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Two From Jerseyville Face Mob Action Charges In Madison County

11 months 2 weeks ago
JERSEYVILLE – Two Jerseyville residents have been charged with mob action in separate but related Madison County criminal cases. Randall W. Barnes, 35 , and Saranda R. Green, 29 , both of Jerseyville, were each charged with a Class 4 felony count of mob action on Jan. 23, 2025. On Dec. 17, 2024, the two allegedly worked together in approaching someone’s vehicle before attempting to force entry and “threatening to batter the victim,” according to court documents. Both cases were presented by the Alton Police Department, and both Barnes and Green were granted pretrial release from custody. Charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Granite City Sees Multiple Mob Action Cases

11 months 2 weeks ago
GRANITE CITY – The Granite City Police Department has charged four individuals in two separate cases with pairing up to commit mob action. Charles A. Payne, 61, and B randon M. Payne, 29, both of Granite City, each face Class 3 felony counts of aggravated battery and Class 4 felony counts of mob action. On Jan. 20, 2025, the two allegedly worked together in str iking an individual “about the head and body, causing lacerations” while in a public place at Patrick’s Bar in Granite City, according to court documents. Both individuals were granted pretrial release in the ir cases, which were presented by the Granite City Police Department on Jan. 29, 2025. In two separate cases filed just two days prior, Zachary A. Hildebrand, 36, and Ronald J. Hildebrand, 33, also of Granite City, were also charged with Class 4 felony counts of mob action. The two reportedly acted together and with “another unknown individual” in battering a victim

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Firefighters Contain Shed Fire in Rosewood Heights Backyard

11 months 2 weeks ago
ROSEWOOD HEIGHTS – The Rosewood Heights Fire Department responded to a fire in the 100 block of Dell Avenue on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 4, 2025, where a shed was on fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene and found the shed ablaze in the backyard of a residence. Access to the fire was initially hindered by nearby fences, but crews were able to quickly bring the fire under control before it could spread further. According to neighbors, there was a report of someone burning leaves in the vicinity prior to the fire's outbreak. No injuries have been reported, and the fire department is currently investigating the cause of the incident.

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Governor Pritzker and Illinois Department of Revenue Encourage Taxpayers to Take Advantage of Tax Credits

11 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO - Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are encouraging eligible Illinoisans to take advantage of savings offered by tax credits when filing their 2024 income tax returns this year. “Depending on circumstances, taxpayers may be able to reduce the amount of taxes owed or receive larger refunds through tax credits,” explained Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris . “I urge all taxpayers to double-check their eligibility status and take advantage of these benefits when filing their tax returns this year.” The Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To claim an Illinois EITC for tax year 2024 (tax returns due in 2025), taxpayers must file an Illinois income tax return, even if they do not owe any tax and are not required to file and: have worked and earned income under $66,819 (income amount is dependent upon filing status and number of qualifying

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Missouri Republicans push to make laws restricting transgender minors permanent

11 months 2 weeks ago
Over 100 people traveled to the Missouri Capitol Monday to testify against bills that would place additional restrictions on transgender children. Some brought posters to show their opposition to the legislation. Others made more subtle gestures, like crocheting in the colors of the transgender flag.Democratic lawmakers placed blue and pink cups reminiscent of the transgender flag on their desks bearing the message β€œBe strong, be you!” The eight hours of discussion, stretching past midnight,…
Annelise Hanshaw

DCEO Celebrates Black History Month

11 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today launched its annual Black History Month campaign, designed to honor and uplift the contributions of Black Illinoisans, business owners and leaders. DCEO, through its Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3), will host virtual and in-person events throughout February to spotlight long-standing Black businesses across Illinois highlight Black business accomplishments and contributions to the state, and showcase the State of Illinois’ commitment to growing and investing in Black businesses. As part of the month-long celebration, DCEO launched a webpage featuring events and resources, including resources to support Black-owned businesses, a social media toolkit , and more. The 2025 theme, Legacy and Impact, pays homage to Illinois’ rich Black history and celebrates the economic and cultural contributions of Black Illinoisans. “Black-owned businesses are at the heart

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Lunchtime Photo

11 months 2 weeks ago
Since water is in the news, here's a picture of the Hinds Pumping Station in Riverside County. But it has nothing to do with water from the north. It feeds the Colorado River Aqueduct, which begins about a hundred miles east at Lake Havasu. Here in Southern California, we steal our water from a great ...continue reading "Lunchtime Photo"
Kevin Drum

EXO Lounge to Host Galentine's Day with Champagne, Chocolate, Specials and More

11 months 2 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge invites the community to come out and enjoy a fun Galentine’s Day evening with specials, champagne, music and more. From 6–10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, community members can receive plenty of perks at EXO Lounge in Edwardsville to celebrate Galentine’s Day, a holiday modeled after Valentine’s Day that celebrates friendships between women. Lauran Rayner, who organized the party, explained that the goal is to bring friends together and give them a night of affordable luxury. “Basically, we’re just wanting people to grab their girls, their friends, and pamper themselves with a Galentine’s Day event,” Rayner said. “There’s going to be drink specials. They can book their manicure and pedicure during or before the party, and just celebrate that friendship, fun and fabulous vibe.” Attendees can enjoy EXO’s regular nail bar and med spa services in addition to food and drink

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