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O'FALLON, IL. - It has been a busy week for members of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. On September 9, 2025, Collinsville Mayor Jeff Stehman presented the chapter a proclamation honoring Constitution Week. Earlier in the week, the chapter received proclamations from Shiloh Mayor Bob Weilmuenster and Lebanon Mayor Charles Witty. This celebration of the Constitution was started by the DAR. In 1955, DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The DAR has also erected a structure in Washington, D.C., that is built in tribute to the Constitution of the United States. DAR Constitution Hall, which is a performing arts center, opened in 1929. On September 11th, chapter members welcomed Illinois State Regent Marria Blinn and District VI Director

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The warden fired from Jefferson City Correctional Center in the aftermath of an inmate’s death is suing the state, alleging she lost her job due to age, gender, racial and disability discrimination. Doris Falkenrath, who was fired on June 13, 2024, filed the lawsuit Aug. 27 in Cole County Circuit Court. When she was fired, […]

EDWARDSVILLE/WORDEN - The Southern Illinois Chapter of the American Guild of Organists has awarded its 2025 Scholarship Awards to two young musicians from the region. Thirteen-year-old Eve Curtis of Worden and 12-year-old Micah Krystowiak of Edwardsville each received $750 scholarships in August 2025 to support their organ studies. The scholarships, granted annually by the Southern Illinois Chapter of the AGO, recognize promising organ students from southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeastern Missouri. The awards cover the cost of organ instruction, organ literature, and membership in both the national AGO and the Southern Illinois Chapter. Eve Curtis has studied piano for nine years and organ for two years. In addition to her keyboard skills, she plays violin in her school orchestra. She regularly performs at her home church and often serves as a substitute organist for other congregations. Her organ instructor, Janet Muth, described Eve as having “wonderful talent

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The St. Clair County State's Attorney charged Robert J. Wedig, 74, with failure to report an accident involving death.

Senate President Cindy O'Laughlin says it's part of a succession plan for term-limited lawmakers

ST. LOUIS — Four-month-old quintuplet cheetah cubs are making their public debut at the Saint Louis Zoo, offering visitors a rare glimpse of the young felines as they explore their new habitat. Asha, Bozzie, Chirpa, Milani and Wickett, born May 5, 2025, to first-time parents Cora, 4, and Vader, 8, began accessing the cheetah habitat at River’s Edge on Sept. 17. The cubs will be visible to the public during limited morning hours, typically between 9 and 10 a.m., as they adjust to their environment. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but viewing times for the cubs are not guaranteed. The quintuplets, three males and two females, have spent their early months bonding with their mother and each other in a private habitat. The Animal Care Team has been gradually introducing them to new enrichment activities to support their development and prepare them for public appearances. “Cora’s cubs are lively as ever. They have distinct personalities and interact

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On This Day, Sept. 17, 2024 ...John David "JD" Souther, solo artist and co-writer of many hits for the Eagles, died at his home in New Mexico. He was 78.Souther co-wrote such Eagles…

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MASCOUTAH – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a Mascoutah, Illinois man was sentenced to 43 years in prison for sexual assault and producing child pornography. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. Zachery Ashby, 31, was sentenced today by St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge Zina Cruse after pleading guilty to three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and two counts of production of child pornography, all Class X felonies. “This sentence will prevent other children from being abused and represents justice for the innocent children and families who were victimized through these heinous crimes,” Raoul said. “I am committed to helping victims and their families heal from trauma, including by holding the perpetrators accountable. My office

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses at a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing entitled “Examining the Harm of AI Chatbots.” Durbin focused his questioning on the warning signs of children and adolescents being lured into unhealthy or harmful behavior, including self-harm or suicide, by AI chatbots. Durbin began by referring to a statistic in the opening statement of Mr. Robbie Torney, Senior Director of AI Programs at Common Sense Media. According to Common Sense Media polling, nearly three in four children have used an AI companion app while only 37 percent of parents know that their children are using AI. “As a caring parent, what should you look for as a sign that is happening?” Durbin asked Dr. Mitch Prinstein, Chief of Psychology Strategy and Integration at the American Psychological Association. Dr. Prinstein explaine

