a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Davidsmeyer & McClure Pass HB 5446 to Keep Rural Ambulance Services in Operation

1 day 2 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD – Legislation is headed to the Governor’s desk designed to keep rural ambulance services staffed and on-call to help save lives. The legislation, sponsored by State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) and State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), provides important flexibility to rural ambulance services to meet legally mandated staffing requirements. Representative Davidsmeyer has been working with local ambulance service officials for the past couple

Giannoulias Unveils America 250 Celebration Highlighting Illinois' Lasting Impact on the Nation

1 day 2 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD – Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is inviting Illinoisans to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the launch of a new America 250 website, Illinois State Archives social media channels and a series of exhibitions and events highlighting Illinois’ profound impact on the nation’s history. Beginning in July, residents can participate in a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, explore a new archival exhibit and enjoy free, family-friendly

Granite City Police Charge Madison Man With Child Sexual Abuse, Grooming, Solicitation

1 day 2 hours ago
GRANITE CITY – A local man remains in custody on charges of criminal sexual abuse, grooming, and child solicitation in Madison County. 19-year-old Tim D. Smith, of the 1200 block of Washington Avenue in Madison, Ill., was charged on June 15, 2026 with three Class 2 felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count each of indecent solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a minor (both Class 3 felonies), and one count of grooming (a Class 4 felony). From June 5 to June

Nine Decades Of Friendship: Alton Friends Born Same Day Near 90th Birthday

1 day 2 hours ago
ALTON - James “Jimmy” Griggs Sr. and Frank “Thurman” Anderson Sr., lifelong friends who were born on the same day in 1936, will be honored at a birthday celebration July 5 at Gordon Moore Park’s Munsterman Building as they prepare to turn 90 on July 9, 2026. The gathering, scheduled for 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2026, will celebrate what organizers describe as 90 years of life, legacy and friendship. Griggs and Anderson grew up together in the Alton school

Edwardsville Plans Full Week of America 250 Events

1 day 2 hours ago
EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville has a full calendar of events to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Starting Sunday, June 28, 2026, and running through the Fourth of July, the City of Edwardsville has collaborated with several groups to host a variety of activities, performances and more for community members to enjoy. Two organizers — Cathy Hensley with the City of Edwardsville and Diana Sussman with the Edwardsville Public Library — noted that while the events will

How You Can Volunteer to Help Local Foster Kids Navigate the Court System

1 day 2 hours ago
BELLEVILLE - CASA of Southwestern Illinois is looking for 25 Madison County residents to sign up to support local foster kids. CASAs, or Court-Appointed Special Advocates, spend five hours a month with a child who has experienced abuse or neglect, most of whom are in the foster care system. The volunteers then write a report for the judge to help the judge make the best decision for the child. Lynda Camp with CASA of Southwestern Illinois noted that volunteers are needed to help in this mission.

State Rep. Kevin Schmidt Touts Efforts To Lower Rx Costs

1 day 2 hours ago
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is highlighting a new law he helped pass that reduces prescription drug costs, increases accountability for pharmacy middlemen, known as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and delivers vital support to both rural and medically underserved pharmacies across the 114th District. Representative Kevin Schmidt was Co-Sponsor and helped pass the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (Public Act 104-0027), which puts patients

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation To Ban Junk Fees And Protect Consumers

1 day 2 hours ago
CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined legislators and community members at Concord Music Hall to sign several bills that protect Illinois consumers. This includes banning junk fees, increasing transparency in ticket pricing and curtailing deceptive resale practices, and enacting greater oversight over ‘Buy-Now-Pay-Later’ lenders. These pieces of legislation will increase transparency for consumers and put money back in the pockets of working families by making fair, hones

Senator Erica Harriss Invites Metro East Residents To 4th Annual "Celebrate America With Erica" Reception

1 day 2 hours ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Senator Erica Harriss is inviting friends and supporters from across the Metro East to join her for the 4th Annual "Celebrate America with Erica" Reception on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Ink House – Off the Record Lounge in downtown Edwardsville. The annual event brings together supporters from throughout the region to celebrate America and reflect on the progress being made for Metro East families. "When I first ran for office, I promised to b

Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of 7-Month-Old

1 day 2 hours ago
ST. LOUIS - A 7-month-old girl died Friday afternoon, June 26, 2026, after she was shot inside a home in St. Louis’ Baden neighborhood. The shooting happened around 4 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, in the 8400 block of North Broadway, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Officers rushed the infant to the hospital in a police SUV while performing lifesaving care and shutting down numerous streets to create an escort path. The child later died at the hospital. Police said

Scattered rain through Saturday night, then dangerous heat builds in for Sunday

1 day 4 hours ago
ST. LOUIS - We have scattered rain and storms across the southern third of our viewing area Saturday morning. Scattered showers and a few storms will continue Saturday, though the flash flooding and severe threat are low. We'll have a mix of clouds and maybe some sun today and temperatures will be in the mid 80s. [...]
Jaime Travers