Area News
First Mid Bank & Trust highlights opportunities in shifting economic climate
With declining interest rates and household budgets tightening, First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) is encouraging homeowners to take a closer look at the advantages of home equity loans and lines of credit and the various ways those funding streams can be used. Whether planning a home renovation, paying college tuition, consolidating debt, or preparing…
Read MoreSenator Erica Harriss to launch annual ‘Share the Warmth Drive’ on Nov. 3
To help ensure families throughout the 56th District stay warm this winter, State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) is launching her Share the Warmth Drive beginning Nov. 3, 2025. From Nov. 3 through Dec. 3, Senator Harriss’s office will collect new hats, gloves, socks, hand warmers, and protective lip balm to donate to Riverbend Family…
Read MoreSchnucks announces drive to help food banks, pantries as SNAP benefits freeze nears
Customers are urged to donate non-perishables items on their next trip to Schnucks Starting today and continuing through Tuesday, Nov. 11, Schnuck Markets Inc. is hosting a food drive at all 113 stores to support local food banks and pantries as demand grows due to SNAP benefits being paused because of the ongoing federal government…
Read MoreGov. Pritzker signs Executive Order to bolster food assistance for Illinoisans
State launches coordinated response, invests $20M in food banks in response to Trump Administration halting SNAP benefits Today, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2025-08 to direct $20 million towards food banks and to mitigate the harmful policies and actions taken by the Trump Administration. Governor Pritzker’s order launches a statewide strategy to respond…
Read MoreFinance Committee reviews Madison County 2026 budget: 10th year without property tax increase
Madison County is on track to keep property taxes steady for the 10th consecutive year as officials reviewed the proposed $180 million Fiscal Year 2026 budget and real estate tax levy on Wednesday. The Finance and Government Operations Committee discussed the budget proposal during its Oct. 28 meeting. The full County Board will vote on…
Read MoreHouse passes energy bill amid debate over costs to consumers
Proponents say energy storage, efficiency programs will save money, critics wary of claims By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois Article Summary House lawmakers passed a sweeping energy reform bill along party lines Wednesday evening. The bill would create new incentives for energy storage, allow construction of new nuclear power plants and give regulators expanded authority…
Read MoreLawmakers advance bill allowing public officials to conceal personal information
The move comes amid a rise in threats and harassment against those in elected office By BRENDEN MOORE Capitol News Illinois Article Summary New legislation would allow state lawmakers, constitutional officers and state’s attorneys, among others, to request that their personal information be redacted on public websites. Public officials would be able to use their…
Read MoreSchnucks customers ‘Round Up’ more than $108K for United Way
One hundred percent of round ups will support United Way chapters in the communities in which they were donated Schnuck Markets Inc. has announced that, in total, Schnucks customers donated $108,264 to support United Way as part of the company’s September 17 – 30 Round Up at the Register campaign at all Schnucks locations throughout…
Read MoreHSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation to host annual Elizabethan Gala on Nov. 7
Reservations for individuals and tables of eight still available HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation is hosting its annual Elizabethan Gala on Friday, Nov. 7. The event features a cocktail reception, followed by dinner, a short program and live entertainment by Howl at the Moon dueling pianos. During the program, the St. Elizabeth’s Foundation will honor the…
Read MoreMobile app adds comprehensive navigation, enhancing OSF Saint Anthony’s patient experience
‘My OSF’ wayfinding feature provides step-by-step instructions making it easier for patients and visitors to navigate OSF HealthCare is making it easier than ever for patients and visitors to navigate OSF saint Anthony’s Health Center with the introduction of step-by-step directions in the My OSF mobile app. The feature provides patients and visitors with driving…
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