a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

29-year-old Glen Carbon Motorcyclist Dies In Edwardsville Intersection Crash

6 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE — A fatal crash at the intersection of Troy Road and Goshen Road claimed the life of a Glen Carbon man Monday evening, June 23, 2025, Edwardsville Police said Tuesday morning, June 24, 2025. The Edwardsville Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 7 p.m. on June 23, 2025. The Edwardsville Police released information Tuesday morning and said after a preliminary investigation that a 2014 silver Ford Focus, driven by a 26-year-old Edwardsville man, was turning left from Center Grove Road onto Troy Road and struck a 2015 black Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycle traveling westbound through the intersection. The motorcycle’s sole rider, a 29-year-old male from Glen Carbon, was pronounced dead at the scene by staff from the Madison County Coroner’s Office. The Illinois State Police were contacted to conduct the technical crash reconstruction, while the Edwardsville Police Department continues the overall investigation. Authorities have not released

Continue Reading

Worker Wellness Blog: Pope Leo’s View of Workers and AI

6 months ago

by Dr. John Gaal Editor’s Note: Each week, Dr. John Gaal, director of worker wellness for the Missouri Works Initiative, a non-profit workforce formed by the Missouri AFL-CIO, collects and comments on news and trends in workforce wellness and life balance. Construction Forum carries the Worker Wellness & Well-Being Blog as a regular feature. The […]

The post Worker Wellness Blog: Pope Leo’s View of Workers and AI appeared first on Construction Forum.

Dede Hance

Local Artist Blends Painting and Nonprofit Work to Enrich Community

6 months ago
ALTON - As a local artist, Darla Cavins is looking to grow. Cavins always loved art. When she became an empty-nester, she decided to devote her time to painting and mixed media. Now, as the Milton Schoolhouse Artist of the Month, Cavins couldn’t be more excited to see how her art will continue to develop. “I think I’m at the point where I’ve decided or found what is really me,” she said. “I love bold colors, shapes and abstract work. My goal is for people to pause and say, ‘Wow.’ That is what I like in my art. Then I just start playing.” Cavins always enjoyed art, but she took a renewed interest in it when her son, Patrick, became old enough to enjoy it, too. Nowadays, Patrick is a prolific watercolorist in his own right, and Cavins has devoted her retirement to finding her niche in the art world. She shared that she mostly works with acrylic paint, but considers herself a mixed-media artist because “nothing is out

Continue Reading

Durbin Questions State Attorneys General At Bicameral Spotlight Forum On Democrats' Legal Fight Against Trump’s Lawlessness

6 months ago
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned state Attorneys General at a bicameral spotlight forum entitled “Defending the Rights of the People: States and Congressional Allies Fight Back Against Trump's Constitutional Abuses,” with a panel of Democratic state Attorneys General who are combatting the Trump Administration’s egregious and unlawful actions through litigation. House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08) led the forum with Durbin. Durbin first questioned the Attorneys General about the Trump Administration abusing due process, specifically regarding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) mass deportation efforts. During his questioning, Durbin recounted a visit he made to an immigration court on Friday in Chicago to see firsthand what is happening during these immigration hearings. “We know what’s happening in some of thes

Continue Reading

Edwardsville School Board Votes to Increase Lunch Prices, Approve New Handbook

6 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE - During their regular meeting on June 23, 2025, the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 voted to approve the 2025–2026 District #7 Student Handbook, which included four price increases. Lunch prices will increase from $3.55 to $3.95. Preschool Academy tuition will increase from $175 per week to $200 per week. Middle school students will now pay $12.75, not $12, for their P.E. uniforms. Kid Zone prices will rise from $105 per week to $115 per week. Several Board members expressed concerns about the rising lunch prices. Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton clarified the district will never deny a student lunch based on their ability to pay. He added that families have the option to fill out an application for free or reduced school meals. CFO Dave Courtney explained the USDA requires school districts to increase their lunch prices every year to meet rising costs of food and supplies. In addition to the price changes, the new 2025–2026 District

Continue Reading

Duckworth Announces Opposition to Bryan Bedford's Nomination to be FAA Administrator

6 months ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Aviation Subcommittee—issued the following statement announcing her strong opposition to Bryan Bedford’s nomination to serve as Federal Aviation Administrator. Her announcement comes after Bedford refused to commit to upholding the 1,500-hour certification standard for our nation’s pilots after Duckworth pressed him on the issue. “It is deeply disturbing that at this critical moment in aviation safety Mr. Bedford refuses to commit to upholding the 1,500-hour pilot training requirement. Amid a surge in near-misses, an air traffic controller shortage, aging air traffic control equipment and facilities, and in the wake of the first major deadly commercial crash in more than a decade, now is not the time to weaken flight hour requirements for all aspiring airline pilots. Incident

