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Illinois Valley food pantries: ‘We’re starting to feel the hurt’

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Illinois Valley food pantries: ‘We’re starting to feel the hurt’


The Illinois Valley Meals Pantry in La Salle set a foul report final month — the type they prayed would by no means occur — when 18 new households requested for assist. That’s 18 purchasers who by no means wanted meals help earlier than.

And in case Government Director Mary Jo Credi wanted extra proof instances are unhealthy, even the U.S. authorities can’t assist a lot proper now. The meals pantry in La Salle normally can financial institution on Uncle Sam to ship meat, however a tandem of inflation and gas prices have scaled again federal assist.

“We’re not getting loads of meat from the federal government,” Credi mentioned, “and we’re beginning to really feel the damage.”

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Meals pantries within the Illinois Valley are asking native donors for money — pantries should purchase from meals banks extra cheaply than you’ll be able to on the retailer — as a result of the amount of individuals in want is climbing on the identical time authorities assist is falling off.

“We have been getting authorities meals however that has slowed down and now now we have to purchase meals,” mentioned Tracy Cooper, director of the Mendota Space Christian Meals Pantry.

Cooper additionally experiences rising numbers of purchasers — about the place the numbers have been earlier than the pandemic — with a 20% improve in new purchasers.

“That doesn’t sound like lots, however that’s individuals who’ve by no means had to make use of a meals pantry earlier than,” Cooper mentioned. “We’re seeing so many individuals who’ve by no means used us prior to now and that’s form of scary.”

“Our numbers are up,” mentioned Bertie Beckman, president of Streatorland Group Meals Pantry. “We have now at the least three new households coming in every day we’re open.”

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For each La Salle and Mendota, the large want is youngsters’s meals that may be heated with a microwave relatively than a range. Warmth-and-eat breakfast sandwiches, French toast sticks and Pop Tarts are wanted as a result of a hungry youngster’s wants are better throughout summer time than through the college yr when free and sponsored lunches and breakfasts can be found.

One motive demand has risen is COVID-19 reduction efforts have lapsed, taking away a safety internet for a lot of households.

Marissa Vicich, govt director of the Group Meals Basket in Ottawa, mentioned federal stimulus {dollars} and different pandemic reduction applications saved many households afloat by way of the top of final yr.

“We’re mainly up about 50% over final yr,” Vicich mentioned. “In 2021, demand was down a bit of as a result of all the federal government assist applications have been working. However now demand is again to regular or above.”

Mike Paulsen, a volunteer at Western Bureau County Meals Pantry, reported the identical development. COVID-19 reduction applications had slashed his numbers from 140 households in must 40. Since then, nevertheless, the quantity has soared to 86 and climbing.

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Many consumers, he mentioned, are first-timers who as soon as may get by however now need assistance with prices hovering. Paulsen mentioned he had an aged, widowed Social Safety recipient in tears as a result of he’d by no means requested for a handout in his life — till now.

“You may’t imagine what number of people who find themselves on this place,” Paulsen mentioned.

Demand has risen by about one-fifth on the Corridor Township Meals Pantry in Spring Valley, the place govt director Jan Martin experiences 1,000 purchasers and 295 households in want, up 18% and 22%, respectively, from this time final yr.

“It’s been busy,” Martin mentioned. “However we’re getting by. There’s much less meals from the meals banks due to provide and demand however our neighborhood is all the time keen to assist out.”

Martin agreed authorities assist is wanting, not just for meals pantries however for households receiving Supplemental Diet Help Program advantages. One Corridor shopper is a mom of 4 who reported a $99 per 30 days profit — a determine that hardly covers a lone journey to the grocery store.

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Illinois

Should Biden step aside? Illinois Democrat congressman weighs in

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Should Biden step aside? Illinois Democrat congressman weighs in


Calls within the Democratic Party for President Joe Biden to step aside are growing louder.

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Illinois Democratic Congressman Mike Quigley expressed concerns following Biden’s poorly received debate performance last week, which has caused a dip in his polling numbers. Democrats are now worried not only about keeping Donald Trump out of office but also about their prospects in the House and Senate.

“At this point, it’s Joe Biden, unless he decides he’s not that nominee,” Quigley said. “We move forward with that understanding unless there’s a change.”

White House officials and Biden campaign surrogates have claimed the president simply had a bad night during the debate. However, Quigley believes Biden’s problems extend beyond a single debate.

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“I think we gotta be honest with ourselves, this wasn’t just one bad debate performance. There are very real concerns, and you have to take the voters for where they are, not where you want them to be,” Quigley said.

