United impact: Catholic Urban Programs
Catholic Urban Programs has been a United Way Partner since 2020. The United Way is such a large entity in the Metro East, but their partnership with us is personal. Through this partnership we are not just serving families with essential services, we’re building stronger, more resilient households. United Way’s investment helps Catholic Urban Programs…
Read MoreARTEAST returns Nov. 22-23, with growing Metro East artist participation
After a successful re-launch in 2024, the ARTEAST Studio & Art Tour returns Nov. 22–23, 2025. Organizers again invite the public to experience a weekend of art, creativity, and connection across Edwardsville and the surrounding St. Louis Metro East region. Coordinated locally by local art organizations, this free, self-guided tour invites visitors to explore artist…
Read MoreAlton’s Sierra Club Group plans fall, winter litter cleanups
The Three Rivers Project of the Piasa Palisades Sierra Club Group (PPG) is planning a River Road litter cleanup from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. The public is invited to help rid the environment of debris that harms physical habitats, threatens aquatic life, and transports chemical pollutants to rivers, marine and…
Read MoreAlton’s ‘First Fridays’ late night art, shopping experience continues on Nov. 7
Alton Main Street presents First Fridays, a late night art and shopping experience which spans 20 locations across the Downtown Alton district. The series continues this Friday, Nov. 7. This series is held on First Fridays in October, November and December, providing shoppers with an opportunity to check out new shops and galleries and visit…
Read MoreNo fare hikes or service cuts for Chicago transit agencies, RTA chair says
Bill awaiting governor’s signature generates enough funding to eliminate fiscal cliff By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Chicago’s public transit agencies will not have to raise fares, lay off workers or cut services next year after state lawmakers approved new funding. The public transit reform bill passed last week provides additional funding to…
Read More‘Clean Slate’ Act passes after failing to clear legislature in past years
‘Clean Slate’ Act passes after failing to clear legislature in past years By MAGGIE DOUGHERTY Capitol News Illinois Article Summary The Clean Slate Act, if signed into law, could make nearly 2.2 million people in Illinois eligible to have their criminal records automatically sealed beginning in 2031. Law enforcement agencies would be required to automatically…
Read MoreGovernor joins in groundbreaking for new Venice grocery store
$5.9 million in combined private and public funding will bring affordable, nutritious groceries to Metro East families Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and leaders from across the Metro East region on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, to break ground on a new grocery store in Venice as part…
Read More[Op-Ed:] Veto session leaves Illinois families paying the price
By STATE SENATOR ERICA HARRISS (R-56th-Glen Carbon) It was a costly week for Illinois taxpayers. As the General Assembly wrapped up its fall Veto Session just before 5 a.m. on Halloween, the Majority Party pushed through a series of proposals that will make life more expensive for Illinois families, from higher energy bills to new…
Read MoreGovernor celebrates historic southern Illinois infrastructure investments
$2 million project will revitalize key Carbondale streets, made possible by largest construction program in state history Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) joined local officials, transportation stakeholders, and labor leaders on Nov. 5, 2025, to celebrate another historic round of investments in southern Illinois infrastructure. As part of $400 million…
Read MoreInmate families, advocates speak against mail scanning program
IDOC says program is intended to reduce drugs, contraband from entering prisons By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois Article Summary The Illinois Department of Corrections launched a program this year that limits inmates’ access to physical mail and instead lets them view electronically scanned images of their mail on tablet computers. The department says the…
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