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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the establishment of the first-ever Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) within the Attorney General’s office, launching Illinois’ first targeted effort to evaluate the integrity of convictions throughout the state. The CIU will investigate claims of actual innocence to determine whether new, credible evidence substantially proves the innocence of individuals serving time for crimes they did not commit. “Over the past five years, we have worked with state’s attorneys, appellate justices, the Department of Justice and others to establish a unit within my office that would solely focus on reviewing wrongful convictions, seeking relief when warranted and preventing the devastation caused when someone is wrongfully convicted,” Raoul said. “Wrongful convictions destroy lives, diminish faith in our criminal justice system, and put victims and the general public at risk, as true perpetrators of crimes

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ALTON - An Alton resident has been charged with the sexual abuse and assault of a 10-year-old victim. Bryden A. Barnes, 20, of the 1700 block of Belle Street in Alton, was charged on Nov. 7, 2024 with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child (a Class X felony) and aggravated criminal sexual abuse (a Class 2 felony). From Jan. 1 to July 31, 2023, Barnes allegedly sexually assaulted and abused a victim who was 10 years old at the time of the incident. According to a petition to deny Barnes’ pretrial release, In July of 2024, the victim in this case disclosed to a medical provider that she had been sexually abused by Barnes when she was 10 years old. She detailed the incident in an interview with the Madison County Child Advocacy Center on July 30, 2024. Barnes was interviewed by Alton Police Department on Nov. 6, 2024. During his interview, he “stated that he was wrestling” with the victim and admitted to committing the acts of sexual abuse and assault.

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BRUSSELS — Brussels CUSD #42 today celebrates our staff and students as the Illinois State Board of Education releases the 2024 Illinois Report Card, a detailed look at student performance data from the 2023-24 school year. Our students achieved above the state average in all areas. These gains reflect the district’s investments in staff professional development, college and career readiness and student achievement. “Our staff’s dedication to meeting the needs of each student in and out of the classroom has led to our high school being one of the top 10% in the state,” said Superintendent Dr. Nancy Bitner. “Our elementary school is building strong foundations that contributed to both the high school’s exemplary designation and their own commendable designation. At Brussels we have placed a high value on meeting every student where they are and providing support to ensure they are meeting their full potential.” Brussels also saw no

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EAST ST. LOUIS — The Illinois State Board of Education recently revealed the spring 2024 Illinois Report Card to update the public on how each school and district are progressing on a wide range of educational goals. IllinoisReportCard.com is the state’s official source for information about public schools across Illinois. One primary element of the School Report Card is the annual summative designation, which indicates how effectively schools are meeting the diverse needs of all students. Summative designations are calculated by assigning each school points across a range of academic and student success indicators, such as graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, and academic growth. Schools can receive one of five designations: Exemplary, Commendable, Targeted Support, Comprehensive Support, or Intensive Support. Of the East St. Louis School District’s 9 eligible schools*, 7 were awarded a COMMENDABLE designation by the State of Illinois in 2024. “We

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Letter to Editor: Community Members, My name is Craig Lombardi, and I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the position of Mayor of Godfrey. Having spent my entire life in Godfrey, I am proud to call this community my home. I am a dedicated husband to my lovely wife, Amy, and a proud father of three boys. Additionally, my brother, Mike Lombardi, and my mother, Ramona Brown, both reside in Godfrey. I actively participate in several local organizations, including the board of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary, the North Alton Business Council, and the Alton Athletic Association, where Amy serves as president. Over the years, I have contributed significantly to the Alton Irish and Bluff City Baseball organizations. Additionally, Amy and I have successfully organized music trivia events that have raised substantial funds for St. Mary’s, Alton High School, and Evangelical. I also play a vital role in an annual initiative called Freezin For Funds, which supports local charities. With

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Architect Alex Metzger explained the timeline of the secure double entry construction project at the recent Board of Education work session. Over the past year, the district has been in the process of installing secure double entries at each school. Last summer, they installed entries at Cassens Elementary School, Goshen Elementary School, Liberty Middle School, Midway Elementary School and Worden Elementary School. During the summer of 2025, secure double entries will be installed at Edwardsville High School, Glen Carbon Elementary School, Leclaire Elementary School, Woodland Elementary School, Hamel Elementary School, Columbus Elementary School and Nelson Elementary School. “This upcoming summer, we are looking at doing the rest of the district, so that includes a light renovation at the high school, Glen , Leclaire,” Metzger said. “Woodland will have a light renovation. In Hamel, we’re

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Fairview Heights police arrested a wanted fugitive from Missouri on Wednesday morning after receiving information that he was staying at the Super 8 Hotel. Jared H. Combs, a 39-year-old white male, was wanted on multiple felony warrants from Franklin County, Mo., including charges of sexual assault, kidnapping, domestic violence, and possession of a controlled substance. The arrest attempt occurred around 10 a.m. as officers observed Combs in the hotel parking lot walking his pit bull. According to police, Combs resisted arrest and fell into a deep ravine during the encounter. Officers deployed a Taser as he attempted to flee but he managed to escape into a wooded area on the north side of the ravine. In response to the situation, law enforcement set up a perimeter and called for assistance from additional agencies, including police K9 units, drones, and air support. After approximately one hour of searching, a drone located Combs, who was subsequently taken int

