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Teen charged with ramming truck into a dispensary to steal $25K in products

2 years ago
ST. LOUIS, COUNTY -- A teen is accused of ramming his truck into a St. Louis County marijuana dispensary to steal $25,000 in products. Donnell Heslip-Hill faces felony charges including burglary and property damage. The teen is being charged as an adult, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Court documents state that Heslip-Hill drove his [...]
Joe Millitzer

Alton Walk Against Domestic Violence Spreads Awareness, Shares Local Resources

2 years ago
ALTON - Several organizations and community members gathered at the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, Sept. 30 to raise awareness about domestic violence. The Zonta Club of Alton-Wood River partnered with the Alton Police Department, Oasis Women’s Center and Sacred Spaces of CARE to organize a walk against domestic violence and share resources with the community. The organizations spoke about their services before a short walk around the Alton Amphitheater, all with the goal of raising awareness and showing support for survivors. “One in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner,” said Jean Heil, advocacy chair with the Zonta Club. Heil thanked local organizations like Oasis Women’s Center and Sacred Spaces of CARE for their work to help domestic violence survivors. Oasis has a shelter and many other services for survivors and their children. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford called Oasis “the

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Protect Illinois Communities Act Endorsement Affidavit Now Available

2 years ago
SPRINGFIELD – People can now submit an endorsement affidavit online for assault weapons, assault weapon attachments, .50 caliber rifles, and .50 caliber cartridges. On January 10, 2023, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law Public Act 102-1116 , the Protect Illinois Communities Act, regulating the sale and distribution of these items in Illinois, along with large capacity ammunition feeding devices. The Act went into effect immediately upon signing. Individuals who possessed assault weapons, assault weapon attachments, .50 caliber rifles, and .50 caliber cartridges before the Act took effect are required to submit an endorsement affidavit through their Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Card account prior to January 1, 2024. Large capacity ammunition feeding devices are regulated, but do not require and endorsement affidavit. As of October 1, 2023, individuals are able to submit their endorsement affidavits online. Affidavits must be submitted online through

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Damp Labor Autumn

2 years ago
Hollywood screenwriters won their strike, while the UAW strike is ramping up. What’s next?
Prospect Staff

Durbin Calls On Supreme Court To Create Code Of Conduct As New Term Begins

2 years ago
SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement calling on the United States Supreme Court to create a code of conduct as it begins a new term: “The Supreme Court’s new docket, which begins today, should start with one essential element: re-establishing the integrity of the Court. “The public reports of lavish gifts, luxury vacations, and sordid political relationships go to the heart of this Court’s credibility. Failure by the Court to establish a code of conduct makes these nine Justices self-anointed royalty in our democracy. “The highest court in our land should not have the lowest standard of ethics.” In July, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency (SCERT) Act to the full Senate. The bill would require Supreme Court Justices to adopt a code of conduct, create a mechanism to investigate

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Illinois Engages With National Program To Advance Soil Health

2 years ago
CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a state-wide program to standardize soil health practices and set clear levels of achievement for farmers engaging in best practices. The program enables IDOA to implement legislation passed this year to increase use of cover crops, strip till, no till, and erosion and sediment control practices. This is another step forward in encouraging agriculture partners to capitalize on conservation practices. “Agriculture is the heart of who we are as a state, and it’s our biggest industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Three-quarters of our state is farmland, and as we look to the future of farming and conservation, we’re ensuring that Illinois farmers have the necessary tools to succeed. That’s why I’m proud to establish the STAR program to further support our agricultural economy, families, and community.” Saving Tomorrow’s Agricultural

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IDPH Welcomes CDC Recommendations For RSV Shots For Pregnant Illinoisans, Infants & Seniors

2 years ago
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today endorsed the recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the newly FDA-approved vaccine for RSV that can be administered during weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy to protect babies from the virus. This followed recommendations earlier this year for a preventive RSV treatment for infants up to 8 months and toddlers at high risk, and an RSV vaccine for people over 60. IDPH urges those who are pregnant to consult with their doctor about whether they should receive the vaccine while pregnant or instead provide the preventive treatment for their newborn after birth. If the vaccine is received during pregnancy, infants will be protected and not need the preventive treatment after birth. As fall begins, IDPH is closely monitoring data on COVID-19 as well as other respiratory viruses including flu and RSV. The latest data shows that new hospitalizations for COVID-19 remain at a low

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Belt Receives Award For Advocating For Volunteer Firefighters

2 years ago
EAST ST. LOUIS – After years of pushing for a volunteer firefighter tax credit, State Senator Christopher Belt was able to secure a tax incentive for these volunteers in this year’s revenue package. Through his efforts and advocacy on the topic, Belt received an award from the St. Clair/Monroe County Fire Chiefs Association and MABAs Division 32. “Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of communities throughout Illinois,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “They selflessly dedicate their time ensuring our communities are kept safe in emergencies. Offering them a small tax incentive is just one way we can thank them and honor their service.” A tax credit for volunteer firefighters was included in Senate Bill 1963 , which passed both chambers earlier this year with bipartisan support. To qualify for the $500 tax credit, people must serve as a volunteer firefighter for at least nine months of the year and receive no more than $5,000 in compensation for their

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Senate Confirms Two U.S. Attorney Nominees, Key Breakthrough Of Sen. Vance's Justice Department Hold

2 years ago
WASHINGTON – Today, the Seante confirmed Todd Gee and Tara McGrath to be U.S. Attorneys for the Southern Districts of Mississippi and California, respectively. On their confirmations, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement: “Mr. Gee’s and Ms. McGrath’s confirmations are a welcome breakthrough in the logjam caused by Senator Vance’s misguided hold on Justice Department nominees. These two public servants will serve with integrity and ensure justice for their respective districts, prosecuting violent criminals and protecting our communities from drug traffickers, gun violence, terrorism, and other crimes. “U.S. Attorneys are too important to be used as political pawns. That’s why I offered the junior Senator the opportunity to allow us to schedule roll call confirmation votes, even though it is standard procedure to confirm U.S. Attorneys by voice vote or unanimous

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