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CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and BJC HealthCare are stepping up mitigation efforts to minimize the spread of respiratory viruses. IDPH reports 51 counties, or half the counties in Illinois, are now at a medium or high level for COVID-19 hospitalizations. IDPH has also issued a health alert today to hospitals, long-term care facilities, and local health departments outlining various mitigation measures such as the use of masking and screening, especially in areas where more vulnerable patients are treated. BJC HealthCare announced it will reinstate its mask mandate for staff starting Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. The mandate going into effect includes about 30,000 employees across its facilities on both sides of the Mississippi River, including Alton Memorial Hospital. Hillary Babcock, Infectious Disease Physician and Chief Quality Officer with BJC HealthCare, said the action is in response to an uptick in the number of new COVID cases in the St. Louis Metr

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ALTON - The new Alton Community Boxing Club is off to a mighty start with their first win last month. Three boxers participated in the club’s first competition on Nov. 17, 2023, and Josha Perkins, age 12, brought home a trophy. Perkins is the first of several Alton fighters who will be competing in USA Boxing-certified competitions over the next few months through the local club. “I was proud of myself,” Perkins said. “I was nervous before the fight, but when I got in the room, it just all went away.” Joshua Young, the club’s coach, noted his pride in Perkins. Young and his fellow volunteer coaches started the boxing club a few months ago, and they have quickly become mentors to boxers like Perkins and his friends. They’ve enjoyed growing the boxers’ skills and friendships inside and outside of the ring. Young hopes to help the sport grow in the Riverbend area so they can reach more kids. “Boxing is huge as a sport already

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City senior guard Alvin Valentine has been a leader for the Warriors in both scoring and rebounds per game. He also contributes in the assists and steals areas. Alvin Valentine is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete Of Month for Warriors. Granite did work hard during the summer off-season and in preseason practice to get ready for the new campaign, and Valentine thought things went well. "It was pretty tough," Valentine said of the off-season workouts. "Everybody came out, we worked hard. Credit to the guys, and the coaching staff; they helped us out a lot. They pushed us to the limit that we need to be pushed, and we pushed beyond those limits, also." Valentine sees his role on the team as a leader, who's willing to step up and make the plays where needed, and also show the other players how things should be done. "I feel like a leader," Valentine said. "But I feel more of a brotherhood-type leader. I feel like I need to push everyone a little bit harder

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ALTON - Alton High School principal Michael Bellm is pleased to announce that 28 students from the Alton High School graduating class of 2024 that have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. Nearly every high school in Illinois competes in the Illinois State Scholars program, identifying and honoring the highest academically performing seniors in high schools around the state. 28 students from Alton High School made the list this year; their names are listed below. Kailyn Alexander Yahira Delgado Camden Elrod Lucas Frye Tucker Gehrig Alyssa Herbst Mia Lavite Spencer Leonard Marissa Lewis Augustus Livingstone Jacob Lowe Isaiah Ouechani Morgan Plummer Owen Robien Sophie Rose Emily Schrumpf Hilary Schrumpf Alexander Siatos Jillian Smith Khalilia Spitz Bel Springman Madison Stephens Juliana Stevenson Kian Summers Rachel Ware William Weirich Colton Wendle Christine Zheng "Alton High School is very proud of our students that were named Illinois State

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), applauded Senate passage of their bipartisan SIREN Reauthorization Act . The legislation would extend funding for five additional years for SIREN Act grants to rural fire and EMS agencies nationwide. The funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which was created through Durbin’s Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Act , supports EMS agencies in training and recruiting staff, conducting certification courses, and purchasing equipment, including naloxone to address the opioid overdose epidemic. “In Illinois, rural EMS agencies are a lifeline for their communities. These first responders are on the front lines, and we must ensure that they have the proper staffing, training, and equipment to address the emergency in front

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WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today introduced legislation to block the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from using its resources to provide healthcare or engage in claims processing for illegal migrants. The “No VA Resources for Illegal Aliens Act” comes after reports indicated the Department of Homeland Security is leveraging the VA’s established claims processing system, through its Financial Services Center, to pay for illegal migrants in ICE detention. “Joe Biden’s failed border policies have created a humanitarian and national security crisis. Now it appears he’s taking resources away from our veterans to facilitate healthcare for illegal migrants," said Chairman Bost. "As a Marine, I believe any dollar taken away from a veteran is a promise broken to those who served. I’ve demanded answers from the Biden administration and been stonewalled every step of the

