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Attorney General Charges Carlyle Man With Possession, Reproduction Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

9 months 3 weeks ago
CARLYLE – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Carlyle, Illinois man with the possession and reproduction of child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Mickail S. Cranford, 24, in Clinton County Circuit Court with five counts of reproduction of child pornography, Class X felonies each punishable by up to 30 years in prison; and 10 counts of possession of child pornography, Class 2 felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Cranford is detained at the Clinton County Jail, and his next court date is scheduled for Oct. 9. “Child exploitation can cause trauma to survivors and their families that can lead to a lifetime of physical and

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Bost, Wagner, Call On VA To Prioritize St. louis Hospital Modernization

9 months 3 weeks ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Mike Bost (IL-12) and Ann Wagner (MO-2) led efforts today calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to move forward with critical improvements at the John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis. In a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, Bost and Wagner emphasized the urgent need to fund the replacement of the hospital's aging bed tower and modernize clinical services to ensure veterans from across Missouri and Southern Illinois receive the high-quality care they have earned. The letter, also signed by U.S. Reps. Sam Graves (MO-6), Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3), and Jason Smith (MO-8), comes after repeated delays despite longstanding recognition that upgrades are needed for the medical center. "For far too long, St. Louis and Metro East Illinois veterans served by the John A. Cochran VA Hospital have been waiting for improved medical facilities," said Bost. "The VA has recognized for well over a decade that the hospital’s bed tower

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Madison County: Westbound I-270 Lane Closures Near Granite City Begin Sept. 20  

9 months 3 weeks ago
GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that repairs to westbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require one lane to be closed starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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Mississippi Earthtones Festival Returns To Alton Amphitheater On Sept. 21

9 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - Alton Main Street , the Sierra Club Illinois ’ Three Rivers Project and Jacoby Arts Center are announcing the return of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival to Alton’s Riverfront Amphitheater on Saturday, September 21st from noon until 10:00 p.m. This 18th annual free event boasts 25 environmental education exhibits, 95 eco-friendly artists and makers, and 10 culinary vendors. The popular festival attracts approximately 5,000 community members and tourists to Downtown Alton to celebrate our river through art, music, and conservation every third Saturday in September. The theme of this year’s MEF is ‘Emerge and Be Heard’, and Alton’s riverfront will be filled with art that interprets this subject. Local artists have been commissioned to build large installations that will enhance the festival grounds and delight festival goers. The Riverbend Yarn Bombers are knitting & crocheting a fantastical walk-through yarn cottage and garden, whic

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J.D. Vance doesn’t care about your so-called “truth”

9 months 3 weeks ago
Jesus Christ: Asked about Haitians immigrants legally working and living in the United States through Temporary Protected Status, Vance criticized the Biden administration for granting that status to Haitians, asserting that the government had “illegally” given them that protection and saying that he would still refer to them as “illegal aliens” anyway. Not only are ...continue reading "J.D. Vance doesn’t care about your so-called “truth”"
Kevin Drum

CMT Recognizes 'Champions Of Transit:' City of Fairview Heights Receives 2024 New Initiatives Award

9 months 3 weeks ago
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – the region’s transit advocacy organization – recognized five “Champions of Transit” at its 40th Annual Meeting, held in downtown St. Louis on Sept. 13. During the event, CMT presented the 2024 Chairman’s Award to its General Counsel Larry Katzenstein ; the 2024 New Initiatives Award to the City of Fairview Heights and 2024 Service Awards to Ten Toe Express® walk leader Mary Fran Balmer and longtime Metro Transit employees Eddie Cooley and Bruce Williams . CMT’s “Champions of Transit” awards are given on an annual basis and designed to celebrate the efforts of organizations, municipalities and individuals advocating for a safe and effective transit system in the St. Louis region. Katzenstein , of the Central West End, who received the 2024 Chairman’s Award, has voluntarily served as CMT’s general counsel for more than three decades. Over

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Edwardsville Police Fundraising Policy Raises $1,560 for Humane Society

9 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE — In a unique twist to a workplace grooming policy, the Edwardsville Police Department has found a charitable outlet for its "no beard" rule. Officers who wish to sport facial hair can do so by paying for the privilege, with the funds raised being donated to various local organizations. Today, the Metro East Humane Society received a donation of $1,560 from the department. Officers gathered to present the check to the society. The initiative allows department employees to vote each quarter on where the collected funds will be directed. Previous recipients have included the Madison County Juvenile Diversion Program, Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, Glen-Ed Pantry, Edwardsville Neighbors, Main Street Community Center, and The Stork Foundation for Infertility. This quarterly practice not only fosters community support but also brings a personal touch to the department's charitable efforts.

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