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Man killed while trying to walk across US 67 in Farmington Saturday

2 years 1 month ago
FARMINGTON, Mo. -- A man was killed while attempting to walk across US 67 in Farmington Saturday night. Tommy Shafer, 50, was hit by a SUV and taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. A crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol says that Shafer was crossing US 67 at around 9 [...]
Joe Millitzer

In reversal, some states make it harder for people with felony convictions to vote

2 years 1 month ago

The year started out strong for advocates trying to make it easier for people with felony convictions to regain their voting rights. In March, the Democratic-led legislatures in Minnesota and New Mexico enacted measures that cleared a pathway for residents serving prison time for felonies to regain their right to vote upon being released. It […]

The post In reversal, some states make it harder for people with felony convictions to vote appeared first on Missouri Independent.

Matt Vasilogambros

The Art of Loving

2 years 1 month ago
Extreme inequality is bad for billionaires and ordinary citizens alike.
Prospect Staff

Trinity's Way Hosts Pet Food Drive for Late Alton Teen's Birthday

2 years 1 month ago
ALTON - A local nonprofit hosted a pet food drive and cave clean-up this weekend in memory of Trinity Buel. Trinity’s Way was founded after 17-year-old Buel’s passing in 2018. To celebrate her birthday on Aug. 6, the organization cleaned up litter at Piasa Park and collected pet food to donate to a local animal shelter. “We wouldn’t be here five years later if Trinity wasn’t such an awesome special person,” said Raina Schlueter, the organization’s vice president and Buel’s friend. “There’s a reason we’re all still here doing this. And we’re still going strong.” Buel was passionate about helping animals and the environment, a legacy that Trinity’s Way carries on. The nonprofit organizes a clean-up every month. They hold the pet food drive twice a year, on Buel’s birthday and the anniversary of her passing in February. Chris Unthank, the organization’s president and Buel’s

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Worker Wellness Blog: Fentanyl at Your Table

2 years 1 month ago
by Dr. John Gaal Editor’s Note: Each week, Dr. John Gaal, director of worker wellness for the Missouri Works Initiative, a non-profit workforce formed by the Missouri AFL-CIO, collects and comments on news and trends in workforce wellness and life balance. Construction Forum carries the Worker Wellness & Well-Being Blog as a regular feature. The […]
Tom Finan

R.P. Lumber Acquires Wright Building Center In Sparta

2 years 1 month ago
EDWARDSVILLE - R.P. Lumber Co., Inc. has acquired the Sparta, IL location of Wright Building Center, a long-time industry presence in Southwestern Illinois. “For 39 years, Wright Building Center has served the citizens of the Randolph County area, and we are thrilled to have their team join the R.P. Lumber family,” said Robert Plummer, President & CEO of R.P. Lumber. “We have been industry friends and competitors for many years, so it is exciting to add this great location to our footprint in Illinois,” Plummer continued. “Since 1964, my family has been in the hardware, lumber, and construction business,“ said Jami Lee Wright, owner of Wright Building Center and member of the recent inaugural class of LBM Journal’s “40 under 40” strong leaders in the LBM community. “We’ve had a great run. We're thankful for our awesome team and the strong customer base that has kept us going since 1984. R.P. Lumber runs an impressive

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Stockley Protestors Receive Justice — Nearly Six Years Later

2 years 1 month ago
Anthony Jones remembers clearly the moment a St. Louis police officer arrested him at the 2017 Stockley protests in downtown St. Louis. Before the young officer put Jones in the back of a police van, Jones paused, and told him: “One day, you’re gonna look back and realize you’re on the wrong side of history.” 
Monica Obradovic

Metro East Bank Sued by Widow of Slain Security Guard

2 years 1 month ago
A Metro East bank that was the site of a deadly robbery two years ago is now being sued by the widow of 56 year-old Ted Horn, the security guard killed by one of the robbers as they left the bank with stolen money. "There should have been better warnings," says attorney Gary Burger of the security protocols at First Bank in East St. Louis.
Ryan Krull

Gov. Pritzker Signs Bills Expanding Protections For Native Americans In Illinois

2 years 1 month ago
CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker signed three bills today offering increased protections for Native and Indigenous Illinoisans. HB3413, the Human Remains Protection Act, establishes procedures for encountering human remains or gravesites and returning remains to Native American Nations. SB1446 prohibits schools from banning students from wearing cultural regalia as graduation attire. HB1633 mandates instruction on Native American history in Illinois public schools. “Today, we take another step forward in repairing generations of harm and building a brighter future for our state’s Native American and Indigenous Peoples,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “At its core, this legislation is about respect. Respect for those who came before us and those who will come after—and that is why we want to teach our children this history, to avoid the mistakes of the past and to instill that respect from an early age.” “As we are seeking new ways to continue

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Belt-Backed Law To Cap The Price Of Insulin

2 years 1 month ago
SPRINGFIELD – To ensure that Illinoisans in need of insulin have affordable access to the life-saving medicine, State Senator Christopher Belt supported a new law to cap its price at $35. “Insulin is essential for individuals with diabetes to properly manage their condition,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Capping the price of insulin ensures that people can afford it without facing financial hardships.” Under this new law, the price of a 30-day supply of insulin will be capped at $35 for all private individual and group insurance policies. More than 10% of the U.S. population has diabetes according to the diabetes research institute. One in 12 Illinoisans have insulin-dependent diabetes. According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the cost of insulin has risen 600% in the last 20 years. Americans pay 10 times than that of citizens of 32 other nations—$98.70 on average compared to $8.81. “Insulin costs have increased significantly

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Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Expanding Racial Classification Categories

2 years 1 month ago
CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker today signed House Bill 3768, expanding racial classification categories when reporting statistical data within state agencies. The legislation amends the Uniform Racial Classification Act to create a “Middle Eastern or North African” (MENA) category. “Here in Illinois, we are committed to instilling the values of inclusion and equity in every department of state government,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why this legislation is an important step in ensuring proper representation for every individual in our great state. When it comes to distributing resources and providing support from our state’s agencies, we need to be sure every single Illinoisan is accounted for—leaving no one behind.” "When we tell the story of Illinois, it must reflect the diversity of our state and do so accurately and with intention," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "This expansion is critical in ensuring every

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Belt-Backed Law To Reduce Epipen Costs

2 years 1 month ago
SPRINGFIELD – Epinephrine auto-injectors, commonly known by the brand name EpiPens, will now cost a maximum of $60 per twin-pack thanks to a law backed by State Senator Christopher Belt. “EpiPens are crucial. Every person who relies on EpiPens should have affordable, reliable access,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The high cost of this life-saving medication has been a significant barrier for many individuals and families, putting their health and well-being at major risk.” EpiPens are the only medication that works on the entire body to combat anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction. However, since 2017, a global shortage has made the medication increasingly difficult to obtain. The cost of EpiPens has skyrocketed in recent years, with a twin pack costing anywhere from $500-700 on average, and a single injector costing anywhere from $300-400. The new Belt-backed law will limit the cost of EpiPens to a maximum of $60 per twin-pack. “No one

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