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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) signed on as co-sponsor of U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock’s (D-GA) legislation to cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin for Illinoisans and all Americans. The Affordable Insulin Now Act would require Medicare plans and private group or individual plans to cap patients’ out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 per month. This legislation would lower costs for insulin users and save money for hardworking Americans—many who are paying exorbitantly from their own pockets for insulin and other diabetic treatments. According to one estimate , diabetics spend close to $6,000 annually on insulin alone. This is all while costs for insulin are going up and manufacturers of the drug are pocketing more revenue from insulin sales than in prior decades. “Every time I hear from an Illinoisan who is facing the unbearable decision of either paying for their—or their child’s—lifesaving

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EDWARDSVILLE - Chappy’s is a new fried chicken and burger restaurant in Edwardsville. With walls adorned in automobilia and Americana, the restaurant offers some vintage diner nostalgia and a wide-ranging menu. Formerly known as So’Pasta, Chappy’s is a completely new venture from owner Ryan O’Day in the same location at 1031 Century Drive. Directly next door is Wang Gang, also owned by O’Day. The theme of Chappy’s is “all things American automobile,” with vintage car and service station decor adorning the interior, giving the restaurant a diner-like atmosphere. “We have a lovely dining room that is set to the Route 66 theme for any car lover,” O’Day said. “We want our car-loving theme to really shine through and everyone know we have outstanding burgers and fried chicken.” The Chappy’s menu combines a bit of old and new - in addition to the new fried chicken and burger offerings, there are

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ALTON - Alton Police Officer Elliott Fergurson seems to be the perfect choice to lead the Explorer Program for the Alton Police Department. He has been in his capacity for two years. Elliott, an Alton High and SIUE graduate with a B.A.S. in criminal justice and corrections, served from September 2006 to November 2009 as an M1A1 Armor Crewman (Tanker) in the U.S. Army. He has a Purple Heart from his Army service time in Iraq. Officer Fergurson explained what happened when he was injured in Iraq: “I was on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq, and my stryker (a stryker is a 19-ton, eight-wheeled armored vehicle) got struck by a rocket and it punctured through the inside of the truck. "It sent shrapnel and knocked me unconscious. I had a mild brain injury. I stayed in Iraq after this happened and went back to the front lines.” Elliott said he felt fortunate to be alive after the strike hit his unit." Elliott was a psychological operations specialist in the U.S. Army with the reserves

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is continuing to battle litter issues with its Clean Communities Program. During the past year, residents, community groups, and volunteers worked together to pick up litter throughout the county. “Litter was everywhere and the county worked to ‘clean it up,’” Chairman Kurt Prenzler said. Building and Zoning Administrator Chris Doucleff said his department often receives complaints about litter along roads and ditches. “Last year we made picking up litter a priority,” Doucleff said. “And we are doing it again this year.” Doucleff said in March 2021, the county kicked off the Clean Communities litter pick-up program. The grassroots effort took aim at the litter problem by providing the public with resources to assist them in picking up trash. “We offer citizens a resource tool kit,” Doucleff said. The resource tool kit includes reflective safety vests, litter grabbers, gloves, and garbag

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ALTON - Reiniger Jewelers is opening their newest location in Alton at 1633 Washington Avenue, the former location of Maneke Jewelers. Their grand opening is from March 31 to April 2 and will feature drawings to win some valuable giveaway prizes. The March 31 ribbon cutting is set for 11:30 a.m. Giveaway prizes announced so far include a $1,500 gift certificate for Reiniger Jewelers, a Gabriel pendant and Seiko watch, with many more in store. Paul Reiniger, the owner of Reiniger Jewelers, said there are a few things that set them apart from other jewelers. “We do quite a bit of bridal, but we also do custom design, something a little different,” Reiniger said. “And our repair department is very well-known for quality of workmanship. We want to make sure things are maintained properly for the customers.” In addition to carefully vetting the quality of the vendors he buys from, Reiniger also said his experience as a jeweler helps him determine the

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido has a long history with the department that dates back to 1994 when he entered the Alton Police's Explorer Program. He is a firm believer in the Explorer program for youth after his own personal experience that led to him becoming a police officer and ultimately, the chief of police. Chief Pulido is a highly respected police chief/officer across the area and has a very bright future ahead in law enforcement. One of the most important beliefs Pulido has about law enforcement is that people appreciate “authenticity.” He stresses that with all of his Alton Police officers as one of their most important roles in the community is to be "real" with the public. The chief said right now the Explorer program needs candidates, and he wants to bring attention to expanding the program. Chief Pulido vividly remembers doing ride alongs with other officers and the impact those had on him in regard to choosing his career as an officer. “I

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School Scholar Bowl head coach Jaime Pamatot has been named the 2021-22 Illinois High School Scholastic Bowl Coaches Association (IHSSBCA) Tom Durbin Class AA Coach of the Year, as announced by the IHSSBCA. Pamatot was one of three coaches in the State of Illinois who will be recognized joining Jorge Sanchez (Elgin Academy, Class A) and Jeff Price (Barrington, Open). "I am honored to receive this award. I’m thankful for the amazing mentors I have and the awesome students I have had the privilege to work with over the years," Pamatot said. "I’ve greatly enjoyed being the coach for the last 11 years, and I can’t wait to see what future seasons hold for us!" Pamatot recently completed her 11th season as the GCHS Scholastic Bowl coach in 2021-22, leading the Warriors to the IHSA Class AA Regional Championship for the third-straight year. She is also in her 20th year overall as a teacher, including 15th in the science department a

