a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Illinois Bans AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Images

10 months 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law his legislation to clarify that Illinois’ child pornography laws apply to images and videos created by artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The measure builds on the work being done by Attorney General Raoul’s office, in collaboration with state and federal law enforcement agencies, to crack down on child sexual abuse images throughout Illinois. “I initiated this legislation because AI-generated child sexual abuse images are an increasing concern that need to be addressed before technology outpaces our ability to distinguish between AI images and images of real children,” Raoul said. “Just like child sexual abuse images containing real children, AI-generated child pornography is used by predators to lure and groom minors and to normalize their own reprehensible behavior and child sexual abuse. Gov. Pritzker’s signature today will help us address

Continue Reading

What's Up Downtown Information Exchange To Be Held Tuesday, Aug. 13

10 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Tuesday, August 13th at 5:30 p.m. at the iMerge Community Center, located in the Riverbender building at 200 W. 3rd Street in Alton, Illinois. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. You’ll be in the know on topics from the evening’s featured speakers, including: - Lisa Brown from The Renaissance X - Markus Boyd from My Just Desserts - Sparkle Sims from Precious Diamond Boutique - Jen Farley from Persnickity by Jen Farley - Alton Main Street will share a synopsis of what was learned through the survey recently taken by 1,500+ community members, which will inform the organization’s strategic plan for the next 3 years. New this year,

Continue Reading

Lunchtime Photo

10 months 3 weeks ago
In honor of the end of the Paris Olympics, here's one of my last remaining pictures from our trip to Paris a couple of years ago. This is the Palais de Justice taken from the Seine. You can't see it in the photo, but it was pretty busy this day, with gendarmes blocking off entrances ...continue reading "Lunchtime Photo"
Kevin Drum

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival to Bring "The Tempest" to Three Riverbend Parks

10 months 3 weeks ago
BRUSSELS/EDWARDSVILLE/BELLEVILLE - The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival will cross the river to bring “The Tempest” to three local parks. On Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, audiences can stop by Brussels Heritage Park in Brussels to catch the show. The production will return to the Riverbend on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at City Park in Edwardsville, then on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, at Bellevue Park in Belleville. The show runs from 6:30–8 p.m. and is completely free for audiences to attend. “Whatever barriers there might be, we want to just swat those out of the way,” explained Producing Artistic Director Tom Ridgely. “If it’s the cost of the ticket, forget about that. If it’s a river or a bridge or a road that you’re not used to crossing over, we’ll go ahead and cross that ourselves and meet you where you are. We want to make it as easy as possible for folks to just try it out if they haven’t tried it out before.” Ridgl

Continue Reading

Country Star Scotty McCreery Thrills Alton Crowd With Stellar Amphitheater Performance

10 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON – Country music sensation Scotty McCreery delivered a stellar performance at the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, marking a significant success for the venue and the city. The event, organized by the Alton Amphitheater Commission, drew a large crowd, with perfect weather contributing to the evening's success. "We are always thrilled when we bring a national act to Alton. The show was a huge success; people loved it. Scotty put on a great show, and the weather was perfect. By all accounts, it was a home run," said Dan Herkert, Chair of the Alton Amphitheater Commission. McCreery, who has been a prominent figure in the country music scene since winning "American Idol" in 2011, showcased his down-to-earth personality and genuine connection with fans during the event. "Just in the little bit of chance I had before the show, I could see what a very down-to-earth artist he is. He is not one that has an ego. It was great to see him interact with the meet-and-greet

Continue Reading