Dog owners who have their four-legged friends microchipped hope doing so will speed the dogs’ return if they get lost. Legislation being considered in the General Assembly might also help speed that process. The Senate last month passed SB1572, which would require people who find a stray dog to bring it to their local animal […]
Lindsey Salvatelli
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Deadly encounters
In Sangamon County, just three people have been charged with drug-induced homicide since Illinois passed a law in 1988 allowing criminal charges for distributing a substance that proves fatal to the person receiving it. However, the law makes no distinction between someone who is selling narcotics or provides a fellow user with what proves to […]
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Ending DNA backlogs
The Illinois State Police implemented new initiatives last month to handle the state’s DNA backlog. But even with new standards in place, officials say it could take up to two years to make a sizeable dent in all of the cases awaiting DNA testing. While victims want justice as quickly as possible, the ISP says […]
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Opting out of opioids
A bill being considered in the Illinois House that has received bipartisan support would make the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program a permanent option for Illinois patients. The program launched Jan. 31 and is set to expire next year. The Opioid Alternative Pilot Program, which allows patients who are prescribed an opioid to seek medical cannabis […]
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Count me in
Illinois could lose up to two of its congressional seats after the next U.S. Census count if the population decline is as bad as early estimates, but the scope of what the state stands to lose is much broader. Federal funding for many programs, ranging from free breakfast for Illinois K-12 students, infrastructure needs for […]
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Journalism tries to adapt
At one point in time, the newspaper business was seen as a “cash cow,” says Jon Whitney, Illinois Press Foundation board member and publisher of Carroll County Review. But there’s been a sharp decline in print advertising revenue since 2006, when it peaked at $49.3 billion, according to a 2018 report from Pew Research. By […]
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Dangerous work
When a loved one dies of a suicide, violent crime or a drug overdose, the Sangamon County coroner gives the deceased’s family a list of biohazard businesses to help with cleanup needed in the home or vehicle. “Most people don’t know companies like us exist until something happens to them,” said Tony Moser, the franchisee […]
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Ward 1: Same faces, new race
Ward 1 Alderman Chuck Redpath and candidate Rev. T. Ray McJunkins are facing off again to represent the largest ward in the city. McJunkins, lead pastor at Union Baptist Church and a founder of the Faith Coalition for the Common Good, received about a quarter of the votes in the 2015 election. McJunkins said he […]
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Fulgenzi faces opponents in Ward 4
Ward 4 Alderman John Fulgenzi is used to having competition when it comes to politics and business. The alderman, who’s seeking a second term on the city council, has two opponents who have both unsuccessfully run for elected office: John Thomas as a write-in mayoral candidate and Angel Sides for the 13th Congressional District. In […]
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Three experienced candidates compete in Ward 5
Three candidates who all have experience as elected officials will be on the ballot for the Ward 5 aldermanic race in the April municipal election. Sam Cahnman, an attorney in private practice who previously served two terms as alderman for Ward 5, is hoping to regain the office from current alderman Andrew Proctor, who […]
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City treasurer race
Incumbent city treasurer Misty Buscher, who defeated current mayoral candidate Frank Edwards for the position in 2014, is being challenged by newcomer Jennifer Notariano. “Whether you’re the treasurer, alderman, mayor or city clerk, you’re never going to make 100 percent of the people happy,” Buscher said. “You have to make a decision, and never is […]
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Living on the edge
A pharmacist, a lawyer and a retiree are vying to represent residents of Ward 10. All three candidates – John Animasaun, Rob Patino and incumbent Ralph Hanauer – agree that there needs to be improvements to the roadways in Ward 10, the southwest boundary of the city, but that’s where the similarities stop. Animasaun, a […]
