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Mayor Goins Addresses Crime Reports in Alton: "Our Police Department is Making a Difference"

1 year 2 months ago
ALTON - In response to recent media reports suggesting an increase in crime and police calls for service in Alton under Mayor David Goins’ administration, a thorough inquiry was conducted to clarify the facts. The Alton Police Department has released data showing that overall crime in the city has not increased during Mayor Goins' term, contrary to what some reports have suggested. The inquiry focused on eight major crime categories: murder, sexual assault, arson, robbery, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and assaults. The data, covering Mayor Goins' administration from 2021 to 2023, reveals that most crime categories have either decreased or remained consistent when compared to the previous administration. Notably, robberies, burglaries, and thefts have all seen a decline. While motor vehicle theft has experienced a slight increase, other serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault, assault, and arson have remained steady. Regarding police calls for service, the data

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This Year's SIUE Xfest Presents 'A Festival of Alternative Theater'

1 year 2 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE - A dazzling, unique display of theatrical performances are lined up for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 13th Xfest from Monday -Thursday, Sept. 9-12, 2024. Xfest is a five-day festival in September featuring alternative theatre and dance that brings to campus an array of performing artists, who are nationally and internationally renowned, as well as regional emerging artists, according to Xfest Artistic Director Chuck Harper, professor of performance in the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance. “The artists present original works and lead workshops, master classes and seminars for department majors and minors,” said Harper. “Community members are welcome to join us for all performances and for the post-show open talks.” Opening the festival will be “Get Wet! with Deenie Nast,” presented by Ten Directions. The play, which will be at 7 p.m. at the Metcalf Theater on campus, was created and will be performed b

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AI Checkers Forcing Kids To Write Like A Robot To Avoid Being Called A Robot

1 year 2 months ago
Can the fear of students using generative AI and the rise of questionable AI “checker” tools create a culture devoid of creativity? It’s a topic that is curiously one worth delving into a bit more deeply, in part because of something that happened this weekend. Earlier this year, we had a post by Alan Kyle […]
Mike Masnick

The Turnout Debate

1 year 2 months ago
Today on TAP: Will better-than-average mobilization of the potential Democratic base rescue Harris-Walz from a cliff-hanger election?
Robert Kuttner

Rep. Amy Elik Shares Tips for Seniors on Fighting Fraud

1 year 2 months ago
GLEN CARBON - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) joined forces with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office at Meridian Village this week for a seminar focused on equipping seniors with tools to fight fraud. Fraud expert Marsha Griffin from the Attorney General’s office gave a presentation highlighting ways seniors are being targeted and how to be prepared. “Fraud schemes are becoming more and more realistic and serious every day. Seniors are targeted using complex tactics and are at constant risk of falling victim to fraud,” said Rep. Elik. “It’s important to be aware of the ways that these scammers are coming after you, and to know what to do if you’ve become victim to one of their elaborate schemes.” Rep. Elik shared these five tips that are important to know: Recognizing Suspicious Activities: It’s important to recognize common warning signs of fraud, which often include unexpected contact via phone or email, promises

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Taxing unrealized gains isn’t unusual, but it’s probably not a good idea anyway

1 year 2 months ago
Maybe I just read the wrong people, but I've sure seen a lot of chatter about Kamala Harris's proposal to tax unrealized capital gains. A couple of notes: The proposal is only for people with a net worth above $100 million. In practice it's really not a big deal. It's hardly unknown to tax unrealized ...continue reading "Taxing unrealized gains isn’t unusual, but it’s probably not a good idea anyway"
Kevin Drum

St. Louis search warrant seizes guns, illegal drugs

1 year 2 months ago
ST. LOUIS - Authorities seized multiple guns and illegal drugs while serving a search warrant at a north St. Louis home. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department says a long-term weapons and narcotics investigation led to a search warrant being enforced on the 5000 block of Geraldine. SLMPD reports that multiple guns and illegal drugs [...]
Nick Gladney