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Health Officials Warn of Rising Respiratory Illness Threat

9 months 2 weeks ago
Respiratory illnesses like influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are leading to many people being seriously ill, overwhelming hospitals and health care providers across Illinois. Flu remains the dominant virus “We're seeing a lot of patients be positive with the flu. It makes you feel really bad with headache, body aches, chills, cough and fevers to name a few,” says Sarah Overton, chief nursing officer of OSF Medical Group, Home Care and Employee Health. “But we're also seeing some COVID-19 and RSV. RSV attacks very young children and older adults." All the viruses spiking at the same time have been "somewhat crippling" for healthcare providers, Overton says OSF HealthCare hospitals are seeing high inpatients counts, with many people coming in sick with respiratory illnesses through the emergency department. Across Illinois, nearly 20% of emergency department visits were for acute respiratory illness, according to the Illinois Department of

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"Take a Minute, Make a Plan": Mothers Against Drunk Driving Urge Safety on Super Bowl Sunday

9 months 2 weeks ago
RIVERBEND - As the Riverbend gears up for Super Bowl Sunday, one concerned mother is reminding people to plan a ride home and avoid impaired driving. Sheila Lockwood, a national ambassador with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), explained that the “Take a Minute. Make a Plan” campaign encourages community members to take 60 seconds to plan how they will safely travel after drinking. She emphasized the importance of this campaign during holidays and occasions where alcohol is prevalent, such as the Super Bowl. “Whatever you do this Sunday as you’re celebrating and watching the game, make sure that you get a safe ride home,” she said. Lockwood shared that her son, Austin, was killed by a drunk driver in 2018. She got involved with MADD and has dedicated her time to preventing drunk driving and creating consequences for those who drive under the influence. “Since that time, obviously my life was turned upside down,” she said. “I

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18-Year-Old Arrested, Released After Granite City Home Invasion

9 months 2 weeks ago
GRANITE CITY – An 18-year-old from Cahokia faces felony charges after invading a Granite City home and stealing electronics at gunpoint. Demetriz Hill, 18, of Cahokia, Ill., was charged with home invasion and armed robbery, both Class X felonies, and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons, a Class 4 felony. On Jan. 28, 2025, Hill allegedly entered a Granite City residence without authority while armed with a Glock .40 caliber handgun. Knowing the home was occupied, he reportedly threatened the occupant with “the imminent use of force,” according to court documents. Hill is also accused of stealing a PlayStation gaming console by threatening the use of force. A petition to deny Hill’s pretrial release states an Xbox was also taken from the home after a violent confrontation. He had no valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card at the time of the offense. “Victim reported that an unknown subject entered her room with a firearm, demanding

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