SIBA, SICAP award 52 grants in third year of voc-ed program
As Illinois expands access to education to meet the demand for skilled construction workers, the Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA) has awarded a record 52 grants in the third year of its building trades and vocational education grant program. In 2024 SIBA awarded 30 grants; in 2025, 40 grants. These grants are funded by the…
Read MoreRegistration is now open for FreightWeekSTL 2026
FreightWeekSTL 2026 is set for June 8 through June 12, and an impressive line-up is planned. The ninth annual FreightWeekSTL will feature an array of tours, engaging panel discussions, and insightful one-on-one interviews that will highlight innovations, infrastructure improvements and trends impacting global freight movement and reinforce how the St. Louis region continues to…
Read MoreCosplayers assemble! SIU Saluki Con approaching!
Saluki Con 2026 is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale April 17-19. You won’t want to miss this weekend filled with celebrity guest stars, gaming, virtual reality, contests, esports and so much more – including a variety of all-new cosplay events along with the popular cosplay contest. “We have an incredible lineup of special guests…
Read MoreCommentary: IHC urges extension, expansion of Affordable Housing Tax Credit
As Illinois continues to face a severe shortage of affordable housing, the Illinois Housing Council (IHC) is urging lawmakers to advance House Bill 4413 and Senate Bill 3738, sponsored by State Rep. Dagmara Avelar and State Senator Mike Porfirio, to both extend and expand the Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit (IAHTC)—a long-standing, bipartisan program that has helped create…
Read MoreS. M. Wilson & Co. adds two superintendents
S. M. Wilson & Co. has added Brent Fallert as senior superintendent and Chris Becker as superintendent. Fallert brings more than 20 years of industry experience, including large-scale commercial and residential project experience. He also has experience in tilt-up construction as a concrete foreman. In his early career, Fallert was a union carpenter and built…
Read MoreRep. Kevin Schmidt to host April 20 Coffee Talk in Millstadt
State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) will be hosting a Coffee Talk event from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday, April 20 at the Millstadt Community Center and is encouraging constituents to attend. He said the event will be a great opportunity for the public to have open conversations about state issues that are important to…
Read MoreStuart-backed bill regulating low-speed e-bikes passes House
State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) helped pass a bill allowing state entities to prohibit the use of low-speed electronic bicycles on any path within state jurisdiction, prioritizing the safety of both pedestrians and manual cyclists. “On a nice spring day, I love to go for a walk around our community. It’s good for the soul…
Read MoreU.S. Attorney’s Office announces results of ‘Operation Big Muddy’
The operation targeted violent fugitives with felony warrants and netted 21 arrests FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – On April 14, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois announced the results of a warrant enforcement operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service and its task force law enforcement partners. The warrant enforcement operation targeted…
Read MoreSenator Erica Harriss launches 2026 Mother’s Day Diaper Drive
State Senator Erica Harriss recently announced the launch of her annual Mother’s Day Diaper Drive, taking place from April 13 through May 8, 2026, to support families in need across the Metro East region. “Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the strength and love of moms, but it’s also a reminder that many families…
Read MoreMadison County regional superintendent’s office announces Aitch Scholarship recipients
Madison County Regional Superintendent Dr. Robert W. Werden, along with Mr. Mannie Jackson and Dr. Ed Hightower, have announced the winners of the Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship for Madison County, Ill., high school seniors. This award is given in the amount of $1,000 each to 11 graduating seniors from across Madison County who displayed high…
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