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Additional Suspects Charged in Oakwood Avenue Homicide Investigation

1 month 2 weeks ago
ALTON – As the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division continues to leave no stone unturned in the investigation into the tragic July 4, 2025, homicide of 17-year-old Shabrya L. Hudson, additional charges have been filed against two more individuals connected to this case. On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, under the direction of State’s Attorney Tom Haine, issued the following charges: • Tamadrey C. Ballinger, a 20-year-old male from Alton on Two Counts of First Degree Murder and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm. • Brashonda D. Colley, a 44-year old female from Alton of Obstructing Justice. Both individuals were taken into custody on Tuesday evening, July 8, 2025. Ballinger is being held pending a detention hearing, while Colley was released in accordance with the terms of her arrest warrant. Relating to today’s charges against Ballinger, the Alton Police Department is working

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James Avant In East St. Louis Graduation Ceremony Highlights Student Success And Future Goals

1 month 2 weeks ago
EAST ST. LOUIS - Recently, James Avant Elementary School in East St. Louis School District 189 held its Fifth-Grade Promotional Ceremony to honor students moving on to middle school. The event celebrated the achievements of the graduating fifth graders and marked an important transition in their academic journey. School officials and staff extended congratulations to the students for their dedication and hard work. “Your commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed,” the school stated, acknowledging the students’ accomplishments. While the students will no longer be on the James Avant Elementary campus, teachers, administrators, and support staff expressed enthusiasm about watching them continue to succeed within the district. The ceremony served as a milestone for the young scholars as they prepared to embark on the next phase of their education in School District 189. The school encouraged the students to maintain their efforts with the message: “Keep

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Hands-On Career Training Will Be Enhanced By Newcomer Dan Cichlar At CM

1 month 2 weeks ago
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School has welcomed Dan Cichlar as its new Career & Technical Education teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. Cichlar will lead the Construction, DIY, and Introduction to Technology & Engineering classes, bringing real-world experience and a hands-on teaching approach to the curriculum. Civic Memorial announced Cichlar’s appointment recently, highlighting his role in providing students with practical skills and opportunities to explore careers in trades and technology. “I am inspired to help students discover their potential, take pride in craftsmanship, and build a foundation for a meaningful and successful future,” Cichlar said. School officials expressed enthusiasm about Cichlar joining the team. "His real-world knowledge and hands-on approach will give students exciting opportunities to learn practical skills and explore future careers in the trades and technology," CM officials said. "We’re thrilled to have him join the

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Mia Rose Principals Form Holding Company; Acquire West County GC

1 month 2 weeks ago

by Tom Finan, Executive Director/Co-Founder, Construction Forum Otter & Company Capital Holdings, a new firm formed by the principals of multi-family developer Mia Rose Holdings, has acquired Chesterfield-based contractor Keystone Construction. Otter acquired all the stock of Keystone for an undisclosed amount. It closed on the acquisition on July 2. Otter and Company was founded […]

The post Mia Rose Principals Form Holding Company; Acquire West County GC appeared first on Construction Forum.

Tom Finan

Search Teams Discover 65-Year-Old Randolph County Resident Near Home

1 month 2 weeks ago
RANDOLPH COUNTY — Curtis Scott Sheeler, 65, was found deceased near his home in Randolph County on Tuesday morning, July 8, 2025, following a multi-agency search prompted by his family’s missing person report. Sheeler had been reported missing on Sunday, July 5, 2025, when family members requested a welfare check at his residence. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office initiated a search that evening, which included checking Sheeler’s home, surrounding areas, and the homes of friends. Despite initial efforts, Sheeler was not located until the next day. On July 8, the sheriff’s office coordinated a larger search involving multiple agencies, including the Sparta Fire Department, Franklin County Office of Emergency Management Special Operations (OEMC) K-9 team, Baldwin Fire, Red Bud Fire, Ellis Grove Fire, Prairie Du Rocher Fire, and Med Star Ambulance Service. Sheeler’s body was discovered in an area adjacent to his property during the coordinated

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Lauren Jackson Embraces Teaching Dream As Autism Specialist In O'Fallon School District 90

1 month 2 weeks ago
O'FALLON - Lauren Jackson, a woman who says she can't wait to make a difference in her students' lives, has accepted a position with the O’Fallon School District as a new Autism teacher at Estelle Kampmeyer Elementary. Jackson also said she has "always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a little girl, and it’s surreal to have that dream come true.” Jackson attributes her university studies, practicum experience, and student teaching to preparing her to work with students of all abilities. She is very excited to join the O’Fallon School District 90 team. “I have appreciated the warm welcome I have received since I accepted my position,” she said. “Everyone has been so kind and has made me more than excited to begin this new chapter in my life.” Lauren loves to craft in her free time, spend time outdoors, and also spend time with her friends and family.

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Judge turns down attempt by Trump administration to dismiss Abrego Garcia suit

1 month 2 weeks ago
A federal judge in Maryland on Wednesday denied the Trump administration’s attempts to dismiss a lawsuit by wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was returned to the United States last month. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis submitted a brief paperless order that did not elaborate on her reasoning for denying two government requests to dismiss […]
Jacob Fischler

US Education Department to revive student loan interest for borrowers in SAVE program

1 month 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON — Interest accrual on the debt of nearly 7.7 million student loan borrowers enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education plan will resume Aug. 1, the U.S. Education Department said Wednesday. The Biden-era income-driven repayment plan better known as SAVE saw legal challenges from several GOP-led states beginning in 2024, creating uncertainty for […]
Shauneen Miranda

Doctors, advocates hold out hope for appeals in abortion privacy rule case

1 month 2 weeks ago
Two pending lawsuits over a 2024 federal rule protecting certain reproductive health information from disclosure are on hold while the Trump administration decides whether to appeal a Texas judge’s June decision that declared the rule unlawful and void. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk issued an opinion nullifying the federal rule that shielded reproductive health information from […]
Kelcie Moseley-Morris

Trinity Festival Provides All-Day Music to Help Local Animal Shelters

1 month 2 weeks ago
ALTON - The eighth annual Trinity Festival is returning to Alton. Starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, community members can come out to Milton Schoolhouse for the festival, featuring 16 bands and musicians, even more vendors, and lots of fun for a good cause. Proceeds from the festival go to Trinity’s Way, a local nonprofit that supports environmental and animal rights organizations in memory of Trinity Buel. “It’s all in Trinity’s name,” said Greg, one of the organizers. “That’s how this all started. She couldn’t live her own dreams anymore, so we’re trying to fulfill them for her.” Trinity Festival is an annual event that brings the community together to enjoy music and vendors. Previously hosted in Calhoun County, organizers decided to return to Alton this year and host the event at Milton Schoolhouse. There will be two stages at Milton, with performances from 12 p.m. to midnight on Aug. 2. You can

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