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FLORISSANT, Mo. - At least three individuals were rescued and transported to Mercy Hospital’s burn unit, with additional injuries reported, the Black Jack Fire Protection District said on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. Despite the severity of the explosion, fire officials confirmed that all residents are accounted for. Florissant Police announced that U.S. Route 67 was closed in both directions between New Halls Ferry and Mondoubleau roads due to the emergency response. The nearby Walmart store was also closed as a precaution. Firefighters responded to a devastating house explosion in the 13800 block of Evan Aire Drive around 9:15 a.m. Monday, resulting in multiple homes engulfed in flames and several injuries, authorities said. Black Jack Fire officials found five homes fully involved in fire, with “not much left of them there.” The incident was rapidly escalated to a three-alarm fire, prompting the deployment of an EMS strike team and Urban Search and Rescue Task Force

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today co-led a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general warning major artificial intelligence (AI) companies to stop hurting kids. The letter , sent to Anthropic, Apple, Chai AI, Google, Luka Inc., Meta, Microsoft, Nomi AI, Open AI, Perplexity AI, Replika and xAI addresses alarming reports of AI chatbots engaging in sexually inappropriate conversations with kids. Internal Meta documents reveal that the company authorized its AI assistants to “flirt and engage in romantic roleplay with children” as young as 8 years old. Raoul and the coalition’s letter also cites cases where other chatbots have allegedly encouraged harmful behavior in teenagers, including suicide and murder. “American children and teenagers are already in the grip of a devastating mental health crisis in part due to addictive features on social media platforms that contribute to depression, anxiety and thoughts of self-harm,” Raoul said.

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TOKYO, JAPAN – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) last week led a Congressional Delegation to South Korea and Japan to meet with high-level business leaders and government officials to continue her successful efforts promoting Illinois abroad. Duckworth, along with representatives from Intersect Illinois, met with businesses and convened leaders in quantum, manufacturing and technology to reassure the international leaders Illinois’s economy is still strong, well-positioned and ready for greater investment. “There’s a lot of uncertainty abroad about investing in America’s economy right now, but I’m proud to lead this Congressional Delegation to South Korea and Japan to help provide another perspective,” Duckworth said. “With our existing investments and strong leadership at the state level, Illinois is stronger than ever and primed for more investment and international business expansion from our partners in Asia. I had great meetings

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GRANITE CITY – A sex offender from Granite City remains in custody after allegedly soliciting a 15-year-old via text and falsely registering as homeless earlier this year. Matthew L. Dodd, 45, of the 3000 block of Washington Ave. in Granite City, was charged on Aug. 15, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of indecent solicitation of a child. On Aug. 1, 2025, Dodd allegedly solicited a 15-year-old child via text to engage in a sex act. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to deny Dodd’s pretrial release from custody in this case. According to the petition, Dodd was previously convicted of indecent solicitation of a child in 2021. Dodd was additionally charged with two Class 2 felony counts for his second subsequent offenses of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender. On Jan. 1, 2025, he allegedly failed to register his Granite City address within three days with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, instead providing

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MADISON COUNTY - The Madison County Employment and Training Department can help both employers and individuals connect. With an office located at 101 E. Edwardsville Road in Wood River, the department offers career training services, job seeker services, business services, youth services and more. The department serves Madison, Bond, Jersey and Calhoun counties. “We’re a federally-funded Department of Labor grant, so basically what that means is we have funding opportunities out there for both individuals and the businesses,” said Kayla with the Madison County Employment and Training Department. “We’re pretty passionate about what we do, because you’re helping people and that’s so important.” There are certain eligibility requirements that employers and individuals must meet to qualify for some of the department’s programs. But Kayla and her colleague Brooke noted that they are happy to help people understand what these requirement

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SPRINGFIELD - Land of Lincoln Honor Flight continues our 2025 flying season with Mission #75 on Sept. 9, 2025. Mission #75 will serve 95 Veterans including 7 Korean Era veterans 88 Vietnam era veterans from 65 Illinois home towns of Alhambra, Allenville, Altamont, Ashland, Aviston, Bartelso, Belleville, Bloomington, Breese, Carlyle, Casey, Champaign, Chatham, Collinsville, Danville, Decatur, Dow, Dupo, Effingham, Elkhart, Elmwood Park, Fairbury, Georgetown, Germantown, Girard, Glenarm, Greenview, Highland, Hillsboro, Jacksonville, Janesville, Jerseyville, Latham, Litchfield, Loami, Louisville, Marshall, Martinsville, Maryville, Mattoon, Mendon, Mt Zion, Neoga, New Baden, Newton, Paris, Petersburg, Pontiac, Ramsey, Rantoul, Raymond, Robinson, Rushville, Savoy, Shelbyville, Springfield, St Rose, Sullivan, Taylorville, Towanda, Urbana, Waterloo, Weldon and Westville plus Florence, AZ and Mercedes, TX . Our September 9th veterans represent all branches of the military. These Veterans

