Area News
IDOL publishes 2025 prevailing wage rates across Illinois
Annual update reinforces commitment to fair wages and a competitive construction industry The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has released the 2025 prevailing wage rates for construction trades for all counties in the State. The updated rates, which took effect Tuesday, July 15, 2025, are the result of IDOL’s annual statewide survey conducted under the…
Read MoreIllinois bet on solar to meet its climate goals. Trump has the industry in his crosshairs.
Advocates push state to expand renewables incentives By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Congress’ latest budget package slashed federal tax incentives for solar developments. Industry insiders said the latest federal policies create “a lot of uncertainty.” Illinois facilitates significant funding for the renewables industry, particularly for solar, which provides some insulation against…
Read MoreFourth annual Back-to-School event to give free school supplies to first 500 students
OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center to host event at Alton Square Mall from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon on Saturday, Aug. 2 Organizers for the 4th annual OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center Back-to-School Celebration from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon on Saturday, Aug. 2, are expecting a crowd of at least 800 for this…
Read MoreBESt Healthcare high school students spend Dentistry Day at SIU SDM
On Thursday, July 10, the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) students, faculty, staff and administrators hosted a Dentistry Day for student participants in the BESt Healthcare Institute 2025 Summer Program. The Institute, a four-week summer intensive for area high school students interested in healthcare careers, is a collaboration between Barnes-Jewish Hospital,…
Read MoreMadison County Regional Superintendent announces 2025 Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship recipients
The Madison County Regional Office of Education recently hosted a ceremony to recognize the recipients of the first-ever Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship for Madison County Students. Ten students from across Madison County were selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship based upon their applications that detailed their high school careers and future plans. The winners…
Read MoreAmeren Illinois powers one of the largest electric school bus deployments in state with East St. Louis launch
25 electric buses to serve District 189 with support from Ameren Illinois, Highland Electric Fleets, and U.S. EPA Clean School Bus Program Ameren Illinois, in partnership with East St. Louis School District 189, Highland Electric Fleets, North American Central School Bus and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program, celebrated the official…
Read More‘Big energy, big turnout:’ Madison County Democrats kick off 2026 election season
The Democratic Party of Madison County hosted a meet-and-greet last Tuesday night, July 8, that drew more than 20 potential and declared candidates for the 2026 election. The event, held at the American Legion in Collinsville, was part informational meeting, part community-building session, designed to help local leaders get ready to run. Attendees included…
Read MoreEvolution Festival to benefit United Way of Greater STL for disaster relief
As St. Louis continues to recover from the May 16, 2025, severe storms and tornadoes, two local organizations — Evolution Festival and the United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) — have partnered to provide further relief for those in urgent need. This year, proceeds from all ticket, concession, merchandise and parking sales at Evolution…
Read MoreTroy area chamber seeks fall college interns
The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce is seeking fall chamber college interns. Students who apply should be a junior or senior in college and enrolled in mass communication, social media, video, public relations, business, marketing or office management. The chamber is seeking students who can work independently, pay attention to detail, are reliable and are…
Read MoreTrump’s ‘big bill’ takes center stage in Illinois’ U.S. Senate race
Democratic candidates want Illinoisans to ‘understand the ripple effects’ of cuts By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois Article Summary The three Democrats running for Illinois’ open Senate seat voiced concerns about the new domestic policy plan at events around Illinois. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton discussed how SNAP cuts will affect Illinois at an event in…
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