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This Weekend in History on August 9 and 10: U.S. Drops Atomic Bomb on Nagasaki

2 weeks 2 days ago
August 9 and 10 hold a remarkable place in global history, marked by events that have shaped societies, inspired movements, and transformed the world in profound ways. One of the most impactful events on August 9 happened in 1974 when Gerald Ford was sworn in as the 38th President of the United States. This moment came in the wake of the Watergate scandal, a political crisis that had shaken the foundations of American democracy. Ford’s ascent to the presidency was historic not only because he became the first unelected president, but also because he immediately faced the challenge of restoring public trust in government. His controversial decision to pardon Richard Nixon remains a topic of debate among historians and citizens alike. Going back in time, August 9, 1945, marks a critical day in world history during the final months of World War II. On this day, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, just three days after the bombing of Hiroshima. This devastating

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Lanny & Julie Shine at August's First Friday in Troy

2 weeks 2 days ago
TROY — Downtown Troy was alive with music and energy on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, as the community gathered for the third First Friday of the season. “This event has done exactly what we had hoped—brought people to downtown Troy,” said Dawn Mushill, President/CEO of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce. “Our downtown businesses have been grateful for the new exposure.” Fans of Lanny & Julie began lining up near the stage even before setup was complete. Throughout the evening, visitors enjoyed a variety of food trucks, vendors, and open doors from many local businesses eager to welcome the crowd. The Triad Hockey Club provided a safe crossing at Market and Main for those visiting the downtown businesses. The season finale of First Friday will take place on Friday, September 5, at the corner of Main and Market in downtown Troy. The Dude Abides Duo will take the stage from 5–8 p.m., accompanied by food trucks and vendors. Guests

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Loan Applications for All Cannabis Social Equity Licensees Set to Open August 11th

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced that applications for Round 3 of the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program will open August 11th. This round of funding includes $40 million, which will be available through Direct Forgivable Loans (DFL) fully financed by the State. Loans will be available to qualified, licensed social equity craft growers, infusers, transporters, and adult-use dispensing organizations. “Illinois is proud to have the most diverse cannabis industry in the nation as the state continues to support the industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’ve made historic progress fostering social equity in the marketplace and ensuring investment in communities across the state over the past five years. This new round of funding is another meaningful step toward uplifting social equity businesses in the cannabis industry.” “Under the Pritzker-Stratton administration,

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Amare Recovery Coach Shares How Faith Has Reinforced Her Dedication to Helping Others

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Lindsey, a family coach with Amare, shared how God has impacted her life. Amare is a Wood River-based nonprofit that helps people who are struggling with substance use disorders. The organization offers recovery support and resources. As a family coach, Lindsey works with families to help them navigate a loved one’s journey. “We meet people where they are. That’s what we always say,” she explained. “I love being a family coach because I love being able to help family members understand the giant mountain that people have to face when they are approaching recovery or considering, because it is so hard and it takes so much strength.” Lindsey emphasized that you do not have to be clean/sober to receive Amare’s help, which is completely free. The organization connects with people no matter where they’re at in their journey. They can help

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Illinois State Police Squad Car Struck On IL-34

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GALATIA – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a traffic crash that occurred on IL-34 one mile west of Harco Road in Saline County involving an ISP trooper. The trooper was on scene of a previous, fatal traffic crash when their squad car was struck by a driver who failed to move over. On August 8, 2025, at approximately 5:08 a.m., two ISP troopers were parked on IL-34 west of Harco Road with emergency lights activated blocking westbound traffic to secure a crash scene. An individual driving a Ford Escape westbound struck the rear of one of the squad cars. Both troopers were outside of their squad cars at the time of the crash. The driver of the Ford Escape, 66-year-old Sandra S. Kahl of Thompsonville, IL, and both troopers were uninjured. Kahl was cited for Move Over Law violations and Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident. In 2025, ISP has already suffered eight Move Over Law-related crashes. In 2024, ISP suffered 27 Move Over Law-related crashes with 1

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Illinois State Fair Partners With Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

2 weeks 2 days ago
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Fair is excited to collaborate with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to promote early childhood literacy through the gift of books. This inspiring book gifting program mails free, high-quality, and age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, regardless of the family's income. To celebrate this partnership, families are invited to enjoy a daily story time session at 2 p.m. inside the Sensory Station (Emmerson Building) during the Illinois State Fair. It’s the perfect mid-day pause in the air-conditioning, giving an opportunity for kids to unwind, listen, and imagine, before heading back out to explore all the excitement the fair has to offer. “The Illinois State Fair theme is Adventure Awaits, and there is no limit to the adventures available to kids through good books,” said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager. “By bringing this partnership to the fairgrounds, we’re opening the door for

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