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EDWARDSVILLE - During their work session on Nov. 12, 2024, the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education reviewed recent scores on the Illinois School Report Card. The Illinois School Report Card considers a district’s test scores, attendance record, culture and more. Edwardsville’s 13 schools all received “commendable” designations. Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton explained how to access and navigate the report card’s data online . “You can spend days in the site, looking at different levels of data,” Shelton said. “The more you click, the more information you can get to.” The Board noted that Edwardsville High School scored less than a point away from the “exemplary” designation, which would put the school in the top 5% of high schools in Illinois. “You can see where the line is for ‘exemplary’ and you can see where Edwardsville scored as a result,” Shelton

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today that lane closures will take effect on eastbound Interstate 64 starting Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 7 a.m., and will continue through Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 6 p.m., weather permitting. The closures will affect the right lane between 15th Street and Illinois Route 111. The right lane will remain closed for the duration of the project, while the adjacent right two lanes will also be closed daily from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All entrance and exit ramps will remain open during this time. These lane restrictions are necessary for pavement maintenance in the area, with IDOT District 8 crews performing the required improvements. Full access to the roadway will be restored as soon as possible. Motorists are advised to expect delays and to allow extra time for travel through this area. To minimize inconvenience, drivers are encouraged to consider alternate routes when feasible. IDOT

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BELLEVILLE – Two men have been charged following a shooting incident that occurred on the evening of Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, in the first block of East “D” Street in Belleville. The Belleville Police Department responded to reports of shots fired at approximately 7:49 p.m. and discovered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers on the scene provided immediate treatment for the victims' non-life-threatening injuries before they were transported to a local hospital for further medical attention. According to police, a disturbance had erupted between two groups, leading to the exchange of gunfire. Following the incident, one suspect was apprehended at the scene, while a second suspect was taken into custody during a traffic stop nearby. On Nov. 10, 2024, Belleville Police Detectives presented the investigation's findings to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office. After reviewing the case, the State’s Attorney's office filed

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Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends, celebrating gratitude, and, of course, indulging in an array of delicious foods. Organizing your Thanksgiving menu can be a daunting task, especially when trying to accommodate diverse tastes and dietary restrictions. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can create a memorable meal that delights your guests. Here are some tips to help you organize your Thanksgiving menu effectively. Understand Your Guests’ Preferences Before diving into the specifics of your menu, it's essential to understand who will be attending your Thanksgiving gathering. Consider the following: Dietary Restrictions Ask your guests about any dietary restrictions or preferences they may have. Common restrictions include vegetarianism, veganism, gluten intolerance, and allergies (e.g., nuts, dairy). Knowing this information upfront will help you make informed decisions when planning your menu. Favorite Dishes Inquire about any

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – Steve Litman Presents Black Violin, Full Circle Tour, with special guest Abraham Alexander to The Sheldon Concert Hall on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $80.50, $68 and $55.50, and go on sale November 15 at 10 a.m. online at MetroTix.com or by calling MetroTix at 314-534-1111. Tickets are also available one hour before show time at The Sheldon box office. Step into Black Violin’s Full Circle Tour, where GRAMMY-nominated duo Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus redefine the possibilities of music by merging classical depth with hip-hop’s pulse. This tour captures the essence of returning to where it all began—transformed and reimagined. Each powerful performance invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys, discovering that even as we evolve, we’re often drawn back to our roots with renewed purpose. From high school orchestra classmates to groundbreaking artists, Black Violin’s path reflects resilience,

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November 13th has seen a myriad of significant events throughout history, impacting various spheres such as politics, science, culture, and social movements. One of the most notable events on November 13th occurred in 1942, during World War II. The Battle of Guadalcanal was reaching a critical point. This battle was the first major offensive by Allied forces against the Empire of Japan. The campaign aimed to secure the island of Guadalcanal, which housed a vital airfield. The intense fighting marked a turning point in the Pacific Theater, as Allied forces began to gain the upper hand. The battle lasted several months and ultimately contributed significantly to the weakening of Japanese forces in the region, setting the stage for future Allied offensives. Fast forward to 1969, where a significant milestone in space exploration took place. NASA launched the Apollo 12 mission, which aimed to land on the Moon. This mission was particularly notable as it followed the historic Apollo

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JERSEYVILLE - Lions Club Park in Jerseyville is one step closer to getting nearly $1.5 million in upgrades, including a splash pad, bathhouse with open air pavilion, sand volleyball courts, and more. City Council members on Tuesday unanimously awarded Stutz Excavating, LLC of Alton the bid for Phase 2 improvements to the park. The total estimated cost of the project is $1,496,950. The project’s second phase will bring “a splash pad, bathhouse with open air pavilion, sand volleyball courts, outdoor ping-pong and cornhole, lighting and fencing, and related site improvements” to the park, according to a city press release . These Phase 2 upgrades have been years in the making as the city’s Parks and Recreation Department sought funding for the project. Councilman Zach Crawford, who is also the city’s Commissioner of Public Property, said two grants have since been secured: a $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR

