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Seasonal Respiratory Viruses Remain At Low Levels Across Illinois

2 years 2 months ago
CHICAGO – Respiratory virus cases reman at low levels across the state, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) said today. The state’s overall respiratory illness level is Low in the most recent available CDC data and the state remained at Low level for COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to the CDC COVID Data Tracker as of February 10. The data showed that four counties are at Medium level for COVID-19 hospitalizations and two are at High level. Although respiratory illnesses have been trending down in recent weeks, IDPH reminds the public that respiratory virus season typically lasts into the spring, and it is possible that illness rates could tick upwards in coming weeks. “I am pleased to report that respiratory illnesses are remaining at low levels across most of Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “IDPH continues to closely monitor the latest data as we near the end of the respiratory virus season. And we remind Illinoisians

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Blackburn College Department Of Music And Theatre Announces Performance Schedule For Spring Season

2 years 2 months ago
CARLINVILLE - As the frosty air blankets the region, the Blackburn College Department of Music & Theatre is pleased to look towards the next season and announce its Spring Performance Schedule. From riveting musical compositions to spellbinding theatrical productions, Blackburn students and featured guests are set to showcase their exceptional skills on stage. This season promises to celebrate artistic diversity, inviting the community to join us in experiencing the transformative power of music and theatre. The season kicked off with a February capstone performance from senior Autumn Switzer. The campus community also enjoyed a visit from world-class performer Dr. Whitney Myers, who led a masterclass for Blackburn vocal majors, where she demonstrated technique, provided feedback, and helped students with their performance. She also performed the Wagner Wesendonck Lieder and a lecture on the story surrounding its composition. All performances will be in Bothwell Auditorium on the

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Giannoulias Calls For Stronger State Ethics Laws

2 years 2 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - Days following the sentencing of Mike Madigan’s former chief of staff, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced a series of ethics reforms that would strengthen enforcement and require more transparency and disclosure regarding the financial dealings of lobbyists. The measures – contained in House Bill 4591 – come amid the ongoing federal corruption probe of state government that has led to the criminal indictments and convictions of several Illinois politicians and insiders. As Secretary of State, Giannoulias’ office maintains lobbyist registrations and statements of economic interest filed by public officials. “Given the recent headlines of public corruption in Illinois, it’s incumbent upon the state to enact ethical safeguards that demand accountability among those who serve the public and operate within our government,” Giannoulias said. "Illinoisans are sick and tired of scandals and ethics abuses that unfortunately

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Five Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash at Alton's Landmarks Boulevard At Clark Bridge

2 years 2 months ago
ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford on Monday provided information about a traffic crash involving two vehicles on Landmarks Boulevard at the intersection with Clark Bridge at 5:58 p.m. on Feb. 17, 2024. Chief Ford said the preliminary investigation determined one of the vehicles to be turning left from Landmarks Boulevard onto the Clark Bridge. He said the vehicle failed to yield to another vehicle that was traveling east on Landmarks Boulevard. "Five total persons were transported from the scene for varying degrees of injuries," he said. "One of them was later taken to a St.Louis area hospital for further treatment. None were considered life-threatening injuries." The investigation is ongoing at this time.

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Brandon Hayes Jr. Thrives In Role As L&C Student Ambassador

2 years 2 months ago
GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College student ambassador Brandon Hayes Jr. excels in his role by bringing positivity, high energy and passion, both on and off campus. Hayes is a part of the student ambassador program led by L&C Recruiter Daniel Nosce. In this role, he promotes the college to prospective students, families, and the wider community. “Brandon is a very hard worker and has several qualities that make him stand out,” Nosce said. “He’s always ready to lend a helping hand and embodies the Trailblazer spirit and LC way.” Through his personal experiences, Hayes highlights the college’s programs, resources, and opportunities while encouraging students to pursue their educational goals. “I love the community here,” he said. “Every time I’m on campus, people are welcoming and friendly, and it’s a fun and comfortable environment to be a part of." Hayes said he looks up to Nosce as a close friend

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OSF Healthcare Cancer Institute Readies For First Patient

2 years 2 months ago
PEORIA - OSF HealthCare is spearheading a new day in cancer care, impacting communities across Illinois and beyond. The official blessing of the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, located on the campus of OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, was conducted by the Most Rev. Louis Tylka, Bishop of the Peoria Diocese on Tuesday, February 13. The OSF Cancer Institute will be a one-stop destination for a patient’s cancer journey. "The greatest difference that will happen in this building in comparison to many other centers, is that we've brought everything together. All of the therapies with the clinicians, together with support services and survivorship, together with the kitchen and nutrition," says Robert Sehring, CEO of OSF HealthCare. "It's the ability to bring all of those pieces together and have people collaborate. Whether it's a tumor board, working through a diagnosis or treatment plan. We're doing all of that to meet the needs of the patients that are goin

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Illinois EPA Releases Second Funding Opportunity For The Energy Efficiency And Conservation Block Grant Program

2 years 2 months ago
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Energy has announced a second round of grant funding with $2 million available for the development of local strategic energy plans. Under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG), grant awards ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 will assist eligible municipalities or counties in implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce total energy use, improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, and build a clean and equitable energy economy prioritizing disadvantaged communities. The grant program will invest U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds in energy planning. Municipalities and counties eligible for direct formula funding through the U.S. DOE are not eligible for funding through this state program. Grant applications will undergo a comprehensive, merit-based review. Scoring factors will include: funding

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6 movies that focus on St. Louisans

2 years 2 months ago
Crystal City native Bill Bradley has a one-man show now available for streaming. We take a look back at other movies and shows about St. Louisans.
By Daniel Neman St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Madison County: Southbound Interstate 55 Lane Closure Begins Feb. 19

2 years 2 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that replacement of the Intelligent Transportation System Message Board on southbound Interstate 55 between Illinois 143 and Interstate 270 will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 7 a.m., Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. One lane will always remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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Orchid Show

2 years 2 months ago

The Missouri Botanical Garden’s ever-popular orchid show returns on Jan. 27. The Garden’s vast orchid collection includes more than 6,000 individual plants representing almost 700 unique species, and approximately one […]

The post Orchid Show appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman