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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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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that its Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) has been awarded the 2025 Regulatory Excellence Award by the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR). The CLEAR Regulatory Excellence Award is presented annually to regulatory bodies worldwide that demonstrate outstanding innovation, vision, and measurable results in protecting the public while serving professionals. This prestigious international honor recognizes DPR’s transformative leadership in professional regulation by modernizing licensure processes, reducing barriers for applicants, and elevating customer service for more than 1.2 million licensed professionals across Illinois. “Receiving CLEAR’s Regulatory Excellence Award is a proud moment for the State of Illinois and a powerful recognition of the dedication, innovation, and vision of our Division of Professional Regulation,” sai

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As politically divided Americans yell at each other on social media, we ignore the common enemy: gun violence.

Now that Foo Fighters are officially back to playing shows, the band has released a new video celebrating their return. Or, make that an uncanny valley version of the band.The clip,…

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The Missouri Attorney General’s Office is allowed to access patient health information as part of its investigation into the Washington University Transgender Center, an appeals court ruled.

More than 230 years after its signing, the U.S. Constitution remains the world’s oldest written national constitution still in use. This remarkable document laid the foundation for American governance and has influenced countless democracies worldwide. Every year, the United States commemorates this enduring legacy on Constitution Day, a celebration that honors the signing and principles of the Constitution. Yet, many are unfamiliar with the history and traditions surrounding this important observance. The Origins of Constitution Day Constitution Day, officially recognized on September 17, marks the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. But its journey to becoming a national observance was neither immediate nor straightforward. Initially, the Constitution’s significance was celebrated informally by various groups and institutions. It wasn’t until 1952 that Congress passed legislation establishing “Citizenship Day” to recognize th

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September 17 stands out in history as a day marked by landmark moments that have shaped nations, inspired revolutions, and propelled humanity forward in science and culture. Arguably the most impactful event associated with September 17 is the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787. This document laid the foundation for the American system of government and has influenced democratic frameworks worldwide. Delegates convened at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, after months of debate, to finalize the Constitution, establishing checks and balances and a federal system that endures today. Celebrated annually as Constitution Day in the United States, this event symbolizes the commitment to rule of law and democratic governance. Moving back in time, September 17, 1862, witnessed the Battle of Antietam during the American Civil War, the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. Fought near Sharpsburg, Maryland, this clash resulted in nearly 23,000 casualties.

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Ozzy Osbourne fans are getting their first look at the upcoming Paramount+ documentary, No Escape From Now.The first trailer for the doc was just released and features interview clips with Ozzy, his wife Sharon Osbourne,…

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