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Pritzker signs law that gives benefits to Chicago first responders disabled by COVID

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:06:53 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday signed a law providing full disability benefits to Chicago police officers and firefighters struck by COVID-19 before vaccines were available, presiding over an emotional statehouse ceremony which marked the end of a financial struggle for responders including the brother of Comptroller Susana Mendoza.The Act-of-Duty law, HB3162, ensures disability benefits of 75% of salary plus health insurance for anyone unable to work after contracting the coronavirus from March 9, 2020, when the flare-up intensified in Illinois, until June 30, 2021. The law grants them the presumption that they picked up the illness on the job.Pritzker said after COVID-19's arrival in early 2020, police, fire and medical personnel were both a line of defense and a lifeline.“Our first responders were key to our national response, transporting infected patients to hospitals, disbursing masks and testing kits or providing care to those in distress...," P...

St. Louis’ best french fries, according to FOX 2 viewers

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:06:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Where in the St. Louis area can you get some of the best french fries? When we asked our Facebook fans, they told us what they thought. We asked for fried chicken last week, so how about some fries to go with that chicken?  You can read more about the best chicken restaurants here. There were a lot of suggestions, and here are the top 15 from each group: local shops and fast-food restaurants. Local Business around St. Louis Two Shamrocks Public House in O’Fallon, Mo. Woofies Hot Dogs  Lakeside Café at St. Louis Zoo French Frie Factory in St. Louis Edge Wild in Chesterfield, Mo Social House 227 in Warrenton, Mo. Café Bistro in Des Peres, Mo. Mac’s Local eats  Hi-Pointe Drive-in  Lilana’s Italian Kitchen The Schlafly Tap Room Trainwreck Saloon 1860 Saloon, Game Room & Hardshell Café  Cooper’s American Pub & Grill in St. Peters, Mo. Johnny’s Hideout in High Ridge, Mo. Fast Foo...

New 314 inspired cannabis strain in St. Louis

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:06:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- A new cannabis strain is inspired by the St. Louis area. It is called 314, named after the city's area code. CODES, a new cannabis brand in Missouri, has launched five other area code inspired cannabis strains, St. Louis is the newest. Ray Boyer, founding member of CODES said that the company brings together a group of cannabis business owners and innovators in Missouri with the goal of giving Missourians the best cannabis possible, "We look forward to offering an array of products that celebrate Missouri's unique culture."To mark the launch, CODES donated to St. Louis-based charity The Housing Partnership. The strains will be available at dispensaries, including Organic Remedies, Coco, and Good Day Farm, which are all Missouri based. Learn more at www.codesbrand.com. 

'This is Cancer' podcast features honest conversations about being diagnosed

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:06:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine have launched a new podcast series called "This is Cancer." IT will feature patients and Washington University physicians having honest and raw conversations about being diagnosed.There are seven episodes in the first season, each covering a different type of cancer, and shedding light on the importance of mental and emotional support during the hard days. A new episode will debut every two weeks on Wednesdays through the remainder of the summer of 2023.To learn more about the podcast, visit siteman.wustl.edu/thisiscancer

Tornado warning issued for southwest Douglas County, Teller County

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:06:53 GMT

2:57 p.m.: A tornado warning for Castle Pines, Lone Tree and Louviers has been issued and lasts until 3:30 p.m. The system could bring half-dollar-sized hail and radar has indicated a tornado is possible.Tornado Warning including Castle Pines CO, Lone Tree CO and Louviers CO until 3:30 PM MDT pic.twitter.com/I0aCZ3AhzI— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) May 10, 20232:54 p.m.: A tornado warning lasting until 3:30 p.m. has been issued for Teller County. It could bring quarter-sized hail, and radar has indicated the possibility of a tornado.Tornado Warning including Teller County, CO until 3:30 PM MDT pic.twitter.com/cY1QA2HcKx— NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) May 10, 20232:51 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Teller County, warning of winds of up to 60 mph and half-dollar-sized hail. A tornado is also possible, the warning states. The warning is in place until 3:15 p.m.Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Teller County, CO until 3:15 PM MDT pic.twitter.com/QjeizDlI...