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ALTON - The pedestrian who was struck and killed on a train track in the 2800 block of Circle Drive in Alton has been identified. The man has been identified as Brian P. Andrews, 65, whose last known address was in High Ridge, MO., Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido said Wednesday morning. At about 6:32 p.m. on March 22nd, 2022, Alton Police Officers and the Alton Fire Department responded to the area of the train overpass in the 2400 block of Seminary Avenue, near Homer Adams Parkway, for a report of a pedestrian struck by a train. "Preliminary investigation revealed that an Amtrak train collided with a pedestrian who was on the train tracks, in the area of the 2800 block of Circle Drive," Pulido said. "This area is just southeast of where officers were initially dispatched. There is no train crossing at this location." This incident remains under investigation by the Alton Police Department, the Madison County Coroner’s Office, and the Amtrak Police Department.

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ST. LOUIS – Mayors of the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative gathered this week for their virtual Capitol Meeting in Washington, DC to meet with national leaders on resilience and infrastructure spending. Leaders in Washington for the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative 10th virtual Capitol Meeting addressed three key points during the meetings announced at today’s press conference: On the eve of flood season 2022, Mayors are working to make critical progress on the partnership launched with Ducks Unlimited - dirt is moving and new flood storage is being made; Mayors are launching a new and unique MRCTI Infrastructure Facility to help cities add a new level of capacity to compete for Jobs Act grants over the next several cycles; Mayors announce the opening of the second Outcomes-based Financing Challenge with Quantified Ventures. The Two-Rivers Project with Ducks Unlimited will work to create natural flood storage at within the confluence area of the Illinoi

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The Conversation - Gun and ammunition sales in the U.S. have skyrocketed in recent years . And although it may come as a surprise, this trend has supported conservation activities. That’s because every firearm and bullet produced or imported into the U.S. is subject to an excise tax dedicated to wildlife conservation and restoration. In 1998, these taxes generated about US$247 million in inflation-adjusted apportionments to state fish and wildlife agencies from the federal U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service , which collects and manages these funds. By 2018, these revenues had more than tripled to $829 million . These taxes on guns and ammunition sales provide a growing share of budgets for state fish and game agencies. But as scholars of environmental politics , conservation and wildlife management , we have found that the growth in conservation funding driven by exploding guns sales presents at least three critical moral and ethical issues. First, the original argument

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ST. LOUIS — Due to continuing high demand for tickets and the immense popularity of the event, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience will remain open in St. Louis through May 30, 2022. More than 200,000 people have seen the exhibition in St. Louis to date. Tickets are available now at www.vangoghstlouis.com . The exhibition will be open Wednesdays through Sundays until March 30. From April 7 until May 30, Beyond Van Gogh will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from noon until last entry at 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. until last entry at 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. until last entry at 6 p.m. The exhibition will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 17, and will be open on Monday, May 30. Four entry times are available each hour. Tickets are sold online only at www.vangoghstlouis.com . Prices begin at $33.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 5 to 15. Children under 5 are free. During the exhibition, guests are completely immersed in more than 300 of the greatest

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The Center Square – A new report shows that Illinois ranks 25th in the country in employment recovery, with unemployment down 85% from this time last year. The study conducted by WalletHub shows Illinois' job recovery post-pandemic and highlights how states are recovering in the job market. All 50 states were ranked 1-50 based on job recovery. South Carolina ranked at the top of the list with Iowa and Arizona. New Mexico was at the bottom. Jill Gonzalez of WalletHub explained why Illinois has seen a decrease in unemployment claims. "This means that the decreasing COVID-19 cases brought on a high number of new jobs and new workers," Gonzalez said. "These are both signs that the pandemic's hold on the economy is also decreasing." Illinois has been a Democratic state when voting in elections over the past handful of elections. Gonzalez highlighted how that factors into the state's recovery. "With an average ranking of 27 of the most recovered states, blue states had worse recovery

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ALTON - Alton Police Department is investigating a pedestrian who died after being struck by a train at about 6:32 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, on the railroad tracks in the area of 2800 block of Circle Drive near Homer Adams Parkway in Alton. The Alton Police Department and Alton Fire Department responded to the area after a call of a pedestrian who had been struck. "Preliminary investigation revealed that an Amtrak train collided with a pedestrian who was on the train tracks, in the area of the 2800 block of Circle Drive," the chief said. "This area is just southeast of where officers were initially dispatched. There is no train crossing at this location. "Unfortunately, the pedestrian has died and this investigation is still ongoing."

