Meet people in Swansea, IL around something worth discussing
Begin with a current story, public event, campus article, book, podcast, or thoughtful question. Then continue the conversation online or meet at a nearby Roundtable.
From Common Quandary Today
Current stories with more than one reasonable way to see them.
“Organic” is a word we encounter every time we visit the supermarket. It’s also one that can mean very different things to different people. Surveys show that taste, quality, environmental concerns and perceived health and safety benefits all influence consumers’ decisions to buy organic food. But less is known about how people interpret “organic” and incorporate it into their everyday lives. Drawing on videos…
This year, several alarming reports have warned that Australians are developing psychosis from using stimulant medications, typically prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Psychosis itself is not a diagnosis; it’s a mental health symptom that involves having difficulty separating what is real from what is not. People might hear, see, feel, taste or smell things that don’t exist, or they…
Peekachu, Rain, Osiris, Caspian, Jellybean and Cyprus are dead. They were six of the 30 beluga whales removed from Marineland in Niagara Falls earlier this year. Echo is dead too. She was one of the four dolphins who were also removed around the same time. For all intents and purposes, she was blind. I think about the rocks and paint that have been found in the belugas’ stomachs through autopsies. I dwell on how a…
Ohio Representative Jim Jordan is now the House Minority Leader. On this week’s On the Media, how the congressman’s 700-plus appearances on Fox News enabled his ascent within the Republican Party. Plus, a historian chronicles American socialism, and how it got so popular today. [
Today, we’re talking about the Jensen Huang scandal at Nvidia, which is developing so quickly that we had to do an emergency update of this intro minutes before publishing this episode — Huang just resigned from his position as CEO of Nvidia as news of his affairs, including with
A whole bunch of scientists and doctors won in the U.S. midterm elections, which has got some nerds really excited. They’re wondering: Could this turn things around for U.S. science, which has been hit by cuts and restrictions from the Trump administration?? We talk to journalist
Today, we officially get to hear Carnaval De Luz, U2’s 16th studio album and their first full-length collection of new songs in nine years. There’s some wild things going on here, including a song they wrote about Rosalía called “The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)” (which also feels like
Your adorable child could pay for college by becoming an influencer. Do you start filming?
Parents post cheerful videos of their young child and earn enough to fund the child's education. The child enjoys filming now but cannot understand what it means for strangers to watch those moments years later.
Your dinner guest arrives with their dog. Do you let both of them in?
A friend appears at your carefully planned dinner with a large dog they never mentioned. They say the dog becomes anxious when left alone and will sit quietly. Another guest is uneasy around animals, and your lease forbids pets.
SWANSEA, Ill. — A Shiloh, Illinois, woman recently walked away with counterfeit cash in her change after visiting a store in Swansea. The fake money could easily be overlooked by anyone in a hurry when handed over crumpled up, but bartender Ellen Taylor discovered the counterfeit bills after arriving at her workplace. Taylor said she noticed something unusual about the bills when she touched them while working her shift. “I looked at them and I felt them and I thought something was odd,” Taylor said. “This is, like, smooth; like copy paper.” A closer look revealed that the currency was not real government money, featuring improper wording and identical identification markings across the bills. “It says the ‘United States of Origami,’” Taylor said. “And then all of the numbers on it are exactly the same. So, I mean, at least they got the president correct.” Taylor reported receiving the cash at a Walgreens store in Swansea.
Nov 13, 2026 BELLEVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that rehabilitation of a crossing by Norfolk Southern railroad on Illinois 159 between West J Street and North Douglas Avenue in Belleville will require a full closure beginning Monday, Nov. 16, weather permitting. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude Friday, Nov. 20. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.
has never been afraid of hard work or starting something new. From her early years helping others to her career in clinical research, she has built a life around determination, curiosity, and the belief that meaningful work requires dedication. Born in Belleville, Illinois, into a military family, Wise spent her first ten years in Virginia before moving to Illinois. Her father served as a Navy chief, and she grew up understanding the importance of responsibility. By age ten, she was already working at a hair salon and babysitting neighborhood children. After moving to California and graduating from high school, Wise helped open Best Buy’s flagship store in West Hollywood. Her strong performance earned recognition and opened doors to other opportunities. Over the years, she worked in technology, education, retail management, and public broadcasting. A major turning point came when her father became ill with cancer.
