a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Prime Minister’s Brother Latest Victim Of Singapore’s ‘Fake News’ Law

2 years 2 months ago
Censorship has always been the name of the game when governments push “fake news” laws. First of all, laws like these allow governments to decide which news is “fake” and which news is “credible.” Those pushing these laws claim they just want to ensure citizens aren’t misled. But, in reality, governments just want more options […]
Tim Cushing

Daily Deal: Little Wonder Solo Stereo Multi Connect Bluetooth Speaker

2 years 2 months ago
The Little Wonder Solo Stereo Bluetooth Speaker may look small, but it produces as clear and powerful a sound as any other speaker. It comes in a a variety of colors that are great for any setting and décor and you can connect multiple speakers together. Connect this speaker to your smartphone or tablet via […]
Gretchen Heckmann

ISP Announces New Online Crash Reporting System

2 years 2 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is launching a Civilian Crash Reporting System (CCRS) that allows the public to create a crash report online without having to wait roadside for a Trooper to respond. The CCRS will increase public safety as individuals can report their crash from a safe location. The CCRS also allows Troopers to serve the public more efficiently by freeing them to respond to higher priority calls for service. “For simple crashes where only one car is involved and no one is injured, the ability to file a report online instead of along the road will make it safer for drivers and our Troopers, and eliminate the need to wait for a Trooper to make the report,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. Individuals can complete their own crash report online when the crash meets specific criteria. The crash must be a single vehicle, property-damage-only crash where there were no injuries to anyone involved, and it occurred on either an Interstate or

Continue Reading

Illinois State Police Announces New Online Crash Reporting System

2 years 2 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is launching a Civilian Crash Reporting System (CCRS) that allows the public to create a crash report online without having to wait roadside for a Trooper to respond. The CCRS will increase public safety as individuals can report their crash from a safe location. The CCRS also allows Troopers to serve the public more efficiently by freeing them to respond to higher priority calls for service. “For simple crashes where only one car is involved and no one is injured, the ability to file a report online instead of along the road will make it safer for drivers and our Troopers, and eliminate the need to wait for a Trooper to make the report,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. Individuals can complete their own crash report online when the crash meets specific criteria. The crash must be a single vehicle, property-damage-only crash where there were no injuries to anyone involved, and it occurred on either an Interstate

Continue Reading

Attorney General Raoul Opposes Order Blocking Federal Government's Communication With Social Media Companies About Dangerous Online Content

2 years 2 months ago
CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with 20 attorneys general, today opposed a decision from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana prohibiting dozens of federal officials and agencies from communicating with social media companies about harmful online content, including financial scams, misinformation meant to undermine elections and harassment. Raoul and the coalition filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit urging the court to reverse the lower court decision. The coalition noted that the district court’s order sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the ability of federal, state and local governments to keep Americans safe and secure online. “Federal officials and agencies should be allowed to communicate with social media companies, especially during emergencies, to protect our public health and safety,” Raoul said. “I remain committed to protecting all users of social media by teaching healthy

Continue Reading

Belt-backed Law To Provide Harm Reduction Substance Abuse Education In Public Schools

2 years 2 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – Harm reduction drug education will now be available to public K-12 students in Illinois thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Christopher Belt. “It is important to acknowledge that current substance abuse education isn’t reflective of Black and Brown communities,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This law will place emphasis on cultural competency and harm reduction, making substance abuse prevention achievable for all populations — regardless of students’ races or backgrounds.” The new law will introduce research-informed, culturally and age appropriate, prevention-centric guidelines for drug education programs in Illinois public K-12 education. Current drug education recommendations and programs, like "D.A.R.E", focus on refusal skills rather than harm reduction. Refusal skills are still necessary; however, students, parents and staff are not equipped with the full continuum of primary prevention and intervention strategies.