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EDWARDSVILLE - Judge Christopher Threlkeld filed his nominating petitions for Madison County Circuit Judge on Monday, March 21, 2022, in Springfield at the Illinois State Board of Elections. Judge Threlkeld filed well above the required number of signatures required for judicial subcircuit 1, the area of the county from which he may be elected. Appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2020 as Madison County Circuit Judge to fill a vacancy to serve all of Madison County, only voters in the first subcircuit will be allowed to vote for circuit judges in 2022. “It was an honor to file my petitions today,” stated Judge Threlkeld. “The encouragement I received during the petition signing period was tremendous. Every voter I spoke with was incredibly supportive of me and my campaign, regardless of their political affiliation, as we are united by our disappointment about the recent legislation breaking the tradition of county-wide voting for all circuit judges. "I look

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ALTON - A May 2 trial date has been set for accused killer Aryion Sanders, who was previously convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of James Hubbard in an Alton housing project. He was 17 at the time of the shooting death. The pending trial was set after an appellate court reversed and remanded the case, asserting that a police interview was allowed as evidence, but the appellate court ruled that Sanders’ confession was coerced and Sanders had previously asserted his right to remain silent. Before the first, trial authorities attempted to try Sanders, but the case was continued because a witness, Aryion Sanders’ younger brother, Ahmad Sanders, went missing. The first attempt at a trial was delayed and dismissed. After the first attempt, a mis-trial was ruled in the first trial as a result of juror mis-conduct. May 2 will be the fourth time the Sanders case has been set for trial. A hearing in advance of the pending trial was held Monday. The

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ALTON - Junior Brody Hendricks was a standout over the Marquette Catholic boys basketball season and played a pivotal role in the Explorers' regional championship. Brody is the Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete of the Month For Marquette Catholic. Brody agreed that this year's biggest achievement for the Explorers was capturing the regional crown and second place in both the Columbia and Okawville Tournaments. He said he would like to thank his parents for always allowing him to play sports and his brothers for constantly playing games with me to get me better. "I would also like to thank all of the coaches that I’ve had because they’ve taught me how to play throughout the years," he said. Steve Medford is Brody's head boys basketball coach at Marquette Catholic. The Marquette junior said Coach Medford has been a big inspiration in his high school life and improved his play. "Coach Medford has taught me a lot of things about the sport, and has helped me

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EDWARDSVILLE and ST. LOUIS, MO – For the second year in a row, local schools are receiving a helping hand through a grant program from the Scott Credit Union Community Foundation. Totaling more than $30,000, the “With You” education grants were awarded to 12 area schools to support needs ranging from iPads for young students to hydration stations for refilling water bottles at a middle school. “Our goal is to support initiatives that positively impact the young people of our community,” said Frank Padak, Scott Credit Union President and CEO. “We know that it’s not an easy time to be an educator, so we’re hoping our funding can ease those burdens and bring a smile to the faces of both teachers and students. We want them to know that we are ‘With You.’” A volunteer committee reviewed the dozens of applications received, and all submissions remained anonymous until after the winners were selected. Winners were chosen base

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ALTON - The Ninian Edwards Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) has a long-standing tradition of selections of top high school seniors with the Good Citizen Awards. For the past sixty-nine years, the Ninian Edwards Chapter has presented high school seniors with this honor. High schools select the students based upon: Involvement in extracurricular activities. Contributions to the community. Preparations for further education, and demonstration of the good citizen qualities of dependability, honesty, leadership, and patriotism. To participate, students have to submit a portfolio including: A grade transcript. Two letters of recommendation. A description of how he/she manifests the qualities of a good citizen. An essay, completed in a 2-hour timeframe. Here are the awardees: Kaylyn M. Aiello, Civic Memorial HS. Elizabeth Gernon , East Alton-Wood River HS. Luke Schwegel, Marquette Catholic HS. McKinzie Wright, Mississippi Valley

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GRANITE CITY - Joe Hackler filed the maximum 1,000 petition signatures at the State Board of Elections and is launching his campaign for state representative in the 112th District, which includes portions of Madison and St. Clair counties. “I am running for state representative because I’m tired of seeing young families like my own flee Illinois for places with lower taxes and more opportunity,” said Hackler. “Illinois is my home, and I’m staying to fight for it. We deserve a state government on the side of taxpayers, not corrupt insiders and Springfield special interests.” Joe worked his way through college while serving his hometown as an elected township trustee at the age of 19. After graduating, he turned his focus to helping make Illinois a better place to live and work. Joe has spent his career battling Speaker Michael Madigan's political machine and taking on the extreme agenda of Democratic lawmakers who kept him in power. Joe led the charge

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced former St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Brad Stephens to one year and one day in federal prison for 3 counts of Mail Fraud by obtaining taxpayer moneys from the Tower Grove South Concerned Citizen Special Business District (“Tower Grove South”) by means of material false representations. Stephens pleaded guilty on December 6, 2021. According to court documents, Stephens was employed as a police officer by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (“SLMPD”) in St. Louis, Missouri, and had been employed by the SLMPD since October 6, 2014. Tower Grove South was established to provide special police and/or security for the protection and enjoyment of the property owners and the public within the district. The administration and operations of the business district are taxpayer funded. City Wide Security (“CWS”) is a private company that contracts with businesses

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