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WOOD RIVER – Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Locals 338 and 218, along with the Downstate Illinois District Council, celebrated Labor Day a week early on Saturday with a parade through Wood River, followed by a family picnic at Gorden Moore Park in Alton, Ill. The event, attended by hundreds of LIUNA members from throughout the area, was highlighted by the unveiling and signing of the Laborers’ Bill of Rights, a document developed over the last year with input from rank-and-file LIUNA members from throughout the country. “The Laborers’ Bill of Rights really is what we are all about. It’s about what we fight for every day, for every worker, not just Laborers. And it was developed BY workers, not lawyers, not lobbyists, but by the folks who go out and live it every day,” said Greg Stimac, Business Manager of LIUNA Local 338 in Wood River. After the Bill of Rights was revealed and read to the crowd, people were invited

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O’FALLON, Ill. – Prairie Cardiovascular is pleased to welcome Dr. M. Adil Sheikh to its team in O’Fallon. M. Adil Sheikh, MD, is an interventional cardiologist with expertise in treating complex coronary artery disease and structural heart conditions. He performs advanced procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), MitraClip and Watchman and others. He also manages atrial fibrillation, heart failure and other high-risk cardiac conditions using the latest interventional techniques and evidence-based care. His approach combines technical precision with a deep commitment to patient outcomes and long-term heart health. Dr. Sheikh earned his medical degree from Dow University of Health Sciences in Karachi, Pakistan. He completed his internal medicine residency at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center in Detroit, where he was recognized for his leadership and dedication to academic medicine. He then pursued a cardiovascular disease

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O'FALLON, IL. — The O'Fallon Police Department is investigating a shooting that took place near Lincoln at Highway 50 following an incident involving a large group of unsupervised juveniles at the City Fest in Community Park. According to authorities, the shooting occurred after officers asked the group of juveniles to leave the event. No injuries were reported, and several juveniles were taken into in custody on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. O'Fallon Police have stated they are not seeking any additional suspects in connection with the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and the department has promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.

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ALTON - A group of friends is once again hosting a fundraiser for The BackStoppers to support local first responders. On Sept. 13, 2025, at Bowl Haven in Alton, you can enjoy a vendor fair, a silent auction, raffles, and bowling. From 2–6 p.m., local vendors will be set up inside and outside the bowling alley. Check-in for the bowling starts at 5:30 p.m., and the games begin at 6 p.m. with three games of bowling and a strike pot. Organizer Becca Mesey can’t wait to once again support local first responders through the fundraiser. “I’m trying to raise as much money as I can for BackStoppers,” she explained. “We just continued it to help, to let our first responders know that they don’t fight alone, that there are people out there that have their backs, 110%.” Mesey and her loved ones started the bowling fundraiser after she lost her friend, Police Officer Tyler Timmins, in the line of duty. Mesey’s brother was a firefighter

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Emergency crews responded Monday morning, Aug. 25, 2025, to a reported explosion and fire that destroyed multiple homes in unincorporated north St. Louis County. According to Black Jack Fire Protection District, firefighters arrived around 9:15 a.m. to the 13800 block of Evan Aires Drive, where they found five homes engulfed in flames with “not much left of them there.” At least three people were reported rescued and transported to local hospitals, with additional injuries reported. Fire officials believe everyone is accounted for. Crews from Spire, along with the bomb and arson unit, are currently on the scene investigating. Numerous fire departments and agencies from the surrounding area were called in to assist with the response. The cause of the explosion remains unclear. One resident who lived close by said the sound of the explosion that started the fire sounded like "an earthquake."

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CHICAGO — Today, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement in response to reports that President Trump is considering sending military deployments to Illinois: "The State of Illinois at this time has received no requests or outreach from the federal government asking if we need assistance, and we have made no requests for federal intervention. "The safety of the people of Illinois is always my top priority. There is no emergency that warrants the President of the United States federalizing the Illinois National Guard, deploying the National Guard from other states, or sending active activity duty military within our own borders. "Donald Trump is attempting to manufacture a crisis, politicize Americans who serve in uniform, and continue abusing his power to distract from the pain he is causing working families. "We will continue to follow the law, stand up for the sovereignty of our state, and protect the people of Illinois."

