First Bankers Trust welcomes Patty Williamson as VP, Financial Planning, Analysis officer
First Bankers Trust Company N.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bankers Trustshares Inc., recently announced that Patty Williamson has joined the organization as vice president, Financial Planning & Analysis officer, effective April 20, 2026. In this role, Williamson will support enterprise-wide financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, and executive decision support. She will partner…
Read MoreNew ‘State of the Air’ report shows continued struggles for STL region
Despite long-term progress, latest national report ranks metro area among top U.S. cities for ozone pollution As daily air quality forecasting resumes for the 2026 season on May 1, the American Lung Association’s newly released “State of the Air” report reveals that, even after decades of efforts to clean up air pollution, millions of Americans…
Read MoreFifth annual ‘One Day, One SIUE’ raises more than $3.2M
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville raised a record-breaking $3,221,709 during its fifth annual One Day, One SIUE celebration on Thursday, April 23, bringing together alumni, students and community supporters for an evening of philanthropy, pride and impact. Held outside the University’s new Health Sciences Complex, this year’s theme, “Soaring to New Heights,” reflected both the…
Read MoreFormer East St. Louis librarian, Public Aid eligibility assistant sentenced to prison for embezzlement
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced the former director of the East St. Louis Public Library to 15 months’ imprisonment after she admitted to embezzling more than $100,000 from the East St. Louis Public Library and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Kenyada T. Harris, 42, pleaded guilty in March 2026 to eight…
Read MoreHSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is expanding healthcare access with $116M investment
HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon is expanding access to high-quality health care by investing $116 million in campus and infrastructure projects. Overview There are multiple projects happening at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. One is the construction of a new outpatient surgery center and medical office building on the northeast corner of campus and…
Read More‘Mississippi Riverscapes: 2026 Plein Air Art Competition’ returns to the Riverbend
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project, in partnership with Jacoby Arts Center, Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, and Mooneyham Art LLC, recently announced its second annual Plein Air art competition, “Mississippi Riverscapes.” This event is an open-air painting and drawing competition at Rivers Project recreation areas throughout the month of May and…
Read MoreIllinois drivers paying about $65 more monthly as war drives up gas prices
An analysis from the Center for American Progress finds that the Trump administration’s war in Iran is driving a sharp increase in gas prices in Illinois, with prices rising 40.3 percent since late February. Drivers in the state are now paying $4.27 per gallon, up $1.23, adding roughly $65 more per month for a typical…
Read MoreSouthwestern Illinois expands geospatial workforce pipeline through NGA partnerships
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] A new wave of partnerships between regional institutions and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is positioning Southwestern Illinois and the St. Louis metro area as a growing hub for geospatial talent development, industry leaders said last week. The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois announced it has…
Read MoreGovernor cuts ribbon at regional SCHEELS Sports Park
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker today joined local officials and business leaders to celebrate the opening of the new SCHEELS Sports Park complex. This facility is projected to attract 250,000 annual visitors, bring an estimated $25 million in annual economic activity, and boost Springfield’s tourism economy, as well as provide a significant impact to the regional…
Read MoreBlackburn College names Philip R. Foxman as VP, Institutional Advancement
Higher education advancement leader brings more than 30 years of experience to senior role Blackburn College in Carlinville has appointed Philip R. Foxman as vice president for Institutional Advancement. He will oversee the College’s fundraising, alumni, and donor engagement, as well as related philanthropic initiatives, and will serve as a member of the President’s senior…
Read More