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Illinois Government Agencies Use of Controversial AI Technology
CTA Using Artificial Intelligence Surveillance Program to Identify Guns in Stations. Earlier this month the Chicago Transit Authority (“CTA”) announced that it was currently one month into a year long pilot program with the private company ZeroEyes, a company that pairs surveillance videos with artificial intelligence to detect firearms. As implemented as part of the pilot program, when the AI technology software detects a possible firearm, a human employee is then alerted who reviews the footage for accuracy before they then alert the Chicago Police Department, the CTA and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications at the same time. Currently the CTA has paired the AI program with 250 cameras at various stations around the city, though it declined to identify which stations citing safety concerns. CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. said in a statement that “this added measure of protection provides additional peace of mind to everyone.” The US Department of Homeland Security recently reviewed the company’s technology and in a report stated that a group of first responders found that the technology was in fact “intuitive,” but advocates worry about the lack of public discussion and the effectiveness of the technology, particularly when weighed against potential violations to individuals civil liberties. ACLU Illinois spokesman Ed Yohnka in response to the news warned against the use of more surveillance tools, particularly when he believes these technologies, “all come with allure of adding more safety, but they never seem to deliver on that promise.”
Commonwealth Foundation gives Illinois an 'F' for labor laws
(The Center Square) – A new report says Illinois is failing when it comes to worker freedom. Along with Policy Analyst Andrew Holman, David Osborne, senior fellow of labor policy for the Commonwealth Foundation, authored the report titled, “The Battle for Worker Freedom: Grading State Public Sector Labor Laws.” “Well, I hate to say it. Illinois probably set a new standard for ‘F’,” Osborne said. ...
Cissna Park volleyball claims Timberwolf Tip-Off title
CISSNA PARK – After finishing fourth at state last year, Cissna Park High School volleyball team’s quest to get back to the IHSA Class 1A state final tournament got off to a winning start. With two victories in the Timberwolf Tip-Off’s championship pool on Saturday, Cissna Park claimed...
Rantoul/PBL girls golfers compete in Bloomington
BLOOMINGTON – Ally Wright of the Rantoul/Paxton-Buckley-Loda girls golf team shot a 101 at the Bloomington Central Catholic Saints Shootout on Saturday. Bren Henry shot a 107 while Grace Mullins shot a 114.
Shelby County Airport Fly-in and Car Show Coming Back for Year Two
The Shelby County Airport Fly-In and Car Show appears Saturday, September 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Shelby County Airport. Scott Jefson, Manager at Shelby County Airport says he is excited to kick off year two of the festivities, especially with the hard work in refurbishments that the airport has seen in the past year.
Black Dog Urbana aims for fall reopening
Aug. 30—URBANA — Three years after it shut its doors, a popular restaurant and bar hopes to reopen soon. Co-owner Michael Cochran told The News-Gazette that Black Dog's Urbana location at 201 N. Broadway Avenue is targeting a fall reopening. "There is still a substantial amount of work to do," he said. "No major changes but we are making some updates and improvements. ... There are too many ...
PBL football wins 40-13 in season opener over Chillicothe IVC; Boyd-Meents sets school record
PAXTON – Depending on who was making a prediction, the outcome may or may not have come as a surprise. For the fourth consecutive year, the Paxton-Buckley-Loda varsity football team exited the first week of the season with a win over Chillicothe Illinois Valley Central. According to PBL senior...
Kenny G To Perform At EPC This Holiday Season
The Effingham Performance Center announces the addition of a national touring holiday show to its Season 15 lineup. Best-selling instrumental artist Kenny G will perform at The EPC on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 7 pm as part of his The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour. “Kenny G has one of...
Friday Football Fever Week 1 (08/30/24)
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) – Watch highlights from __ games and scores from many others in the first Friday Football Fever show of 2024, including Salt Fork’s/ Westville’s win against Salt Fork/ Westville in the Spotlight Game of the Week. Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin 21, Clifton Central 8 Unity 32, Prairie Central 13 Peoria 56, Centennial 21 Warrensburg-Latham 20, Tuscola […]
Winchester Post Office Closed Till Further Notice, Several Left Without Power Following Friday Storm
Scott County residents are picking up the pieces this morning after storms caused severe damage Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning just before 3:00 pm for Central Scott and Morgan Counties. Minutes later a severe storm tore through the Winchester area knocking down trees and leaving several residents without power.
City of Springfield to continue debating spending $400,000 in CDBG money to build veteran center on Stanton Street
The City of Springfield is debating spending $400,000 of CDBG money to build a veteran center on Stanton Street. Be Neighbors Affordable Housing for Veterans Inc. plans to build a state-of-the art learning, technology, and resource. center. The center would provide a classroom and computer lab, on-site offices, and space...
New coaches and historic touchdowns: What we learned about Peoria-area football in Week 1
New coaches got wins, Peoria Notre Dame earned a tough loss, there were plenty of points from Morton — and Richwoods' girls flag football team made a splash. Here are some takeaways from Week 1 in Illinois high school football around the Peoria area: ...
Springfield-area Week 1 high school football top performers, scores and live updates
The high school football season kicked off Friday in the Springfield area, but weather delayed multiple games until Saturday. Here's the Week 1 top performers, results and schedule. This page will be updated through the weekend. ...
Fans in Disbelief Over Caitlin Clark's Epic One-Handed Pass vs. Sky
On Friday night, August 30, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever faced off against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky for the fourth and final time of the 2024 WNBA season. Indiana took the first two matchups of the season, while the Sky won the third. Throughout the season, Clark has been the most ...
Jordan Rules author says Michael Jordan lied about many things in The Last Dance: "The thing at the end was a complete, blatant lie"
Sam Smith says that Michael Jordan was never coming back after the Last Dance because Phil Jackson wasn't returning and MJ himself told Jerry Krause he's done.
South Jacksonville Asking Some Residents to Clear Curbsides for Oil and Chip Work
Some residents in the area will need to watch when and where they park their cars next week. The Village of South Jacksonville announced today that the Public Works Department will begin oil and chip work on a number of village streets. Weather permitting, oil and chip work will be...
Illinois Voted Most Hated State in America – It’s Chicago’s Fault
I want to be clear that I do not hate Illinois, so don't shoot the messenger. I'm just letting you know that the Land of Lincoln has just been named the most hated state in America and the blame is firmly on Chicago. When I saw this new top 10...
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