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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public that along with fall, October brings the start of the traditional respiratory virus season. The department is urging Illinoisans to use the proven tools that can safeguard them from illnesses that typically surge during the fall and winter, including COVID-19, flu and RSV. This includes getting vaccinated to protect yourself and your family for those viral diseases if you are eligible. The Department has upgraded its Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard and has posted two new FAQ documents on its website providing the latest guidance on vaccinations and how to get tested and treated for these seasonal illnesses. In addition, the CDC has created a new Respiratory Illness Data Channel that provides nationwide county specific information that would valuable for anyone planning to travel out of state. “As our public health workers ramp up preparations for the respiratory virus

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BELLEVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on West Boulevard from Lebanon Road to Illinois 161 in St. Clair County, weather permitting, on Thursday, Oct. 10. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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BETHALTO - A recent data breach in Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 targeted Superintendent Dr. Jill Griffin, according to the school district. On Oct. 4, 2024, former district employee Barrett Deist was charged with computer tampering, a Class B misdemeanor, by the Bethalto Police Department. Deist previously worked as the chief school business official for the district. He currently serves as the business director at Roxana Community Unit School District #1. Deist accessed executive session and internet board documents from the Board of Education, as well as 23 personal employee files. In a press release , Bethalto Community School District #8 said that “various types of personal information” was viewed and printed. The affected employees have been notified. Deist did not access any student files. According to the school district, the data breach was related to several Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. “While we do not have an explanation

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of Undergraduate Admissions invites prospective students — including high school and transfer students — to take advantage of one of two Preview SIUE events. The day-long programs, slated to take place on Saturday, Oct. 26 and Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, will provide attendees the chance to explore SIUE’s array of academic programming, student life opportunities and student support services. Preview SIUE events are tailored as an open house and provide information catered to both prospective students and their guests. “Preview SIUE is a day where people from all across campus come together to welcome prospective students and show them how SIUE can help them achieve their educational goals,” said Alyssa Taylor, assistant director of admissions for campus visits in the Office of Admissions. “Students can talk with professors from different academic programs and current students, explore

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GLEN CARBON - One of the leaders of the Father McGivney Catholic boys soccer team this fall is Spencer Martin. Martin is a captain and forward for the Griffins team. Martin is a Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Male Athlete of the Month for the Griffins. “Spencer is a senior who will be sorely missed with the Griffins at the end of the season," his coach Matt McVicar said. “He is also an excellent PK kicker and offensive threat.” “He is very talented and has created a lot of chances for us,” the coach added. Martin said since the age of three, the game of soccer has exposed him to new cultures and opportunities throughout the United States and Europe. “I wish to continue my journey and strive to contribute to a collegiate team that shares my passion, vision, and dedication while also pursuing a strong education in my future.” The talented McGivney soccer player has been all-conference and all-region. Martin has also been a St. Louis Scott

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EAST ST. LOUIS - The Illinois Juneteenth Committee, in collaboration with Miss Juneteenth USA, is proud to announce the upcoming 2024 National Miss Juneteenth USA Scholarship Pageant, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at the East St. Louis Senior High School, located at 4901 State Street, East St. Louis, Ill. The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. This national pageant celebrates the rich legacy of Juneteenth, Black excellence, and the “Juneteenth Journey,” offering a platform for young women of African descent to display their talents, academic prowess, and commitment to their communities. Contestants will compete for scholarships and the esteemed title of Miss Juneteenth USA, a role that amplifies the importance of education, heritage, and empowerment. In addition to the main pageant, the Jr. Miss and Little Miss Juneteenth USA Pageant will be held on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at the National Host Hotel, Drury Inn & Suites, O’Fallon, Ill. This event begins at

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There are few things more embarrassing than halitosis – better known as bad breath. Whether it’s that disturbing look on your significant other’s face when you give them a smooch, or that unpleasant odor coming from that stranger chatting you up at a party, bad breath can cause a little anxiety for everyone involved. “Bad breath can be a totally benign thing, and you just need to brush more, or it could be a sign that something more serious is going on,” says Breanne Gendron, a nurse practitioner for OSF HealthCare. “If you are someone who has bad breath despite regular like twice daily brushing and flossing, then it would be important for you to see your dentist to make sure everything's healthy on the inside of your mouth.” Gendron says bad breath is common. One in four adults have had bad breath at some point in their lives. It can also be chronic. And some people, Gendron adds, don’t even know they have bad breath due to a condition

