Area News
St. Clair County/Belleville: Temporary closure of North Belt West at Ruth Street
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that rehabilitation of a crossing by Norfolk Southern railroad on North Belt West between Ruth Street and West Washington Street in St. Clair County will require a full closure beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Oct. 20. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the…
Read MoreIDHS: SNAP benefits cutoff on Nov. 1 if federal government shutdown continues
1.9 million Illinoisans will lose food assistance on November 1 if the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans do not reopen federal government Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have informed all states that it will not fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the federal government shutdown, now in its…
Read MoreMadison County honors 4-H youth, mental health advocates
Madison County officials celebrated leadership, learning, and legacy on Wednesday, Oct. 15, as they recognized local 4-H members and presented the 2025 Nick Petrillo Champions of Mental Health Scholarships. Chairman Chris Slusser began the meeting by presenting a proclamation to Meghan Cope, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator with the University of Illinois Extension. Slusser…
Read MoreGovernor commends Stellantis on new Illinois investment, creating thousands of jobs
On Oct. 14, 2025, Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement after Stellantis announced a $613 million capital investment in their Belvidere plant, which will create 3,300 jobs in Illinois. The investment will support two new vehicle lines, including the Jeep Compass and the Jeep Cherokee. “Today’s announcement from Stellantis is a major…
Read MoreState Senator Erica Harriss to host first annual First Responders Appreciation Event
State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) extends a warm invitation to Metro East first responders to join her first annual First Responders Appreciation Event from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at her Edwardsville district office, 120 N. Main Street, Suite 1B. “This event is all about saying thank you to…
Read MoreUnion files unfair labor practices charge again Boeing, company responds
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] On Oct. 16, 2025, Reuters reported that the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which represents more than 3,200 union employees currently on strike at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis region, had filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations…
Read MoreGov. Pritzker unveils zero-emission locomotives manufactured in Minooka
Illinois continues to strengthen clean manufacturing industry across the state On Oct. 15, 2025, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined Innovative Rail Technologies (IRT) and Motive Power Resources, Inc. (MPR) to celebrate the commissioning of their latest zero-emission, battery electric locomotive. Bolstered by a Reimagining Energy and…
Read MoreEdwardsville, LCCC and ECF team up on new all-abilities playground
A new all-abilities playground will be constructed in the heart of Edwardsville, providing inclusive recreational options for all to enjoy. It will be built on Lewis & Clark Community College’s N.O. Nelson campus, fulfilling a goal shared by the city, the college and the Edwardsville Community Foundation to ensure accessible play areas are within reach…
Read MoreRecord attendance expected at 25th annual Metro Construction Career Expo Oct. 21–23
More than 1,200 students from 37 schools to explore “Earn While You Learn” apprenticeships as debt-free alternatives to college The 25th annual Metro Construction Career Expo will be held Oct. 21–23, 2025, at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, 200 South Belt East, Belleville, Ill. This year’s event will welcome a record number of students, more than 1,200…
Read MoreLocal expert says it’s time to bring in houseplants for the season
Joe’s Market Basket offers advice on how to care for plants in winter After a scorching summer, a much-needed cool down for the St. Louis region is on the way. Houseplants that thrived outside during the spring and summer need to be brought indoors as cooler temperatures quickly approach. Joe’s Market Basket General Manager Andy…
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