From IDOT: IL-157, 162 intersection full closure delayed until March 16
Due to expected inclement weather, the full closure of the Illinois 157 and Illinois 162 intersection originally scheduled for Feb. 26, 2026, has been postponed to Monday, March 16. As previously announced, traffic will not be permitted on Illinois 157 and Illinois 162 at the intersection during the closure. Both eastbound and westbound Illinois 162…
Read MoreSIUC to host viewing party for March 3 total lunar eclipse
Can’t sleep? Up early? You’ll be ready for the total lunar eclipse observation at Southern Illinois University Carbondale at 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3. The live view is at the SIU University Farms Astronomy Observation Area, 2 miles west of the main campus. Can’t make it? The SIU Astrophotography Team will livestream the celestial event. The livestream…
Read More100th Aquablation procedure performed at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s, marking advanced prostate care milestone
HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital recently announced the completion of its 100th Aquablation therapy procedure, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of minimally invasive urologic care in the region. Introduced locally in 2023, Aquablation therapy is an advanced, robotic treatment for men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.…
Read MoreAMICSTL, Project MFG host 2026 Additive Manufacturing Competition
Triad High School, Freeburg High School and Althoff Catholic High School advance to compete in national championship On Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center St. Louis (AMICSTL) partnered with Project MFG to host a regional Additive Manufacturing Competition bringing together 12 high school teams from across the St. Louis region. Held at…
Read MoreLiberty Bank announces Jared Siebert as market president
Liberty Bank, a United Community Bank, recently announced the promotion of Jared Siebert to market president. Siebert has been with Liberty Bank for five years, most recently serving as vice president of Commercial Lending. In his new role, Siebert leads and supports the Liberty Bank team while overseeing market strategy and growth. His emphasis is…
Read MoreIllinois American Water invests more than $280M in 2025 statewide infrastructure upgrades
Illinois American Water invested more than $280 million in upgrades and improvements to water and wastewater systems in 2025 throughout its service area across Illinois, “demonstrating its ongoing commitment to high-quality service,” an official announcement noted. “Delivering safe, clean and reliable water and wastewater service requires consistent, proactive investment in our systems,” said Rebecca Losli,…
Read MoreManufacturers, business groups, organized labor ask to ICC halt natural gas phase-out
Looming energy shortage highlights importance of natural gas; eliminating key generation source would harm economic investment, community well-being The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and a coalition of nearly two dozen businesses and labor groups including the International Union of Operating Engineers filed a petition on Feb. 24, 2026, with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) seeking…
Read MoreFirst Mid Bank & Trust recognizes Metro East IL top mortgage producers
Local lenders recognized for strong mortgage production, commitment to customer service First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) recently recognized its top mortgage producers in its Metro Region for 2025. Through strong relationships, extensive market knowledge, and a customer-first mindset, these lenders helped individuals and families across the region achieve homeownership. Throughout the Metro…
Read More2025 was a year of celebration, recognition, distinction for OSF Saint Anthony’s
Marked by 100-year legacy, recognizing environmental stewardship, and multiple awards for clinical excellence Even though 2025 is fading in the rearview mirror, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center is still beaming with pride and humility in comprehending the milestones and benchmarks that the previous calendar year brought to its health care Ministry in the Riverbend…
Read MoreIRMA launches Illinois’ first retail apprenticeship program
The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) has announced the launch of the Illinois Retail Leaders Apprenticeship Program, which provides retail education, real-world training, and industry exposure to aspiring retailers. The first program of its kind in the state of Illinois, the curriculum is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the evolving retail industry,…
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