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NTSB Releases Preliminary Findings On West Alton Helicopter Crash

10 months 1 week ago
WEST ALTON, Mo. — Federal investigators released an initial report Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, on the helicopter crash that killed two people near West Alton, MO., on Aug. 7, 2025. The National Transportation Safety Board said an eyewitness reported that the helicopter pilot and a lineman were attempting to attach an orange aviation warning marker to power lines above the Mississippi River. The pilot brought the helicopter close to the lines, and the aircraft’s tail struck one of the wires, causing it to dangle and pivot the cockpit into the power line. The two victims in the crash were 35-year-old Nicholas R. Fulton of Salem, MO., and 37-year-old Michael C. Curry of Ashley, IL. The NTSB said the collision produced sparks before the helicopter fell onto the deck of a nearby barge and caught fire, according to the preliminary report. The crew of a tow vessel moved alongside the barge and used its pilothouse fire station to extinguish the flames. Officials said a subsequent inspectio

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Ameren Illinois Donates $4 Million In Energy Assistance To Agencies

10 months 1 week ago
ST. LOUIS - Ameren will make available an additional $4 million for bill payment assistance to community action agencies dedicated to energy assistance for residential customers in need of financial assistance across Missouri and Illinois. This follows the $1 million in support for victims of the May 16 tornado that Ameren announced earlier this year, which local area agencies continue to distribute. "We've experienced prolonged periods of extreme heat throughout the summer, leading to increased use of energy and air conditioners," said Joe Solari , vice president of customer experience for Ameren. "We understand the economic hardships families living in our communities are facing each day which is why we want customers to know additional help will soon be available from Ameren through our community partners." Throughout 2025, Ameren has partnered with hundreds of agencies to make more than $75 million available in energy assistance and LIHEAP for its customers. The company continue

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How Age Verification Laws Targeting Online Porn Could Be (And Should Be) Viewed As A Labor Rights Issue 

10 months 1 week ago
Age verification laws and regulations that target online pornography and digital sex work are far from being the “modest” child safety measures intended to protect public decency favored by the far–right. Proponents of these laws benefit from the fearmongering and framing of age verification as a necessity to protect children from inappropriate material found on […]
Michael McGrady

Local 65-Year-Old Bodybuilder to Compete in World Championship

10 months 1 week ago
JERSEYVILLE - Jim Nanney, 65, has been bodybuilding for decades, and he’s proud to share his discipline and passion for the sport. “It’s probably the single longest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life,” Nanney said. “I’m extremely competitive by nature. I’m mediocre in every other sport that I compete in. But bodybuilding, somehow, I seem to have a knack for it.” Nanney started bodybuilding in his early 20s, after he saw his brother’s success in the sport. He quickly fell in love with the discipline of diet and exercise. To this day, Nanney works out six days a week at JerseyFit Barbell in Jerseyville or Planet Fitness in Alton. He still gets a thrill out of pushing himself as hard as he can. “I think the workouts are the thing that I enjoy the most, the discipline of the dieting. It’s kind of a weird enjoyment to have, but I do. It’s fun to see how disciplined you can make yourself. And then,

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East St Louis Students Begin Year With Strong Academic Expectations and Positive Culture

10 months 1 week ago
EAST ST. LOUIS — Classes have begun for the 2025-2026 school year in East St. Louis School District 189, ushering in a new chapter marked by fresh leadership with an emphasis on a positive school culture from the high school to kindergarten grade levels. Lincoln Middle School welcomed Quanshanda Nicholson as its new principal this week. Nicholson and other district officials highlighted strong expectations of the students and the importance of fostering a supportive and positive environment. In addition to leadership changes, the district has welcomed 12 international educators this fall, further diversifying its teaching staff. Social-emotional well-being for the students is also a top priority as schools across East St. Louis open their doors. Photos from the high school, middle school, kindergarten, and other district schools capture students and staff with smiles, reflecting an optimistic start to the academic year.

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Are men's wedding cloaks the next big thing in fashion?

10 months 1 week ago
A viral TikTok showing Philadelphia Eagles tight end Kylen Granson wearing a white cloak at his wedding has ignited a conversation about men’s self-expression in formalwear — and it all started in the Chicago home studio of fashion designer Josh Kercher.
Alex Barton

Community Support Sought for Memorial of Baby Leilani

10 months 1 week ago
ALTON — The young parents of a 6-month-old baby girl who died earlier this month are seeking community support to provide a peaceful burial and memorial for their daughter. Karma Perry and her partner, both 16 years old, lost their daughter, Leilani Blake Outsey, at 6:55 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. Perry described Leilani as a joyful child who brought happiness to those around her. “She had a smile on her face every day from the day she was born. She was so smart, so strong, and loved is an understatement,” Perry said. The young couple has launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $6,000 to cover burial expenses, including a memorial and tombstone. As of this week, the fundraiser has raised over $1,000. Perry, who works a minimum wage job, said she and her partner are doing their best to cope with the loss while relying on family support. “Our baby was taken from us way too soon,” she said. “A beautiful girl, a beautiful life,

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Illinois State trooper charged with distribution, possession of child sex abuse material

10 months 1 week ago
DEERFIELD, Ill. — An Illinois State trooper has been charged in federal court for alleged distribution and possession of child sex abuse material. Colin Gruenke, 37, of Deerfield, is facing two federal counts of distributing child pornography and possessing child pornography. Federal authorities searched his home on a warrant Wednesday following a months-long investigation that [...]
Andy Koval