a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

The Fifth Annual NOIR Exhibit Is Now Open Through Labor Day

1 month ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Museum’s new exhibit, “NOIR V,” is open through Sept. 1, featuring photography, mixed media, oil and acrylic paintings, pastel work, and other artworks by black artists highlighting the theme of resilience. The exhibit is curated by Austin Wells and Elijah Miller. Artists use their work to celebrate and preserve Black culture, traditions, and values, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. The art emphasizes the importance of community and collective strength, highlighting the bonds that have helped Black people survive and thrive. Despite the challenges experienced by the black community, the art conveys messages of hope, resilience, and the potential for positive change and transformation. “This year we have cultivated a familiar and welcoming event in partnership with the Illinois State Museum for Springfield’s Juneteenth Celebration,” said co-curator Austin Wells . “We are thrilled to present

Continue Reading

Illinois Invites Residents To Fish For Free June 13-16

1 month ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has set June 13 through 16 as Illinois free fishing days for 2025. During these four days, anglers can fish without purchasing a fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp in Illinois. The goal is for non-anglers to discover or rediscover the fun of fishing and to introduce children to the activity. Groups and organizations that need fishing equipment and educational materials can complete the online form and IDNR will furnish materials while supplies last. Outside of the free fishing days, Illinois requires anyone over the age of 16 to have a fishing license to fish. Exclusions apply to active-duty military and people with disabilities. Standard fishing licenses can be purchased for $15 at vendors throughout Illinois or online . Learn more about fishing in Illinois at ifishillinois.org. About IDNR The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is celebrating 100 years of conservation and

Continue Reading

Rights organizations object to ‘entirely absurd’ Virginia gag policy

1 month ago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

An unconstitutional policy in Greene County, Virginia, prohibits government employees from talking to the media and requires them to label anything they share with the press as “opinion” even if it’s verifiable fact.

Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) led a letter from a coalition of press freedom and transparency organizations urging Steve Catalano, chair of the Greene County board of supervisors, to rethink the policy. As the letter explains, similar policies have repeatedly been struck down as violating government employees’ constitutional right to speak about matters of public concern.

Seth Stern, FPF advocacy director, said: “A free press covering county government must be able to talk to experts with firsthand knowledge and get facts, not PR. Courts regularly reject policies requiring media inquiries to be routed to designated ‘public information officers.’ And courts would have rejected policies compelling people to label their speech as ‘opinion’ if anyone had tried implementing one before. Catalano doesn’t have a monopoly on facts. That requirement is not only unconstitutional but entirely absurd.”

Caroline Hendrie, executive director of SPJ, added: “Members of the public deserve timely and honest answers from their government, and journalists need access to public servants who know what they’re talking about. When agencies and officials impose unconstitutional gag rules, they disrupt the flow of information that people need to make decisions about their communities and their lives.”

You can read the letter here or below. To learn more about “censorship by PIO,” check out SPJ’s online resource, Gagged America.

Please contact FPF or SPJ if you would like further information.

Freedom of the Press Foundation

Revity Credit Union Raises $1,520 For Collinsville Junior Service Club

1 month ago
COLLINSVILLE - In May 2025, Revity Credit Union came together to raise $1,520 for the Collinsville Junior Service Club through the Revity Threads of Kindness Program. This program, funded by employees, allows Revity Credit Union staff to embody the credit union's philosophy of people helping people. By contributing a monthly monetary donation to a local organization, employees can enjoy wearing jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays throughout that month. In 2025, Revity Credit Union is committed to impactful giving and community support, weaving kindness into the fabric of our daily lives and ensuring that every jeans day makes a difference. The Collinsville Junior Service Club was nominated as the recipient of Revity's May Threads of Kindness donation, receiving $1,520.00. The Collinsville Junior Service Club provides women an opportunity to make a difference in this community by enriching the lives of others. The club plans social events and organizes fundraisers so tha

Continue Reading