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How Kansas City is both defined, and held back, by the state line

1 year ago
As the Kansas City Royals scour the region for a new stadium site, and as the Chiefs weigh whether to renovate Arrowhead or move, a familiar story unfolds. The two states are at it again. Soon after Jackson County voters soundly rejected a ⅜-cent sales to fund a downtown Royals ballpark and similar subsidies to […]
Mark Wiebe

Civic Memorial High School's Illinois State Scholars Announced

1 year ago
BETHALTO – Civic Memorial High School principal, Mr. Justin Newell, is pleased to announce that 15 students from the Civic Memorial’s graduating class of 2025 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, confers this important recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students annually. This year, more than 16,500 honorees join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958. Principal Newell stated, "Our Illinois State Scholars exemplify the spirit of being ALL IN through their dedication, hard work, and commitment to academic excellence. Their achievements inspire us all and demonstrate what it means to strive for greatness at Civic Memorial High School." The following students have been named Illinois State Scholars: John Bowker, Ryne Breyer, Abigail Clowers, Gabrielle

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Behind the Blog: What Is Real?

1 year ago
This is Behind the Blog, where we share our behind-the-scenes thoughts about how a few of our top stories of the week came together. This week, we discuss weird fake furniture and shared reality (or the lack thereof).
Samantha Cole

Remembering Debbie "Sissy" Paynic, Co-Owner of Bubby and Sissy's and Friend to Many

1 year ago
ALTON - Debbie “Sissy” Paynic, co-owner of Bubby and Sissy’s in Alton, leaves behind a legacy of love. Debbie died on Jan. 3, 2025, following a seven-year battle with ovarian cancer. Her brother, Michael “Bubby” Paynic, remembers her as an active, welcoming presence at the bar and beyond. “When people would come in the bar, she would always say, ‘Hey, I'm Sissy,’” Michael said. “She was always very welcoming to people and really fun, just always had a smile on her face, always liked to have fun.” Debbie enjoyed waterskiing and traveling. She was a diehard Cardinals fan and worked as an usher at Busch Stadium. She loved ball, even going so far as to finish a chemo treatment and still go to work because she enjoyed it so much. She graduated from Roxana High School and played softball and field hockey at SIUE. She was also involved in the Piasa Indians Drill Team and the Belleville Black Knights Drum & Bugle Corps.

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Granite City Postal Carrier Sentenced To Prison For Stealing Credit Cards From The Mail

1 year ago
EAST ST. LOUIS – Lakeatra E. White, a 32-year-old postal carrier from Granite City, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for stealing credit cards from the mail and using them for personal expenses. The sentencing took place in a Southern Illinois district court after White pleaded guilty in September 2024 to charges including theft of mail by a postal employee, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft. In addition to her prison sentence, White will serve three years of supervised release and has been ordered to pay $15,209.11 in restitution. The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized the breach of trust inherent in her actions. “Mail carriers are entrusted public servants, and postal workers who steal from their customers choose to break that trust,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. She noted that the office will continue to work with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General to hold accountable those who commit fraud. White, who worke

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