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today released the following statement after voting for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes an authorization of nearly $886 billion for national security, including authorizations for military construction projects in Illinois and a 5.2 percent pay raise for service members and the Department of Defense (DoD) civilian workforce, which is the largest increase in two decades: “I’m pleased to see the Senate finally pass the NDAA today with a bipartisan vote, demonstrating that members on both sides of the aisle remain committed to a strong national defense and to the protection of our women and men in uniform. Illinois, in particular, will see significant investment as a result of this legislation, and I’m eager to see this federal spending make a positive impact on our state. “I am frustrated

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CHAMPAIGN-URBANA – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation were joined by local officials and community leaders to celebrate the latest milestones on the $251.8 million replacement of the Interstate 57/74 interchange, a signature project of the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. As it moves into its next phase, the overall project will positively impact safety and mobility while positioning the region for long-term economic growth. “This $251.8 million, multi-year project to redesign the I-57/74 Interchange is a cornerstone of our road modernization program, and today, I couldn’t be prouder to announce that we’ve completed the first phase of its construction,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “When we make smart investments in the roadways that working families and businesses rely on, we’re constructing a better future for the entire region—one where parents and their children can commute

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of Nicole G. Berner, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit; Adeel Abdullah Mangi, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit; Amy M. Baggio, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon; Cristal C. Brisco, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Indiana; and Gretchen S. Lund, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Indiana. Key Quotes: “Today is the 14th nominations hearing of this year. Including nominations hearings, we have held 35 full committee hearings and 22 markups. I want to thank Ranking Member Graham for his partnership, as well as all Members of this Committee. We’ve been busy this year—one of the busiest Committees in the Senate.” “I would

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ALTON - Kiyoko Proctor, a junior point guard and a key player for the girls basketball team at Alton High, had a big game on Dec. 7, 2023, scoring 19 points and hitting a pair of clutch threes in the final quarter to help the Redbirds take a 55-50 win over O'Fallon at the OTHS Panther Dome. Her performance helped Alton stay undefeated on the season, with the Redbirds now 8-0. More importantly, it's a win in the very tough Southwestern Conference in a key early-season matchup against the defending IHSA Class 4A state champions. Kiyoko is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. For the season so far, Proctor is averaging 14.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, along with having 14 assists and 12 steals. She had enjoyed success since seventh grade, playing on back-to-back Alton Middle School teams that won the Illinois Elementary School Association Class 4A championship. She's been a main catalyst for the Redbirds since her freshman year and is also a very hard worker

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ALTON - The Alton City Council officially gave their final approval Wednesday night for a $7.5 million agreement with developer WIC Landlord LLC for the Wedge Redevelopment Project, set to transform the former Wedge Bank building into a workforce training center, digital hub, startup business space, and more known as the “Wedge Innovation Center.” The agreement passed 6-0 with Alderwoman Stephanie Elliott abstaining. While there was no further discussion from any of the council members or members of the public at Wednesday’s meeting, John Simmons with AltonWorks thanked city officials for their support of the project at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday. “Thank you to the city for believing in us with the TIF request that moved out of this committee tonight,” Simmons said. “It’s going to go a long way to revitalize Alton and help dreams become a reality and bring things to fruition faster than they already would, so

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), secured several important provisions in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed Congress today to support our servicemembers, enhance strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, improve logistics to bolster readiness and energy resiliency as well as continue to restore American competitiveness. The legislation, which now heads to the House of Representatives, also includes a 5.2% pay raise for our troops. “The brave men and women in uniform who serve our nation at home and abroad deserve to know that our country fully supports them as they and their families sacrifice to defend our country and our Constitution,” said Duckworth. “While I do not support every provision in this bipartisan compromise, I’m proud the bill we passed

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order in his federal antitrust lawsuit challenging the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) transfer eligibility rule, allowing college athletes who have been prevented from competing to immediately be eligible. The decision – issued by a federal judge in the Northern District of West Virginia – prevents the NCAA from enforcing the transfer rule for the next 14 days. “Today’s ruling is a step in the right direction toward permanently ending the flawed transfer rule that restricts college athletes in their ability to compete,” Raoul said. “I filed this lawsuit to bring fairness to collegiate sports and ensure the needs of athletes and their families are prioritized and respected.” The next court date in the case is scheduled for Dec. 27 when a federal judge will consider the states’ motion for a preliminary injunction

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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker visited the Howe School of Excellence to participate in the Daisie Foundation’s annual “Holiday Magic Experience.” Following the event, the Governor visited the Anti-Cruelty Society’s (ACS) Dog Adoption Center and Clinic to celebrate 125 years of animal advocacy and adoption. “As Governor, there’s nothing more exciting than celebrating the holiday season with Illinoisans, including the youngest and the furriest members of our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thank you to non-profits like the Daisie Foundation and the Anti-Cruelty Society for your tireless work to bring joy to families all over Illinois.” “Today, I was proud to join Governor Pritzker at the Howe School of Excellence, to share some holiday magic with students, teachers and staff,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “This is a great time of year to take care of our communities and our students. I thank

