Ask SCORE: Top costs of starting a business
No doubt about it … starting a business is exciting. But it can also be confusing, particularly as you sort through all the costs required to get your business off the ground. Depending on the type of business you’re launching, you may need little more than a laptop and a website. For others, you may…
Read MoreKaskaskia College, SIU Carbondale partner to expand access to agricultural bachelor’s degrees
Kaskaskia College and Southern Illinois University Carbondale have entered into a new partnership designed to expand access to affordable, high-quality agricultural bachelor’s degree options for students in southern Illinois. Beginning in the fall 2026 semester, students will be able to complete select agricultural bachelor’s degree pathways through a combination of in‑person and hybrid courses…
Read MoreFrom Senator Erica Harriss: Affordability is not a slogan
The Senate has returned to Springfield for the Spring Legislative Session. After several weeks of filing legislation, we are now moving into the committee process to debate and advance new proposals this session. A few weeks ago, the Governor delivered his annual State of the State and Budget Address, outlining his priorities for the year…
Read MoreBelt’s measure to provide owner relief when vehicles fail emissions test
State Senator Christopher Belt introduced a measure that would give drivers more flexibility when renewing their vehicle registrations while still complying with state emissions testing requirements. “Right now, people are losing their jobs because they can’t legally drive over a failed emissions test,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “No one should be shut out of work or…
Read MoreSix Flags St. Louis among 7 parks to be sold to EPR Properties
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] It has been officially announced that Six Flags St. Louis is among seven park properties to be sold to EPR Properties. The Six Flags Entertainment Corporation notes on its website that this is part of its ongoing strategy to optimize and strengthen its park portfolio.…
Read MoreSierra Club speakers series continues in Alton on March 10
The topic to be discussed: Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) impact on utility bills The next session of the local Sierra Club’s speakers series takes place starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2026. It will be held at Old Bakery Beer Co., 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton. Scott Allen from the Citizens…
Read MoreRicky Lallish named director of SIUE Environmental Resources Training Center
Ricky Lallish has been named director of the Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, assuming leadership of Illinois’ primary training facility for drinking water and wastewater treatment technology. He succeeds longtime director Matthew Maas. Located at the north end of the SIUE campus, the ERTC partners with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to administer…
Read MoreFormer Carlyle Police Chief accused of embezzling more than $100,000
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – The former police chief of the Carlyle Police Department is facing several federal charges for allegedly embezzling more than $100,000 for his personal benefit. A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Mark A. Pingsterhaus, 52, of Carlyle, with two counts of wire fraud and two counts of theft…
Read MoreAG Raoul demands proof from GoFundMe of plagiarized charities’ web pages removal
On March 3, 2026, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with 21 attorneys general and charitable regulators, sent a letter to GoFundMe after reports the company plagiarized donation web pages for charities nationwide without those charities’ prior knowledge or consent. In the letter, Raoul and the coalition share concerns about GoFundMe’s misconduct and call for immediate…
Read MoreFirst Bankers Trust Company announces Joan Whitlow, Steve Giesing retirements
First Bankers Trust Company N.A. (First Bankers Trust), a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bankers Trustshares Inc., recently shared news of upcoming retirements of two longtime team members whose decades of service have left a lasting impact on the organization and the communities it serves. After more than 26 years of dedicated leadership, Joan Whitlow will retire…
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