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Madigan Indicted On Racketeering Charges

3 years 10 months ago
CHICAGO - Michael Madigan, 79, former Illinois Speaker of the House, and once one of the most powerful men in the state for years, has been indicted on racketeering charges. An indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on March 2, 2022, after an investigation that took more than two years. A scheme with utility business Commonwealth Edison was part of the grand jury investigation. Madigan is accused of illegally soliciting business for his private property tax law firm in the indictment. The alleged scheme stretches from Chicago to Springfield and connects politicians, lobbyists, business and utility executives and Madigan's law firm. Madigan's close friend Michael McClain is named as a co-defendant, and prosecutors allege he carried out criminal activities at Madigan's behest. The indictment accuses Madigan and McClain and other members of the conspiracy of unlawfully soliciting benefits from businesses and other private entities, and accuses Madigan of engaging in multiple

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Very, Very Bad Ideas: Ukraine Asks ICANN To Disconnect Russia From The Internet

3 years 10 months ago
Much of the world is, correctly, standing up against Russia following its despicable invasion of Ukraine as part of Vladimir Putin’s power-mad fever dream. And in response there are lots of questions about how different companies are looking to punish, sanction, or limit Russian access to goods and services. Some of the ideas make sense. […]
Mike Masnick

Kaskaskia Engineering Group, LLC, Honored At ACEC Illinois Annual Awards

3 years 10 months ago
The team of Kaskaskia Engineering Group, LLC (KEG) is pleased to announce that they were honored as “Medium Firm of the Year” at the annual ACEC Illinois 2022 Engineering Excellence Awards. Founded in 2006, the engineering and construction firm has grown from a 3-person operation in a small, shared office space in Belleville, Illinois to its impressive portfolio today of 9 offices in 4 states, more than 50 employees, and countless successful infrastructure projects throughout the Midwest. KEG President and Founder Geri E. Boyer, PE accepted the award alongside members of her team at the annual Engineering Excellence Awards, hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Illinois. The event featured awards for projects throughout the State, as well as Firm of the Year Awards in three size categories: small, medium, and large. This was the inaugural year for the award. KEG was honored for its contributions to the success and growth of ACEC IL, its role i

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Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan indicted in racketeering conspiracy

3 years 10 months ago
CHICAGO β€” Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been indicted by federal prosecutors for his alleged role in a racketeering conspiracy linked to lobbying practices during his time in politics. Madigan, 79, is is charged with 22 counts, according to the indictment. Federal prosecutors allege Madigan was essentially the leader of a group that [...]
Alyssa Donovan

Edwardsville's Abel Anderson Named Tri-Cities Area Division Of United Way Board Chair

3 years 10 months ago
GRANITE CITY - Abel Anderson, Edwardsville community bank president at First Mid Bank & Trust, has been named 2022 auxiliary board chair for the Tri-Cities Area Division of United Way of Greater St. Louis. He succeeds Nancy LeVault, who held the chair position in 2020. “I feel fortunate that I have the ability to help others and support the community by volunteering my time as board chair for United Way and the Tri-Cities Area community,” Anderson said. “I know that United Way is supporting and investing in local nonprofits that are serving our community’s greatest needs and directly helping our neighbors, coworkers and friends.” With more than 15 years of banking and financial experience, Anderson has been with First Mid Bank & Trust since 2014. Prior to joining First Bank and Trust, he was with Centrue Bank and First National Bank of Ottawa. Anderson’s involvement with United Way spans nearly a decade, first serving as an allocations volunteer

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Lunchtime Photo

3 years 10 months ago
Here's an exceptionally nice photo of our local squirrel. He spends all his time chittering madly at both people and cats even though I keep telling him that nobody is even interested in his stupid pine cones. But he doesn't believe us. He probably never will.
Kevin Drum

Glen Carbon, Other Firefighters, Contain Apartment Fire In Quick Fashion From Other Units

3 years 10 months ago
GLEN CARBON - Area fire agencies always team together in a strong fashion to battle area blazes and another example occurred Saturday evening in Glen Carbon. The Glen Carbon Fire Protection District was dispatched to a structure last weekend in an apartment complex on West Main Street in the village. "Upon arrival crews were met with heavy fire in one of the three units," the Glen Carbon Fire Protection District said in a release. "With the help of members from the Edwardsville Fire Department, Maryville Fire Department, Mitchell Fire Department, and Madison County Emergency Management Agency crews were able to bring the fire under control and contain the damage to the apartment of origin. Highland EMS also provided station coverage during the incident." No injuries were reported and all crews returned to service at 12:30 Sunday morning.

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Federal Court Rejects Former US Ambassador's Attempt To Sue Google Over Things Telegram Users May Or May Not Have Posted

3 years 10 months ago
People feeling ways about stuff continue to file stupid lawsuits against all and sundry because, well, we have a pretty open court system (which is good!) and not enough lawyers willing to tell people their stupid lawsuits are unwinnable (not great!). [For everything else, there’s pro se.] This completely foreseen ending at the hands of […]
Tim Cushing