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BUNKER HILL - Macoupin County PK-12 school district Bunker Hill CUSD 8 and their higher education partner Lewis & Clark Community College were recently recruited to participate in the non-profit Collegiate Edu-Nation’s first National P-20 Convening in Abilene, Texas. Completely funded by a grant from the Carnegie Foundation, the team was accompanied by a representative from the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS). Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN), a non-profit dedicated to bringing economic development via educational opportunities to rural communities across America, hosted the event with education leaders, higher education partners, and policy makers from the following states: Texas, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, New Mexico, California, Missouri, Kentucky Ohio, and Illinois. The purpose of the convening was to explore methods of creating workforce development within a PK-12 setting yet overlapping with higher education partners. Participating in the work sessions

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ALTON — Main Street Baptist Church is set to host its annual Trunk or Treat event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 at 507 Main St., Alton. The event aims to bring the community together for a safe and enjoyable Halloween celebration. With a history spanning 87 years, Main Street Baptist Church is well-established in the Alton area, known for its family-oriented and welcoming atmosphere. The church's mission is to praise the Lord and spread God's word, and it emphasizes a friendly environment for all attendees. "We are family-oriented and provide a safe environment," a church representative stated. "We love God and enjoy speaking to people without being pushy." The Trunk or Treat event will feature various activities designed to engage families and children in the community. It is free to attend, and organizers encourage everyone to join in the festivities. In addition to the Halloween event, Main Street Baptist Church holds Sunday services at 10:45 a.m. and Sunday

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 announced the results of recent Roadside Safety Checks (RSC) conducted in Madison and St. Clair Counties in September. The initiative aimed to enhance road safety by identifying and removing impaired drivers from the road. During the RSCs, law enforcement officers issued a total of 73 citations and arrests. Among these, six were for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), while 34 involved driver’s license offenses. Additional violations included 26 registration offenses, seven insurance violations, and one occupant restraint offense. Officers also provided 22 written warnings during the operation. According to ISP Commander Casey Faro, alcohol and drug impairment contribute to more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. The statistics highlight the urgency of such safety checks, as there is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes in the United States. The Roadside Safety Checks were funded

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — A masked group of neo-Nazis displayed swastika flags and banners promoting white nationalism on Saturday, October 5, 2024, near the Mason Road Overpass along Interstate 64 in west St. Louis County. The demonstration, which drew attention from local residents and officials, occurred in the congressional district of Ray Hartmann, a candidate for Congress in Missouri. Hartmann expressed shock at the presence of the protestors but acknowledged their right to demonstrate in America. Hartmann's mother fled from the Nazi control as a child at 9 years old, so he described this issue as deeply personal. "My mom escaped but her parents, my grandparents, and an aunt, were murdered. It hits home to me. This whole subject hits me in a very personal way." Hartmann said he is not organizing a protest, but he plans to participate in a counter-demonstration apparently at the same location as the neo-Nazi group. Details for the counter-demonstration have not yet been

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– U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $2,327,751,005 in total formula funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to build and maintain roads, bridges and tunnels that will improve efficiency, reduce congestion, improve resiliency against climate change and modernize key infrastructure of the Illinois highway system. This funding was made possible through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “Investing in our transportation infrastructure is about more than just improving our roads and bridges, it’s about growing our economy and making getting to work, school and throughout our communities faster, safer and more efficient,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to see this federal funding coming to our state today for critical upgrades to Illinois’s highway network. I will continue to work alongside

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EAST ALTON – The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC?) is inviting the community to attend an upcoming October STREAM Series event titled “NGRREC Strikes Back.” Participants will join the Habitat Strike Team for an evening of science and art from 4:30-6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16, at NGRREC’s Jerry F. Costello Field Station in East Alton. “The NGRREC STREAM series aims to combine STEM programming with research and art,” Environmental Educator Erica Doerr said. “Guests can discover more about conservation work, learn from NGRREC researchers working throughout the state, dabble in nature illustration, and test their native plant identification skills. It will be a fun event for the whole family.” Doerr said the event aims to draw people from all backgrounds and interests. At 4:30 p.m., guests will be invited into the Field Station lobby for light refreshments and a hands-on activity led by some local

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AURORA - Dow Native Jessica Droste Yagan Honored as 2024 IMSA Alumni Trailblazer The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) has named Dow, IL native Jessica Droste Yagan as the 2024 Alumni Trailblazer Award winner. Yagan, a 1995 graduate of IMSA, is being recognized for her transformative work as CEO of Impact Engine, a Chicago-based investment firm that funds companies focused on creating positive social and environmental impacts. Yagan's journey began at IMSA, where she was exposed to a world beyond her small-town roots. Surrounded by diverse perspectives and guided by encouraging mentors, she developed a passion for problem-solving and social good. IMSA’s culture of intellectual curiosity and exploration inspired Yagan to think big, ultimately shaping her path toward corporate responsibility and social entrepreneurship. As the CEO of Impact Engine, Yagan leads efforts to align financial success with social impact, focusing investments on businesses that prioritize

