a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

It Ain’t Me, Babe

5 months 3 weeks ago
Today on TAP: When biopics get it wrong—and occasionally get it just right
Robert Kuttner

Volunteers to Install 10-Year Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Free

5 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON/GODFREY - Residents of Alton and Godfrey are encouraged to take advantage of a community service program aimed at enhancing home safety through the installation of carbon monoxide detectors. On January 26, 2025, volunteers from Resurrection Lutheran Church, in collaboration with the Godfrey Fire Protection District, the Alton Fire Department, and Boy Scout Troop 7, will install free, brand-new 10-year UL-listed carbon monoxide detectors in homes throughout the area. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, can accumulate in homes without occupants realizing it, particularly when appliances such as stoves, heaters, and fireplaces malfunction or lack proper ventilation. The gas poses serious health risks, including illness, injury, and potentially fatal poisoning, which is why having a carbon monoxide detector is crucial. Sharon Groh, a volunteer with Resurrection Lutheran Church, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our primary goal is

Continue Reading

Can't Stop Coughing? Some Suggestions To Help

5 months 3 weeks ago
Can’t stop coughing? It’s a common question happening with all of the upper respiratory illness going around including colds, flu and RSV. Maybe two weeks ago you had a virus, you treated the symptoms with antibiotics, you’re feeling much better, but the cough is just lingering. Juanbosco Ayala, MD, is a pulmonologist in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He provides medical care to patients on a daily basis, especially people who have breathing disorders and lung disease, and explains potential reasons why coughs linger. “A lot of times it’s due to the local inflammation that persists. There’s not much to do for it, we typically recommend antihistamines, and sometimes you’ll have to cycle those,” Dr. Ayala says. “It’s usually something that subsides with time. But if it doesn’t, then obviously that may need to be looked at.” Antihistamines ca

Continue Reading

Pour Decisions Bar to Host Comedy Jam in Downtown Alton

5 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - Pour Decisions, a new Alton bar, will host their first ever Comedy Jam. On Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, community members are invited to Pour Decisions at 204 State Street in Alton for a night of laughs. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the Comedy Jam starts at 6:30 p.m. There is a $10 cover fee. Co-owner Brian Trust promises another fun evening at Pour Decisions. “We party with you,” Trust said. “We have fun.” Known as a “community bar,” Pour Decisions hosts many special events and evenings, including line-dancing nights with Specs and Stilettos on Mondays and karaoke nights on Thursdays. This will be their first Comedy Jam, and Trust is excited to welcome new and established comedians to the Pour Decisions stage. Each comedian will have a 15–20-minute set. Trust is especially excited to hear comedy from Ryan Heston, as Heston is one of his employees at Trust Family Auto Sales in Godfrey. Other local comedians and St. Louis favorites

Continue Reading

Interstate Shootings Down 31% Statewide in 2024  

5 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – For the third year in a row, the number of shootings on Illinois interstates has dropped. The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reporting interstate shootings statewide decreased 31% in 2024, compared to 2023. ? Since a record high in 2021, there has been a decrease in interstate shootings every year: 31% decrease from 2023 to 2024 53% decrease from 2022 to 2024 71% decrease from 2021 to 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 Shootings 89 129 189 310 Injury-related Shootings 17 37 75 133 “The continued dedication of resources, including personnel, license plate readers, Air Ops, K9 units, and investigations, has allowed ISP to reduce crime on interstates and make roads safer,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Although our strategies for crime reduction continue to evolve, ISP’s commitment to protecting the public remains unwavering.” In 2024, through patrol enforcement and special

Continue Reading

ISP Experiences 2nd Move Over Law-Related Crash of 2025

5 months 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a traffic crash that occurred on Interstate 55 involving two ISP troopers who were handling a crash when their squad cars were struck by a driver who failed to move over. On January 14, 2025, at approximately 7:48 a.m., two ISP troopers were inside of their squad cars, on the left shoulder, handling a crash with their emergency lights activated on Interstate 55 northbound just south of Harlem Avenue. A Honda Accord failed to move over and struck the rear of one parked squad and then sideswiped the second squad. One trooper and their canine partner reported minor injuries. The driver of the Honda, 20-year-old Gabriel S. Owens of Sauk Village, Illinois, was charged with driving Too Fast for Conditions and a Scott’s Law violation. In 2025, ISP has already suffered two Move Over Law-related crashes. In 2024, ISP suffered 27 Move Over Law-related crashes with ? 12 troopers injured and one death. In 2023,