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SPRINGFIELD – The State and University Employees Combined Appeal ( SECA ) kicks off today, Wednesday, September 17th, and runs through November 12th, 2025. SECA offers state government and university employees the opportunity to donate to their favorite charities through payroll deduction. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Chip In and Help Out.” The idea is that we can all do our part, and SECA makes that easy. There are more than 1,600 local, state and national charities in the program, and this year, University of Illinois Men’s Golf Head Coach and professional golfer Mike Small is the honorary chair. “I’m so proud that our state employees have given $84 million to charities through SECA – I’d love to see everyone chip in this year,” said Comptroller Mendoza. “Whether it’s a few dollars each paycheck or a larger donation, your contribution will make a difference. Charities in SECA address needs like affordable

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today previewed new legislation he plans to introduce to crack down on harm caused by AI companies during today’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing entitled “Examining the Harm of AI Chatbots.” The AI LEAD Act would establish a federal cause of action against AI companies for harms caused by their systems and would enable the Attorney General, state attorneys general, and private individuals to bring products liability suits against AI system developers and AI system deployers. In his opening remarks, Durbin also slammed Big Tech for failing to mitigate the dangers of its products, especially for children and adolescents. Key Quotes: “This hearing is essential. This hearing is proving something to people who would be a little bit surprised. Yes, Senators from different political parties can agree on things

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ALTON - During their regular meeting on Sept. 16, 2025, the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education recognized the September Optimist Students of the Month. Tiara Hall was recognized as the Optimist Student of the Month for Alton Middle School, while Carmody Gill was named the Optimist Student of the Month for North Elementary School. Dr. Brian Saenz, principal of Alton Middle School, introduced Hall as “a natural leader” and role model who stands out among her classmates. She showcases the values of Alton Middle School with a positive attitude and serves as a great friend. “She exemplifies the positive energy, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning that makes the student body at Alton Middle School so special,” Saenz said. “At Alton Middle School, our goal is to foster a culture of belonging where every student feels valued, supported and empowered. Tiara plays an important role in shaping this culture.” Hall enjoys reading

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MARYVILLE — Anderson Hospital has begun construction on its new Emergency Department building, expanding the construction zone as of Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Officials said the project aims to enhance emergency care facilities at the hospital. To ensure safety during this phase, a new tunnel system has opened to guide patients and visitors securely to the Emergency Department entrance. Hospital officials noted that parking in the affected areas are now very limited and reserved exclusively for patients and visitors. Community members and hospital users are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress by visiting the hospital’s Emergency Department Project webpage, which features updated maps, progress reports, and photos. The webpage can be accessed at https://bit.ly/45itCzw

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CHICAGO - Today, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem canceled a press conference in Chicago, fleeing the state once again because she is too scared to face questions and accountability from the people of Illinois. “I’ve said since the very beginning that the federal government is surging federal officers here to cause challenges, not seriously collaborate on improving public safety,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Secretary Noem was in Chicago today to shoot b-roll for her social media, but not willing to answer any questions or share any information, resources, or support with the state about working together to protect public safety. She is running away scared from any accountability that the public deserves.” As federal deployments ramp up in Illinois, there has been no formal coordination with the state on protecting public safety. Keeping the public in the dark is undermining confidence and trust in law enforcement. In an effort to restore that

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by ProPublica

ProPublica has selected Dana Chiueh and Aaron Brezel as AI engineering fellows as part of its participation in the Lenfest Institute’s AI Collaborative and Fellowship program, a nationwide news industry effort supported by Microsoft and OpenAI to explore how artificial intelligence technologies can responsibly contribute to the work of mission-driven newsrooms. The Lenfest AI program selected ProPublica among 10 regional and national news organizations for the two-year fellowships.