‘Aggressive’ Pico Rivera ordinance would penalize street takeover spectators, allow city to confiscate vehicles

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:06:53 GMT

The city of Pico Rivera has moved forward with an “aggressive” ordinance aimed at curtailing street takeovers.The ordinance would prohibit and penalize spectators and participants with a $2,000 fine and would allow the city to confiscate vehicles involved.The ordinance was introduced during a City Council meeting Tuesday.“Although California Vehicle Code Section 23109 makes street takeovers unlawful, the proposed ordinance will implement more aggressive prohibitions and penalties to deter both the racing and the attendance of spectators,” officials said in a news release.“This proposed ordinance and enforcement options will provide the City with additional tools to address the issue of illegal street takeovers, deter such activities, and ensure that the roadways in Pico Rivera remain safe for everyone,” Councilman John Garcia said in the news release. “By taking action, we are sending a strong message that illegal street takeovers will not be tolerated in Pico Rivera and that the sa...

L.A. City Council votes to expand anti-camping law to include Woodland Hills encampments

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:06:53 GMT

The Los Angeles City Council voted to expand an anti-camping law to include two sites in Woodland Hills on Wednesday.Councilman Bob Blumenfield introduced the resolution to expand the current law, which allows the city to designate specific areas for enforcement to prevent siting, lying, storing or maintaining personal property and obstructing the public right of way.Blumenfield, who represents west San Fernando Valley, said homeless people at the two Woodland Hills locations would be offered social services and housing.The anti-camping law can be enforced if there is a spike in crime, the encampment is blocking a critical corridor, or is near a school, the councilman said. He added that in this case, there are reports of violent crimes and a sexual assault at the Woodland Hills camps.The next step is the city will post signs at the encampments to give those living there at least two weeks notice before it is fully enforced.

Man airlifted to hospital after head-on collision with semi-truck in Ventura; truck driver also hospitalized

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:06:53 GMT

A man was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries and another man was also hospitalized after a crash involving a semi-truck in Ventura. California Highway Patrol officers from the Ventura area station responded to a call of a head-on crash on the 118 Freeway near Mesa School Road around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday evening. According to a CHP release, a 2007 Lexus LS driven by Russell James Young Jr., of Santa Barbara, collided head on with the semi-truck as it was traveling eastbound on the 118 Freeway. Authorities arrived at the scene to find Young trapped within his vehicle as it was blocking both lanes of the road. They also located the driver of the semi-truck, Aldo Jose Desantiago, of Tarzana, lying down in a dirt road south of the freeway.  3 missing after aircraft crashes off Channel Island coast: USCG “CHP personnel on scene rendered aid to both drivers while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive on scene,” CHP said in a statement. “The Ventura County Fire Depar...

Ts Madison keeps the Culture “Cozy” w/ her Viral Punchlines, Memes, and Fight for Equality

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:06:53 GMT

You can’t talk about Cultural Influence without mentioning the Media Queen herself, Ts Madison.Social Media has proven to be equivalent if not more impactful than traditional Television in some instances, as many of us are engaged and “logged in” to our social media accounts more often than tuned into Television Programming.Fortunately, the power of social media has birthed an entire culture of highly-influential individuals across and within every industry, including Comedy, Beauty, Music, Tech, Gaming, Lifestyle, and Spirituality.Adored Social Media & TV Personality TS MADISON has built an undeniable Digital Dynasty from the ground up, as she’s told her story as a Trans Woman In Entertainment over the last decade +.Her unique ability to consistently go viral by simply being herself is probably the reason she’s been able to impact both the LGBTQ+ Community as well as the rest of Pop Culture with her witty punch lines and strong opinions as it pertains to the continued fight for...

From Small Town to Silver Screen: Lee Diemer’s Journey as a Visionary Costume Designer in LA

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:06:53 GMT

For Lee Diemer, the vibrant world of costume design was once only a dream—a dream that has since become a reality. Lee’s journey began in a small Canadian town and has led her to the silver screen in Los Angeles. Her dedication, passion, and creative flair have made her a sought-after costume designer, and her work has left a lasting impact on the film industry.Lee’s fascination with costume design started early. Growing up in Rockwood, Ontario, she enrolled in sewing lessons at a local quilting shop, laying the foundation for her future career. Her unwavering determination and hard work, combined with the support of mentors, collaborators, and the community, have allowed her to create countless captivating costumes. Lee has found her niche in horror, historical, and fantasy productions, which provide her with ample opportunities to flex her creative muscles and showcase her craftsmanship.A testament to her talent, Lee has worked alongside some of the industry’s mo...