Pritzker’s community college initiative stalls in House committee
Bill would allow community colleges to offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — One of Gov. JB Pritzker’s top legislative initiatives stalled in the General Assembly last week when the chair of the House Higher Education Committee refused to call a vote on a bill that would authorize…
Read MoreSummer fun in southwest Illinois: A line-up of festivals, events in Great Rivers & Routes region
Plan a getaway around these festivals and events in the Great Rivers & Routes region this summer Dozens of annual festivals and events are planned for the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois, highlighting great food, America’s fascination with the Mother Road of Route 66, fireworks along the Mississippi River, the revival of an…
Read MoreHSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese recognized as a Top Rural and Community Hospital
For over 125 years, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese has been an integral part of the rural community, providing essential, high-quality health care services. HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital was recently recognized as one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States for 2025. This honor was awarded by The Chartis Center…
Read MoreBudzinski launches 2025 Congressional Art Competition for high schoolers
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) recently announced the start of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. Submissions are due by Friday, April 11, 2025. The winning submission will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year alongside artwork from congressional districts across the country. Any…
Read MoreTWM COO Derek Twente honored as ‘Surveyor of the Year’ by IPLSA
TWM Inc., a top engineering and geospatial firms in the greater St. Louis area, recently announced that Derek Twente, PLS, EI, has been awarded the Albert H. “Pat” Patterson Surveyor of the Year Award by the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association (IPLSA) . This recognition highlights Twente’s dedication, expertise, and contributions to the surveying profession. As…
Read MoreSIUE Construction Leadership Institute announces 2025 graduates
The Construction Leadership Institute (CLI) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville celebrated 48 graduates of its program Friday, March 7 as a part of the CLI Graduation celebration. Developed by the SIUE Schools of Business and Engineering, the CLI provides the knowledge, skills and strategies that individuals and companies need in today’s challenging construction industry. Program…
Read MoreSIUC’s Big Muddy Film Festival returns in 2025 with 85 films
The longstanding Big Muddy Film Festival returns to Southern Illinois University Carbondale and will showcase some of the finest works of independent filmmakers and students. The 46th festival runs Thursday through Saturday, March 27-29, at The Varsity Center, 418 S. Illinois Ave. The free, public event remains one of the nation’s oldest film festivals…
Read MoreGovernor Pritzker announces $57M in grant awards through Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
Grant funding will bolster a diverse workforce in the clean energy industry Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently announced 88 awards totaling $57 million through the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program ($7.7 million), Equitable Energy Future Grant Program ($10.3 million), and Energy Transition Community/Zion Grant Program…
Read MorePurchase a T-shirt and help keep Alton beautiful
Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau launches program to raise funds for Pride Inc.’s Downtown Alton beautification work Support beautification efforts in downtown Alton with the purchase of a new T-shirt available for sale now at the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St., Alton. The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau created a new T-shirt…
Read MoreBelt works to expand access to blue-collar job training programs in Metro East
State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to expand career and technical education programs to support regional manufacturing. “A lot of kids grow up thinking that college is the only option to be successful, and while a four-year degree is great, there are plenty of high-paying jobs in the manufacturing industry that young people may…
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