rural economies. With this bill we can

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced the application process for candidates interested in serving as the next U.S. Attorney or U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois. The Southern District encompasses 38 counties ranging from the Metro East region eastward to the Illinois-Indiana line and all points south. U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT: There are 94 federal districts nationwide, each with a presidentially appointed U.S. Attorney. The U.S. Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer in their district and is also involved in civil litigation where the United States is a party. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Southern District of Illinois has branch offices in Fairview Heights, Benton, and East St. Louis. The district is currently served by Acting U.S. Attorney Ali M. Summers. U.S. MARSHAL FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT: U.S. Marshals are appointed by the president to serve the 94 federal districts nationwide.

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Dear Editor: The people of Godfrey are fortunate to have a dedicated public servant in Village Clerk Susan Robbins. Clerk Robbins has served well since she started in the Clerk's Office in 2019. Clerk Robbins' previous experience in Godfrey Township and Clerk Robbins' prior experience in management have been very beneficial to the people of Godfrey. Clerk Robbins has learned and mastered all of the skills needed to continue her high performance as the Clerk of the Village of Godfrey. In this year's local election there is no need to settle for anything less than the high caliber that Clerk Robbins will continue to give us in Godfrey. There is no need to train a new Clerk. There is no need for anything less than the excellence that Clerk Robbins is already giving to Godfrey. On or before April 1, 2025, I ask you to join me in voting Clerk Susan Robbins to a full term in office to continue the high-quality work she has already shown to us. Take your friends and neighbors with you

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ALTON - Dr. Jerrica Ampadu knows the importance of helping young nursing students; after all, someone helped her. Ampadu, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. She serves as the Interim Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), where she also teaches. After a lifetime of helping young nurses get their start, she’s proud of the work she has done to advocate for others. “For 30 years, I have been mentoring and advocating for people who look like me who want to become nurses,” she said. “I firmly believe it is my purpose. It’s very humbling and it’s also very rewarding to know that humanity begets humanity. Someone helped me, so I help other students, and then they help other students.” After graduating from college, Ampadu immediately started mentoring other nursing students through various pathwa

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EAST ST. LOUIS - He was dressed in a bright orange jumpsuit. She was clad in a gold one. Both, with their wrists and ankles chained together, sat under watchful eyes of armed law enforcement officers. Mr. Scott and Ms. McCottrell, detainees at St. Clair County Jail, spoke to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students on Wednesday, Feb. 26 in the Multipurpose Room on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. The dialogue was part of the East St. Louis 40 Days of Nonviolence and Beyond initiative that started Jan. 25 and will conclude March 4. SIUE was one of many partners working with the project’s committee in its ongoing mission to deter and ultimately eliminate violence in the East St. Louis area. The two detainees, sitting at their respective tables in front of the roomful of CHS students, relayed their experiences and advice. “Jail ain’t fun,” said Scott. “I encourage everyone

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