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The Heart Center at OSF Saint Anthony's Conducts Another "First" With Successful Leadless Pacemaker Implant

8 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON – The Heart Center at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center has impeccable timing when it comes to announcing multiple first-ever procedures its conducted in less than a month’s time – especially with February recognized as American Heart Month. First, the Heart Center recently successfully conducted its first-ever cardioMEMS HF system procedure - a new implantable, wireless monitoring sensor, the size of a small paperclip, to manage heart failure (HF). Now, just weeks later, the Heart Center is touting seamless completion of its first-ever implantation of the world’s smallest leadless pacemaker in the treatment of bradycardia - a condition in which the heart beats too slowly. Mission Partners from the hospital’s cardiology services specialty program implanted Medtronic’s Micra™ leadless pacemaker – which is the world’s smallest pacemaker — leaving no bump under the skin, no chest scar, and requiring

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Indiana House Bill 1008: A Step Toward Illinois Territorial Realignment or Political Stalemate?

8 months 3 weeks ago
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. — A legislative proposal in Indiana that seeks to establish a commission for absorbing 33 Illinois counties that have expressed interest in secession has advanced in the Indiana statehouse, but experts caution that significant challenges lie ahead. House Bill 1008, sponsored by Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, passed its initial legislative hurdle recently. The bill aims to create an Indiana-Illinois boundary adjustment commission to facilitate the potential transition of the counties. Huston, a Republican from Fishers, said, “Instead of forming a new state, the counties that voted to pursue secession should join us in a state that shares their values and economic interests.” Despite the bill's progress, the effort faces skepticism. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has publicly opposed the notion of these counties leaving Illinois, asserting that such a move would not be impossible. He emphasized that Illinois offers higher wages and essential

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Opinion: Ray Strebel's Response to the School Bus Shooting

8 months 3 weeks ago
Letter To The Editor: ALTON – Ray Strebel, Ward 3 Alderman and candidate for Mayor, released the following statement in response to another shooting in our community: “I am outraged by the school bus shooting that occurred last night — my thoughts and prayers are with the family and victim involved. This has gone on far too long. For over a decade, we have endured unacceptable crime rates. We have good people living in our neighborhoods, and they should not have to live with the fear of their neighborhood becoming a shooting gallery. As your mayor, I am committed to building up our community, and with the partnership of our police force and stakeholders in the community, I will form a coalition to put an end to these incidents of violence, especially youth violence. We need a focused approach on prevention to ensure the safety and well-being of our youth and all residents. Leadership must come from the mayor to drive these efforts forward.” About

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Measles is a state problem

8 months 3 weeks ago
Over the past few years the rate of measles vaccine coverage among kindergarteners has dropped nationally from 95% to 92.7% in the latest school year. This decline started during the COVID pandemic but has persisted ever since. The exemption rate for kids increased this year from 3.0% to 3.3%. But national numbers understate the problem. ...continue reading "Measles is a state problem"
Kevin Drum

Durbin Discusses Illinois' Leadership In Quantum Computing With IBM

8 months 3 weeks ago
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Dr. Jay Gambetta, Vice President of IBM Quantum, to discuss Illinois’ position as a leader in quantum computing. During their meeting, Durbin received an update on IBM’s plans to join the Illinois Quantum Microelectronics Park (IQMP) on the South Side of Chicago. IBM plans to build a commercial quantum computer at the park and train the needed quantum workforce through the National Quantum Algorithms Center. Illinois has invested $500 million to scale-up quantum computing and microelectronics research and development (R&D) by attracting companies, researchers, suppliers, and users to IQMP. The quantum park is currently anchored by PsiQuantum, with plans for the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency to join the site soon. Durbin and Dr. Gambetta also strategized about a path forward for Durbin’s bipartisan Department of Energy (DOE) Quantum Leadership Act . The legislation, whic

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Durbin Talks Transformers, Clean Energy With IMEA/IMUA

8 months 3 weeks ago
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with members of the Illinois Municipal Electric/Utilities Association (IMEA/IMUA) to discuss clean energy tax credits and addressing the supply chain issues that have led to a shortage of transformers, which are an essential component of electrical infrastructure that adjusts the voltage of currents moving through electrical wires. Due to a sluggish supply chain, building sectors and utilities are grappling with an unprecedented shortage of transformers. Consequently, there have been significant delays on a number of clean energy projects and reconstruction efforts following the 176 tornadoes that struck Illinois last year. The shortage has also harmed the country’s ability to upgrade the electric grid to accommodate increased demand for electric vehicles and other clean energy technologies. They also discussed the importance of preserving the clean energy tax credits Democrats created in the Inflation

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Alton Police Investigate Shooting Incident On Central Avenue Near School Bus Dropoff

8 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON – The Alton Police Department is investigating a shooting incident that occurred at 6:42 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in the 1200 block of Central Avenue. The department received multiple calls reporting gunfire as an Alton School District bus was dropping off night school students in the area. Preliminary reports indicate that as a student exited the bus, multiple individuals began shooting in the direction of the student. Fortunately, neither the bus nor any individuals were struck by the gunfire. The bus driver responded quickly, moving to a safe location and following established safety protocols to protect the remaining students on board. Evidence was collected at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have determined that the shooting was not a random act, with indications that the suspects specifically targeted the individual involved. The police have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the general public. Alton Police Chief Jarrett

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