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‘Max’ Joins Innovative Streaming Trend Of Shoving More Ads Down Your Throat

2 weeks 3 days ago
We’ve noted more than a few times that media and streaming execs are all out of original ideas. Now that the market has saturated and subscriber growth has slowed, streaming companies have decided to stop giving the public what it wants (few restrictions, low prices, better quality content) in order to provide Wall Street with […]
Karl Bode

Illinois American Water: Alton Water Main Break Near Auto Butler Resolved In Quick Fashion

2 weeks 3 days ago
ALTON — Illinois American Water repaired an 8-inch water main break by 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2025, on the roadway in front of Auto Butler in Alton, a company spokesperson said. The break occurred near 1706 Homer Adams Parkway, according to Terry Mackin, director of communications for Illinois American Water. The repair took approximately four hours to complete. Mackin emphasized that safety was a top priority during the repair, especially given the high temperatures on Wednesday. “The important thing is safety in this kind of heat. We worked very carefully,” he said. Mackin noted that the company worked diligently to maintain water service for as many customers as possible throughout the process. “We worked very hard to keep service intact and get it back on as quickly as we can so customers have water to flush toilets and all things that need water service,” he said. Employees also took precautions to stay hydrated during the repair work.

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Mississippi River Festival Returns to Alton, IL, June 27-28 with Star-Studded Lineup and Historic Exhibit

2 weeks 3 days ago
ALTON, IL — The Mississippi River Festival (MRF) roars back to life on Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28, 2025, bringing two unforgettable days of music, culture, and community to the Alton Riverfront. With a powerful mix of nationally acclaimed artists, rising stars, and local legends, this year’s MRF promises to be the must-attend event of the summer. The Alton Amphitheater will host an electric lineup that blends rock, soul, Americana, and country influences: Friday, June 27 Ben Rector Wilder Woods Allen Stone Brian Owens Soul Beth Bombara St. Louis & Nashville Songwriters Round Doors open at 3:00 PM Saturday, June 28 Blackberry Smoke Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors Brent Cobb Nikki Lane Kassi Ashton Jeremie Albino Zack Person Riley Holtz & The Lost Cause Doors open at 1:00 PM In addition to the music, the Festival is proud to spotlight its rich legacy with a special Mississippi River Festival History Exhibit, hosted at 600 E. Broadway

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East St. Louis Animal Shelter Issues Plea for Help After Air Conditioning Fails

2 weeks 3 days ago
EAST SAINT LOUIS - A local animal shelter is asking for help after their air conditioning has failed in the extreme heat. Gateway Pet Guardians, which serves the East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights, Washington Park and Fairmont City communities, put a plea on Facebook after staff members arrived this morning to find the building already dangerously hot. Jill Henke, Operations Director, explained that the air conditioning is being fixed, but in the meantime, they’re waiving all adoption fees, looking for foster homes for pets, and seeking donations. “We’re so darn lucky that every time that we kind of run into these little crises, the community is so responsive,” Henke said. “That’s what I always remind people: We just have to ask for what we need, and the community does show up. People want to help and people want to be a part of the good things happening in their community. It is always so heartwarming to see.” Since the original Facebook

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Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month: Jersey Girls Softball Star Ellie Davis Excels In 2025

2 weeks 3 days ago
JERSEY - Ellie Davis, a pitcher and first baseman for the Jersey Girls softball team, has been named a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month. The recognition comes as Davis continues to demonstrate strong performance both offensively and defensively during the current season. Davis has maintained a batting average of .282 with 22 hits, 23 RBIs, and four home runs this season. Over her career with the Panthers, she has achieved a consistent .291 batting average. Jersey Girls softball head coach Chelsey Cronkrak praised Davis for her leadership and dedication, saying, "Ellie is an exceptional player offensively and defensively. She is a vocal leader on the field, and encouraging and instructs her younger teammates. She loves the game and spends many extra hours outside of practice and games trying to improve." Davis is expected to return for her senior season in 2026, continuing to build on her strong performance and leadership role within the team.

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Pontoon Beach Man Struck By Vehicle Dies On I-255 Near Caseyville

2 weeks 3 days ago
CASEYVILLE — A 23-year-old man who was struck by a car and died at the scene early Tuesday morning, June 24, 2025, on Interstate 255 near Caseyville has been identified. Trevor A. Jones of Pontoon Beach was pronounced dead at the scene by St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. after being hit by a vehicle at approximately 1:45 a.m. The Illinois State Police Department (ISP) said the incident occurred shortly after 12:40 a.m. on northbound I-255 near Caseyville. The pedestrian was in the roadway when the vehicle struck him, according to ISP. The victim was pronounced dead at 1:45 a.m. on Tuesday. ISP had northbound I-255 in that area shut down for a period of time, and the area reopened about three hours later on Tuesday.

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St. Clair County:  Lane and Ramp Closure On Northbound I-255 at Illinois Route 3  

2 weeks 3 days ago
DUPO – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced the right lane of Northbound I-255 at IL 3 and the ramp from Southbound IL 3 to Northbound I-255 will be closed beginning Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 7:00 a.m, weather permitting. The ramp will reopen by 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, and all lanes of I-255 are expected to reopen by 10 a.m. on Friday, June 27. The closures are necessary to allow IDOT District 8 Operations forces to make emergency pavement repairs. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changing conditions and all detour signs prior to the work zone, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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