a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Great Rivers & Routes Bureau Sponsors Alton Illinois Junior Championship

1 year 3 months ago
BRASELTON, GA. – The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is proud to announce a new sponsorship with the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, which will serve as the Title Sponsor of the Alton Illinois Junior Championship through 2027. This partnership underscores the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau’s commitment to supporting junior golf while promoting the Alton, Illinois region as a premier destination for competitive youth sports. The tournament will continue to attract top junior golfers from across the world to Spencer T. Olin Golf Course, providing a high-caliber competitive experience while showcasing the area’s exceptional golf facilities and hospitality. The 2025 Alton Illinois Junior Championship by UHY will be hosted at Spencer T. Olin Golf Course in Alton, Illinois, from June 2-5, 2025. The tournament will return in 2026 and 2027, with dates to be announced at a later date. “I would like to thank the AJGA organization for having th

Continue Reading

Trump signs order directing Education secretary to shut down her own department

1 year 3 months ago
WASHINGTON — In a sweeping executive order signed Thursday, President Donald Trump called on Education Secretary Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure” of the U.S. Education Department. Trump signed the order at a major White House ceremony, flanked by children seated at desks. It directs McMahon to “return authority over education to […]
Shauneen Miranda

Granite City Man Charged In Pontoon Beach Battery Case

1 year 3 months ago
PONTOON BEACH – A Granite City man facing his second domestic battery charge been released from custody following a violent altercation. Robert L. Coakley, 41, of Granite City, was charged on March 14, 2025 with aggravated battery (a Class 2 felony) and his second offense of domestic battery (the Class 4 felony). On Dec. 21, 2024, Coakley allegedly strangled a household or family member by “pulling her hoodie against her neck, thereby impending her ability to breathe,” according to court documents. He also reportedly “grabbed her by the hair and ripped a chunk of hair out of her head.” Coakley had previously been convicted of domestic battery in a case from 2008, which was also filed in Madison County. The Pontoon Beach Police Department presented the latest domestic battery case against Coakley, who was granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue Reading

California Couple Charged For Cannabis Trafficking

1 year 3 months ago
MADISON COUNTY – Two people from California face the same felony charges after authorities caught them transporting large quantities of drugs across state lines. Jeffrey B. Ringer, 60, and Rebecca Smith, 59, both of the same Studio City, Calif. address, were each charged with cannabis trafficking, unlawful possession with intent to deliver cannabis, and unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, all Class X felonies. On March 11, 2025, the two allegedly brought over 5,000 grams of cannabis and more than 200 grams of psilocybin from California into the state of Illinois. Both cases were presented by the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI). Ringer and Smith were both granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue Reading

Local Fire Departments Team Up To Battle Caseyville Brush Blaze

1 year 3 months ago
CASEYVILLE — A swift response from local fire departments helped contain a brush fire that broke out in a field near Brook Haven Drive in Caseyville. Hollywood Heights Fire Chief Shawn Keilbach said the fire was reported to their jurisdiction after the Collinsville Fire Department received the initial call. "The fire was not very big when we pulled up, but the wind caused it to spread quickly through the field," Keilbach said. The blaze, located on a dirt hill where dirt is sold and away from residential areas, was brought under control within approximately 30 minutes, he added. The Hollywood Heights Fire Department and Collinsville Fire Department were supported by a brush truck from the State Park, enhancing the firefighting efforts. Keilbach emphasized the importance of caution about burning at this time, noting that "even in a pit, embers can get away with the wind." The collaboration between the Hollywood Heights Fire Department and local agencies has been a point of prid

Continue Reading

Investigation Uncovers Alleged Child Pornography Solicitation In Collinsville

1 year 3 months ago
COLLINSVILLE — A Collinsville man faces serious allegations following a child pornography investigation conducted by local authorities. Layne A. Willhite, 25, was charged with six Class X felony counts of child pornography after detectives presented their findings to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The charges stem from incidents alleged to have occurred between July 1 and August 31, 2024. According to the charges, Willhite solicited visual reproductions or depictions of child pornography through social media platforms. The investigation was spearheaded by the Collinsville Police Department, with assistance from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. The inquiry was prompted by a tip received through the Internet Crimes Against Children data system. Willhite is currently in custody, awaiting a detention hearing and further court proceedings. As the case unfolds, it is important to note that the charges are based

Continue Reading

Hope Animal Rescues to Host Arcade Fundraiser for Dogs

1 year 3 months ago
WOOD RIVER - Hope Animal Rescues will host a “Barkade” Party — a fundraiser complete with unlimited arcade games. From 12–3 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, community members are invited to Atomic Pinball Arcade in Wood River for games, pizza, a 50/50 raffle and more. Tickets cost $25 and all proceeds go back to Hope Animal Rescues. Jackie Spiker, who oversees the rescue, explained that the goal is to raise money for the 109 dogs in their care. “It should be a whole lot of fun,” Spiker said. “These fundraisers are very important in helping us maintain our budget.” Kids and families are welcome to come out and enjoy the day. Adults can bring alcoholic beverages if they’d like, or there will be soft drinks available. Hope Rescues asks people to register by visiting their official website or calling 618-219-0171. Spiker stressed that these fundraisers help Hope continue its mission. Located in Godfrey, Hope rescues dogs

Continue Reading

Step Aside, Schumer. The Nation Can’t Survive With You In Charge.

1 year 3 months ago
Dear Senator Schumer: There is no question that you are a dedicated public servant. You believe in our democracy. You believe in the norms that maintain it. You believe in its mission of bringing us together to promote the general welfare. There are many, many favorable things that can be said about you, your service, […]
Cathy Gellis