BUILD IT: Why copper line sunset is southwestern Illinois business risk
By JIM GUSTKE For decades, Plain Old Telephone Service – better known as POTS lines – quietly powered critical communications inside commercial buildings, campuses, plants, and facilities. They connected fire alarms, elevator phones, security panels, and emergency call systems. They were stable, inexpensive, and easy to forget about. That’s exactly the problem now. Across the…
Read MoreCaritas Family Solutions launches Office of Community Connection program
New initiative aims to connect families to local resources and support to prevent crisis Caritas Family Solutions is expanding its mission to help children and families across the region thrive with the launch of its new Office of Community Connection (OCC) program. This initiative focuses on prevention and connects families with critical resources and support…
Read MoreBelt announces release of $4M grant for new Shiloh police station
State Senator Christopher Belt announced the release of a $4 million state grant for the Village of Shiloh to construct a new police station. The funding, previously announced as part of a $4.75 million allocation secured alongside State Representative Jay Hoffman, is now available to move the project toward a projected June or July groundbreaking.…
Read MoreUPDATED: St. Louis Regional Airport to host ‘Pilots’ N Paws’ flyway event
UPDATED: Feb. 26, 2026 Due to poor weather conditions forecasted for Sunday, the previously shared Pilots N Paws flyway event planned at St. Louis Regional Airport will be occurring on Saturday, Feb. 28. Over 40 aircraft are currently expected to arrive to St. Louis Regional Airport as early as Friday, Feb. 27 to participate. After…
Read MoreACEC Illinois announces ‘best’ state infrastructure projects at 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards
In recognition of their innovation, complexity, overall design and economic impact, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) has announced awards to the state’s best infrastructure projects and design teams during its 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards. The top construction projects honored are transformative projects completed for the Village of Antioch, Flyover Attractions by…
Read MoreSIUE appoints Dr. Angie Royal as Student Affairs associate vice chancellor
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Miriam Roccia, has named Angie Royal, EdD, as associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs. Royal’s appointment begins April 7, 2026. Royal joins SIUE from Culver-Stockton College where she served most recently as vice president for Student Experience. “Angie’s more than 20 years of progressive experience in…
Read MoreSierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project, The Wedge, to host Seed Swap
The Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois and The Wedge Innovation Center are hosting a Seed Swap this winter to provide community members with a space to swap and share quality seeds, cuttings, and bulbs. The 2026 Winter Seed Swap will be held at the Wedge Innovation Center in Alton from 9 a.m. to…
Read More2025 continued a multi-year growth trend for OSF Saint Anthony’s, OSF Medical Group
Outpatient surgeries, outpatient services, and OSF Medical Group office visits continue three-year growth trend While national projections indicate a nine percent increase for inpatient days (i.e. length of stay) for the next 10 years, along with a long-term trend of a five percent decline in inpatient admission volumes for hospitals, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health…
Read MoreTandra Taylor named SIUE Educational Pathways, Community Engagement assistant vice chancellor
After a national search, Tandra Taylor, Ph.D., is Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s new assistant vice chancellor for Educational Pathways and Community Engagement. In this role, Taylor will be based at SIUE East St. Louis Center on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. Provost Denise Cobb expressed her enthusiastic support of Dr. Taylor: “Dr. Taylor…
Read MoreSchnucks Springboard seeks third cohort to participate in emerging business accelerator
Those chosen will receive education, resources and access to Schnucks customers Schnuck Markets Inc. is seeking its third cohort of emerging suppliers to participate in the Schnucks Springboard accelerator program. To apply, Midwest business owners should visit schnucks.com/springboard before April 25, 2026. To qualify, owners must: Have annual consumer product goods (CPG) revenue of less…
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