a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Senate votes 99-1 to remove AI moratorium from megabill

5 months 3 weeks ago
A moratorium on state-based artificial intelligence laws was struck from the “Big Beautiful Bill” Monday night in a 99-1 vote in the U.S. Senate, after getting less and less popular with state and federal lawmakers, state officials and advocacy groups since it was introduced in May. The moratorium had evolved in the seven weeks since […]
Paige Gross

Edwardsville Municipal Band Hosts Two Free July 4 Concerts

5 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band will present two free summer concerts to celebrate Independence Day. The first concert will be held on Thursday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park, and the second on Saturday, July 5 at 7:00 p.m. during the American Legion Fireworks celebration. Both events are free and open to everyone. The concert will feature soprano Caitlin Towell, a local vocalist who will join the band for part of the program. Audiences can look forward to familiar favorites like America the Beautiful and Battle Hymn of the Republic, as well as patriotic marches by John Philip Sousa, including Semper Fidelis, The Liberty Bell, and Stars and Stripes Forever. Additional highlights include Irving Berlin’s Songs for America, the Armed Services Medley, and National Emblem March. The program also features Clare Grundman’s Kentucky 1800 and Concord, both of which reflect on America’s folk traditions and early history. Concessions

Continue Reading

Local Artists Invited to Grant Workshop at Jacoby Arts Center

5 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - Local artists have the chance to learn more about a major grant opportunity. From 12:30–1:30 p.m. on July 3, 2025, community members can come out to Jacoby Arts Center in Alton for a workshop by Company of Folk, an organization that supports the Illinois Arts Council and the Creative Projects Grant. John Gardner, Company of Folk executive director, encourages artists to come out and learn about the grant. “That’s our whole role, to make it easier for artists,” Gardner said. “One of our greatest joys is connecting artists with funding opportunities. We’re very passionate about helping artists to apply and navigate grant opportunities like this when they come.” The workshop on July 3 will inform local artists about the Creative Projects Grant through the Illinois Arts Council. This grant offers up to $12,000 to support a single arts project or professional development opportunity. As an organization, Company of Folk works with

Continue Reading

U.S. Attorney's Office To Participate In Collinsville Naturalization Ceremony

5 months 3 weeks ago
COLLINSVILLE — The U.S. District Court and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois will participate in a naturalization ceremony on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, to welcome 61 new citizens from 27 countries. The event is set to begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville. Candidates will take the Oath of Allegiance as part of the naturalization process. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft highlighted the significance of the ceremony in the context of the upcoming Independence Day holiday. “As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s independence on Friday, we’re reminded of our country’s long-standing tradition of accepting immigrants from all over the world through the naturalization process,” Weinhoeft said. “It’s with great enthusiasm that we acknowledge the efforts by our friends and neighbors who have prioritized entering the U.S. legally. Together, we are bound by our shared

Continue Reading

Paul Harris Fellowships Awarded to Michael Bates and Katie Sabolo, New Leaders Installed

5 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - Members of the Rotary Club of Alton Godfrey and their guests met Monday, June 30, 2025, at Julia’s Banquet Center for the club’s annual banquet. Sam Stemm served as the master of ceremonies and installed the club’s 2025-26 officers and newly elected board of directors. John Rain announced two additions to the list of Paul Harris Fellows. Donna Bemis became the first in the club’s history to serve as president for two consecutive terms. During her address, she thanked members of the club for the works accomplished during the 2024-2025 Rotary year giving special mention to chairs of the club’s various committees including Ron Mayhew who chairs the Literacy Program, Students of the Month, Student of the Year Scholarship, sponsorship of Interact clubs at Alton High and Marquette Catholic High Schools, and the William E. Moyer Arts and Science Scholarship. Bemis also thanked Bill Hoagland for managing meeting programs, and other committe

Continue Reading

Giannoulias Awarding $20 Million in Grants to Benefit Illinois Libraries

5 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias will announce nearly $20 million in grant funding to libraries across the state that will ensure access to quality resources and programming for all Illinois residents. 639 public libraries statewide will receive nearly $18 million in per-capita grants, 88 will receive over $1 million in technology grants and 12 will receive nearly $1 million in construction grants. News of the grants comes amid federal cuts to library budgets nationwide. In March, the Trump administration signed an executive order to eliminate and defund the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which issues $180 million annually to public libraries nationwide. Illinois receives nearly $6 million annually – the sixth highest amount of any state. Giannoulias will be joined by: Prairie Trails Public Library District (Burbank) Officials and Local Officials Rene Leyva, Director of Fossil Ridge Public Library (Braidwood)

Continue Reading

Day Fresh Tour

5 months 3 weeks ago

The most popular tour at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis explains the life of an Anheuser-Busch beer from seed to glass. Along the way, you’ll visit the Clydesdales Paddock […]

The post Day Fresh Tour appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman