a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Alton Felon Charged With Possession Of iPhone-Shaped Stun Gun

1 month 2 weeks ago
ALTON – A convicted felon from Alton has been charged with possessing a stun gun resembling an iPhone while he was being booked into jail. 45-year-old Joshua J. Butkovich of Alton was charged on April 1, 2026 with a Class 3 felony count of felon in possession of a weapon. Butkovich was allegedly in possession of a “stun gun designed to look like an iPhone” on Oct. 9, 2025, according to charging documents. His possession of the weapon was illegal as a felon previously convicted

Headlight Glare Problems Surge Among Drivers

1 month 2 weeks ago
ST. LOUIS - A new AAA survey highlights a growing concern among U.S. drivers: headlight glare after dark. AAA found that six in 10 drivers say glare is a problem, and nearly three-quarters of those affected believe it has worsened over the past decade, raising concerns about safety, headlight regulations, and modern lighting standards. “Headlight glare has become a major source of frustration and concern for millions of drivers,” said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering

City, groups plan large-scale volunteer tree planting event

1 month 2 weeks ago
The St. Louis Forestry Division and Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, in partnership with the O’Fallon Community Development Organization, Great Rivers Greenway, and Black Healers Collective, are planning a large-scale volunteer tree planting event at O’Fallon Park on Saturday.
From staff reports

Alton Police Enhance Security for Springfest 2026

1 month 2 weeks ago
ALTON - The Alton Police Department will assign officers throughout all operating hours at the Luehrs’ Ideal Rides Alton First Responders Springfest, scheduled for April 10 through April 19, 2026, at the Alton Amphitheater. Alton Police also announced on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, that it will enforce a parental escort policy on Fridays and Saturdays as part of its public safety measures. The annual event is intended to bring “families, residents, and visitors together for a week

St. Clair County Faces Elevated Fire Danger With Dry, Gusty Conditions

1 month 2 weeks ago
BELLEVILLE - The National Weather Service has declared an elevated fire danger for a large portion of St. Clair County on Wednesday afternoon, April 8, 2026, citing gusty south winds and low relative humidity that could contribute to erratic fire behavior, according to the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency urged residents to “avoid outdoor burning" under these circumstances. “The combination of gusty south winds and low

Made By Moms Vendor Fair Promises Kid-Friendly "Celebration of Moms" and Shopping Fun

1 month 2 weeks ago
WOOD RIVER - A special Made By Moms Vendor Fair will provide a space for people to shop mom-owned businesses. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Rustic Roots Event Space in Wood River, Samara Helton with Kory’s Konfections will host the Made By Moms Vendor Fair. This vendor fair features a space for kids to play while their parents browse businesses owned by local women. Helton hopes the event is a fun chance for mothers to connect. “I participate in a lot of

Macoupin County Man Arrested For Allegedly Possessing, Sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material

1 month 2 weeks ago
GIRARD – Illinois State Police special agents recently arrested a man from Girard, Ill. on felony charges of possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material. James M. Barnard, 48, of the 200 block of N. Harrison St. in Girard, Ill., was charged on April 2, 2026, with possession of child sexual abuse material depicting a child under the age of 13 and dissemination of child sexual abuse material, both Class X felonies. The investigation began after special agents with the Illinois State