Belt secures more than $6M in additional funding to local school districts
State Senator Christopher Belt recently announced that 24 school districts across the Metro East will receive over $6 million in evidence-based funding, in addition to the base funding that the state provides. “Investing in our public schools means investing in the future of Metro East students,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This evidence-based funding gives our local…
Read MoreL&C student ambassadors forge paths in leadership, purpose, service
At Lewis and Clark Community College, student ambassadors do more than give tours and assist with campus events — they represent the heart of the student body. The current ambassadors, Emma McRae, Josiah Schuette, and Sebbi Ehlers, are using their time at L&C to shape their futures, support others, and lead by example. These…
Read MoreFirst Mid earns third consecutive Top Workplaces industry award
First Mid Bancshares Inc. (First Mid) recently announced that it has been named a Top Workplaces award recipient in the Financial Services Industry for the third year in a row by Energage, a purpose-drive organization that develops solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces. Through a confidential survey, Energage measures key culture drivers including alignment,…
Read MoreNew solar panels to power IDOT facility in St. Clair County
Pilot project with CDB, studying IDOT property for renewable energy use statewide On Aug. 6, Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi joined the Illinois Capital Development Board and state and local officials to celebrate the start of construction on a new solar energy site that will supply power to an adjacent Illinois Department of Transportation storage…
Read MoreInvestigation continues into Aug. 7 Alton helicopter crash, two fatalities mourned
Fatalities identified on Friday; Ameren Illinois, J.F. Electric share official statements on Thursday By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] On Friday, Aug. 8, the Office of the Regional Medical Examiner identified the two fatalities of the helicopter crash in Alton that had occurred on the previous morning: the pilot, 35-year-old Nicholas…
Read MoreChanges announced for tree stands, trail cameras on Rivers Project property
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, has announced a policy change regarding the use of portable tree stands, ground blinds, and trail cameras on Rivers Project property. Hunters will now be permitted to temporarily place such equipment on public lands throughout the duration of the Missouri and Illinois deer seasons. Portable hunting…
Read MoreIllinois newsrooms receive $4M from state through tax credits
A law passed in 2024 was designed, in part, to fill void created by news deserts By CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS Forty Illinois local news entities operating 120 outlets are receiving $4 million in state tax credits under a new law designed to encourage the retention and hiring of journalists, according to documents released this week.…
Read MoreGovernor appoints Dr. Deborah Barnett to SIU Board of Trustees
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees recently announced that Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Dr. Deborah Barnett to serve on the board for a six-year term. Dr. Barnett, a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois and advocate for the region’s growth and vitality, brings decades of experience in economic development, higher education, and workforce…
Read MoreProposed rail merger raises competition concerns
By LYNDSAY JONES FarmWeek Some transportation groups are skeptical and some ag groups are seeking more information about the implications of a planned merger between rail rivals Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. DTN reported both companies’ boards of directors unanimously agreed to a deal July 29 in which Union Pacific will acquire Norfolk Southern…
Read MoreFull closure of Illinois 111 ramp to I-270 eastbound for approximately two weeks
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that in addition to the ongoing closure of Illinois 111 at Interstate 270 in Madison County, a full closure of the ramp from northbound Illinois 111 to eastbound I-270 will begin, weather permitting, Monday, Aug. 11. This closure is expected to last approximately 14 days as part of…
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