S. M. Wilson promotes Brad Homes, Nichole VonderHaar to project director roles
S. M. Wilson & Co. has promoted Brad Homes and Nichole VonderHaar to project director roles from senior project manager positions. As project directors, they provide leadership and operational oversight on a variety of construction projects. They are responsible for ensuring that the entire team has the resources necessary and maintains high-level communication throughout each…
Read MoreFirst Mid Bank & Trust highlights opportunities in shifting economic climate
With declining interest rates and household budgets tightening, First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) is encouraging homeowners to take a closer look at the advantages of home equity loans and lines of credit and the various ways those funding streams can be used. Whether planning a home renovation, paying college tuition, consolidating debt, or preparing…
Read MoreThe magic of marketing automation: Calm, not chaos
By CAROLYN GREEN Automation is a super powerful tool. But before we plug anything in, I want to talk about the the golden rule of technology: Never automate chaos. If your process is clunky, automating it just multiplies the mistakes. (Let’s call it bad momentum.) Automation should amplify what’s working, not increase chaos. Step 1:…
Read MoreSenator Erica Harriss to launch annual ‘Share the Warmth Drive’ on Nov. 3
To help ensure families throughout the 56th District stay warm this winter, State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) is launching her Share the Warmth Drive beginning Nov. 3, 2025. From Nov. 3 through Dec. 3, Senator Harriss’s office will collect new hats, gloves, socks, hand warmers, and protective lip balm to donate to Riverbend Family…
Read MoreSchnucks announces drive to help food banks, pantries as SNAP benefits freeze nears
Customers are urged to donate non-perishables items on their next trip to Schnucks Starting today and continuing through Tuesday, Nov. 11, Schnuck Markets Inc. is hosting a food drive at all 113 stores to support local food banks and pantries as demand grows due to SNAP benefits being paused because of the ongoing federal government…
Read MoreGov. Pritzker signs Executive Order to bolster food assistance for Illinoisans
State launches coordinated response, invests $20M in food banks in response to Trump Administration halting SNAP benefits Today, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2025-08 to direct $20 million towards food banks and to mitigate the harmful policies and actions taken by the Trump Administration. Governor Pritzker’s order launches a statewide strategy to respond…
Read MoreFinance Committee reviews Madison County 2026 budget: 10th year without property tax increase
Madison County is on track to keep property taxes steady for the 10th consecutive year as officials reviewed the proposed $180 million Fiscal Year 2026 budget and real estate tax levy on Wednesday. The Finance and Government Operations Committee discussed the budget proposal during its Oct. 28 meeting. The full County Board will vote on…
Read MoreIllinois school report card continues to show wide achievement gaps
First report under new scoring system shows higher proficiency rates, uneven performance By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois Article Summary The 2025 school report card is the first one based on a new grading system that uses lower cut scores for proficiency in English language arts and math. State officials say the old system unfairly…
Read MoreHouse passes energy bill amid debate over costs to consumers
Proponents say energy storage, efficiency programs will save money, critics wary of claims By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois Article Summary House lawmakers passed a sweeping energy reform bill along party lines Wednesday evening. The bill would create new incentives for energy storage, allow construction of new nuclear power plants and give regulators expanded authority…
Read More7th Circuit temporarily halts judge’s order for daily appearances from Border Patrol’s Bovino
U.S. Supreme Court signals a ruling on National Guard deployment could be weeks away By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois Article Summary U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was set to appear in front of a federal judge Wednesday evening for the first of his court-ordered daily check-ins over immigration agents’ use of…
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