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CHICAGO— Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined museum leadership, elected officials, and community members to celebrate the grand opening of Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360, a new satellite museum located in the heart of downtown Chicago. The new museum will continue Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center’s mission of education and storytelling as the Skokie museum is temporarily closed for renovations. “The Illinois Holocaust Museum does a critical service in educating our people on the most horrific tragedy in human history and empowering us to fight against the rising tide of hate and antisemitism,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This Satellite Campus will be an ever-present reminder of our shared responsibility to speak up for one another, educating thousands every year about the horrors of our past, while inspiring them to transform our future.” Opening to the public on August 26, Experience360, situated within the Shapiro

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) hosted a roundtable conversation with local nursing homes, long-term care providers and health care unions to discuss Medicaid changes in the reconciliation bill and the impact on long-term care. Budzinski was joined by representatives from the Illinois Department on Aging, Affordable Assisted Living Coalition, Advocates for Aging Care, SEIU, and more. "Seniors and people with disabilities deserve access to quality long-term care. Unfortunately, the Medicaid reimbursement changes in the President’s 'Big Ugly' bill put at least 10 nursing homes across our district at risk of closing. We cannot abandon these facilities – or the patients who depend on them,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Today’s roundtable was an important opportunity to hear directly from long-term care providers and advocates about their concerns and to discuss how we can work together to ensure they and the communities

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CHICAGO – As students across Illinois return to the classroom, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are reminding both parents and educators to take advantage of valuable tax benefits available on their 2025 Illinois individual income tax returns. “As Governor, I am focused on lowering costs and making life a little more affordable for working families—especially as children head back to school,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I want parents and educators to know that they can take advantage of tax credits to help cover qualified educational expenses. These tax credits will put money back in the pockets of working families, improve learning environments for students statewide, and make this busy time easier for parents and teachers.” Tax Benefits for Parents and Guardians The Illinois K-12 Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of full-time K-12 students (under age 21) to claim a 25% tax credit on

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DU QUOIN – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement in response to comments President Trump made today threatening to deploy federal law enforcement to perform civilian law enforcement duties in the city of Chicago. “Throughout my tenure, I have successfully collaborated with federal law enforcement partners, such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service and Homeland Security – Investigations, to investigate and prosecute crime in Illinois, as have other local and state law enforcement partners around the state of Illinois. I appreciate the federal government’s contribution of their expertise, technology and manpower toward those efforts. In fact, violent crimes have decreased in the city of Chicago over the last year. But instead of dedicating more resources to that work, the president is focused on turning our military on American citizens in his ongoing attempts to move our nation toward authoritarianism. His actions are not just un-American

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ALTON - The community is invited to the Alton Amphitheater for their annual Jazz and Wine Festival. At 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at the Alton Amphitheater, attendees can enjoy wine, charcuterie and jazz music by Arvell & Co., Jim Manley, and the Red & Black Brass Band. Alton Amphitheater Commission Chair Dan Herkert encourages people to get tickets now so you can enjoy the evening. “The Jazz and Wine Festival, personally, is really my favorite event of the year,” Herkert said. “Alton being the birthplace of Miles Davis, we want to play a role in the region as a jazz destination.” VIP parking costs $10. General admission tickets cost $10, or you can purchase a two-top table on the stage for $60 or a four-top table on the stage for $120. Herkert noted that this special onstage seating has drawn a lot of interest, as it gives attendees the intimate feel of a jazz club. “We really hit on something a few years ago when we came up with the

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ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The American Red Cross asks donors to give blood or platelets now to help maintain a healthy blood supply. Donors of all blood types, especially those with types O positive and B negative blood, are urged to make an appointment to keep lifesaving blood products ready the moment patients need them. People coming together to care for one another is the humanitarian spirit shared by our Red Cross community and fans of PEANUTS. And this month, the Red Cross and PEANUTS?are once again joining forces to remind people that a little good goes a long way. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of PEANUTS, those who come to give blood Aug. 29-Sept. 21, 2025, will get an exclusive Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag with one of four special T-shirt designs, while they last. Each design is iconic, and donors won’t know which one they’ll get until they open the bag. Additionally, there will be a number of golden tickets randomly in the mystery bags hidden throughout

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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth today led all Democratic members of the Illinois delegation in sending a letter to President Trump urging the White House to grant Governor J.B. Pritzker’s request for federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Illinois, to help Calhoun, Cook, and Jersey Counties recover from severe storm damage. In late July, severe storms that produced flash floods passed through the Chicago area and Calhoun and Jersey Counties. “We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois to help three Illinois counties recover from severe storm damage that occurred from July 25-28, 2025. Specifically, he requests a Major Disaster Declaration for Calhoun, Cook (including the city of Chicago), and Jersey Counties,” wrote the lawmakers. “Governor

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CARLINVILLE – Carlinville will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 3 at 201 West Main Street, inside Elks Lodge. What: Carlinville Community Blood Drive Sponsored by Carlinville Area Hospital Auxiliary When: Wednesday, September 3, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Where: Elks Lodge, 201 West Main Street, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact ImpactLife Springfield at (800) 747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60045 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. 2801 South 10th Street | Springfield, Illinois | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401.

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