a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

O'Fallon Police Investigate Early Morning Burglary at Bike Surgeon

1 year 1 month ago
O'FALLON, Ill. — The O'Fallon Police Department is seeking public assistance following a burglary at the Bike Surgeon at 201 E. State St. early Sunday morning, April 20, 2025. The O'Fallon Police said the incident occurred around 5:45 a.m. on April 20. Police reported that the suspect was seen riding a bicycle both before and after the crime. Authorities are asking residents to review any surveillance footage from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., particularly in the downtown O'Fallon area around Presidential Streets and numbered streets. “We encourage everyone to check their cameras,” the Belleville Police Department said. Anyone who observes suspicious activity or individuals is urged to contact the O'Fallon Police Department at 618-624-4545 and ask for the on-duty supervisor. The investigation is ongoing.

Continue Reading

Food Is Love Block Party Spreads Hope, Community Spirit On April 25

1 year 1 month ago
ALTON/SWANSEA – Soulcial Kitchen Powered by Food is Love is excited to announce its next Block Party for Good community celebration, taking place this Friday, April 25, 2025 , at two vibrant locations: Soulcial Park – 127 Northbelt East, Swansea, IL – from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM Soulcial Square – Corner of Market Street and East 5th Street, Alton, IL – from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM More than just a party, these monthly gatherings are a joyful expression of dignity, generosity, and shared community purpose. Every Block Party for Good is built on the simple, powerful belief that Food is Love. Guests will enjoy free, restaurant-quality meals from our Currency of Caring -fueled food trucks, along with free fresh grocery giveaways from our award-winning partners at the St. Louis Area Food Bank. “We believe food can do more than fill a belly—it can fuel hope, restore dignity, and create community,” said John Michel, Founder of

Continue Reading

Google Faces Historic Breakup

1 year 1 month ago
A three-week trial began today that could force Google to sell off its Chrome browser, among other remedies for its illegal monopolization.
David Dayen

100 Years Ago: Sweet William the Smoking Goat Takes Alton By Storm

1 year 1 month ago
“Billie,” or “Sweet William,” as he was affectionately called by the local schoolchildren, was an Angora goat ram who belonged to Emil Koch of the Koch Brothers Meat Market at 634 E. Broadway in downtown Alton. And Sweet William was a smoker: “the prize cigarette smoker in Alton,” according to an April 17, 1925, Alton Evening Telegraph newspaper article. He could smoke six cigarettes at a time if they were lit for him and placed in his mouth. He would carefully smoke a cigarette halfway and then turn it sideways with his tongue and swallow the whole thing, “fire and all.” He then smacked his lips to ask for another. He did not prefer any brand over another “but may signify a preference later on after he has tried all brands.” The whole area loved Billie and helped take care of him. He got his wool clipped at Walnut Grove Dairy, where they also styled his beard with a curling iron and permanent wave. He could stand on his

Continue Reading

Giannoulias Issues $1.3 Million to Support 2,500 Illinois School Libraries Grant Funds Will Support Student Learning at Public Libraries     

1 year 1 month ago
SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias has awarded more than $1.3 million to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries throughout Illinois. The grants, awarded in the spring of every fiscal year, support school library services for Illinois students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Resources and services provided through the grant include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs. “Illinois students deserve to have access to quality library resources, including learning materials, books and online services at our public schools,” Giannoulias said. “Libraries serve as places of knowledge, learning and discovery and this funding will help equip them to educate and inspire our future generations.” Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student for their enrollment at each school having a qualified library. Funding for the program originates

Continue Reading

Giannoulias Issues $1.3 Million to Support 2,500 Illinois School Libraries

1 year 1 month ago
SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias has awarded more than $1.3 million to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries throughout Illinois. The grants, awarded in the spring of every fiscal year, support school library services for Illinois students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Resources and services provided through the grant include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs. “Illinois students deserve to have access to quality library resources, including learning materials, books and online services at our public schools,” Giannoulias said. “Libraries serve as places of knowledge, learning and discovery and this funding will help equip them to educate and inspire our future generations.” Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student for their enrollment at each school having a qualified library. Funding for the program originates

Continue Reading

Duckworth: Our Troops' Lives Are Endangered Every Day Pete Hegseth Remains in His Job

1 year 1 month ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—issued the following statement after new reporting revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leaked highly-sensitive attack details in yet another unclassified Signal chat, this time to his wife and brother, putting the lives of our men and women in uniform at greater risk: “How many times does Pete Hegseth need to leak classified intelligence before Donald Trump and Republicans understand that he isn’t only a f*cking liar, he is a threat to our national security? “Every day he stays in his job is another day our troops’ lives are endangered by his singular stupidity. “He must resign in disgrace.”

