Area News
Governor awards more than $19M through Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Includes $550,000 for Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have awarded more than $19 million in funding to 38 program recipients serving 1,900 community members statewide to expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates…
Read MoreFreightWeekSTL set for June 2–6
Eighth annual hybrid conference features innovations and investments impacting global freight movement Registration is now open for FreightWeekSTL 2025, set for June 2 through 6, 2025. The St. Louis Regional Freightway is hosting the conference for the eighth consecutive year. The week-long freight and logistics event features panel sessions, interviews, a riverboat tour through the…
Read MoreKaskaskia College announces four percent growth in credit hour enrollment
To kick off Community College Month in April, Kaskaskia College recently announced that its enrollment has grown four percent overall in total credit hours so far from the 2023-24 to 2024-25 school year. KC wants to celebrate Community College Month by highlighting the community partners that are changing the lives of students in the area…
Read MoreMEPRD funding leverages $10.65M in park, trail projects across Madison, St. Clair counties
Nineteen projects were awarded under MEPRD’s Park and Trail Grant Program, this cycle, which will help fund significant trail development and park enhancements through the Metro East region, representing a $10.65 million total investment in the area’s recreational infrastructure. The Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) recently announced the successful conclusion of its FY…
Read MoreHomeschool bill stalls in Illinois House, but sponsor says it’s still alive
The bill’s future is uncertain as it draws fierce opposition from homeschool families, a threat against its sponsor prompting a police investigation and shaky support from Democrats. By MOLLY PARKER and BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois [email protected] A bill that would tighten homeschooling regulations in Illinois missed a key deadline on Friday. But its sponsor,…
Read MoreGlen Carbon’s Gateway Urgent Care to permanently close in May
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE IBJ Managing Editor [email protected] An announcement from Gateway Regional Medical Center was made recently indicating that its Gateway Urgent Care facility located in Glen Carbon at 4273 State Route 159 would close permanently in May. The clinic will permanently close at the end of business on May 14, 2025. All medical…
Read MoreHRIF closes on New Markets Tax Credits for Alton Steel
$4 million loan will help grow job opportunities in Alton, Ill. Heartland Regional Investment Fund, LLC (HRIF), a subsidiary of St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership), has closed on $4 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) for Alton Steel Inc. (ASI), in Alton, Ill., one of the largest manufacturers in the region. The…
Read MoreMetro East Humane Society raises $37,242 during recent ‘Shelter Slumber Pawty’
Local participation contributed to record-breaking $1M national effort for pets in need Metro East Humane Society (MEHS) recently joined 53 shelters across the United States — and three international shelters in Tanzania, Brazil, and South Africa — for the 2025 Shelter Slumber Pawty held during the first weekend of April. This annual overnight event brings…
Read MoreBCI announces new summer camp for Illinois students with disabilities
Boone Center Inc. (BCI)—an organization that empowers people with disabilities through employment opportunities—is currently accepting applications for a free, four-week summer camp. The experience is designed for high school students with disabilities interested in manufacturing and warehousing and will be held at World Wide Technology’s North American Integration Center in Edwardsville. The camp will run…
Read MoreApril 24 ‘One Day, One SIUE’ to feature celebration, community impact, student-centered giving
SIUE will host its fourth annual “One Day, One SIUE” celebration on Thursday, April 24. The event, which combines the University’s day of giving with a vibrant outdoor celebration, will take place on the Stratton Quadrangle and feature music from the Red Jackets Band, a BBQ buffet, and an INDYCAR showcase presented by World Wide…
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