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted a violent crime suppression detail on October 1-3, 2024, in St. Clair and Madison counties, focusing its efforts on East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities. The operation utilized intelligence and technology to target known high crime areas, violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East. There were several notable events and arrests during the detail. These are the totals in the detail: Arrests - 27 Felony Charges - 41 Criminal Charges - 57 Firearm-Related Charges - 27 Firearms Seized - 12 Controlled Substance Seized - 115 grams Stolen Vehicles Recovered - 3 On October 1, 2024, troopers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for IVC violations. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, troopers located and seized a loaded firearm with no identifiable features, commonly known as a “Ghost gun.” One subject was taken into custody. On October 2, 2024

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Welcome to another edition of This Day in History! As we turn our gaze to October 7, we uncover a tapestry of significant events that have unfolded on this day throughout history. In 1963, Algeria officially became a member of the United Nations. After a brutal eight-year war of independence against French colonial rule, Algeria's admission into the UN symbolized international recognition of its sovereignty. This event marked a significant victory for the Algerian people and served as an inspiration for other nations seeking independence. Algeria's journey to independence and its subsequent role in the UN highlighted the growing wave of decolonization that swept across Africa and Asia during the mid-20th century. In the realm of technology, October 7, 1985, is a day to remember, as it was the date when the Achille Lauro cruise ship was hijacked by Palestinian terrorists. The incident captured global attention and heightened international concerns regarding terrorism at sea.

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BUNKER HILL - Macoupin County PK-12 school district Bunker Hill CUSD 8 and their higher education partner Lewis & Clark Community College were recently recruited to participate in the non-profit Collegiate Edu-Nation’s first National P-20 Convening in Abilene, Texas. Completely funded by a grant from the Carnegie Foundation, the team was accompanied by a representative from the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS). Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN), a non-profit dedicated to bringing economic development via educational opportunities to rural communities across America, hosted the event with education leaders, higher education partners, and policy makers from the following states: Texas, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, New Mexico, California, Missouri, Kentucky Ohio, and Illinois. The purpose of the convening was to explore methods of creating workforce development within a PK-12 setting yet overlapping with higher education partners. Participating in the work sessions

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BETHALTO - Bethalto Community Unit School District was informed on Oct. 4, 2024, by the Bethalto Police Department that a former district employee was charged with computer tampering related to illegal access to the School District’s network. The Board of Education first became aware of a potential breach of the district computer system when a Board member received a screenshot of closed session materials from a community member. The Board requested an internal investigation at that time. The investigation resulted in evidence that a former employee was accessing the District’s computer network from their current place of employment and their home. The police were contacted on the advice of legal counsel and began a formal investigation based on the initial findings. At this time we do not have all the details from the police investigation, however we will provide the information we have. Executive session and other internet board documents were accessed in the breach

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PIASA - Illinois State Police has reported a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred at 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Macoupin County. The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle in the accident. The accident took place close to Southwestern High School on Illinois Highway 111/267. The accident was also near Illinois Route 16. Illinois State Police Troop 8 handled the investigation into the crash. This is the preliminary investigation report released by ISP: "The preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: ISP Troop 8 responded to the location above for the report of a single vehicle fatal crash. Unit 1, a Blue Dodge Caravan, was traveling northbound on IL-111 when for unknown reasons, it left the roadway and entered the left ditch and overturned. The driver sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene." ISP said the crash investigation remains open and there is no further information available for release at this time.

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BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police Department is investigating an aggravated battery incident that left a 16-year-old male with multiple gunshot wounds on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Officers responded to a report of a shooting at 6:51 p.m. in the 900 block of North 2nd Street in Belleville. Upon arrival, officers found the victim lying in the roadway near the curb. They provided immediate first aid until MedStar EMS arrived to take over care. The victim was subsequently transported to a hospital in St. Louis for emergency treatment. Witnesses described the suspects as black males, likely in their teens, dressed in black clothing. They were last seen fleeing the scene, with one suspect on foot and the other on a bicycle, heading toward West H Street. Officers secured the area and initiated a crime scene investigation, during which detectives recovered evidence. The Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit is assisting local detectives with the ongoing investigation. As of now

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