Area News
2026 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…
Read MoreThe save no one saw: Quiet alert helped prevent dangerous situation in Witt
By BRIAN BRETSCH Ameren Illinois We all know what a tremendous save looks like in sports — a diving catch, a last-second block, a play that changes everything. But what does a tremendous save look like in natural gas safety? In Witt, Illinois, it started with a quiet alert from advanced metering technology and…
Read MoreAlton Memorial Day Parade to include Commemorative Air Force flyover
The Alton Memorial Day Parade Committee of the East End Improvement Association, along with the Alton Area Optimist Club and the RiverBend Growth Association, recently announced that a flyover by the Commemorative Air Force will take place during this year’s Alton Memorial Day Parade, beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25. The Commemorative Air…
Read MoreSenator Harriss launches student art contest honoring America’s 250th birthday
State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) is inviting students across the 56th Senate District to participate in her district-wide art contest celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The contest is open to students in 1st through 8th grade and encourages young artists to showcase their creativity while reflecting on what makes…
Read MoreBelt helps secure neighborhood infrastructure funding in Belleville
State Senator Christopher Belt recently announced Belleville will receive a total of $250,000 through Illinois’ Safe Routes to School program to improve pedestrian safety and expand opportunities for children and families to safely walk and bike in their community. “Keeping children safe on their way to school should always be a top priority,” said Belt…
Read MoreFairmount Park ups the ante: $3M investment in live table games
Fairmount Park adds new options to casino floor Fairmount Park Casino & Racing recently invested nearly $3 million and hired 35 new employees to introduce live table games to its casino, marking another major expansion for Illinois’ only “racino,” a venue that combines live horse racing and casino gaming under one roof. When Fairmount…
Read MoreSenators Harriss, Tracy help residents recover nearly $100K at recent ICASH event
State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) and State Senator Jil Tracy (R-50th-Quincy) helped connect Metro East residents with thousands of dollars in missing money during an ICASH event held Monday, May 11, 2026, in Alton, including one individual who discovered $94,000 in unclaimed property. “Helping residents recover money that rightfully belongs to them is one…
Read MoreSIU’s Sharp Museum seeking cryptid-themed art for juried exhibition
Whether it’s Bigfoot, the Big Muddy Monster, creatures from the watery deep among urban legends, Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Sharp Museum wants all artists to put their best work on display in celebrating hidden or unknown animals and creatures. “Spooks or Spoofs,” a national juried cryptid-themed exhibition will run Aug. 11 through Dec. 21 in the museum.…
Read MoreCaritas Family Solutions launches Specialized Foster Care program
Program helps train foster parents on how to care for children with complex needs According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly half of new foster families quit within their first year, often due to burnout, lack of support and not enough training. That kind of turnover makes it even harder for…
Read MoreSIUE expands accessible navigation with NaviLens technology
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has expanded accessibility through the implementation of NaviLens, a smartphone-based wayfinding system designed to support blind and low vision individuals with independent navigation in indoor and outdoor spaces. This initiative is led by the Office for Accessible Campus Community & Equitable Student Support (ACCESS), SIUE’s accommodation services office. The technology uses high-density…
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