Area News
SIUE launches early advising initiative for incoming students
A new advising initiative at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is already making a strong impact on incoming students before they have even arrived on campus. In its first semester, SIUE START (Students Taking Action for Registration and Transition) successfully partnered with ten local high schools and provided advising, testing and registration support to 280 students.…
Read MoreO’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce hosts 2026 National Civics Bee® regional competition
Top three winners to compete at state-level competition this summer The O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with local educators, recently hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee® Regional Competition at The Hett at McKendree University, bringing together some of the area’s brightest middle school students for an evening focused on civic knowledge, community engagement, and…
Read MoreSimmons Hanly Conroy marks 15 years as ADAO’s longest-running sponsor
For the 15th consecutive year, Simmons Hanly Conroy has renewed its platinum sponsorship of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), reaffirming a partnership that has made the firm the nonprofit’s longest-running corporate supporter. Simmons Hanly Conroy is widely recognized as one of the nation’s largest mass torts firms and a leader in the legal representation…
Read MoreRBGA recognizes King Air Conditioning & Heating for small business excellence
As it continues its every-other-month cycle of recognizing excellence proven by its member small businesses, the RiverBend Growth Association has chosen its May 2026 shoutout. King Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. of Godfrey has been chosen for May’s Small Business Excellence recognition by the RBGA. Owned by Mike and Karen Edwards for the past…
Read MoreSIUC’s Archaeology Field School seeks insight into one of Illinois’ earliest Black communities
A Southern Illinois University Carbondale student archaeology team is spending six weeks unearthing research to help tell the story of what is believed to be the oldest continually inhabited Black community in Illinois. For Brendan Jennings, it’s an “incredible opportunity” not only for descendants of the unincorporated Lakeview community in Saline County, but also…
Read MoreMISO selects consortium to deliver major grid-bolstering projects in Illinois
The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) has selected a consortium of Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois (ATXI), a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE); GridLiance Heartland LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Transmission LLC; Dairyland Power Cooperative; and the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) to develop, build, operate and maintain two major transmission projects. ATXI…
Read MoreLC offers real estate classes this summer semester
Lewis and Clark Community College is meeting the changes and challenges in the growing real estate field by offering classes to help individuals enter that career field as brokers. An individual must pass a total of 75 hours of instruction to take the Real Estate Broker’s licensure exam. Lewis and Clark is offering three different…
Read MoreConservation leader warns state cannot afford to ignore soil, water funding crisis
As Illinois lawmakers enter the final weeks of budget negotiations before the May 31 deadline, southern Illinois conservation leader Dale Shumaker is urging state leaders to reach a bipartisan solution that fully supports Illinois’ Soil and Water Conservation Districts before more local conservation capacity is lost. Shumaker, president of the Association of Illinois Soil &…
Read MoreEdwardsville to host summer event series to celebrate America’s 250th birthday
The City of Edwardsville will take a weeklong trek through history this summer to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Thanks to the collaboration of community groups, Edwardsville’s America 250 celebration will feature a fun and patriotic series of musical performances; a movie; historical reenactors; an all-ages parade in City Park; creative,…
Read More2026 Infrastructure Week: Illinois American Water highlights $290M of expected investments
In recognition of Infrastructure Week, Illinois American Water recently announced its continued commitment to strengthening water and wastewater infrastructure across the state, with significant planned investments in 2026 totaling approximately $290 million to support safe, clean, reliable and affordable service for customers. Illinois American Water plans to invest approximately $570 million through 2027 focused on…
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