Heroes’ Ascent Fundraiser celebrates updates, honors history at Grafton American Legion on D-Day
The National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) held its highly anticipated Heroes’ Ascent Fundraiser on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Grafton American Legion, drawing hundreds of supporters to an evening of remembrance, music, and momentum for the future of the memorial. Guests enjoyed a full dinner from The Brass Door, desserts, live performances by…
Read More‘This issue isn’t going away’: Illinois lawmakers delay pension reform again
Fiscal year 2026 budget allocates money to address Social Security compliance concerns By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Public employees hired since 2011 must continue to wait for pension reform after Illinois lawmakers declined to take up the issue during the spring session. Lawmakers and labor unions have both expressed concern that…
Read MoreShriners Children’s St. Louis to celebrate 101 years with June 14 ‘summer stroll’
Fifth annual fundraiser brings patients and community together Shriners Children’s St. Louis is hosting their fifth annual “Stroll into Summer” fundraiser walk from 8:30 a.m. to 12 Noon on Saturday, June 14 on-site at 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, Mo. (For directions, click here.) The walk officially gets underway at 9 a.m. with an award ceremony…
Read MoreU.S. Attorney, FBI vow strong action after federal building damaged in Carbondale
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Following an incident in Carbondale on Tuesday evening where criminals defaced a federal building, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson are vowing to protect law and order in southern Illinois. “There are bright lines separating where speech ends and criminal conduct begins. Those who committed…
Read MoreEducators, global delegates explore the Ag Coast of America
Riverboat tour offers immersive look at multimodal freight assets and career pathways in logistics The St. Louis Regional Freightway hosted a riverboat cruise as part of FreightWeekSTL 2025, introducing educators, visiting delegates from Argentina and other regional business leaders to the Ag Coast of America. The June 5th cruise highlighted key freight assets that…
Read MoreBob Lockett named as new Chief People Officer at Schnucks
Lockett to lead all of the St. Louis-based grocer’s human resource efforts Schnuck Markets Inc. recently announced that, starting June 16, Bob Lockett will lead the company’s Human Resources team as the new Chief People Officer. Lockett’s professional background includes most recently serving as Chief People Officer at CAE and, prior to that, Chief Diversity…
Read MoreCarbondale Accelerator Program empowers 28 local entrepreneurs
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the City of Carbondale recently wrapped up the Carbondale Accelerator Program, an 18-month initiative to foster local entrepreneurship, strengthen the local business ecosystem and spur economic growth. Twenty-eight local entrepreneurs successfully completed the program, earning the opportunity to obtain financial assistance…
Read MoreFrom AISWCD: Second year of budget cuts threatens conservation districts’ futures
The Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) is sounding the alarm as the FY26 Illinois state budget continues to underfund the state’s 97 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). For the second consecutive year, SWCDs will receive only $4.5 million — nearly a 50 percent reduction from FY24 levels and below what…
Read MoreDebut book from local Don Mathenia celebrates his life and creative work
GRAFTON, IL — Don Mathenia, an artist whose life has been defined by the pursuit of beauty, meaning, and honest expression, announces the release of his debut book, Love and Blood in the Heartland: A Life in Words, Lyrics and Design – The Work of Don Mathenia. This collection offers readers a rare glimpse into…
Read MoreMooneyham Art presents ‘Bold. Brave. Beautiful.’; opening July 5
Mooneyham Art, a venue within the Riverbend area’s creative community, presents “Bold. Brave. Beautiful.” This is an art exhibition featuring the works of acclaimed local photographer Marty McKay along with heirloom and couture jewelry by David Bailey. The artists’ reception and show opening will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on July 5 at…
Read More