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IDPH Advises Public to be Vigilant as Flu Cases and Respiratory Virus Levels Tick Up

9 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD/CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that after a one-week dip, the state’s overall respiratory illness level has ticked up again from Moderate to High, driven by a notable increase in emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions for flu. While data for ED visits and hospital admissions for the week ending January 25 show that COVID-19 and RSV are declining, it indicates the flu is circulating more widely. There are three times as many hospital admissions for flu as there are for COVID-19, with 4.6% of admissions attributed to flu, with 1.6% to COVID-19 and 0.7% for RSV. Almost 20% percent of ED visits were for acute respiratory illness, a catchall category that includes flu, COVID-19 and RSV plus other respiratory conditions. Of those, 7.8% were attributed to flu, 1.6% to COVID-19 and 0.7% to RSV. “IDPH continues to closely monitor data on seasonal viruses during this respiratory season,” said IDPH

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Motorcyclist Dies in St. Clair County Collision

9 months 2 weeks ago
ST. CLAIR COUNTY - A 50-year-old motorcyclist from Troy died in a collision with a car Sunday night in St. Clair County. Darroll Clifford Lambert was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which occurred around 6 p.m. on February 2, 2025, on Scott Troy Road near the intersection of Old Lebanon Troy Road in St. Clair County. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department responded to the crash and discovered Lambert’s black 1999 Honda motorcycle alongside a maroon 2015 Ford Mustang driven by a female, whose name has not been released. CPR was administered to Lambert until first responders arrived, but he was pronounced deceased at 7:24 p.m. Sunday. The sheriff's department is currently investigating the two-vehicle crash, with assistance from the Illinois State Police traffic crash reconstruction unit. Further details regarding the incident have not been disclosed as the investigation is ongoing.

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Trinity Christian College Announces Fall 2024 Dean's List

9 months 2 weeks ago
PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. (February 3, 2025) - In recognition of outstanding academic achievement, Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, Illinois, released the college's Dean's List for Fall 2024. The Dean’s List is Trinity Christian College’s highest academic honor. It is recognized for traditional undergraduate students who achieve a semester GPA of 3.5 or better in 12 or more credits with grade points. Brighton, IL 62012: Madison Seymour

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Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton Launches Second Cohort of Girls Lead Mentorship Program

9 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton launched the second cohort of Girls Lead this week, welcoming 93 girls to the innovative mentorship program. The launch, coinciding with both National Mentoring Month and a critical moment for women's leadership in Illinois, pairs participants from grades five through twelve with state government leaders. “You can't be what you can't see, which is why Girls Lead is creating pathways for the next generation," said Lt. Governor Stratton. "The overwhelming response to this program—more than 400 applicants—demonstrates the tremendous interest among girls to see themselves in public service leadership roles." Following a competitive selection process, 90 girls from 31 counties earned spots in the 2025 class. The expanded program includes: 36 middle school students (grades 5-8) and 75 high school students (grades 9-12) Participants from across 29 counties, with the highest representation from Cook (28 participants),

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First Cracks Appear: Some Conservatives Admit We’re In A Constitutional Crisis

9 months 2 weeks ago
When even the Wall Street Journal’s reliably pro-Trump opinion page starts sounding alarm bells about the administration’s policies, something significant has shifted. When even the “thinkers” at the most MAGA of think tanks are calling what Elon is doing in the government a true “constitutional crisis,” we’re beginning to see cracks in the snow globe […]
Mike Masnick

1099-G Tax Forms Available for Claimants Who Received Unemployment Insurance Benefits

9 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – 1099-G tax forms are now available for claimants who received unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in 2024, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today. Claimants who collected UI benefits last year will need the 1099-G tax form to complete their state and federal tax returns. Also called ‘Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments,’ this form is necessary for individuals who received state or federal UI benefits. This includes claimants who received regular UI benefits or benefits under any of the expired federal pandemic relief programs, which may include Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Lost Wages Assistance (LWA), Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC), and state Extended Benefits (EB). Claimants who opted to receive their 1099-G tax form electronically have received an email notification with instructions

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Senior Adelia Sandifer Leads Career Education Initiative at Alton High School

9 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON — Recently, Alton High School senior Adelia Sandifer took the initiative to organize a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Showcase aimed at informing incoming freshmen about the various elective classes offered within the CTE department. The event provided a platform for upperclassmen currently enrolled in CTE courses to share their experiences and insights. The AHS higher-level students engaged with the freshmen, answering questions and helping them navigate their options for future studies. Sandifer's efforts were focused on ensuring that the younger students understood the opportunities available to them in the CTE curriculum. The showcase was designed not only to inform but also to encourage participation in elective classes, which play a significant role in preparing students for future careers. By facilitating direct interaction between upperclassmen and freshmen, Sandifer aimed to foster a supportive learning environment and promote the benefits of CTE

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Cynthia Tweedy Honored For Vital Role In Public Safety Dispatch: Other Madison County Law Enforcement Honored For Exemplary Service

9 months 2 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - Law enforcement officers were honored at the SILEC/SIPCA Annual Awards Banquet recently for their exemplary service and commitment to public safety. Among those recognized were members of the Madison County Sheriff's Office, highlighting their dedication to their communities. Communications Officer Cynthia Tweedy received the Telecommunications Award for her 19 years of service in public safety. In her role, Tweedy has managed 911 calls across multiple jurisdictions and has been instrumental in dispatching emergency services, including EMS, fire, and police. Additionally, she has served as the LEADS Coordinator for the Madison County Sheriff's Office, contributing significantly to the agency's compliance requirements. Deputy Blake Johnson and Deputy Ryan Fry were awarded the Certificate of Merit for their heroic actions during a rollover crash. The deputies physically lifted a vehicle off an individual who had become trapped, allowing emergency medical services to

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RFK Jr. nomination as health secretary approved by key U.S. Senate panel

9 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moved one step closer to becoming Health and Human Services secretary on Tuesday after a Senate committee favorably reported his nomination to the floor. The Finance Committee’s 14-13 party-line vote doesn’t necessarily guarantee Kennedy will receive Senate confirmation, though it signals he does have the chance despite decades of […]
Jennifer Shutt

Dr. Lincoln Diuguid: Pioneer in St. Louis Science and Business

9 months 2 weeks ago
ST. LOUIS - Dr. Lincoln Diuguid, a pioneering African American scientist and businessman, made significant strides in the St. Louis area by founding one of the first Black-owned chemical companies in the country. Dr. Diuguid was the first African American to graduate with an advanced degree from Cornell University, and he established Du-Good Chemical Laboratories [...]
Blair Ledet