Illinois EDC launches its new dedicated research center, publishes first report
The Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) recently announced its new Economic Research Center, a dedicated in-house research and analytics department. The ERC also released its first report, the State of Business, a comprehensive overview of Illinois’ economic performance and competitive position over the past year. The State of Business finds that Illinois’ economy remained broadly aligned with national growth while demonstrating key…
Read MoreSIUE to host annual symposium on ‘Energy-Water-Food Nexus’
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is hosting its annual symposium, themed “Energy-Water-Food Nexus” from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 22 at the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability, Fuller Dome, on the SIUE campus. Brought together by the Climate and Sustainability Advisory Board (CASAB) and Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC), the event is all set to bring regional experts, practitioners, and community members together to promote awareness…
Read MoreU.S. planting intentions: Less corn, more soybeans
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek U.S. farmers intend to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2026, down 3 percent from last year, and 84.7 million acres of soybeans, up 4 percent from last year, according to USDA’s prospective plantings report released March 31. “The survey suggested corn acres would be switching to soybeans in…
Read MoreIllinois land values simmer, for now
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek The 2026 Land Values and Lease Trends Report saw a shift in narrative from recent years, with 61 percent of survey respondents expecting a decline in farmland prices this year, signaling a potential plateau in the market. However, the report, conducted annually by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers…
Read MoreEast St. Louis consents to Clean Water Act violations, agrees to implement actions
City agrees to take action to address unlawful discharges of untreated sewage EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – The Justice Department, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Illinois reached an interim agreement with the City of East St. Louis, Illinois to address the City’s Clean Water Act violations. In December 2024, the Justice…
Read More‘Makers Madness’ contest enters final round
Four products remain in running for “The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois” As voting opens in the final round of the 2026 “Makers Madness” contest, just four products remain in the annual bracket-style tournament held by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association that lets voters decide The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. Presented by Comcast Business, the…
Read MoreNGRREC named Environmental Education Association of Illinois Organization of the Year
The Environmental Education Department at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRRECsm) has been named the 2026 Organization of the Year by the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI). The honor recognizes the team’s outstanding and ongoing efforts to advance environmental education opportunities across the state of Illinois. “I am incredibly proud…
Read MoreIDOT announces ‘Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward’ award recipients
Recipients include ones from the Metro East region The Illinois Department of Transportation recently announced five award recipients from the 35th Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward, recognizing achievements that helped to grow and support minority- and women-owned businesses in 2025. “The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program has many success stories that help bring innovation and…
Read MorePublic comment sought on proposed Illinois 203 improvements in Madison County
The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss a study for the proposed improvements on Illinois 203 from Maverick Drive to Eagle Park Road in Madison County. The meeting will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23 at The Mill Events, 1311 20th St., Granite City. IDOT, in cooperation with…
Read MoreRecent ribbon cutting celebrations hosted by O’Fallon area chamber
The O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon cutting celebration with Keller Williams Pinnacle in O’Fallon to mark the relocation of their offices to the O’Fallon Downtown District. Their offices are now located at 108 West State Street. Representatives from Keller Williams Pinnacle on hand to lead the ribbon cutting were Christi Johnson and…
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