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Count Down To The Nation's 250th Birthday With The Illinois America 250 Commission In The Governor’s Tent

4 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – Fairgoers who stop by the Governor’s Tent during the 2025 Illinois State Fair can pick up a free pocket-size copy of the Declaration of Independence and learn how their community can join in the statewide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary next year. “The 250th anniversary is not just a celebration of our nation’s past. It's an opportunity to examine how we ended up where we are today and an invitation to consider the future we want to build,” said Gabrielle Lyon, chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission and executive director of Illinois Humanities. “We invite fairgoers to visit our booth in the Governor’s Tent to find out how they can be part of this historic milestone for our nation.” The Illinois America 250 Commission is encouraging communities, libraries, schools, historical societies, cultural institutions, and individuals of all ages to be part of efforts to develop an inclusive commemoration o

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Count Down To The Nation's 250th Birthday With The Illinois America 250 Commission In The Governor’s Tent

4 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – Fairgoers who stop by the Governor’s Tent during the 2025 Illinois State Fair can pick up a free pocket-size copy of the Declaration of Independence and learn how their community can join in the statewide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary next year. “The 250th anniversary is not just a celebration of our nation’s past. It's an opportunity to examine how we ended up where we are today and an invitation to consider the future we want to build,” said Gabrielle Lyon, chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission and executive director of Illinois Humanities. “We invite fairgoers to visit our booth in the Governor’s Tent to find out how they can be part of this historic milestone for our nation.” The Illinois America 250 Commission is encouraging communities, libraries, schools, historical societies, cultural institutions, and individuals of all ages to be part of efforts to develop an inclusive commemoration o

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Illinois EPA State Fair Exhibit Promotes Healthy Air Quality

4 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Acting Director James Jennings is announcing the Agency’s participation in the 2025 Illinois State Fair, with an educational exhibit themed “Together for Healthier Air!” The exhibit, located in Conservation World, will offer interactive games and educational information for young visitors, and adults will also find guidance on ozone, particle pollution, clean energy, air pollution action days, the Air Quality Index, wildfire smoke, and the Illinois EPA’s curriculum on energy. The exhibit will demonstrate how everyone can contribute to healthier air and learn why it is so important. “Each year, we have the opportunity to connect with Illinois residents of all ages by highlighting one of the many topics important to our environment, and this year we will focus on air quality,” said Acting Director Jennings. “We strive to provide educational information to children through games an

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Illinois EPA State Fair Exhibit Promotes Healthy Air Quality

4 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Acting Director James Jennings is announcing the Agency’s participation in the 2025 Illinois State Fair, with an educational exhibit themed “Together for Healthier Air!” The exhibit, located in Conservation World, will offer interactive games and educational information for young visitors, and adults will also find guidance on ozone, particle pollution, clean energy, air pollution action days, the Air Quality Index, wildfire smoke, and the Illinois EPA’s curriculum on energy. The exhibit will demonstrate how everyone can contribute to healthier air and learn why it is so important. “Each year, we have the opportunity to connect with Illinois residents of all ages by highlighting one of the many topics important to our environment, and this year we will focus on air quality,” said Acting Director Jennings. “We strive to provide educational information to children through games an

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Attorney General Raoul's State Fair Tent Highlights Public Safety, Emerging Senior Scams

4 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today encouraged Illinois families to visit his office’s tent at 2025 Illinois State Fair, which is located on Grandstand Avenue and offers many free resources focused on enhancing public safety and protecting seniors from new and emerging cyber scams. “I encourage all families to visit the Attorney General’s tent to learn about the important services my office provides and how we work to protect residents throughout the year,” Raoul said. “Staff from the Attorney General’s office will be on hand to demonstrate our work to protect children online and to provide tips to avoid consumer fraud. Visitors to the tent can also learn more about the ways my office is working to address the impacts of violence and to defend the rights of all Illinoisans.” Children visiting the Attorney General’s tent can learn and have fun at the interactive photo station where Buddy and Browser, the animated online

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Missouri math: How a 23-year sentence adds up to more than 40 years in prison

4 months 1 week ago
When Deandre Pointer appeared in front of a Jackson County judge in June 2023, his world was bright. After years of protesting his innocence of murder charges and failing to convince any court, Pointer cut a deal to trade his life without parole sentence for a 23-year term on two counts of second degree murder […]
Rudi Keller

Community and Police Unite at Cahokia Heights National Night Out

4 months 1 week ago
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — The Cahokia Heights Police Department held its first National Night Out event this past week, aiming to strengthen community ties and promote neighborhood safety. The event took place recently in Cahokia Heights as part of a nationwide campaign designed to foster police-community partnerships. National Night Out is an annual initiative that encourages residents and law enforcement to come together to build safer, more caring neighborhoods. The Cahokia Heights Police Department expressed appreciation for the community’s participation and support during the event. In a statement, the Cahokia Heights Police Department said, “Your presence and support meant everything as we came together to build stronger community ties and celebrate unity.” They also affirmed their ongoing dedication and commitment to the city’s businesses and residents. The Cahokia Police Department also added, “It is a great day to be a Cahokia Heights

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FAA: A Hughes 369D Model Helicopter Crashed Into Mississippi River Barge

4 months 1 week ago
ALTON - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the type of aircraft involved in the crash into a barge in the Mississippi River near the Melvin Price Lock and Dam as a Hughes 369D helicopter. Crystal Essiaw, a spokesperson for the FAA, said the time of the accident was 11:05 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, and also confirmed the aircraft did crash into a barge on the Mississippi River. The Hughes 369D is a light turbine helicopter that is a versatile aircraft and is described as one known for speed, maneuverability, and compact size. The FAA also confirmed again that two people were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash, and they died. "The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident, with the NTSB leading the inquiry and providing updates as they become available," the FAA said. The FAA described the information as preliminary and subject to change. The FAA plans to post a preliminary accident report, typically the next

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The History and Significance of International Cat Day

4 months 1 week ago
Did you know that cats have been companions to humans for nearly 9,000 years? Despite their long-standing presence in human society, cats have often lived in the shadows of their canine counterparts when it comes to public recognition. International Cat Day, however, shines a spotlight on these enigmatic creatures, celebrating their unique bond with humans and the important roles they play in our lives. But how did this day come to be, and why does it matter so much to cat lovers and animal advocates worldwide? The Origins of International Cat Day International Cat Day was established in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), an organization dedicated to animal protection around the globe. The day was created to raise awareness about cats’ needs and to promote their welfare, both as beloved pets and as essential members of many ecosystems. While cats have been revered in various cultures throughout history—from the sacred felines of ancient Egypt to

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This Day in History on August 8: Soviet Union Declares War on Japan in World War II

4 months 1 week ago
August 8th is a day marked by groundbreaking achievements, pivotal moments, and remarkable events spanning centuries and continents. In 1588, the English navy, under the command of Lord Charles Howard and Sir Francis Drake, defeated the Spanish Armada in a decisive naval battle that altered the balance of power in Europe. This victory was pivotal in establishing England as a dominant maritime force and limiting Spanish influence, shaping the geopolitical landscape of the time. Moving forward to the 20th century, August 8, 1945, was a day of intense and somber significance during World War II. The Soviet Union declared war on Japan, launching a massive offensive against Japanese forces in Manchuria. This action hastened Japan’s surrender and contributed to the end of the war, underscoring the complex dynamics of global conflict and diplomacy. On a different note, August 8, 1963, saw the establishment of the Great Train Robbery in the United Kingdom, a high-profile heist that

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