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Financial Censorship and the Love Affair Between Payment Processors and Anti-Porn Campaigners

4 months 3 weeks ago
Valve Corporation recently came under pressure from payment processors to purge Steam, the popular PC gaming storefront, of “certain kinds of adult-only content.” The news rippled across tech and gaming news media, even for adult entertainment industry journalists like myself. But if it weren’t for the reporting of Ana Valens (which Vice then deleted) then we […]
Michael McGrady

Chesterfield Man Released After Firing Weapon During Jersey County Assault

4 months 3 weeks ago
JERSEYVILLE – A man from Chesterfield has been released from custody after being charged with firing a weapon during an aggravated assault in Jersey County. Lucas A. Brown, 33, of Chesterfield, Ill., was charged on July 21, 2025 with reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated assault/discharge firearm, both Class 4 felonies. On July 19, 2025, Brown allegedly discharged a firearm in a reckless manner near the victim’s bedroom window, endangering the victim’s bodily safety and causing them to fear for their life, according to charging documents. A Pretrial Release Order was later filed, granting Brown release from custody pending trial. Under the conditions of his release, Brown has been ordered to have no contact or communication with the victim in this case and cannot leave the State of Illinois without court permission. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Illinois State Fair Announces New Enhanced Security Measures

4 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Fair, in collaboration with the Illinois State Police, is introducing updated security measures to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. The following items will not be allowed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds and will be confiscated if found: Firearms (concealed carry is prohibited ) Weapons of any kind (including but not limited to knives, pepper spray, stun guns, brass knuckles, batons, bats) Illegal substances Drones or laser pointers Fireworks or flammable materials Grandstand Security Additional measures are being implemented at the Grandstand to maintain a safe environment for event attendees and entertainers. Metal Detectors & Bag Checks New this year are metal detectors and bag checks at all Grandstand entrances. No backpacks, duffle bags or bags/purses larger than 14"x8" are allowed into the Grandstand. Tickets If you purchased mobile tickets, be sure to download the tickets to your Ticketmaster

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Beginners Night

4 months 3 weeks ago

Looking to try out chess in a welcoming, judgment-free environment? Come to the Saint Louis Chess Club to learn and play with other beginners! Led by our friendly and experienced […]

The post Beginners Night appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Myranda Levins

Maestro Shane Williams Leads Edwardsville Municipal Band In Vibrant Music Program

4 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - Join the Edwardsville Municipal Concert Band for an evening of music on Thursday, July 31, at 7:30 PM at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park. This week’s concert, Color My World, highlights how composers use musical color to paint vivid scenes—from the shimmering hues of Brian Balmages’ Rippling Watercolors to the dramatic contrasts of Clare Grundman’s The Blue and the Gray. Selections will include Palette by Randall Standridge, The Blues! by Sammy Nestico, Black Canyon of the Gunnison by Frank Erickson, and Alfred Reed’s arrangement of The Unsinkable Molly Brown. The program also features patriotic favorites like Sousa’s The Black Horse Troop and a nostalgic nod to Disney with Heigh Ho from Snow White. The band is honored to welcome Maestro Shane Williams as guest conductor for the evening. Williams is the Director of Instrumental Ensembles at Missouri Baptist University and is currently in his 11th season as conductor of the

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Southwestern Illinois College Receives Toastmasters' Corporate Recognition Award

4 months 3 weeks ago
BELLEVILLE — Toastmasters International will recognize Southwestern Illinois College for enhancing employee engagement through continuing support of the Toastmasters program. Southwestern Illinois College sponsors Toast of Belleville in Belleville where its employees meet to develop and strengthen their communication and leadership skills in a supportive setting with their coworkers. The award will be presented by Distinguished Toastmaster Srinivas Saineni, International Director on 9 August 2025 at 11am at Orlando’s Event Center in St. Louis, Mo. RSVP due 7/26 at (www.dist8tm.org) Toastmasters' communication and leadership teaches Southwestern Illinois College employees how to: Conduct effective meetings Practice time management Enhance their listening skills Sharpen their presentation skills Boost team collaboration(U) Guide successful teams Southwestern Illinois College has been exceptionally supportive of Toast of Belleville Toastmasters Club and th

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Phoenix Man Identified As Person Struck, Killed By Semi On Interstate 70 In Madison County

4 months 3 weeks ago
MADISON COUNTY — A 25-year-old man from Phoenix, Ariz., was killed Thursday night, July 24, 2025, after being struck by a semi tractor-trailer on Interstate 70 in Madison County, authorities said. The accident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on July 24, 2025, on the westbound lanes near the 20.4-mile marker, close to the intersection of Illinois State Route 4 and Interstate 70. Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich on Monday, July 28, 2025, identified the victim as Amisi M. Wilondja. The Madison County Coroner’s Office was notified at 10:39 p.m. on July 24, 2025, and Investigator Samuel T. Stone responded to the scene, pronouncing Wilondja dead at 11:14 p.m. The driver of the semi stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The preliminary cause of death was listed as multi-system trauma, the Madison County Coroner said. Routine toxicological testing has been conducted, but results are still pending. The final cause of death will be determined

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