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ALTON - There are many skygazers in the Metro East area and a yearly Geminids meteor shower is about to reach a peak. EarthSky says 1:27 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, will be the peak. EarthSky also said the overall duration of the shower occurs from Nov. 19, 2023, to Dec. 24, 2023. The meteor's radiance rises in the mid-evening and is highest around 2 p.m. Under a dark sky with no moon, EarthSky says a person might visualize 120 Geminids meteors in an hour. Because the meteor rises in the mid-evening, someone can watch Geminids all night around the peak dates of Dec. 13 and 14. "The bold, white, bright geminids give us one of the Northern Hemisphere's best shower, especially in years when there is no moon," EarthSky said. "They're also visible, at lower rates from the Southern Hemisphere. The meteors are plentiful, rivaling the August Perseids."

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ALTON - Aldi shoppers had a bit of a break on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 12, 2023, when a refrigeration leak occurred. Aldi maintenance personnel was dispatched to the scene and the Alton Fire Department also responded. Alton Deputy Fire Chief Matt Fischer said the fire department’s primary role was ventilating the area. “We were able to ventilate the building while the work was going on to stop the leak,” he said. Aldi has since reopened for business at the 2822 Homer Adams Parkway, Alton.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Malik Allen returned to the Edwardsville boys basketball lineup on Dec. 5, scoring 16 points in a 64-46 loss at O'Fallon, and then led the Tigers with 19 points in a very good bounce-back win at home over Belleville East 60-48 on Dec. 8. Allen exploded for 23 points on Monday against Gateway STEM, then came back Tuesday with a career-high 24 points against Roosevelt. Allen has been on fire from the field and his quickness and agility on the court are huge pluses for the Tigers as they head into the Christmas schedule and open 2024 with Southwestern Conference play. Allen's return to the lineup is a good sign for Edwardsville's team, as he'll add an extra dimension to the team's offense and defense. The win over the Lancers was a very good bounce back for the Tigers also, after the loss at O'Fallon, and Allen's return couldn't have come at a better time. In his post-game interview. Allen expressed his happiness on returning to the team after having missed the first

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ALTON - There’s a new sport in Alton, and Coach Joshua Young wants the Riverbend region to know that the Alton Community Boxing Club is fighting strong. In the past few months, Young and his fellow volunteer coaches have worked with over 100 people of all ages to build skills and fellowship both inside and outside of the ring. Now, they’re sharing their success and hoping to gain community support as the club grows. “Boxing is accepting and it gives second chances,” Young said. “No matter what your background is, you can come and belong. No one is compared here. No one is set up upon one another. Everyone, as soon as they walk in the door — that’s your brother. That’s your sister. This is your family…Hopefully, we grow as a family and stay together for years.” Young and his coaches started the club earlier this year to provide a fun, safe space for kids to hang out after school and participate in a new sport. They quickly

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic’s Dance Team Wins IDTA Lyrical Competition On Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, the Marquette Catholic High School Dance Team participated in the IDTA Regional Dance Competition at Belleville East High School and finished in first place in the Lyrical 1A Division. “This group of dancers is very talented and driven to do well,” said Coach Megan Stevenson. Dance team members are Kambria Simon, Macy Stevenson, Jaidyn Moore, Allison Wooden, Grace Schwegel, Grace Stoverink, Alana Taylor, Hope Seymour, Jaelyn Slow and Lexi Stevenson. “This is a great start to our competition season,” Stevenson said. Marquette Catholic Athletic Director Brian Hoener added: “Coach Stevenson does a great job with our dance team and we are thrilled they are off to such a great start to the competitive portion of their schedule.” Marquette Catholic is a co-educational, college prep school in Alton, Illinois, founded in 1927. Marquette’s athletic

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ALTON - Alton Firefighters Local 1255 members will once again show their giving nature with the Seventh Annual Turkey Giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. The turkey giveaway will take place from noon to 2 p.m. at Crisis Food Center at 21 E. Sixth Street in Alton. "We will have a contactless drive-through-only turkey giveaway with vehicles lining up on Market Street, between East Fourth and East Sixth Street heading north to make a right on East Sixth Street and pull up in front of our location where we load the trunk," Battalion Chief Derrick Richardson, one of the coordinators of the event and members of Alton Firefighters Local 1255, said. "We will give one turkey and one bag of sides, per car on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. We ask that everyone follow all safety protocols." Richardson said the firefighters are again happy to partner with Crisis Food Center, who are donating the side items and went 50/50 with Local 1255 on purchasing the turkeys. "This

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