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Across the United States, parents of formula-fed infants are being met with empty store shelves, as a nation-wide shortage of baby formula continues. In February there was a massive baby formula recall from a major supplier in the U.S., Abbott Nutrition, after reports of infant hospitalizations and two deaths were linked to a bacterial infection stemming from formula. The Michigan-based plant has been shut down since – adding fuel to an already volatile situation, as formula availability was previously strained by supply chain issues. Dr. Terry Ho is an OSF HealthCare pediatrician. He says he and his peers are getting questions daily from parents wondering what to do if their formula supply dries up completely. “Definitely it has been an issue, and we're getting a lot of phone calls and contacts from families about what's the next step and what to do. And that's really what we recommend families to do, is contact us. Contact your pediatrician and we can hopefully hel

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MARION - Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 7 officials announce the arrest of Christopher L. Sollers, a 41-year-old male of Marion, Illinois, for two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 1 Felony) and one count of Unlawful Restraint (Class 4 Felony). In March of 2022, ISP DCI Zone 7 Agents investigated an incident of alleged sexual abuse. Through the course of the investigation, Zone 7 agents were able to locate evidence that supported the allegation and the investigation was turned over to the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office. On May 20, 2022, at approximately 3:30 p.m., ISP DCI Zone 7 Agents arrested Sollers in Marion, IL following the issuance of a Jackson County arrest warrant. Sollers was transported to the Williamson County Jail with a bond amount set by the court of $5,000/10% to apply. There is no further information available. DCI Zone 7 Agents were assisted by the Marion Police Department in the investigation

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ST. LOUIS - Bryon Dawayne Pierson Jr., an Alton native, has organized a Black Tech STL Meetup planned to start at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at Tech Artista Downtown at 401 Pine St. in St. Louis. Pierson said the purpose of the event is to bring visibility to professionals who are actively working or who have worked to grow black technology in the St. Louis area. "A group of black entrepreneurs that owns tech startups in St. Louis right now wanted to create an event that brings together the brightest minds in black entrepreneurship and tech in STL to talk about growing black tech," he said. "This event will have free food and networking from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Then a panel discussion about being black and growing tech in STL from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. After the event, patrons are welcome to meet at Trust inside of Tech Artista Downtown to further the conversation." The event moderator will be Jonathan Allen. Entrepreneur Quarterly Panelists will be Tara Nesbitt- Harmonee

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ST. LOUIS - Neurosurgery of St. Louis (NSL) is proud to announce the addition of a highly-skilled, board-certified neurosurgeon with ties to the St. Louis area, who has joined its practice. Neill M. Wright, MD, who has received national and international recognition as a cervical spine surgeon, comes to NSL with more than 20 years of experience and has performed more than 2,500 cervical spine surgeries thus far in his career. His goal in joining NSL is to improve how cervical spine disorders are evaluated and treated in the St. Louis region. “When I started my practice, I was determined to change the way cervical spine patients receive care and the approach we take to these disorders,” said Dr. Wright. “It became my goal to have the expertise and specialization to accurately diagnose and treat any type of cervical spine conditions. After so many years of specialized practice, I’m fortunate to say there’s hardly any cervical spine condition that I haven’

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JEFFERSON COUNTY, MO. – Join North Dispensaries on May 28, 2022, at their locations in Hillsboro and Pevely, Missouri, for the one-year celebration of its Pevely location. From 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., patients and non-patients alike are welcome to enjoy food, music, giveaways, and more. North’s number one goal is to promote cannabis awareness and how it helps their patients live full lives. “We believe in cannabis,” says North Vice President Neil Volner. “We believe in the relief, the therapeutic benefits, and the freedom of mind it offers to our patients.” Those attending that are interested in getting certified for a medical cannabis card may set up an appointment with Dr. Judd of Greencert MD that day, who will discuss your medical diagnosis. Once Dr. Judd has certified you for your card, you must fill out the state certification form and submit it to the state’s online portal. Then you’ll receive your medical cannabis card i

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BUNKER HILL - Community District 8, Physics instructor Jeremiah Goltz is known for innovation in the classroom. Recently in class, Goltz had a discussion with a student about the concept of Super Conductivity in which the students levitated items while creating a frictionless environment. The discussion then led to seven students researching superconductors and they decided what materials to purchase, ran the experiments, recorded video, and wrote a release. The exceptional students in Goltz's class were Drake Scroggins, Nathaniel Winchester, Kimberly Moore, Austyn Eddinger, Daniel Manar, Grant Burch, and Isaac Steward. "I am proud of their work as this is not an experiment you will find run in many schools in our area," Goltz said. In addition, the students wrote a paper detailing the project's scientific aspects using terms such as Eddy Current, Meisner Effect, state of matter, transition temperatures, critical temperature, magnetic field, and quantum blocking with source material

