SkillsUSA Illinois announces Bryna Ryan as interim executive director
The board of directors of SkillsUSA Illinois recently announced Bryna Ryan is its new interim executive director. Ryan joined SkillsUSA Illinois as the director of Workforce Development in August 2024. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Illinois State University and the University of Illinois at Springfield, then served in leadership roles for several nonprofits…
Read MoreIHDA accepting applications for permanent supportive housing funding
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is now accepting applications for its Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Development Program, offering loans, forgivable loans, and grants to developers building or preserving affordable housing paired with essential case management and supportive services. PSH combines affordable housing with tailored services that support individuals and families in achieving housing stability…
Read MoreFlyin’ High: Inaugural Global Aerospace Summit to be held in St. Louis region
Conference highlighting the bi-state area’s aerospace advantages, opportunities for industry growth takes place Aug. 13-14 The St. Louis region will welcome the first-ever Global Aerospace Summit Aug. 13-14, 2025, for a two-day experience focused on elevating aerospace innovation, collaboration and growth across the bi-state area and beyond. Hosted by Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois in conjunction…
Read MoreO’Fallon Community Park hosts grand opening celebration
On July 23, 2025, the O’Fallon Community Park, located at 411 E 5th St, O’Fallon, IL 62269, hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate their grand opening of the improvement project that has been underway for the last year. This multi-million dollar project redeveloped the Katy Cavins Community Center, pool, administrative offices, along with parking and trail improvements.…
Read MoreSt. Louis Zoo Wildcare Park to tout animal care simulation, thanks to SIUE
Thanks to SIUE Center for Crime Science and Violence Prevention, children can learn about animal care with virtual reality Imagine a setting that sparks children’s natural curiosity – even when it involves serious, real-world challenges. The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for Crime Science and Violence Prevention (CCSVP) is turning that spark into learning by…
Read MoreCork Tree Creative welcomes two new team members
Cork Tree Creative Inc., a full-service marketing agency based in Edwardsville, Ill., recently announced the addition of two new team members: Melissa Albers, senior SEO and content marketing strategist, and Emily Becker, graphic designer. Albers brings more than 15 years of experience in digital strategy and content marketing, having led high-performing campaigns for major brands…
Read MoreDurbin joins legislators to expand public service loan forgiveness to adjunct faculty
Nationally, 47 percent of instructional higher education faculty work on a part-time, contingent basis, often facing low pay with little or no benefits or job security U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) recently reintroduced the Adjunct Faculty Loan…
Read MorePritzker signs bills addressing gun storage, tracing of firearms
New laws come amid stricter court scrutiny of gun restrictions By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois Article summary: Senate Bill 8 requires gun owners to keep their weapons secured and inaccessible to minors, people at risk of harming themselves or others, and people prohibited from possessing firearms. Violations can result in civil fines. House Bill…
Read MoreBank of Belleville welcomes Brett Schroeder as business development banker
Bank of Belleville recently announced the addition of Brett Schroeder to its growing team. Schroeder joins the bank as a business development banker, bringing more than a decade of experience in technology sales and a passion for relationship-building rooted in community values. Schroeder has built a successful career in technology sales with two locally owned,…
Read MoreBudzinski hosts roundtable on strengthening postal service in central, southern Illinois
On July 28, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) hosted a roundtable discussion focused on improving mail delivery and protecting postal services across central and southern Illinois. She convened local union leaders, postal workers, and other community stakeholders to talk about efforts to improve on-time delivery, protect local postal jobs, oppose privatization, and stop harmful facility consolidations…
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