SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging residents to take precautions against the spread of influenza (flu) and other seasonal respiratory illnesses, as rates continue to climb across the state. Flu activity in the state has climbed to “Very High” in recent days, the most severe of five categories of respiratory illness activity, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, COVID-19 rates have climbed
New York Governor Kathy Hochul just signed a law that’s going to get expensive fast. The state’s new social media labeling requirement—S4505, courtesy of state Senator Andrew Gounardes—forces websites to slap unscientific warnings on their services claiming that features like algorithmic feeds and push notifications cause addiction. It’s compelled speech based on contested science, which […]
PIASA - Southwestern senior Bram Buettel has distinguished himself both on the soccer field and in cross country, while maintaining strong academic performance, according to Coach Steve Mitchell. Buettel, a senior and team captain, played a versatile role in soccer, serving as a center midfielder and contributing both offensively and defensively. He is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Coach Mitchell described him as "a good athlete and
ALTON - Karen Crites, a teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School, was recently named the Most Inspirational Teacher in the Riverbend. The Boys and Girls Club of Alton hosted their annual Boots ‘n Bandanas fundraiser in November and declared Crites the winner of this prestigious award. Crites teaches social studies at the middle school level at St. Mary’s. Crites said she was “very surprised” when she learned her colleagues had nominated her and “shocked”
PIASA - Southwestern High School’s girls volleyball team is looking ahead to the 2025 season with optimism, and one of the leaders next year will be junior outside hitter Briann Anderson and fellow outside hitter Vivian Zurheide. Anderson, standing 5-foot-9, also plays forward on the Piasa Birds girls basketball team. Briann is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month. According to Southwestern girls volleyball coach Derek Dempsey, Anderson showed significant
EDWARDSVILLE - As the New Year begins, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville invites students to set goals and envision the next steps in their educational journeys. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville invites these individuals and their guests to add a campus visit to their calendars this spring. “Whether you are just beginning the college search process or have already narrowed your list to your top schools, visiting campus is one of the surest ways to help you decide if that
Studio equipment previously owned by Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones is currently up for auction.The equipment comes from Jones’ private studio, and has no Led Zeppelin connection. Gear up for grabs includes amps, digital…
NEW YORK (AP) — A defiant Nicolás Maduro declared himself "the president of my country” as he protested his capture and pleaded not guilty Monday to federal drug trafficking charges that the Trump administration used to justify removing him from power in Venezuela. “I was captured,” Maduro said in Spanish as translated by a courtroom [...]
MICHAEL R. SISAK, LARRY NEUMEISTER and ERIC TUCKER, Associated Press
ALTON - St. Mary’s Catholic School will host an open house so families can learn more about the school and the education it provides. From 12–2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2025, community members are invited to St. Mary’s elementary school in Alton to meet with teachers, tour the classrooms, and learn more about the St. Mary’s community. Principal Mary Rivera looks forward to sharing information about the school with parents and prospective families. “It is
It’s hilarious that a single Salvadoran migrant has made the Trump administration look so pitiful. During one of its first purge efforts, the administration deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia and another 100-plus migrants to El Salvador’s infamous CECOT prison. Since then, the administration has done nothing but lose when it comes to Abrego Garcia. He not […]
ROXANA — The Roxana Shells cheerleading squad secured fourth place in the Small Varsity Division at a competition held Saturday, earning a spot in the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association (ICCA) State Competition scheduled for January 2026 in Springfield. The Roxana girls are Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athletes of the Month. The Shells’ performance qualified them to join other top teams from the region, including Columbia, East Alton-Wood River, Farmington
Museum, 95 miles west of St. Louis, was site of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's famous 1946 "iron curtain" speech warning of communist aggression
WOOD RIVER - Hailey Handler, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been recognized for her dedication and resilience in basketball. Handler, who has played the sport since fourth grade, credits her persistence through numerous injuries and her competitive nature for earning this acknowledgment. Handler is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Handler expressed gratitude toward her parents for their unwavering support and belief in her abilities.