Continue Reading

History Walks And Porch Talks Return This Summer To Springfield State Historic Sites

6 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will present a series of free history walks and porch talks at Springfield historic sites this summer. “Walk, Hike and Bike History” returns with experiences that connect participants with history and get them engaged outdoors. In addition, porch talks take place at the Lincoln Tomb and Dana-Thomas House now through Nov. 9. “IDNR is excited to offer this opportunity for people to get outdoors this summer and learn more about history in Springfield,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “These unique tours will remind participants of the past while promoting healthy activity.” All tours are free. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made through Eventbrite . Visit the Springfield historic sites website or call 217-524-3971 for additional information. “Walk, Hike and Bike History” and porch talk experiences in Springfield include: Dana-Thomas

Continue Reading

Free Summer Concert Set for June 26 at Edwardsville City Park Bandstand

6 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Concert Band will perform a free summer concert on Thursday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park. This week’s program, titled “American Folk Tapestry,” explores a series of works that showcase the sounds of river ballads, pioneer songs, spirituals, Shaker hymns, and more. Each piece is based on traditional songs and shows the work of composers connected to the Midwest, making the program feel both nationwide and close to home. Grab a seat, settle in with friends and family, and enjoy a summer evening filled with music from your local community band. Follow the Edwardsville Municipal Band on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates.

Continue Reading

Opinion: Not Just a House — A Legacy Worth Saving

6 months ago
ALTON - Alton is rich in history, visible in its buildings, neighborhoods, and civic fabric. But if we don’t act with urgency, that history will vanish, one structure at a time. The next may be the Mary Jane and Julia Buckmaster House at 1121 State Street in Alton, located in the Christian Hill National Historic District. On paper, it’s a deteriorating home. But it’s far more than that. This house tells a story of Alton’s women — a story we can’t afford to lose. Julia Buckmaster, one of its earliest residents, was a civic leader, journalist, and entrepreneur. As president of the Alton Women’s League, she used her voice and influence at a time when women were rarely heard in public life. Her home was not just where she lived — it was where her legacy was built. That legacy is now in danger. Following foreclosure, the house was transferred to Fannie Mae. I’ve reached out — by email — to express my interest in taking ove

Continue Reading

Comptroller Mendoza Launches New Podcast To Help Consumers With Money Matters

6 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s new podcast, The Mendoza Podcast – Financial Talk that Makes Cents, covers a wide range of topics. This includes the basics of budgeting, investing, and saving for college. “I’m a finance nerd at heart, and I really wanted to bring my knowledge, as well as advice from experts to the public,” said Comptroller Mendoza. “I think viewers and listeners will find some really great information in these episodes and have some fun along the way.” New episodes will be launched every Monday on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and coming soon...on Spotify. This first episode takes a look at how Comptroller Mendoza’s interest in all things financial began, and where the public can get started as well. “In upcoming episodes we tackle some tough subjects, like talking to your spouse or partner about money, and paying for infertility treatments,” added Comptroller Mendoza. “We also explore

Continue Reading

Gov. Pritzker Announces Two Appointments to Boards and Commissions

6 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration: Joliet Regional Port District Board Celeste Bermejo will serve as Member of the Joliet Regional Port District Board* Bermejo is driven by a deep belief in community empowerment through finance, education, and civic leadership. She is a Financial Services Professional with WestPoint Financial Group, where she advises small business owners on retirement strategies and financial risk management. Bermejo also champions equitable access to literacy programs while serving as President of the Fountaindale Public Library District Board of Trustees and on the Board of Directors for the Classmates Literacy Foundation. Bermejo received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA in finance from Lewis University. Illinois Housing Development Authority Claire Leopold will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois

Continue Reading

Durbin Statement On Successfully Removing Harmful Judiciary Provisions From Republicans' Reconciliation Bill

6 months ago
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats successfully removed harmful Judiciary provisions from Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including a provision that would have gutted judicial independence, as well as a provision limiting Department of Justice grant funding to Chicago and other cities that don’t agree to engage in federal immigration enforcement activities: “Here’s what Senate Republicans attempted to sneak into their so-called Big, Beautiful Bill: a provision intended to limit the ability of individuals and organizations to challenge lawless Trump Administration executive actions by putting those potential plaintiffs on the hook for millions of dollars; and a provision conditioning grant eligibility on a state or locality’s compliance with federal immigration policies. “But

Continue Reading