Area News
From AISWCD: Second year of budget cuts threatens conservation districts’ futures
The Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) is sounding the alarm as the FY26 Illinois state budget continues to underfund the state’s 97 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). For the second consecutive year, SWCDs will receive only $4.5 million — nearly a 50 percent reduction from FY24 levels and below what…
Read MoreDebut book from local Don Mathenia celebrates his life and creative work
GRAFTON, IL — Don Mathenia, an artist whose life has been defined by the pursuit of beauty, meaning, and honest expression, announces the release of his debut book, Love and Blood in the Heartland: A Life in Words, Lyrics and Design – The Work of Don Mathenia. This collection offers readers a rare glimpse into…
Read MoreMooneyham Art presents ‘Bold. Brave. Beautiful.’; opening July 5
Mooneyham Art, a venue within the Riverbend area’s creative community, presents “Bold. Brave. Beautiful.” This is an art exhibition featuring the works of acclaimed local photographer Marty McKay along with heirloom and couture jewelry by David Bailey. The artists’ reception and show opening will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on July 5 at…
Read MoreBudzinski introduces bill to address Veterans Health Administration staffing shortages
The Health Professionals Scholarship Program Improvement Act would streamline the path for graduates to start full-time work at the Veterans Health Administration WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday, June 9, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) introduced the bipartisan Health Professionals Scholarship Program Improvement Act. This legislation would address staffing shortages at…
Read MoreSentio BioSciences expanding in Maryland Heights, investing over $10.6M, creating 58 new jobs
Sentio BioSciences, a vertically integrated pharmaceutical manufacturer for new and generic drugs, has announced that it will expand in Maryland Heights, investing more than $10.6 million and creating 58 new jobs. The company’s expansion will increase its capacity for the domestic manufacturing of generic medicines, including key starting materials, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), and drug…
Read MoreAnderson Hospital Foundation sees ‘great turnout’ at recent golf tourney
The 28th annual Anderson Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament was recently held on May 12 at the Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville. The event featured eighteen holes of golf and included several contests, such as the Men’s and Women’s Longest Drive and Men’s and Women’s Closest to the Pin, Buy A Drive Contest, and a Putting…
Read MoreJoe’s Market Basket celebrates National Perennial Month with advice for gardeners
Gardeners work hard to keep their yards looking great, and nothing is better than seeing a flower they planted in previous years return in full bloom for the new season. June is National Perennial Month, and Joe’s Market Basket is educating gardeners in St. Louis and the Metro East about what perennials grow best in…
Read MoreIllinois College of Emergency Physicians urge legislative action following Evanston Hospital shooting
The Illinois College of Emergency Physicians (ICEP) calls on lawmakers to take urgent action following a shooting on June 5, 2025, at Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital’s Emergency Department, where two staff members were injured—one of them shot inside the ED. This violent incident underscores the escalating crisis of workplace violence in healthcare settings and the…
Read MoreEconomist: Rural economy softening, but not like 1980s
By DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index shows economic conditions are certainly tightening across America’s Heartland. But the downturn so far has not reached anywhere near what was experienced during the infamous 1980s farm crisis, according to Ernie Goss, chair in regional economics at Creighton’s Heider College of Business. “Farmers have been…
Read MoreIMPACT Strategies relocates its St. Louis office
IMPACT Strategies Inc. recently announced the opening of its relocated office in Clayton, Mo. This strategic expansion not only solidifies the firm’s commitment to serving its clients in the region but also supports its planned growth trajectory over the next several years. The new office, located at 121 Hunter Avenue, will enable IMPACT Strategies to…
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