Continue Reading

Budzinski Concludes District-Wide Tour to Protect Medicaid

1 year 1 month ago
SPRINGFIELD — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) concluded her district-wide tour of hospitals and community health centers, highlighting the devastating consequences of proposed Medicaid cuts being pushed by Congressional Republicans. Over the past week, Budzinski visited health care facilities across Illinois’ 13th district to speak with frontline providers and patients about the real-world impact of slashing Medicaid funding. The tour began at Carlinville Area Hospital in Carlinville, continued with a visit to the Chestnut Clinic in Granite City, and concluded with stops at Carle Foundation Hospital in Champaign and Crossing Healthcare in Decatur. “Every stop on this tour reinforced what I’ve long known—Medicaid is a lifeline for our communities,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Community health centers across Central and Southern Illinois rely on Medicaid to keep their doors open, pay staff, and provide critical services like prenatal

Continue Reading

SIU System Recognizes "Distinguished" Students in Awards Ceremony

1 year 1 month ago
EDWARDSVILLE – Four Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students were among those honored for their campus contributions during the Southern Illinois University (SIU) System’s Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting on Thursday, April 17 at SIU Carbondale. The System’s Student Advisory Committee selected eight students and presented each of them with a 2025 SIU Distinguished Student Service Award. The accolade recognizes, honors, and celebrates the efforts and contributions of students whose acts of service are demonstrative of excellence and exemplary commitment to the support, advancement, and achievement of fellow students, their campus, and their community. The winners included: Nicholas Young, SIUE undergraduate student Iyanuoluwa Emmanuel Fatunmbi, SIUE graduate student Gabrielle Ramirez, SIU School of Dental Medicine student Lauren Wells, SIUE School of Pharmacy student Penny Bordewick, SIUC undergraduate student Caden Cockburn, SIUC graduate

Continue Reading

How to Plan the Ultimate Backyard BBQ: Crafting an Unforgettable Experience

1 year 1 month ago
Did you know that nearly 70% of Americans say that food is the heart of any social gathering? A backyard BBQ isn’t just about grilling—it’s about creating an atmosphere where flavors, friendships, and fun come together seamlessly. Planning the ultimate backyard BBQ requires more than just turning on the grill; it’s about attention to detail, thoughtful preparation, and a flair for hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a first-time host, this guide will help you elevate your BBQ from ordinary to extraordinary. Setting the Stage: Designing the Perfect Backyard Ambiance The environment in which your BBQ takes place plays a significant role in guests’ overall experience. Think beyond the food and focus on creating a welcoming space. Layout and Seating: Arrange seating areas that encourage conversation and comfort. Use a mix of tables, benches, and lounge chairs to accommodate different group sizes. If space allows, create separate

Continue Reading

United to Revive Returns to Alton with Citywide Tent Revival & Community Outreach

1 year 1 month ago
ALTON — Volunteers from across the region are coming together once again to lift up the name of Jesus, bring hope to hurting communities, and meet real needs on the ground. United to Revive, a grassroots ministry made up of believers from diverse churches, backgrounds, and walks of life, is returning to Alton’s Riverfront Park May 20–23, 2025 for a four-night tent revival packed with worship, testimonies, prayer, and outreach. In the weeks leading up to the event, volunteers will also be walking the streets of Alton, praying for the city and sharing God’s love. These Wednesday night Prayer Walks begin April 23 at 5:30 PM, meeting in the Panera Bread parking lot (1837 Homer Adams Pkwy). “Our heart is simple,” says Director Jeremiah Goltz. “To see lives transformed by Jesus and to see churches and people from all walks of life come together—not in competition, but in love and unity.” A Growing Regional Movement In just the past

Continue Reading