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No one knows whether Trump’s $50B for rural health will be enough

1 month ago
Congress set aside $50 billion for rural hospitals and medical providers to allay fears over the billions more in historic cuts to federal health care spending that President Donald Trump signed into law on Independence Day. But is that bandage big enough to save struggling rural hospitals? “I have more questions than I have answers,” […]
Anna Claire Vollers

Auto Butler Female Athlete of Month: State Meet Performance Reflects Steady Athletic Growth For Redbirds' Bryant

1 month ago
ALTON - NeVaeh Bryant secured seventh place in the triple jump at the state meet on May 24, 2025, with a personal best leap of 11.64 meters (38 feet, 2 inches). The event took place as part of the state track and field championships. Throughout the 2024 and 2025 track and field seasons, the Redbirds' Bryant continued to show strong improvements in her various events. Bryant may have been the most versatile girls track and field athlete for Alton this past spring. Bryant also captured first place in the triple jump at the sectional with a jump of 37 feet, 5.75 inches. In addition to her success in the triple jump, she finished second in the 300-meter hurdles at the sectional with a time of 44.18 seconds and recorded a time of 45.59 seconds at state. Bryant is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for Alton. Beyond local competitions, Bryant competed in the AAU Jackie Joyner-Kersee National Showcase after the high school season where she recorded an 11.40-meter jump in the triple

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O'Fallon Police Launch Speed Enforcement on July 23, 2025

1 month ago
O'FALLON - O'Fallon Police Department will conduct a speed enforcement detail Wednesday, July 23, 2025, targeting drivers exceeding safe speeds across the city and throughout Illinois. The initiative aims to address speeding, which authorities say is a leading factor in motor vehicle crashes. Speeding includes not only exceeding posted limits but also driving too fast for weather, road, or traffic conditions. The O'Fallon Police Department emphasized that speeding contributes to higher crash rates, more severe injuries, and increased fatalities. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows that in Illinois, between 2021 and 2023, there were 3,500 fatal crashes. Of those, 33.31% (1,166) were speed-related, resulting in 1,339 deaths. Nationally, speed-related crashes accounted for 27.91% (32,693) of 116,861 fatal crashes during the same period, causing 36,430 fatalities. The police department encouraged

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Christmas In July Event At Freer Auto Body Raises Record $76,000

1 month ago
GODFREY - Margaret Freer announced on Monday, July 21, 2025, that the Christmas In July event held last Friday, July 18, 2025, at Freer Auto Body in Godfrey raised a record $76,000 for Community Christmas, surpassing last year’s goal of $75,000. Freer expressed surprise and gratitude over the outcome, noting the challenges faced during the fundraising effort. “I really did not think we would make the goal," she said. "It was a slow at first and a rough year and it seemed I had to do a lot more begging and pleading. “I really get misty-eyed when I think of how many people this will help. The community is amazing and the event Friday was fun.” Despite being short-staffed and unable to visit with many attendees on Friday, Freer said the event drew a large, happy crowd. “Everyone was happy and everyone said best sloppy joes and cheesecake ever,” she added. Freer also acknowledged support from local businesses, highlighting that Bakers and Hale contributed

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Nightly Lane Closures On I-64 In St. Clair County Begin July 21, 2025

1 month ago
EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane closures on eastbound and westbound Interstate 64 from 15th Street to Illinois 157 in St. Clair County. Beginning Monday, July 21, nightly lane closures will reduce traffic to one lane to allow for road maintenance. Closures will occur Monday through Friday, weather permitting, and will remain in effect until mid-summer 2025. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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Ameren Missouri gas rates set to rise in September

1 month ago
The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved new rates for Ameren’s gas customers, adding around 12%, or $13, to the average customer’s monthly bills. John Coffman, a lawyer for the Consumers Council of Missouri, said rate increases are outpacing both inflation and wage growth. “We believe that these increases are fueling inflation generally in the […]
Kris Sand

Federal disaster aid is uncertain for states even as Texas floods underscore need

1 month ago
With hurricane and wildfire season well underway across much of the country, state and local emergency managers say they have little idea how much support the federal government will provide if disaster strikes. And the recent deadly floods in Texas have shown just how dire the need can be. President Donald Trump has imposed severe […]
Alex Brown

Bringing Back Nonvoters

1 month ago
Today on TAP: A new poll finds that most people who voted for Biden in 2020 but stayed home in 2024 are economic progressives who were looking for leadership but didn’t find it.
Robert Kuttner

St. Louis area under extreme heat warning; how hot will it get?

1 month ago
The St. Louis region is under an extreme heat warning through Thursday, with temperatures reaching up to 98 degrees and a heat index of 110 degrees, and the National Weather Service recommends postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities during the heat of the day.
Kamy Smelser

Missouri Republicans call for transparency into Jeffrey Epstein investigation

1 month ago
Outcry over the Trump administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files includes calls by leading Missouri Republicans for the president to order the release of as much documentation as possible to put the issue to rest.  U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley told KMOV-TV on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration should “release everything they can.” “Whatever […]
Jason Hancock