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Steven Jackson has agreed to a three-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Jackson played 10 years in St. Louis, making three Pro Bowls and amassing eight consecutive 1000-year rushing seasons.

CHICAGO (AP) — Environmentalists are praising Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan for showing what they call "real leadership" on fracking.

Madigan said today he supports a temporary ban on the drilling practice that critics say causes air and water pollution. Lawmakers are working on a bill to regulate the practice that drillers say is safe.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri House has passed legislation that would renew tax credits for charitable causes such as food pantries and centers for pregnant woman.

The vote Wednesday by the House puts the legislation just one final step from the governor's desk. The Senate previously passed the bill and must give it another vote.

The legislation would reinstate tax credits for food pantry donations that expired in 2011 and for donations to pregnancy resource centers and child advocacy centers that expired in 2012. All three of those tax credits would be extended to 2019.

The bill also renews tax credits for surviving spouses of deceased public safety officers and for people who improve their homes to be accessible to the disabled.