Quigley emphasized that the decision is ultimately Biden’s to make, but he should consider his lagging poll numbers and their effect on down-ballot races.

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“If I were to talk to him, what I would say is, this was a tough race, it’s going to be a much tougher race. You were down in states, that hasn’t changed, got worse, so we’ve gotta make a decision, one he alone has to make,” Quigley added.

US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Supreme Courts immunity ruling at the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC on July 1, 2024. The US Supreme Court ruled July 1, 2024 that Donald Trump enjoys some immunity from prosecution as a

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Quigley is not the only top Democrat speaking out. Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett publicly called on Biden to step aside, and South Carolina Democratic stalwart Jim Clyburn said he would support Vice President Kamala Harris should Biden step aside. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also suggested that both Trump and Biden should take cognitive tests.

Quigley believes Biden would leave with his head held high if he chose to step down now.

“He’s really had one of the most successful presidencies of my lifetime, so I think what he has to appreciate is, that should be his legacy, and where do we go from here. That decision rests with only one person, and that’s President Biden. He has to come to terms with that,” Quigley stated.

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A Democratic strategist expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to continue given his poor polling numbers. Reports indicate that Biden plans to meet with top Democrats on Capitol Hill and governors and will sit down for an interview with ABC News on Friday.



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'Tipsy' artist Shaboozey joins Illinois State Fair 2024 lineup

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'Tipsy' artist Shaboozey joins Illinois State Fair 2024 lineup


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — Crossover country sensation Shaboozey has been added to the Illinois State Fair lineup.

The artist, with the hit single “Tipsy,” will take the stage Sunday, Aug. 18.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Shaboozey also contributed to Beyonce’s chart-topping album “Cowboy Carter.”

Tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10 a.m. on Ticketmaster.

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According to the fair’s website, tickets start at $20; a pre-show party can be added on for $30.

Others performing at the 2024 Illinois State Fair include Keith Urban, Jason Isbell, Lil Wayne, Jonas Brothers, The Smashing Pumpkins and Miranda Lambert.

The fair takes place from Aug. 8 to 18 at the state fairgrounds in Springfield.

Visit statefair.illinois.gov for more information.

Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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Timeless Enters Illinois Cannabis Market

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Timeless Enters Illinois Cannabis Market


Timeless will launch in Illinois with six strains from its signature “Choose Your Mood” collection, “Energy” (Sativa), “Chill” (Hybrid), and “Rest” (Indica), as well as its NOIR Live Resin Terpenes and Timeless All-In-One vaporizers, all uniquely designed to suit the specific needs of each consumer. In addition, Timeless will debut an exclusive ‘Greetings From Illinois’ flip case and battery, a limited-edition combo featuring cultural references unique to Illinois. Team Timeless will be taking over retail partner locations throughout July to educate consumers on Timeless products, strains and their effects, as well as offering special promotions, doorbusters and food from local vendors.

“We are thrilled to begin the next chapter of our journey in the midwest in Illinois,” said Timeless Founder Rocky Huang. “Having previously launched in Missouri and Ohio, we know first-hand how incredible the midwestern cannabis market is and introducing our high-quality products to Illinois marks an exciting next step to further increase our presence in this region. By blending the state’s rich culture with our commitment to community, we hope to build long-lasting relationships with adult-use consumers.”

Timeless products will be available with activations at select Curaleaf locations starting Wednesday July 3rd, followed by Zen Leaf on the 4th, and continuing with OKAY, Trinity, Bud & Rita’s, Be, Windy City, and Ivy Hall dispensaries in the weeks to come. In addition, new locations carrying Timeless later in the month will include The Cannabist, Ayr Wellness, Consume, RISE, Mission, and nuEra.

To learn more about where and when to find Timeless in Illinois this summer and the schedule for Timeless Takeovers at dispensaries, please visit the Timeless Illinois Launch Webpage. For more information on the Timeless brands, collaborations, and product availability, please visit https://www.timelessvapes.com.

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About Timeless:
Timeless was founded in 2011 with the vision of creating a leading lifestyle brand around high-quality cannabis products and unique engagement through the pillars of “Community, Culture, and Legacy.” Timeless began making cannabis products in 2013 and is celebrating their 11th anniversary. Their passion for innovation, unique brand building, and customer engagement has led Timeless to be a leading national House of Brands in the industry. Today, Timeless operates in Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Ohio, Missouri, New Jersey, and now Illinois, and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. To learn more about Timeless please visit: https://www.timelessvapes.com.

SOURCE Timeless Refinery



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