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Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) Approves New Gaming Licenses Among Other Actions

4 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO — The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) approved a number of gaming licenses and other measures today including issuing a gaming license for the State’s first racino and welcoming the first African American woman as IGB Chairperson. The IGB approved the Organizational Gaming License for the racino, Fairmount Park, Inc. d/b/a Fairmount Park Casino and Racing in Collinsville. The IGB received upfront fees of $9,950,000 in May, which was deposited into the Rebuild Illinois Fund, which funds infrastructure projects statewide. Fairmount Park is the seventh newly authorized casino the IGB licensed since November 2021 and the State’s 17th casino. Fairmount Park Casino and Racing began casino operations in Collinsville in April and was licensed today. Also at today’s meeting, Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter welcomed Dionne Hayden to her new position as Chairperson. She was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker following the July resignation of Chairma

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Victim Identified: Man Found Dead From Multiple Gunshot Wounds In Washington Park

4 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON PARK, Ill. — Authorities responded early Thursday morning, July 31, 2025, to a fatal shooting in the Metro East, where a 46-year-old man was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Police were called to a residence in the 5000 block of Warren Avenue near Kingshighway in Washington Park shortly before 5:40 a.m., Illinois State Police said. St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. said that Demario D. Walker was the victim. Dye Sr. said Walker was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the coroner, Walker’s last known address was in the 5000 block of Warren Avenue. The Illinois State Police were requested by Washington Park police to investigate the shooting. No additional information about the circumstances of the shooting or potential suspects has been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Armed Suspect Killed After Refusing Commands During Violent Carjacking Investigation

4 months 2 weeks ago

Around 1:30 p.m. on July 31, 2025, SLMPD Intelligence Detectives were in the Hyde Park neighborhood relative to an investigation into a Ford Fusion. The Ford was revealed to have been taken in a violent armed carjacking around 1:20 a.m. that morning from Blair Avenue & Palm Street. Relative to that carjacking, a 53-year-old man […]

The post Armed Suspect Killed After Refusing Commands During Violent Carjacking Investigation appeared first on St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Evita Caldwell

Like Water

4 months 2 weeks ago

An international and multigenerational group of artists will take over the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis for Like Water, which considers water from different angles – from fonts of inspirations […]

The post Like Water appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman

How to Celebrate National Picnic Month in Style

4 months 2 weeks ago
Did you know that the concept of picnicking dates back thousands of years, with evidence of outdoor feasts found in ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia to the Roman Empire? Despite its long history, the simple act of sharing food outdoors remains a timeless way to connect with nature and each other. National Picnic Month offers a perfect opportunity to rediscover this tradition and elevate it beyond the usual sandwich-on-a-blanket routine. Reimagining the Picnic Experience Picnics often conjure images of casual gatherings in a park, but celebrating National Picnic Month invites us to rethink what a picnic can be. The essence of a picnic is communal enjoyment of food in an outdoor setting, but this can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes, moods, and locations. Whether you prefer a quiet escape with a book or a lively get-together with friends, embracing creativity can turn a simple meal into a memorable event. Choosing the Perfect Location The backdrop of your picnic plays

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This Day in History on August 1: Germany Declares War on Russia, Escalating World War I

4 months 2 weeks ago
August 1 stands as a day rich with historical significance. Moving back in time, August 1 marks a significant moment in 1914 when Germany declared war on Russia, triggering the escalation of World War I. This declaration set in motion a series of alliances and conflicts that engulfed much of the world, reshaping borders, societies, and international relations for decades to come. The Great War's profound impact is still studied and remembered as a cautionary tale about the complexities of global politics and warfare. On a different note, August 1 has also been a day of notable achievements in exploration and innovation. In 1774, the element oxygen was discovered independently by both Joseph Priestley in England and Carl Wilhelm Scheele in Sweden. This discovery was pivotal in advancing the fields of chemistry and biology, deepening our understanding of respiration and combustion. In the sports world, August 1, 1980, is remembered for the opening ceremony of the Moscow Summer Olympics.

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Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete Of Mo.: Eagles' Grace Burton Is Perfect Behind The Plate

4 months 2 weeks ago
BETHALTO — Civic Memorial High School’s girls softball catcher Grace Burton delivered a standout performance during the 2025 season, excelling both offensively and defensively for the Eagles. Burton recorded 14 hits and 12 RBIs this season, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success. She has amassed 34 hits in her three-year career with CM and hit one home run in 2025. Defensively, she achieved a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, underscoring her reliability behind the plate. Her achievements have earned her recognition as a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month for Civic Memorial. Civic Memorial Head Girls Softball Coach Raigen Linton praised Burton’s impact on the team. “She was one catcher that I could trust to call the game,” Linton said. “She really knows the game and sees the field well. She is also a good leader on the field, which is sometimes hard to come by. Her fielding percentage was also very

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