Continue Reading

Edwardsville Municipal Band Presents "From The Big Screen" Concert In City Park On Thursday, August 3

2 years 2 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band is excited to announce its upcoming concert, "From the Big Screen," taking place on Thursday, August 3, at 8 P.M. on the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand at City Park, which was postponed last week due to the heat. Under the baton of co-conductor Dr. John Korak, the Edwardsville Municipal Band will transport the audience into the captivating worlds of cinema as the band showcases themes from timeless classics such as Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Superman, and many more. "We are thrilled to present a celebration of the indelible musical contributions that have graced our favorite films. The program is sure to resonate with audiences of all generations," said Mark Haun, trombone player and board member. Concessions available during the event will directly benefit Hope Rescues, a 501c3 nonprofit charity founded in 2005 to help save dogs from animal control facilities and rehome them into our community. For more information about the Edwardsville

Continue Reading

Gov. Pritzker Signs Slate Of Bills Expanding Supports For Active Military Members, Veterans, And Military Families

2 years 2 months ago
CHICAGO — Governor Pritzker today signed five bills expanding protections for veterans, active-duty soldiers, and military dependents. “The men and women of this state and this country who heed the call to serve deserve every possible support and protection during and after their time in the military,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These bills weave together a more comprehensive safety net to protect and uplift veterans and service members dealing with the complexities of life in the military, including the many ways in which service can impact someone’s family and loved ones. To the service members recognized by our newly designed Honor and Remember flag, we thank you for your ultimate sacrifice and mourn with your families and the rest of the state.” HB0925: House Bill 0925 creates the “Veteran Service Organization State Charter Act.” This act lays out specific requirements organizations must meet in order to be considered state-chartered

Continue Reading

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Launches Universal 'First Steps' College Savings Program

2 years 2 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – State Treasurer Michael Frerichs encourages new parents to open a Bright Start or Bright Directions college savings account and claim their $50 seed deposit from the new Illinois First Steps program. “Illinois First Steps helps place families on a path to start planning early for their child’s education,” Frerichs said. “Saving now means money for the child’s future university, community college, trade school, or apprenticeship will be available when that child is ready to pursue additional education or training.” To qualify for the $50 seed deposit, parents or legal guardians must be Illinois residents at the time of birth or adoption, the beneficiary child must be born or adopted after Jan. 1, 2023, open a 529 college savings account with Bright Start or Bright Directions, and a claim the seed deposit before the child's 10th birthday. Parents can easily open a Bright Start account at brightstart.com and submit a claim for

Continue Reading

Forum Drone: New Apartments Focus on Residents With Chronic Health Issues

2 years 2 months ago
This week Forum drone photographer Louis Kelly, owner of Drone Eagle, LLC, zooms in on Alumnus Gardens, located at 4409 St. Louis Ave. in North St. Louis’ Ville Neighborhood. Vecino Group, a Springfield, MO-based developer and general contractor of affordable housing communities, is developing the project in  partnership with  Kansas City-based The Nash Group. The […]
Tom Finan

Safe Routes To School Application Period Begins

2 years 2 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – With students soon to be trading swim bags for backpacks, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that applications for the Safe Routes to School program are now being accepted. The program helps to support projects that make walking, biking and rolling to school a safe option for students as part of a commitment by IDOT and Gov. JB Pritzker to expand active transportation throughout the state. “Establishing early habits of walking, biking or rolling to school helps students maintain a healthier lifestyle as they get older,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “We take great pride in this program, which helps ensure that every student in Illinois has a safe, convenient and healthy way to get to school.” Administered by IDOT using federal funds, Safe Routes to School advances projects that improve safety and reduce traffic in areas around schools, grades kindergarten through high school. The new grant cycle

Continue Reading

Construction spending was flat in June

2 years 2 months ago
Construction spending continues to be flat over the past few months: The good news is that residential construction isn't falling anymore. The bad news is that nonresidential construction isn't rising anymore. We are just puttering along waiting for either something or nothing to happen later this year.
Kevin Drum