a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Parked cars are now a leading source of stolen guns, new report finds

11 months 2 weeks ago
A growing number of firearms are being stolen from parked cars, especially in urban areas, according to a new report that highlights a frequently overlooked source of illegally circulating guns. The nonpartisan think tank Council on Criminal Justice released an analysis examining five years of gun theft data reported to law enforcement in 16 cities […]
Amanda Hernández

Beloved Alton Couple Die In Tragic Wood River Crash

11 months 2 weeks ago
WOOD RIVER — An Alton couple - George and Donna Julian - died Thursday morning, July 3, 2025, when their vehicle was struck by a driver fleeing police at the intersection of Illinois Route 143 and Illinois Route 3 in Wood River. The fleeing vehicle collided with the Julians’ car, which was traveling northbound on Illinois Route 3. The impact forced both vehicles into a ravine on the northwest side of the intersection, and the Julians' vehicle caught fire, resulting in the deaths of both occupants. George "Randy" R. Julian, 66, had been a longtime resident of Alton and worked as an operator for the Collinsville Water Department for more than 35 years before retiring in 2021. He was also self-employed at Tri County Lab, where he helped make dentures. Randy was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 520. He enjoyed dirt bike racing at Splinter Creek, gardening, raising tropical fish, and spending time with his family, especially watching his grandsons

Continue Reading

Madison County Confirms Presence Of West Niles Virus In Mosquito Batches Collected Locally

11 months 2 weeks ago
WOOD RIVER — The Madison County Health Department confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquito batches collected locally on July 3, 2025, health officials announced Monday, July 7, 2025. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which becomes infected by feeding on infected birds. According to the Madison County Health Department, about 80% of people infected with the virus do not exhibit symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches lasting from several days to a few weeks. In rare instances, the virus can cause severe illness such as meningitis, encephalitis or death. Individuals over the age of 50 are at increased risk for serious complications. To reduce the risk of infection, the health department recommends several preventive measures. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity times, particularly between dusk and dawn. Wearing protective

Continue Reading

SCOTUS Porn Ruling A Boon For Age Verification Companies; 40% Of Americans Now Live Under Anti-Porn Age-Gating Laws

11 months 2 weeks ago
The conservatives on the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled 6-3 in favor of upholding an age verification measure targeting adult content platforms on the internet that the state legislature of Texas adopted during the 2023 legislative session. As a quick reminder, the case is Free Speech Coalition et al. v. Paxton and featured the parent companies of […]
Michael McGrady Jr

Beginners Night

11 months 2 weeks ago

Looking to try out chess in a welcoming, judgment-free environment? Come to the Saint Louis Chess Club to learn and play with other beginners! Led by our friendly and experienced […]

The post Beginners Night appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Myranda Levins

OSF Saint Anthony's to Offer Free Mental Health First Aid Training  

11 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON – In response to our nation’s mental health crisis, as well as the need for mental health resources in the Riverbend region, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center – Psychological Services will offer FREE mental health first aid training to interested individuals. This groundbreaking skills-based training session will give participants the tools to identify, understand and respond to someone who might be struggling with a mental health or substance use challenge — and connect them with appropriate support and resources when necessary. The Mental Health First Aid training course will be held on Friday, July 25, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at in the 3rd floor Psychological Services Group Training Room at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center (1 St. Anthony’s Way, Alton, IL, 62202). Lunch will be provided during this all-day training course. Space is limited for this FREE training session and registration is required – online registration

Continue Reading