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ALTON - ‘Tis the season for holiday shopping and the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois is full of local makers and producers ready to help inspire with one-of-a-kind gifts. From Carlinville to Collinsville and all cities and towns in-between, southwest Illinois offers shopping destinations that will help everyone find the perfect gift for even the most hard-to-buy-for person. Take your pick of hand thrown pottery, delicious flavored popcorn and fudge, beautifully scented candles, soaps and so much more. “The Great Rivers & Routes region is a great place for holiday shoppers who are looking for unique and distinct gifts. Our local makers infuse their products with the flavors, scents and colors of the region,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes region noted. “If people are looking for great shopping, then southwest Illinois is the place to go.” For those who are looking for shopping fun, paired with the

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JERSEYVILLE - Families are invited to the tenth annual Downtown Country Christmas Festival in Jerseyville for games, visits with Santa, a parade and more. On Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, kids of all ages and their loved ones can come out to City Center Park in Jerseyville. The festivities kick off at 1 p.m., and Santa Claus will be arriving by helicopter at 1:30 p.m. Kids can enjoy a movie, bounce houses, activities and Elf School, all for free. The event will conclude with a City of Jerseyville tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. and a parade to Dolan Park at 5:30 p.m. “We’re getting people into a small town that isn’t really on the beaten path and celebrating what it is to be a community,” said Michael Ward, one of the organizers. “We definitely try to make it the best experience possible for anyone who comes.” The games have been “revamped,” so there are new activities and bounce houses for kids to enjoy. One of the local businesses

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ALTON - The Alton Little Theater (ALT) is set to present its rendition of Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol," directed by Kevin D. Frakes, from December 13 to December 22. This production marks a significant milestone for Frakes, who has been a fixture at ALT for 54 years and has chosen this beloved holiday tale as his final directorial project. Frakes, who celebrates his birthday on December 17, has expressed gratitude to the audiences that have supported him throughout his career. He plans to enjoy a well-deserved break with family in Godfrey and Chicago after the production concludes on December 23, followed by travels across the United States, with a particular focus on visiting national parks. The cast of "A Christmas Carol" features 28 performers, including ALT veterans Hal Morgan as Ebenezer Scrooge and Alex Trepka as Bob Cratchit. Cameron Ulrich takes on the role of Charles Dickens, serving as the narrator of this multi-generational story. Knox Schell, who made his

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SAINT LOUIS - The St. Louis Museum of Illusions has partnered with STEM.org to bring STEM education to its visitors. Located at 3730 Foundry Way Suite 168 in St. Louis, the Museum of Illusions allows visitors to experience optical illusions. Through this new collaboration, educators can take advantage of K–12 lesson plans to help their students learn more about the science behind the illusions. “We wanted to make sure that we were still providing that exceptional STEM-based experience,” explained Julissa Noyola, Director of Sales and Partnerships. “A lot of our teachers have asked for more. We saw the need and we met it. Partnering with STEM.org is going to give us this opportunity to offer really tailored lesson plans that coincide or go hand-in-hand with our exhibit spaces.” STEM.org is a STEM education research and credentialing organization. They have worked with the Museum of Illusions to provide tailored lesson plans and other interactive

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Letter To The Editor: I have performed clean-up efforts in Edwardsville, Alton, East Alton, Wood River, Roxana, and Bethalto (please check my public post under Rusty Wheat on Facebook) and each time I have my Chain gang signs out for public view, I use the county issued IDOT orange bags to draw attention. Recently people have contacted Senator Harriss's office in Springfield and have even spoken out at the Wood River City Council meeting regarding the use of my not-for-profit charter name "Chain Gang" as being a racist organization and being insensitive to the plight of less fortunate individuals. People can think what they want about the name, but what it means to me and why I use it is very simple. It means "Ties to my Community" and nothing more. The Chain is my "Tie", and the Gang is "MY Community." Ties to my community, it's straightforward and nothing about it is racist, I work alone and believe in leading by example. Rusty Wheat

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US Fire Engines Working on the Frontlines in Ukraine PEORIA - As Russia continues to attack Odesa, Ukraine for a third straight day, US fire engines and ambulances are playing a key role in the emergency response. Since October of 2022, US Ambulances for Ukraine has played a key role in supplying volunteer fire fighters in Odesa with equipment, ambulances and fire engines. The Volunteer Fire Association of Ukraine in Odesa have received donated fire engines and ambulances from Illinois, California, Indiana, and Virginia. These vehicles have been working practically nonstop for the past three nights as Russia continues to indiscriminately target the port city with suicide drones. "While we continue to be horrified by the images coming from Ukraine, we are gratified to see the vehicles we have delivered to volunteer fire fighters in Odesa making a difference", said Chris Manson, founder of US Ambulances for Ukraine, an Illinois-based nonprofit organization. To date, US Ambulances

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