‘Not in our state:’ Illinois urgently calls on residents to help stop hate
Illinoisans can visit ILStopHate.org or call (877)458-HATE to report acts of hate Illinois has faced an alarming surge in hate and extremism, following national trends. Hate crimes have skyrocketed 125% statewide since 2021, with bias based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity driving over 95% of incidents. Now, the Illinois Department of Human…
Read MoreBudzinski announces winners of 2025 Congressional Art Competition
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) recently announced the winners of her 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Natasha O’Brien, from Springfield High School, was declared the winner of the contest for her piece titled “Oh, Do I?” Her artwork will be displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for one year. Second place was awarded to…
Read MoreCompletion of new BHMG headquarters in Collinsville announced
Gray Design Group recently announced the completion of a new headquarters facility for BHMG Engineers in Collinsville. BHMG is a utility-focused engineering and consulting firm. Located at Eastport Plaza Drive and Fairmont Avenue with direct access to I-255 and I-55, the new 25,000-square-foot office is located within a recently developed, 75,000-square-foot office/distribution facility. Contegra Construction…
Read MoreSIUC pioneers mental health response program for emergency calls
Thanks to a new grant-funded program, responders with specialized skills in mental health are available to assist when needed in emergency calls at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, de-escalating situations, improving outcomes and helping students stay in school, officials said. SIU’s Department of Public Safety, Counseling and Psychological Services and others have developed a collaborative response team, funded…
Read More‘Extraordinary’ nurse recognized at Anderson Hospital
The Pavilion for Women’s Molli Gieseking, RN, of Anderson Hospital was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. The submitted nomination read: “My daughter Ashleigh recently gave birth at Anderson’s Pavilion for Women…
Read MoreBank of Belleville marks 20th anniversary with ’20 Ways to Make a Difference’
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Bank of Belleville is marking 2025 with a year-long campaign—20 Ways to Make a Difference—aimed at giving back to the communities it has served since 2005. With events held each month at their banks in St. Clair, Clinton, Madison and Monroe Counties, the campaign blends service, outreach and local…
Read MoreKick off your First Friday in May in downtown Troy
Are you ready for a party in the street!? The first event for the First Friday in Troy Series will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in downtown Troy, Ill. The event will bring together downtown businesses, artisan market vendors, downtown restaurants, food trucks and entertainment. The event will be…
Read MoreBarberMurphy shares list of recent commercial real estate transactions completed
BarberMurphy has shared their list of recent commercial real estate transactions completed as of April 22, 2025: Belleville: John D. Conkright Revocable Trust sold 24,558 SF multi-story office/retail investment buildings located at 116 & 120 E. Main St. to Grato Holdings LLC. BARBERMURPHY represented both parties. Heritage Property 1 LLC leased 3,144 SF of retail…
Read MorePoles to progress: Ameren program recycles wood power poles for commercial, municipal use
2,100 tons of wood waste diverted from landfills in 2024 An Ameren initiative to repurpose retiring wood utility poles for commercial applications prevented 2,100 tons of wood waste from being discarded in area landfills last year. On average, Ameren replaces 24,000 poles in its two-state service territory each year due to storm damage, vehicle…
Read MoreMadison County Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 26
Madison County’s law enforcement agencies, in cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will operate a drop-off site for Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, in Edwardsville. The drop-off site, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be in the Madison County Administration Building’s back parking lot on Second Street in…
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