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GRANITE CITY – Senior Ellisya Perri of Granite City High School was named the Granite City Elks Lodge 1063 Student of the Month for May. The Elks Student of the Month Program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life-fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry, and farming. Nominees are judged on multiple achievements including leadership skills, good moral character, community involvement, extracurricular activities, honors and award, and scholastic ability. Perri receives a $100 U.S. savings bond and an Elks certificate of achievement. She is a member of the Foreign Language Club, Math Team, National Honor Society, Robotics Club, and was a four-year member of the Secondary Honors Program. Perri also was Science Club President (2021-22) and Vice President (2020-21) and earned Rotary Student of the Month honors as a junior. She is the daughter of Stephanie Gaines. For more

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ALTON - Our police and first responders deserve to have the full force of the law protecting their profession. I am a proud supporter of H.R. 72, the Thin Blue Line Act. This legislation sends a strong message to criminals out there - if you target, harm, or kill a law enforcement officer or first responder, be prepared to face the federal death penalty, regardless of what your state laws are. As we closed out National Police Week, I joined Republican colleagues in the House in urging Speaker Pelosi to bring legislation to the floor that protects and promotes respect for law enforcement officers and first responders. H.R. 72, Thin Blue Line Act: Expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in federal death penalty determinations to also include killing or targeting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responders. Ensures that criminals face the strongest possible repercussions in federal cases when they kill or attempt to kill local law enforcement officers.

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ATCHISON, Kan. - Benedictine College has recognized those students who have distinguished themselves academically during the last semester, which ended May 10, 2022. Any full-time student carrying a minimum of 12 hours and a perfect 4.0 grade point average through the spring term is named to the President's list. Full-time students with 12 hours and a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.95 are named to the Dean's List. Of the 2,059 students on campus for the 2019-2020 academic year, 151 made the President's List and 667 made the Dean's List. Those area residents who have earned these honors are Alton's: Anna O'Connor, Dean's List Thao-Vy Tran, Dean's List About Benedictine College Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas. The school is proud to have been named one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report as well as one of the top Catholic college

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EDWARDSVILLE - At 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 5, the Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) Speaker Series will re­turn to an in-person format. The June program will be held in the lower level of Immanuel United Methodist Church at 800 N. Main St., Edwardsville, directly across the street from the MCHS Library. The presenter, Library Research Manager Mary Z. Rose, will explore the facts about the only documented Indian captive narrative of Madison County. It is the story of how, in the late 18th century, members of the James Gillham family, then living in Kentucky, were abducted by indigenous warriors who took their captives to what later became Illinois. Sometime after Gillham recovered his family, the Gillhams relocated to Illinois and eventually settled in Chouteau Township. They were some of the earliest non-indigenous settlers in Madison County. It is said that Gillham moved to Madison County after be­ing impressed by the prairie, soil, and natural resources of this ar­ea

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Illinois American Water’s work to separate the Alton combined sewer system and install new sanitary sewers continues. Below is information about this week’s road closures – May 23, 2022 Piasa Valley Area: Alby Street and 6th Street are back open to traffic, except for the intersection of Alby and 9th Street, which will open on Monday morning. 9th Street will be closed from east of Alby Street intersection east to Alton Street, with additional closures east as the sewer installation progresses. 12th Street pavement replacement will be starting soon. 10th Street is closed between Alby Street and George Street. Blair Avenue will be closed at the intersections of Henry and Langdon Streets. Brick pavement restoration is currently happening on 8th Street. Please drive carefully in this area, as there is a lot of construction equipment moving around the different work areas. Shields Valley Area: Final pavement restoration at the intersection of Greenwood

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions Director Todd Burrell was honored for his profound impact in higher education with his receipt of the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling’s (IACAC) highest award. During the IACAC Conference held in Chicago in April, the organization’s first to be held in person since the onset of COVID-19, Burrell was presented the 2020 Patricia A. Kasowski Award, which recognizes long and meritorious service to the profession/association and the demonstration of leadership and service with distinction. “I am extremely thankful for this recognition, and must acknowledge that this honor would not be possible without the support of so many colleagues at SIUE as well as around the state and region,” said Burrell, “This award further motivates my dedication to assisting prospective students and families.” Burrell has led SIUE’s undergraduate

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CARLINVILLE - A wide selection of good-quality reading materials will be available at low prices during a sidewalk book sale at the Carlinville Public Library on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Books will be on sale for $1 each at this outdoor event, which offers gently-used materials in all genres, including fiction, biography, history, how-to, cooking, travel, and holidays. In addition to the outdoor sale, visitors may enjoy the usual Book Nook selections inside in the conference room, where shoppers may fill a bag of books for a dollar throughout the day. All proceeds from the event will benefit library programs. The sidewalk sale is one of many activities in Carlinville that day, including the annual Spring Festival at the Macoupin County Historical Society. “We have a lot of great books for sale,” said library director Hannah Miller. “They’re in really good shape, and there’s a lot of variety. We think there’s something for everyone,

