a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

East St. Louis School District 189 Unveils Six New Principals for 2025

2 weeks 1 day ago
EAST ST. LOUIS - With great pride and excitement, East St. Louis School District 189 proudly introduces a dynamic new team of school leaders for the 2025–2026 school year — each dedicated to academic excellence, student growth, and building strong school communities. Quanshanda Nicholson, Principal of Lincoln Middle School - After years of transformative leadership at James Avant Elementary, Principal Nicholson has been appointed to lead Lincoln Middle School. Under her leadership since 2018, the elementary school saw significant gains in student achievement. Accolades earned at Avant include 2025 Model School presenter, 2025 Award of Excellence (School Leadership Team) from the Illinois State Board of Education, 2025 and 2024 America’s Healthiest School All Star, 2023 Award of Excellence (Principal) from the Illinois State Board of Education, and the 2020 Bayer School of Excellence. She has a proven track record of building strong relationships with staff, creating

Continue Reading

"La Cage aux Folles" returns to the Muny after 40 years

2 weeks 1 day ago
SPONSORED – "La Cage aux Folles" returns to The Muny in St. Louis for the first time in nearly 40 years, running from August 8 to August 14. The beloved musical comedy, presented by the Staenberg Family Foundation, was last seen on The Muny stage in 1986. This production marks a historic moment as it [...]
Stephanie Knight

Fairview Heights Cleanup Group Removes 27 Bags Of Trash Near Metro Station

2 weeks 1 day ago
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Volunteers with the Fairview Heights & Friends Trekking for Trash organization collected 27 bags of trash during a cleanup event held Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, near the Fairview Heights Metro Link Station. The group, which is affiliated with the Fairview Heights Beautification Commission, brought together 22 volunteers, including several first-time participants and a newly appointed Eagle Scout. The group's goal is to address an area identified as heavily littered and to promote community pride and environmental responsibility. “We had a beautiful day yesterday to trek and trek we did,” the group posted following the event. Trekking for Trash regularly organizes such efforts to improve the local environment. The next cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. For more information about the Fairview Heights & Friends Trekking For Trash group, contact Mark Burgdorf at markaburgdorft@gmail.com or call (618) 680-4136.

Continue Reading

Weekend Lightning Strikes Historic Lemp Mansion, Causing Brick Damage

2 weeks 1 day ago
ST. LOUIS — The Historic Lemp Mansion Restaurant and Inn was struck by lightning at approximately 3:28 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, causing damage to the building and disrupting some services, officials said. The lightning struck the northernmost chimney, directly hitting a corner of the 1860s structure at 3322 DeMenil Place in St. Louis, dislodging bricks that fell onto the adjacent parking area. General Manager Matt Bell reported that the incident occurred during a heavy downpour and resulted in exterior brick damage as well as a power surge that affected the phone system, internet service, and some electronic d evices. “During an unexpected heavy downpour the building was struck by lightning," Bell said. "We had exterior damage to the bricks. The subsequent power surge damaged our phone system and internet service as well as some electronic devices and lights,” Bell said. “The staff and guests, although surprised, are all safe and no one was harmed. "In

Continue Reading

Midway Teacher Carlyn Underwood Raises Funds To Replace Well-Worn Classroom Rug

2 weeks 1 day ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Carlyn Underwood, a first-grade teacher at Midway Elementary School, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $300 for a new classroom rug. After 12 years of teaching, Underwood said the current rug, which serves as a central gathering spot for stories, lessons, and play, has become stained and frayed from extensive use. With school budgets stretched thin, Underwood is seeking community support to provide her students with a fresh and comfortable space during whole group time and free choice activities. “My old one has been well-loved but is now stained and a little worse for wear,” Underwood said in her online fundraiser. “It would be amazing if I could get a new rug for my students to sit on.” The fundraiser is intended to create a welcoming environment that enhances the classroom experience. Underwood expressed gratitude in advance for any donations received, emphasizing that any amount would be appreciated. Click here for the

Continue Reading

Budzinski, Smith Introduce Bipartisan E15 Legislation, Call on EPA to Cut Red Tape

2 weeks 1 day ago
SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03), co-chairs of the Biofuels Caucus, announced the introduction of the bipartisan Ethanol for America Act. This legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize rulemaking to make the E15 fuel label clearer and more consumer-oriented. It would also confirm the compatibility of E15 with existing underground fuel storage and dispensing equipment, ensuring business owners are not required to make costly and unnecessary infrastructure changes. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. "I’ve long been a strong advocate for year-round E15, having seen firsthand the benefits it brings to consumers at the pump and to the farmers across Central and Southern Illinois," said Congresswoman Budzinski. "We should be doing everything we can to expand access, not create barriers, which is why I’m

Continue Reading

Jersey Traffic Stop Leads To Methamphetamine Arrest

2 weeks 1 day ago
JERSEYVILLE — After some solid law enforcement work by Jersey County Sheriff's Sgt. Chris Jones and Deputy Justin Decker with a K9, a suspect was apprehended on Krause Drive in Jerseyville, Clarence F. Smith, after illegal drugs were discovered in his vehicle. On July 5, 2025, after a traffic stop of Smith's vehicle, Jersey Deputy Decker deployed his K9, Jax, to establish probable cause for a vehicle search. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns said during the search, officers found approximately one ounce of suspected crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Smith was arrested at the scene, and his vehicle was towed. Sheriff Manns announced that on July 22, 2025, Jersey County State’s Attorney Ben Goetten charged Smith with Possession of Methamphetamine, a Class 1 felony. If convicted, Smith faces a prison sentence ranging from four to 15 years. Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue Reading

3 Years Running: OSF Saint Anthony's Again Nationally Recognized For Its Commitment To Providing High-Quality Stroke Care

2 weeks 1 day ago
ALTON – For the third consecutive year, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide,

Continue Reading

Caritas Family Solutions Has Record-Breaking Caritas Day Campaign

2 weeks 1 day ago
BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions raised $129,875 during its 24-hour Caritas Day campaign, surpassing its initial $100,000 goal. Proceeds will benefit the children, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities that the nonprofit serves across Southern Illinois. Celebrating Caritas’ 78th anniversary, the fundraiser took place from July 31 to August 1, with supporters matching $4 for every $1 donated. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made this year’s Caritas Day a success,” said Gary Huelsmann, CEO of Caritas Family Solutions. “These funds will directly support the more than 5,200 children, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities we serve. From our generous donors and matching partners to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and sponsors, we couldn’t have done it without them. As we mark 78 years of service, Caritas Day demonstrates the incredible impact we can make together as a community.” Caritas Board Secretar

Continue Reading