a Better Bubbleβ„’

Aggregator

Judge orders revisions to ballot language for Missouri abortion ban proposal

3 months ago
The Republican plan to ban most abortions in Missouri can go before voters next year but the ballot title must plainly say its intent, a Cole County judge ruled Friday. The decision from Circuit Judge Daniel Green concluded that lawmakers properly combined bans on gender-affirming treatments for minors with reproductive rights in the proposed constitutional […]
Rudi Keller

Gov. JB Pritzker Awards Funding to 1,123 Artists, Arts Organizations and Communities Across Illinois

3 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) announce awards totaling $16.2 million in grants to 1,123 artists, arts organizations, and communities throughout Illinois. This year's funding empowers the creative sector, bolsters youth employment in the arts, and enhances regional arts initiatives across the state. “The arts enrich our lives, our communities, and our culture,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With key arts funding under attack at the federal level, I’m proud that Illinois is continuously investing in our state’s talented artists, encouraging young people to pursue their passions in the arts sector, and enhancing communitywide access to arts initiatives.” Grant programs funded in the first quarter of FY26 include the Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF), General Operating Support (GOS) with Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) and Regional Arts Partner (RAP) grants. These programs fortify the state's vibrant cultural

Continue Reading

"Haunted Night at the NGRM" returning to the National Great Rivers Museum Β 

3 months ago
ALTON, IL – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project and The National Great Rivers Museum is thrilled to announce the return of their signature Halloween event, Haunted Night at the NGRM, set to take place on Friday, October 3rd, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Nestled in America’s most haunted small town, Alton, Illinois, this festive fall event promises a night filled with thrills, chills, and family-friendly fun! The public is invited to visit the National Great Rivers Museum for a wide array of family-friendly yet spooky activities to kick off the Halloween season. Visitors can enjoy child-friendly ‘Sunset Dam Tours’ from 6:00-7:30PM offering families the chance to travel 80 feet to the top of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam above the Mississippi River for the evening sunset. ‘Dam after Dark Tours’ run from 7:30-9:00PM where guests can plan for a spookier experience. “We encourage guests to join us for the Dam after Dark Tours, an intriguin

Continue Reading

Collinsville Man Charged With Stealing From Elderly Victim In Home Repair Fraud Case

3 months ago
GRANITE CITY – A Collinsville man accused of deceptively obtaining $900 from an elderly victim faces multiple felony charges in a case of home repair fraud. Marlon A. Taylor, 41, of Collinsville, was charged on Sept. 17, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated home repair fraud in an amount over $500 against an elderly victim. He was additionally charged with a Class 3 felony count of theft. According to charging documents, Taylor entered into a written agreement in the amount of $1,900 with a victim who was 60 years of age or older at the time of the offense. The agreement was reportedly for “tree topping and hauling services,” which Taylor allegedly knew would not be performed. Taylor was additionally accused of stealing $900 from the same victim, which he reportedly obtained by means of deception. The case against Taylor was presented by the Granite City Police Department, and he was granted pretrial release from custody. A ll individuals charged

Continue Reading

Ted Dabrowski, Republican Candidate for Governor, Shares Views

3 months ago
ILLINOIS - Ted Dabrowski, a Republican from Wilmette, Illinois, has announced his bid for governor. Dabrowski recently appeared on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about his main concerns for the State of Illinois as he prepares for the primary in March 2026. Hoping to secure the Republican nomination, Dabrowski spoke about taxes, immigration, the SAFE-T Act, education, and more. “Politics are a really big deal in Illinois because we’ve got a state that’s sort of struggling in so many ways. Some of us want to promote new ideas, good ideas, and get the state out of the mess it's in,” Dabrowski said. “I saw that the politicians weren’t picking up the right ideas. We kept doing the same wrong things. Taxes keep going up. We’re not getting new jobs. The crime continues. So I said, I can’t keep writing about it. I know the problems now. I know how to solve them. It was either keep complaining or get in the

Continue Reading

Chicago Bears Collectible Pins, Jackie Robinson & Hank Aaron Baseball Cards, More For Bid at Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs' ICash Online Auction

3 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – A set of 1989 Chicago Bears pins, baseball cards of Hall of Famers Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron, collectibles from the U.S. bicentennial celebration, and a 14-karat yellow gold Omega woman’s watch are just a few of the unclaimed property items being auctioned online from September 19 to September 28, 2025. “Our online auction is a great opportunity for everyone to explore and find distinctive items to keep or to give as gifts,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “If you’re a sports fan, we have some great baseball, basketball and hockey cards, or if you like unique jewelry, the auction features pocket watches, pins, and other treasures.” The online auction also features sports collectible cards of iconic baseball, basketball, and hockey players, including Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Wayne Gretzky, and Brett Hull. Some of the other

Continue Reading

Get It Right On National Seat Check Saturday: Proper Car Seat, Installation Could Save A Life

3 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – National Seat Check Saturday is Saturday, Sept. 27, with the Illinois Department of Transportation reminding parents and caregivers to take advantage of free car seat checking stations throughout the state. Technicians will be available to determine if your child is in the right car seat, provide instruction on how to install it correctly and explain the importance of registering with manufacturers in case of a recall. “Unfortunately, many parents are not well-informed about car seats,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “They believe they’re protecting their kids, but nearly half of car seats are either the wrong type for the child’s age and size or are installed incorrectly, which significantly increases the risk of injury in a crash. We know parents love their kids, so they’ll do everything in their power to protect them. A simple but crucial step is to double check

Continue Reading

Durbin, Tillis Lead Resolution Calling For The Release Of Azerbaijani Anti-Corruption Activist Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu

3 months ago
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced a bipartisan calling for the release of Azerbaijani economist and academic Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu. The resolution urges the Department of State to prioritize Dr. Ibadoghlu’s well-being and release; denounces the suppression of academic freedom and peaceful expression in Azerbaijan; and supports efforts at a lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It also notes that Azerbaijan’s attempt to improve its international image, including by hosting the upcoming Grand Prix auto race, will not succeed without easing its political repression. “Despite America’s dangerous and troubling retreat from the global stage at the behest of the Trump Administration, the United States remains a beacon of hope by those trapped under brutal regimes and for all who seek to enjoy the freedoms of democracy,” said Durbin. “As a U.S. Senator, I have used

Continue Reading

Amber Alert canceled; Two Missouri girls found safe in Indiana

3 months ago
UPDATE: The Missouri State Highway Patrol has canceled the Amber Alert as of noon on Saturday. Both girls were "safely recovered in Indiana," according to MSHP. ROCK PORT, Mo. -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued an Amber Alert for two 12-year-old girls last seen Friday night at a high school football game in [...]
Joe Millitzer

Memorial service held for former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar

3 months ago
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A memorial service will be held Saturday morning in Springfield for former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, who passed away last Sunday at the age of 79 due to complications from pancreatic cancer. Jim Edgar, a lifelong Republican, began his political career in 1968 and served as a state representative for two terms [...]

Spotty PM Storms Saturday, rain chances increase later on Sunday

3 months ago
We'll see a few showers potentially clip our northern counties this morning but otherwise we'll have a good amount of dry time for Saturday. Expect a mix of clouds and sun with highs in the mid 80s. A few spot storms may develop this afternoon which could potentially impact the metro and all of the [...]
Jaime Travers