Continue Reading

Rep. Davidsmeyer Named Assistant Minority Leader in House of Representatives

5 months 3 weeks ago
MURRAYVILLE - House Republican Leader Tony McCombie announced today that she has selected State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) to serve as Assistant Minority Leader again for the 104th General Assembly. "As a member of the Republican Leadership team, I view my role as a conservative voice for my constituents and so many others throughout the State. I am working to end the growth of government, to create more natural business growth on main-street, not Wall Street, and to ensure that Illinois families and future generations have the opportunity for personal success. I will continue to work to bring more conservative Republicans to the General Assembly and some real balance to the State of Illinois!" Republican Leader McCombie points out that she has been intentional in assembling a leadership team that reflects the diverse voices of Illinois. The team includes thoughtful leaders from southern, central, and northern Illinois, ensuring that the House Republican Caucus, which

Continue Reading

Local Expert Offers Comprehensive Real Estate Training This Semester

5 months 3 weeks ago
GODFREY - Kevin Botterbush, a local real estate expert and Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR)-certified instructor, will reopen his real estate courses for the spring semester next week. Botterbush said the classes are something he has a deep passion for and commitment to do each semester. Botterbush is the owner of Botterbush & Associates in Godfrey. The classes, designed to equip aspiring real estate professionals with the necessary skills to succeed, will cover a range of topics, including property valuation, the complexities of real estate transactions, and the impact of political issues on the market. "The real estate business can be fun, but it is also challenging and offers numerous opportunities to explore various avenues," Botterbush said. "We don't just teach how to pass the real estate exam; we prepare students to thrive in the industry." "Brokers must now have a buyer brokerage agreement with their clients," Botterbush explained. "This agreement clarifies the commission

Continue Reading

IEMA-OHS Encourages Testing During Radon Action Month

5 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – With no scent, color, or taste, radon is a stealthy killer. In fact, it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. “January is National Radon Action Month and a good opportunity to learn about this gas,” explained Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “It is estimated that more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year. IEMA-OHS is encouraging all property owners and renters to understand the risk and test for radon,” said Tate-Nadeau. Radon test kits can be purchased by calling the Illinois Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245 or at most hardware and department stores. It is recommended to conduct one short-term test and one long-term test to ensure consistent readings. Should you find higher readings, you should contact IEMA-OHS at 800-325-1245 for information about a licensed mitigation professional who are trained to reduce

Continue Reading

Experience Bald Eagles Up Close at Clarksville's Annual Event

5 months 3 weeks ago
CLARKSVILLE, MO – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project, is again partnering with the City of Clarksville to bring additional experiences to their annual Clarksville Eagle Days festival. Throughout the two-day event, USACE Park Rangers will offer free lock tours at Lock and Dam #24, which is not typically open for public touring. “The Corps of Engineers at Lock and Dam 24 is excited to welcome the public to enjoy a unique experience touring the lock and dam,” said Lock Master Ryan Lee. “You will get to see the lock chamber up close at the height of eagle season. Not only can you learn about tow boats and navigation, but you can also see hundreds of bald eagles around the open water of the dam.” Clarksville Eagle Days runs from 10:00am – 3:30pm on Saturday January 25th and 11:00am – 3:30pm Sunday January 26th with tours of LD24 being offered by Park Rangers every 20 minutes during those times. Those wishing to join a tour can sig

Continue Reading

Gov. Pritzker Announces Launch of BEACON Children's Behavioral Health Portal

5 months 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI) announced the public launch of the BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) care portal, a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking youth mental health services and care, including state agency support and community-based programs. BEACON is now live for use by Illinois residents and can be accessed at beacon.illinois.gov . “We have made behavioral health a priority of my administration – not just investing in affordability and accessibility but breaking down the stigmas associated with it,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the launch of BEACON, families have an easy and accessible place to start. I’m thankful for the team at the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and the staff across six different state agencies whose collaboration proves that breaking down silos in state

Continue Reading