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A Cahokia, Illinois, man - Joseph Albert Fuchs III - was found guilty as charged last week for Enticement of a Minor, Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, and Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct in a Foreign Place. During this time, Fuchs was a special agent for the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPSOIG). USPSOIG provided their full cooperation in the investigation. Sentencing is set for August 24, 2022, in front of the Honorable Judge Stephen P. McGlynn. According to evidence presented during the trial, J. Fuchs, III, an American citizen, met a 14-year-old girl while visiting the Philippines. Fuchs then engaged in sexual conversations with the minor using Facebook. During those conversations, Fuchs discussed ways to evade detection of her age when he would return to the Philippines to engage in sexual acts with her at a hotel. Fuchs then returned to the Philippines in March of 2019 and engaged in sexual acts with

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ST. LOUIS - City Museum is celebrating service members with free admission for members of the military accompanied by a paid admission on Memorial Day weekend, May 27 - 30, 2022. Memorial Day weekend, City Museum is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m.until 9 p.m.on Saturday; 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday; and 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Monday. At 2 p.m. on Friday, May 27 the Midwest Winds will entertain guests with songs inspired by the experiences and exhibits found on City Museum's four floors. The Midwest Winds woodwind quintet is an ambassador of the Air Force Band of Mid-America, providing a highly professional product to communicate esprit de corps and render honor to the Air Force and country. The group offers a wide range of musical literature from classical and contemporary music to marches and patriotic crowd pleasers to light popular music. This performance is free with General Admission. For more information, visit www.city museum.org . City Museum

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation that streamlines property tax relief for seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities while also encouraging local taxing districts to lower their levy rate, opening the door for hundreds of dollars in individual property tax savings per year. “Over the past twenty years, property taxes have skyrocketed at a rate far surpassing the increase in home values. For veterans, disabled Illinoisans, and our seniors, that can mean having to choose between basic needs—like healthcare­­—and losing their homes. That’s unacceptable—and needs to change,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This bill expands homestead exemptions for veterans and their spouses, reduces interest rates, and allows for automatic renewal for our disabled homeowners. When I got elected, I promised to address rising property taxes for our residents. I am proud to sign this bill into law—taking another step

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today that it supports yesterday’s recommendation by the CDC of the Pfizer-BioNTechCOVID-19 booster dose for children aged 5 to 11 years old. IDPH issued an advisory to vaccine providers throughout the state endorsing the booster for children 5 through 11 years of age at least five months after completion of a primary series with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, following the emergency use authorization this week by the FDA and the recommendation of the CDC. “We encourage every parent or guardian of children five and older to consider a booster vaccination for their eligible child,” said IDPH Director Amaal Tokars. “And if your children have not yet received their primary dose, it’s not too late to start now. Especially with cases rising throughout the state, everyone who is eligible for vaccination should be taking advantage of the opportunity to get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccination

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Parks and Recreation Department is finalizing details for the Route 66 Festival, set to take place Saturday, June 11 at City Park in downtown Edwardsville. The annual Route 66 Festival will begin at 8 a.m. with the yearly 10k, sponsored by the Metro Milers. After the festival officially opens at 10 a.m., eventgoers can expect new and returning vendors selling boutique or artisan products, as well as a non-profit area showcasing local organizations that serve the community. Throughout the day, there will be an open mic event from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the classic car show at 3 p.m., and car cruise at 6 p.m. Festivities will also include a family zone with inflatables, face painting, and a petting zoo. Local organizations including the Children’s Museum, Edwardsville Art Center, and the YMCA will have interactive booths. Patrons can expect to boogie all day and into the evening with live music from 2-11 p.m. The Matt Taul Group, a local band

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EDWARDSVILLE - Opera Edwardsville (OE) celebrates a milestone year by presenting a 5th Anniversary Season that includes a free opera for kids, a free outdoor concert at Edwardsville City Park, its signature ticketed December concert (Presented by the SIUE Arts & Issues Series), and its popular series "The 12 Days of Opera Edwardsville" shared online throughout December free of charge. Details below. Community Impact in the past 4 years: Alongside world-class performances, OE has developed a portfolio of education and outreach programs that have reached 5,000+ grade-schoolers through an annual opera for kids, 300+ high school and college students through masterclasses, a triumphant concert for the community at Edwardsville City Park in 2021, and 80,000+ viewers through free performances shared online. In celebration of continued growth, OE is excited to announce the appointment of pianist Joseph Welch as the company's first Artist-in-Residence. recognizes the immense talent of Welch

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CARLINVILLE - At 7:11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2022, the Carlinville Police Department responded to a report of a male down in a puddle in the roadway in the 1100 block of Sumner Street. Upon arrival, officers found a male identified as Monteaz Walton, 40, in a fetal-like position on his right side. Officers began life-saving measures until Carlinville Fire Protection District and Gillespie Benld Area Ambulance Service arrived on scene, to no avail. Macoupin County Coroner was called to the scene and pronounced Mr. Walton deceased. An autopsy was performed Saturday afternoon which determined that Mr. Walton was struck by a vehicle and succumbed to his injuries. The investigation is continuing with the assistance of the Macoupin County Coroner’s Office and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigations. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Carlinville Police Department, at 217-854-3221 or info@carlinvillepolice.com or Macoupin & Montgomery Counties

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