a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

USDA cuts hit small farms as Trump showers billions on big farms

3 months ago
Anna Pesek saw a federal program supporting local food purchases as much more than a boost to her Iowa pork and poultry farm. The U.S. Department of Agriculture grant program that allowed schools and food banks to buy fresh products from small farms helped her forge new business relationships. It allowed her to spend more […]
Kevin Hardy

4-0 Quick Shop In Troy Resumes Operations After Fuel Spill Cleanup, South Main Street Also Reopened

3 months ago
TROY – South Main Street has reopened to traffic following a fuel spill at the 4-0 Quick Shop that prompted rerouting over the weekend. The incident occurred on April 7, 2025, when the Quick Shop reported the spill, leading to temporary closures in the area. The 4-0 Quick Shop also announced it was back in business on Monday morning. The gasoline portion of the shop remains closed, with no specific timeline provided for when it might reopen for fuel sales. Multiple agencies were dispatched to the scene to manage the containment of the spill and conduct environmental monitoring and cleanup efforts. The City of Troy confirmed that there were no water wells in the vicinity of the spill, alleviating concerns about potential contamination. During the cleanup, businesses located one block north, east, and west of the Quick Shop also faced temporary closures. The Troy Police Department expressed gratitude to the community for their patience during the response efforts.

Continue Reading

In Meeting with Environmental Groups, Duckworth Recommits to Defending and Promoting Environmental Justice as Trump Slashes EPA

3 months ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator and co-founder of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) last week met with members of the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) to discuss President Trump’s recent attacks on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), cuts to dozens of EPA regulations that protect our nation’s public health and threats to dismantle Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits that promote clean jobs and support a green energy economy. Duckworth also reiterated that she will not let up in her work to promote and defend environmental justice. Photos of the meeting can be found on the Senator’s website. “The Trump Administration seems determined to undermine protections aimed at helping every American—no matter their zip code—breathe safe air, drink clean water and live, work and play on uncontaminated land,” Duckworth said. “In order

Continue Reading

O'Fallon Hero Bob Schultz Celebrates 103 Years Of Life And Service

3 months ago
O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department celebrated the 103rd birthday of Marine Corps veteran Bob Schultz on April 1, 2025, honoring his service and contributions to the community. Schultz, who served aboard the USS California during significant battles in the South Pacific, experienced firsthand the challenges of war, including an incident where his ship was struck by a kamikaze. Schultz's bravery and dedication have made him a respected figure in the O'Fallon community. In a statement, the O'Fallon Police Department expressed their pride in recognizing Schultz's milestone birthday. "Our First Responders were honored and took advantage of the opportunity to escort him from home to his party at the VFW," the department noted. The celebration not only marked a personal milestone for Schultz but also highlighted the importance of community engagement and respect for veterans. The O'Fallon Police Department emphasized Schultz's status as a "true hometown hero" and acknowledged

Continue Reading

Johnson Road and Edgewood In Granite City Intersection To Undergo Upgrades

3 months ago
GRANITE CITY — The City of Granite City will initiate intersection improvements at the intersection of Johnson Road and Edgewood beginning Monday morning, April 7, 2025. The project is expected to last approximately four days, during which time detour signs will be posted to guide motorists around the area. City officials have advised residents and commuters to exercise patience, as unforeseen delays or inclement weather could extend the timeline of the work. The improvements are part of ongoing efforts to enhance local infrastructure and traffic flow. Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.

Continue Reading

April 2-6, 2025, Rainfall Causes Major Disruptions In Local Communities

3 months ago
ST. LOUIS - Rainfall totals from April 2 to April 6, 2025, revealed significant precipitation across parts of southeast Missouri and southwest Illinois, according to the U.S. National Weather Service in St. Louis. Centralia recorded the highest area total with 8.50 inches of rain. In the area, Lebanon recorded 6.10 inches of rainfall and Edwardsville at 5.32 inches. The heavy rain during this period led to flash flooding, prompting the National Weather Service to issue warnings and advisories. In a statement, the NWS said, “Thanks all for the reports! Here is an analysis of the heavy rain that fell from April 2-6, causing flash flooding in southeast Missouri and southwest Illinois. The analysis is as close of an estimate as we can create; exact values at any one location may vary from what's shown.” The rainfall graphic totals reflect a significant weather event that affected local communities.

Continue Reading

World Health Day: Why Global Health Matters to Everyone

3 months ago
Did you know that a mere 15% of health outcomes are determined by clinical care, while the remaining 85% are influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors? This staggering statistic underscores a fundamental truth: health is not just an individual concern but a global imperative. As we observe World Health Day, it is crucial to reflect on why global health matters to everyone, regardless of where we live or what our circumstances are. The Interconnectedness of Global Health In an increasingly interconnected world, the health of one nation can have far-reaching effects on others. A prime example is the COVID-19 pandemic, which illustrated how a virus can traverse borders in mere hours. The health crisis that began in Wuhan, China, quickly became a global emergency, affecting economies, healthcare systems, and individual lives across continents. This interconnectedness highlights the importance of global health initiatives. When countries prioritize public health, they

Continue Reading