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Advocates urge restart of suspended refugee resettlement program

3 weeks 5 days ago
WASHINGTON — State and local leaders and advocates from across the country called on the Trump administration Monday to immediately restart the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, saying the program’s suspension has harmed communities. President Donald Trump signed an order suspending the program on his first day back in office and the administration withheld funds appropriated by […]
Shauneen Miranda

Grace Strohbeck Pitches Perfect Game Leading Southwestern to 11-0 Win

3 weeks 5 days ago
BRIGHTON - Grace Strohbeck pitched a perfect game recently to lead Southwestern to an 11-0 victory over North Greene in a five-inning softball contest. The game took place recently, with Strohbeck retiring every batter she faced, a rare achievement in softball and baseball. Grace is recognized as the Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for Southwestern, highlighting her all-around contributions to the team. Southwestern head coach Amanda Edwards praised Grace's performance, saying, “It’s always a good day when a kid is perfect. It is always nice to see.” In addition to her pitching prowess, Grace has demonstrated strong offensive skills. Edwards added that she noticed Grace was on track for perfection by the third inning but chose not to mention it until after the game, when the team celebrated.

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Belleville Police Investigate Deadly April 20 Shooting Incident

3 weeks 5 days ago
BELLEVILLE — Belleville Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Sunday night, April 20, 2025, near an apartment complex on Freedom Drive. At approximately 11 p.m. on April 20, officers responded to the 200 block of Freedom Drive following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found an unresponsive adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso. Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives from the Belleville Police Department, along with the Crime Scene Unit and State Police Crime Scene Investigators, processed the scene and began an investigation. Multiple witnesses were interviewed, and key evidence was collected, leading to the identification of a person of interest. The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Belleville Police Department at (618) 234-1212 or CrimeStoppers anonymously at (866) 371-TIPS (8477).

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Duckworth Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

3 weeks 5 days ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement honoring the passing of Pope Francis: “Pope Francis was a pillar of the Catholic Church, a beacon of hope, compassion and light in times of fear, hatred and darkness. Throughout his life, he taught us that in order to be great, we have to be good. He urged each of us to care for the poor, feed the hungry, be humble stewards of the Earth and treat others how we would want to be treated ourselves—even if they pray or live differently than us. His teachings remain as important as ever. “May he rest in peace and may his spirit continue to uplift and guide all those who followed his sacred word.”

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Attorney General Charges Former Macoupin County Employee With Theft, Wire Fraud

3 weeks 5 days ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Macoupin County woman alleging she stole several thousand dollars from the Macoupin County State’s Attorney’s drug asset forfeiture account while employed as the office manager for the state’s attorney’s office. The Attorney General’s office charged Jacalyn Walker, 35, of Carlinville with one count of theft of government property less than $10,000, a Class 2 felony punishable by up to seven years in prison; as well as five counts of wire fraud and six counts of official misconduct, all Class 3 felonies punishable by up to five years in prison. Sentences will be served concurrently and are ultimately determined by the court. Walker’s next court date is May 13. “My office regularly partners with state’s attorneys around Illinois to protect residents from individuals who prey upon children, traffic drugs and guns, and so much more. It is unacceptable that someone would take advantage

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Nine Facing Federal Immigration-Related Offenses In Southern Illinois

3 weeks 5 days ago
EAST ST. LOUIS — Nine individuals have been charged with federal immigration-related offenses in southern Illinois over the past two months, according to U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. The charges stem from cases in Effingham, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties. The defendants, all identified as illegal aliens, face a range of charges including illegal reentry after deportation and possession of firearms. Eight of the nine are repeat offenders, Weinhoeft said, noting that most had been deported previously and subsequently reentered the United States. The only exception faces a firearms-related charge. “Every time an illegal immigrant unlawfully enters the United States, they commit a federal crime,” Weinhoeft said. “These charges show our commitment to prioritizing repeat offenders and those who threaten public safety.” The individuals charged include Josue Lopez-Serrano, 35, of Mexico, charged with illegal reentry in Monroe County; Angel Carmona-Perez,

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Budzinski Announces Winners of 2025 Congressional Art Competition

3 weeks 5 days ago
SPRINGFIELD, IL. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced the winners of her 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Natasha O’Brien, from Springfield High School, was declared the winner of the contest for her piece titled “Oh, Do I?” Her artwork will be displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for one year. Second place was awarded to “David and the Lion” by Aysha Spence from Eisenhower High School in Decatur and third place was awarded to “Lipstick on a Pig” by Leah Sanderfield from Glenwood High School in Chatham. The winners were selected by judges Julie Dailey, a local artist based out of Springfield, Betsy Dollar, the Executive Director of the Springfield Art Association, and Johnette Mitchell, a leader in the Decatur area art community. Congresswoman Budzinski with Natasha O’Brien, the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. “We received so many incredible submissions and had a number

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Trump backs Hegseth after second group chat revelation

3 weeks 5 days ago
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Monday he fully supports the secretary of Defense, despite The New York Times reporting over the weekend that Pete Hegseth shared details of a bombing campaign in Yemen in a second group chat, this time with his wife and brother. “Ask the Houthis how much dysfunction there is?” Trump […]
Jennifer Shutt