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Beginners Night

2 months 4 weeks ago

Looking to try out chess in a welcoming, judgment-free environment? Come to the Saint Louis Chess Club to learn and play with other beginners! Led by our friendly and experienced […]

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Myranda Levins

Why False Equivalence Is One Of Democracy’s Most Dangerous Lies

2 months 4 weeks ago
There’s a trick at the center of American political discourse—so deeply embedded that even well-meaning people don’t realize they’re performing it. It goes like this: if you’re a fair-minded individual, you must believe that both political parties are fundamentally the same. To assert a meaningful difference in their commitment to truth, democracy, or constitutional governance […]
Mike Brock

Substitute Teacher Admits Sexual Abuse of 11-Year-Old Student

2 months 4 weeks ago
DECATUR — A former substitute teacher in Decatur has pleaded guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault after admitting to having sex with an 11-year-old student during multiple visits to her home, authorities said. Alley Bardfield, 34, who worked for Decatur Public Schools, is scheduled to be sentenced in September 2025.The incidents occurred during what were described as “play dates” at Bardfield’s residence in Mt. Zion throughout 2023 and 2024, according to a lawsuit filed by the victim’s parents. The boy’s mother became concerned after noticing changes in her son’s behavior following a visit to Bardfield’s home. Upon reviewing his phone and social media accounts, she found messages between the student and Bardfield and discovered that Bardfield had sent $700 to the boy via CashApp. During a subsequent conversation, the child disclosed a sexual encounter with Bardfield on March 29, 2024, Mt. Zion Police said. The victim was a sixth-grade

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Edwardsville Residents Advised to Ignore Jury Duty Calls Asking for Info

2 months 4 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Officials are warning Edwardsville residents about a telephone scam involving false jury service notifications, according to Ryan M. Anderson, Trial Court Administrator. The scam involves callers leaving messages claiming the recipient missed jury duty. The caller provides a fictitious name, phone number, and email address, urging the recipient to respond. Authorities advise people to hang up immediately and avoid sharing any personal information. “If you have missed jury duty, you would receive a letter from the Circuit Court requesting you to come into court in front of a judge to explain why you were unable to make it to a scheduled jury service,” Anderson said. The warning comes amid an increase in reports from residents receiving these fraudulent calls in Edwardsville. Court officials emphasize that official jury notifications are sent by mail and do not involve phone messages requesting personal details.

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