a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Historic Mississippi River Festival Archives Find Permanent Home As 2025 Festival Celebrates Music Legacy

2 weeks 6 days ago
ALTON - After nearly five decades of safeguarding the memories of one of America's most legendary music festivals, Lyle Ward is bringing his treasure trove to Alton. As a former director of the Mississippi River Festival (MRF), which hosted The Grateful Dead, The Who, and Bob Dylan in its heyday – Ward’s personal collection of irreplaceable memorabilia will be on display during the revived festival weekend, Saturday, June 28, between 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at The Wedge located at 620 E Broadway, Alton, IL 62002. Ward, who launched the legendary festival in 1969 on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus, is bringing his irreplaceable collection of memorabilia, photographs, posters, and archives to the current MRF team, who will maintain the collection for future public enjoyment and preservation. "Alton will benefit from the New Mississippi River Festival in many ways. BE A PART OF IT!" said Ward who is also the current President of the MRF Preservation

Continue Reading

Giannoulias Awarding More than $1 Million in Library Tech Grants to Underserved Communities

2 weeks 6 days ago
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is awarding over $1 million in new grants to assist public libraries in underserved communities with needed technology enhancements, Secretary and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced today. According to the Secretary of State’s office, 88 public libraries are receiving a grant – totaling an amount of either $27,500 or $12,500 – depending on the size of the population they serve. “Libraries play a significant role in our communities, providing a place for every Illinoisan to connect, learn and explore,” Giannoulias said. “We have a responsibility to ensure that all libraries, regardless of their community’s location or wealth, have the resources to meet the needs of residents and expand their offerings, particularly when it comes to technology.” To qualify, the libraries must have a low tax base in relation to the population of their service area. In applying for th

Continue Reading

Duckworth Statement on Trump's Strikes Against Iran Nuclear Sites

3 weeks ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites: “I ran for Congress so that when the drums of war started beating in Washington again, I’d be in a position to make sure that our leaders fully consider the true costs of war—not just in dollars and cents, but in the sacrifices and blood of our troops. The Trump Administration illegally bombed Iran tonight, putting American troops and citizens at risk of retaliation and threatening to draw us into yet another Middle East war without Constitutionally-required Congressional approval. I have long said Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon. But this goal could and should have been pursued through diplomatic means first. “In this dangerous moment, my top priority is—and the Trump Administration’s top priority should be—ensuring the safety and security

Continue Reading

The Wedge Powered by SIUE Unveils Bold July Programming to Power Small Business Growth and Regional Collaboration

3 weeks ago
ALTON, IL – Something electric is happening in downtown Alton. The Wedge, powered by SIUE, is turning up the energy this July with a lineup of dynamic events that bring together entrepreneurs, visionaries, and changemakers from across the region. “At The Wedge, we’re not just hosting events—we’re building a culture of possibility. July’s lineup is about giving people the tools, connections, and momentum to move their ideas forward,” said Stephanie Schrage, Community Manager at The Wedge . “Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or just curious about what’s next—we want you in the room.” From rooftop networking and expert-led business courses to storytelling labs that reimagine how we see and shape our communities—every event this month is designed to spark collaboration and increase impact. “At The Wedge, we’re building more than just a space—we’re building momentum for bol

Continue Reading