Report offers mixed review of educational progress in Illinois
Attainment levels are growing, but proficiency rates stagnate despite billions in new spending By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Advance Illinois’ biennial report, “The State We’re In,” tracks educational progress across the entire spectrum, from early childhood through career preparation. The latest report shows Illinois getting close to meeting the goal of having…
Read MoreEx-Speaker Madigan reports to West Virginia prison to begin 7 ½-year sentence
7th Circuit ruled earlier this month against Madigan’s bid to remain free during appeal By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has begun serving his 7 ½-year prison sentence Monday after reporting to a West Virginia federal prison. The longtime Democratic politician is appealing his corruption conviction, but…
Read MoreAppeals court allows federalization of troops but says they can’t be deployed
Protests continue in Broadview as members of Congress are turned away from immigration facility By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois Article Summary A federal appeals court upheld a lower court’s temporary order barring President Donald Trump’s administration from deploying National Guard troops in Illinois without the governor’s approval. Protests continue in Broadview, where local and…
Read MoreAmeren Corporation announces leadership, organizational changes
Moehn, Singh, Smith promoted to new roles Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) today announced organizational changes designed to drive consistent and continuously improving operating performance and enhance the breadth and depth of experience of its executive team, strengthening the company for the future. The changes are effective Jan. 1, 2026. Michael Moehn, currently senior executive vice…
Read More2025 SIUE Metro East Start-Up Challenge hosts semifinalists’ mock pitch event
Eighteen southwestern Illinois-based entrepreneurs and their innovative business concepts have been selected to move into the second round of the Metro East’s 12th annual business plan competition. The Metro East Startup Challenge, a product of the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, welcomes entrepreneurs and new businesses from a nine-county…
Read MoreBeyond the bruises: Lydia’s House is ‘new hope’ for domestic abuse victims
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Domestic violence impacts millions of people around the world each year, with devastating effects on victims’ health, safety, and financial stability. In the United States alone, research shows that 1 in 3 women experience physical abuse by an intimate partner. In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month,…
Read MoreBudzinski presents Congressional Gold Medal to Collinsville resident for WWII service
On Oct. 13, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) presented a Congressional Gold Medal to Collinsville resident Betty Wrigley, 98, for her service as a “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II. The Congressional Gold Medal is America’s oldest and highest civilian award. In 1943, at 15 years old, Wrigley left her hometown of St.…
Read MoreIDOT: Public comment sought on proposed St. Clair County Illinois 13 improvements
The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss a study for the proposed improvements on Illinois 13 from Illinois 157 to South 23rd Street in St. Clair County. The meeting will be held: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29 Southwestern Illinois Justice & Workforce Development Campus 2301 W. Main Street,…
Read MoreFederal Reserve’s Gascon to keynote Nov. 6 Economic Outlook Breakfast
Annual event brings together 21 chambers of commerce from across the region Twenty-one of the St. Louis region’s chambers of commerce will gather again this fall for the 2025 Multi-Chamber Economic Outlook Breakfast, an annual event that brings together members from across the 15-county bi-state St. Louis metro. The breakfast will take place at the…
Read MoreVeto session preview: Federal issues top of mind as lawmakers seek transit, energy solutions
Bill to help Bears move to Arlington Heights still not a priority for lawmakers By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois Article Summary The General Assembly will return for the annual fall veto session from Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 28-30 with several key items on their agenda. Federal immigration and law enforcement actions in the Chicago…
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