The ProPublica fellowships are made possible through funding from both the Lenfest Institute and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Dana and Aaron as our first AI engineering fellows,” said Ben Werdmuller, ProPublica’s senior director of technology. “Their unique combination of technical expertise and journalism experience positions them perfectly to help us explore how AI can safely enhance investigative reporting while maintaining the rigorous standards, ethical principles and human expertise that define ProPublica’s work.”

Chiueh was most recently a news innovation engineer at the Minnesota Star Tribune, participating in the Lenfest program on the newsroom’s behalf. She was a recipient of a Brown Institute Magic Grant for developing Tipbot, a tool that automates the gathering of missing information from submitted tips, and previously reported for The Dallas Morning News and Los Angeles Times, among others.

Brezel joins ProPublica from the Brown Institute for Media Innovation, where he was lead software engineer. Before that, he was a software engineer at The Washington Post, where, as a founding member of the reporting tools team, he built software for journalists across the newsroom.

About ProPublica ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest. With a team of more than 150 dedicated journalists, ProPublica covers a range of topics, focusing on stories with the potential to spur real-world impact. Its reporting has contributed to the passage of new laws; reversals of harmful policies and practices; and accountability for leaders at local, state and national levels. Since it began publishing in 2008, ProPublica has received eight Pulitzer Prizes, five Peabody Awards, eight Emmy Awards and 16 George Polk Awards.

About the Lenfest Institute for Journalism  The Lenfest Institute creates solutions for the next era of local news by investing in sustainable business models at the intersection of local journalism, responsible use of technology and service to community in Philadelphia and nationwide. 

About the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and data science solutions to create a thriving, equitable and sustainable future for all. PJMF works in partnership with public, private and social institutions to drive progress on our most pressing challenges, including digital health, climate change, broad digital access and data maturity in the social sector.

WESTMONT, Ill. – The Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery issued the following statement after reports that ICE is ramping up enforcement near schools: “Our schools must remain sanctuaries for children and families, not sites of fear and trauma. Immigration arrests in and around schools tear at the fabric of trust that educators work so hard to build. We’re hearing of ICE using armored vehicles, brutal force, and weapons of war like flash grenades and drones to terrorize people who are simply trying to get their children to school on time. No child can learn or thrive when they witness parents, neighbors, or trusted adults being taken away. “The Statue of Liberty welcomes immigrants who are 'yearning to breathe free.' But now many are living in fear of extreme and violent tactics being used against them by our own government officials. We call on federal authorities – again – to respect schools as off-limits, so that every child

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SPRINGFIELD – Autumn begins Monday, Sept. 22, marking the official beginning of fall events at Illinois state parks, historic sites and museums. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites the public to enjoy the following seasonal events and activities. Visit our events calendar online for more events and updates. Sept. 20 and 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, and 25 Autumn Guided Nature Walks Illinois Beach State Park | Lake County Join the naturalist at Illinois Beach State Park on Saturdays in October for a guided autumn nature walk. Meet at the park’s nature center at 10:30 a.m. This is a free event, and no registration is required. Mobility-friendly tours and weekday walks are also available by calling the center at 847-748-4713. Sept. 21 Fall Equinox Sunrise Observance Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site | Madison County Visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site near Collinsville at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 to celebrate the start of fall in the Norther

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ALTON - During their regular meeting on Sept. 16, 2025, the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education honored the district’s Early Childhood Center, which received the Gold Circle of Quality Award. Superintendent Elaine Kane explained that ExeleRate Illinois has created a common set of standards for all early learning programs in Illinois. This year, the Alton Early Childhood Center achieved the highest recognition from the ExeleRate Illinois program. “It is my honor this evening to recognize the staff at the Early Childhood Center for an outstanding accomplishment,” Kane said. “This demonstrates excellence in every category.” The ExeleRate Illinois standards cover instructional excellence, family services, staff qualifications, professional development and program administration. By achieving the Gold Circle of Quality Award, the Early Childhood Center has exceeded all of these benchmarks. The Board of Education recognized

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