Area News
Gun rights groups ask U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Cook County assault weapons ban
Case seeks to overturn recent ruling by 7th Circuit Court of Appeals By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois Article Summary The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals declined to overturn Cook County’s assault weapons ban in June. Two gun rights groups are appealing that decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. They hope the court rules in…
Read MoreHundreds of police departments use camera company accused of breaking state law
Giannoulias alleges Flock Safety improperly shared data with federal border officials By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias alleged that Flock Safety, a police tech company, illegally shared data with federal border enforcement. This escalates an ongoing conflict between Giannoulias and the agency. Flock officials admit they didn’t create…
Read MoreGovernor announces record-breaking tourism achievements in 2024
Investments in Illinois’ tourism industry drive growth, bolster economic development Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Office of Tourism recently announced that Illinois welcomed 113 million domestic and international visitors who spent a record $48.5 billion in 2024 – an increase of 500,000 visitors and $1.3 billion in…
Read MoreSenator Harriss, Representative Elik release joint statement on Bethalto area water concerns
On Aug. 28, 2025, state Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) and State Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) released the following joint statement regarding Bethalto area water concerns: “Since learning of the brown water concerns in Bethalto, we have met with the Village of Bethalto and other local officials, contacted the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and…
Read MoreLocal laborers celebrate Labor Day with parade, picnic, Laborers’ Bill of Rights unveiling
Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Locals 338 and 218, along with the Downstate Illinois District Council, celebrated Labor Day a week early on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, with a parade through Wood River, followed by a family picnic at Gordon Moore Park in Alton, Ill. The event, attended by hundreds of LIUNA members…
Read MoreSt. Clair County’s Salvation Army needs help rebuilding after multiple break-ins
The Salvation Army of St. Clair County has experienced 13 break-ins at its East St. Louis property over the past several months, most recently forcing them to close their food pantry. These incidents have resulted in more than 15 shattered windows, several broken doors and trashed rooms. In order to restore much-needed social services to…
Read MoreContegra Construction completes 120,000 SF expansion for Elite Tool
New advanced manufacturing facility to create 30 new jobs A hidden business gem in Moscow Mills, Mo., is expanding with a new advanced manufacturing facility completed by Contegra Construction. Elite Tool, an established lean contract manufacturer for the aerospace, commercial and defense industries, has moved into a new 120,000-square-foot facility. It replaces the firm’s 70,000-square-foot manufacturing…
Read MoreE4 supports Alton Steel’s renewable energy transition through community solar enrollment
E4, a leading energy and sustainability consulting firm, has partnered with Alton Steel to implement a Community Solar solution that reduces costs while supporting the company’s long-term energy and sustainability goals. As a major steel producer operating a 200-ton electric arc furnace and a 14-inch bar mill in Alton, Ill., Alton Steel plays a key…
Read MoreHoffman-sponsored legislation creating fairer pay standards for construction projects signed into law
Hoffman joins governor, lieutenant governor, others on Aug. 14 for signing Workers on public works projects will earn competitive wages under a new law sponsored by state Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) ensuring workers on federally-funded, state-contracted, construction projects are paid fairly and transparently. “Workers deserve to be paid fairly and in a transparent way, but…
Read MoreSIU Carbondale accepting honorary degree/service award nominations
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is now accepting nominations for honorary degrees and distinguished service awards that will be presented at May 2026 commencement ceremonies. The nomination deadline is Oct. 15. Nominations are also open to the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. The nominating committee, comprising faculty and university constituency members, will submit award recommendations…
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