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Collinsville Man Released After Second Domestic Battery

10 months 3 weeks ago
COLLINSVILLE – A Collinsville resident was released from custody pending his second domestic battery case in Madison County. Stacey D. Thomason, 57, of Collinsville, was charged on Feb. 18, 2025 with his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. On Feb. 17, 2025, Thomason allegedly struck a household or family member “about the face with his hands, causing pain,” according to court documents. Thomason has previously been convicted of domestic battery in a 2009 criminal case, which was also filed in Madison County. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented the latest domestic battery case against Thomason, who was granted pretrial release with additional conditions. Among the conditions of his release are that he have no contact with the victim and refrain from entering their residence for at least 72 hours upon his release. Thomason was also ordered to surrender any firearms and Firearm Owners Identification Card in his possession

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A Sloppy Valentine for Big Tech

10 months 3 weeks ago
Today on TAP: A new White House effort to block domestic and foreign rules on data security is at odds with the U.S. government’s long-standing efforts to shield data from China.
Robert Kuttner

SIUE Alumni Spotlight: Craig Ohlau Star SIUE Baseball Player Turned Public Servant and Award-Winning Author

10 months 3 weeks ago
February 26, 2025 - Craig Ohlau, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus and former student-athlete, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2004 and later earned his master’s degree at SIUE in educational administration in 2014. Ohlau has gone on to make a lasting impact in the Edwardsville community as an educator, award-winning author, and as a highly decorated coach for the Edwardsville High School Baseball team. Dedicating his life to making a lasting impact on and off the field, Ohlau continues to inspire those around him, exemplifying Cougar excellence. During his playing days at SIUE, Ohlau became a true standout player and is still mentioned in the SIUE record books five different times in the following categories: a lifetime on-base percentage of .432, starting 155 games, hitting 43 doubles, collecting 84 walks, and 16 hit-by-pitches. Reflecting on his athletic experience, Ohlau stated, "Playing for SIUE was a defining time in

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“Cabaret” Opens NJT season March 20

10 months 3 weeks ago

  NJT to open its 27th season with a bold and immersive production of the classic musical Cabaret, running March 20 through April 6. Directed by NJT’s Artistic Director Rebekah Scallet in her first musical production for the theatre, Cabaret promises to transport audiences to the thrilling yet ominous world of 1929 Berlin. Written by […]

The post “Cabaret” Opens NJT season March 20 appeared first on flovalleynews.com.

independentnws

East Alton Mourns Loss Of Former Mayor and Police Chief Fred H. Bright, Jr.

10 months 3 weeks ago
EAST ALTON — Fred H. Bright, Jr., a prominent area figure in local law enforcement and politics, died at the age of 82 on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, at his home. Bright's death marks the end of a significant chapter in the Village of East Alton, where he dedicated much of his life to public service. Born on June 24, 1942, in Granite City, Bright served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War before embarking on a lengthy career in law enforcement. He began his career with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department at the County Jail, later joining the Alton Police Department. His tenure culminated in a role as Chief of Police for the Village of East Alton, after which he served as Major with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. Notably, Bright was a graduate of the FBI Academy. Bright also held the office of Mayor of East Alton for five terms, during which he was known for his commitment to the village and its employees. Darren Carlton, the current Mayor of East Alton,

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