a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Trump, Zelenskyy exit White House talks hopeful about security guarantee for Ukraine

6 days 9 hours ago
President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European allies at the White House Monday celebrated Russian President Vladimir Putin’s concession of NATO-like security protections for Ukraine as part of a future peace deal between the two countries. In a social media post on Monday night, Trump said he called Putin after the meetings were […]
Jacob Fischler

Alton Youth Symphony Highlights Success Of Jersey Community Graduate

6 days 9 hours ago
JERSEY - Jovee Hileman, graduating 2025 senior from Jersey Community High School, concluded her school year in May by earning the highest band awards for a senior. The John Phillip Sousa Award recognizes the top student in the band program and the Louis Armstrong Award honors the top student in the Jazz program. Jovee began playing the trumpet in 5th grade at Jersey Community Middle School and switched to the French horn in the 6th grade when JCMS Band Director Waylon Schroeder encouraged her and some of Jovee's classmates to audition for the Alton Youth Symphony. “My participation in the Alton Youth Symphony was extremely beneficial to my success in high school. The experience made me more familiar with different styles of conducting and I was able to read and play more advanced music.” says Jovee. In high school, the music program gave Jovee a tight network of friends and her dedication and hard work paid off. Jovee will be attending Maryville University this fall to

Continue Reading

First Fridays In Downtown Troy Wraps Up With Live Music, Food and Fun

6 days 9 hours ago
TROY – The final First Fridays event of the season is set for Friday, September 5, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. in Downtown Troy. Guests can enjoy an evening filled with live music, local eats, refreshing drinks, and community shopping as Market & Main transforms into a lively destination for all ages. This month’s featured entertainment is The Dude Abides Duo, bringing a fun mix of music that will keep the crowd entertained throughout the evening. Attendees will find plenty of delicious dining options with Spud Shack Food Truck, Takozz, Slabs on the Curb, Franko’s Hot Dogs & Bratz, Polar Paradise, Zanny Popz Frozen Treats, and Washington Kettle Corn all serving up crowd favorites. The fun doesn’t stop there—local establishments will also be on hand with drink specials, including The Wine Diva Pop Up Bar, The Balanced Bee, Time Out Bar & Grill, The Happy Elephant, Kokomo Joe’s, and VFW Post 976. Guests are encouraged to explore the Market

Continue Reading

Six GOP states send more than 1,000 National Guard to D.C. for Trump crackdown

6 days 9 hours ago
This report has been updated. WASHINGTON — Six Republican governors are sending more than 1,000 National Guard members to the District of Columbia after President Donald Trump last week activated 800 members from the district’s Guard as part of his federal takeover of the nation’s capital. The deployment would bring the total number of National Guard troops […]
Ariana Figueroa

St. Louis to release tornado siren investigation findings

6 days 9 hours ago
The City of St. Louis is expected to release the findings of an external investigation into the tornado siren failure that occurred when the deadly May 16 storm struck. It comes on the same day the city’s emergency management director, who’s been on paid leave since the tornado, heads to city hall for a disciplinary hearing.
Mike Colombo

Long-Term Detour On Highway 50 In St. Clair, Clinton Counties Near Summerfield

6 days 10 hours ago
SUMMERFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced a long-term detour on Highway 50 in St. Clair and Clinton counties for bridge repairs. The closure affects Highway 50 in both directions from approximately 2.4 miles east of Lebanon, near Summerfield in St. Clair County, to Illinois 160 in Clinton County. The detour is needed to complete necessary bridge repairs over Summerfield Road and is expected to remain in place through fall 2026. Detour routes: Eastbound Highway 50 traffic will be detoured onto Old Highway 50 at the split with Highway 50. Traffic will continue east along Old Highway 50 to Illinois 160, then north on Illinois 160 to rejoin Highway 50. Westbound Highway 50 traffic will be detoured at Illinois 160, heading south to the intersection with Old Highway 50, then west on Old Highway 50 to return to Highway 50. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged

Continue Reading

St. Louis County Probes Fatal Stabbing On Carrington Lane

6 days 10 hours ago
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County police are investigating a homicide that occurred Sunday afternoon in the 200 block of Carrington Lane. Officers from the South County Precinct responded at 4:28 p.m. Aug. 17, 2025, to a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, they found an adult male suffering from life-threatening stab wounds. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. The deceased has been identified as 39-year-old Derrick Merit, a resident of the 200 block of Carrington Lane in St. Louis. A 15-year-old suspect was taken into custody and is being held by St. Louis County Family Court on charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action. The St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons is leading the ongoing investigation.

Continue Reading

Rosetta Brown Announces Run For Illinois State Representative

6 days 10 hours ago
ALTON - Rosetta Brown announced her candidacy for Illinois State Representative in District 111, signaling her intention to represent the district at the state level. The announcement was made recently on her newly created Facebook page, "Rosetta 'Rosie' Brown candidate for Illinois State Representative." Brown is presently an Alton Alderwoman for Ward 4. Brown said her mission is to bring a unified approach to the district, which includes cities such as Alton, East Alton, Godfrey, Bethalto, and Wood River, and more. “My experience that I have gained from being an alderwoman has given me the passion to continue to listen to the people, their needs, and respond to their needs,” Brown said. She emphasized her goal to ensure fairness across the cities in District 111, noting that while some cities are flourishing, others are not. “I want to make it fair across the board, fighting for all," she said. Her campaign platform will focus on economic revitalization

Continue Reading

Local Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Shares Back-to-School Health Tips

6 days 10 hours ago
GODFREY - As the school year starts, a local pediatric nurse practitioner shares her tips on how to make the back-to-school season seamless for you and your kiddo. Lori Balchik, APRN, works in Godfrey at OSF Medical Group. In a recent interview on “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , she spoke about how to handle bullying, allergies and other concerns as kids return to school, and she reminded parents that providers like her are in your corner. “You’re not parenting alone. Everybody is doing this as a community, and we’re all together,” Balchik said. “Take it in stride. All of us providers are there for you.” Balchik encouraged caregivers to schedule their kids’ well exams and sports physicals several weeks in advance. She suggested talking to your kids about appropriate touch and inappropriate touch and describing what will happen at a physical in order to minimize anxiety. She also noted that several immunizations

Continue Reading