Congress takes aim at secondary mortgage market reform
In what’s become a familiar drama to most Americans, the two houses of Congress are lining up on opposite sides of an issue with a broad, deep gorge between them. This time the fight will be over reform of the secondary mortgage market. The two large GSEs (Government Sponsored Enterprises) Fannie Mae and Freddie…
Read MoreArea home sales remain strong despite rising interest rates
Home sales continued to top 2012 numbers in late summer as prospective buyers began to acclimate themselves to higher mortgage interest rates. Statewide, home sales in August were up 17.3 percent compared to August 2012, and median prices were 13.6 percent higher, according to MLS data reported to the Illinois Association of Realtors. August…
Read MoreBig science project: SIUE moves to next phase
EDWARDSVILLE — Future scientists and others are taking advantage of the science that permeates the newest building on the SIUE campus, Bill Retzlaff says. And more moves are on the way. The associate dean of arts and sciences and chairman of the Department of Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences Program said both faculty and students…
Read More$7.5 million hotel, restaurant under construction
PONTOON BEACH — Ground has been broken along Interstate 270 on a new $7.5 million hotel and restaurant. The developer, Larry Manns Properties of East Alton, said the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott is being constructed at 270 Commerce Park, southwest of the intersection of Illinois Route 111 and Interstate 270. The…
Read MoreSIUE targeting science, technology, engineering and math
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has landed a five-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation for a program aimed at improving the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the middle schools and high schools of Southwestern Illinois. The grant will help the university recruit outstanding students studying science, technology, engineering or…
Read MorePNC Bank tabs regional president/First Mid-Illinois’ CEO to retire
First Mid-Illinois’ CEO to retire MATTOON, Ill. – First Mid-Illinois Bancshares Inc. has announced that its chairman, president and chief executive officer, William S. Rowland, will retire from his position effective Dec. 31. Joseph R. Dively will assume those roles. He currently serves as senior executive vice president of First Mid and president…
Read MoreMadison County introduces new prescription drug discount program
At the end of August, every household in Madison County received a prescription drug discount card. It was not a scam. The program was approved by the Madison County Board at its August meeting and the cards were sent out by ProAct Inc., a Syracuse, N.Y.-based pharmacy benefit management company. The Madison County…
Read MoreCOUNTERPOINT: Changing Illinois’ income tax from a flat tax to a graduated tax
Progressive income tax proposals could weaken Illinois’ recovery and inhibit economic growth The Land of Lincoln is faced with a major debate about how to tax income. In the last few years, the debate about progressive income taxes has been hashed out in states as diverse as Colorado and Washington, where voters have rejected…
Read MoreCOUNTERPOINT: The Concealed-Carry Law in Illinois
It’s time to repeal the Second Amendment Shootings in movie theaters, schools, shopping centers, offices, homes, and on highways occur daily in our country, resulting in more than 30,000 deaths and 60,000 injuries annually. Guns are putting the American people in fear and in danger. It can no longer be denied that guns are…
Read MoreCOUNTERPOINT: ILLINOIS’ PENSION REFORM LAW (P.A. 98-599)
Less retiree income means less retiree spending Imagine that a business associate to whom you had extended credit simply decided that his debt to you had become so large that it couldn’t be paid in full. He might explain that owing so much money was hurting his credit rating, adding that, after considering the…
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