Area News
Budzinski launches 2025 Congressional Art Competition for high schoolers
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) recently announced the start of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. Submissions are due by Friday, April 11, 2025. The winning submission will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year alongside artwork from congressional districts across the country. Any…
Read MoreSIUE Construction Leadership Institute announces 2025 graduates
The Construction Leadership Institute (CLI) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville celebrated 48 graduates of its program Friday, March 7 as a part of the CLI Graduation celebration. Developed by the SIUE Schools of Business and Engineering, the CLI provides the knowledge, skills and strategies that individuals and companies need in today’s challenging construction industry. Program…
Read MoreSIUC’s Big Muddy Film Festival returns in 2025 with 85 films
The longstanding Big Muddy Film Festival returns to Southern Illinois University Carbondale and will showcase some of the finest works of independent filmmakers and students. The 46th festival runs Thursday through Saturday, March 27-29, at The Varsity Center, 418 S. Illinois Ave. The free, public event remains one of the nation’s oldest film festivals…
Read MorePurchase a T-shirt and help keep Alton beautiful
Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau launches program to raise funds for Pride Inc.’s Downtown Alton beautification work Support beautification efforts in downtown Alton with the purchase of a new T-shirt available for sale now at the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St., Alton. The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau created a new T-shirt…
Read MoreBelt works to expand access to blue-collar job training programs in Metro East
State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to expand career and technical education programs to support regional manufacturing. “A lot of kids grow up thinking that college is the only option to be successful, and while a four-year degree is great, there are plenty of high-paying jobs in the manufacturing industry that young people may…
Read MoreBost announces 2025 Congressional Art Competition
U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-IL-12) invites high school students from Illinois’ 12th Congressional District to participate in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Initiated by Congress in 1982, the nationwide annual art competition allows high school students from all 50 states to showcase their artistic ability. “Every spring, I enjoy seeing the artwork that our talented Southern…
Read MoreL&C Career Services to host annual job fair on April 2
Lewis and Clark Community College will connect students, graduates and community members with employers throughout the region during its annual Job Fair, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The fair is open to the public and will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in The Commons on the Godfrey Campus. The event is free for…
Read MoreCell phone ban legislation clears Senate committee
Advocates say bans are shown to improve school climate By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Legislation that would prohibit public school students from using cell phones and other wireless communication devices during class time cleared a Senate committee Tuesday and could soon be considered by the full Senate. It’s a policy change…
Read MoreBudzinski reintroduces bipartisan Tools Tax Deduction Act
On March 18, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) reintroduced the bipartisan Tools Tax Deduction Act to allow apprenticeship employees and construction workers to write off the expense of the tools and equipment required for their profession. Similar tax deductions have been implemented in Canada to ease costs for those entering apprenticeship…
Read MoreSoCal Soul Plants & Gifts celebrates one-year anniversary with weekend-long celebration
SoCal Soul Plants & Gifts, a thriving plant shop and community hub in downtown Edwardsville, is celebrating its one-year anniversary March 22 and 23 with an exciting weekend of giveaways, discounts, and plant-themed fun. Since opening its doors in March 2024, the shop has blossomed into a beloved destination, offering not only a stunning selection…
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