Area News
DOL study: Apprenticeships expand living wage access for millions of U.S. workers
Participants in union-affiliated programs see biggest gains Courtesy of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute: A new study commissioned by the United States Department of Labor has revealed that registered apprenticeship programs—career training alternatives to college in which enrollment has doubled over the past decade—dramatically increases the ability of participants to afford basic needs in their…
Read MoreIllinois soybean farmers achieve record-breaking 2024 harvest
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) recently announced that Illinois farmers had set a new soybean production record. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Illinois farmers produced 688 million bushels of soybeans in 2024, surpassing the state’s previous record of 666.75 million bushels, set in 2018.…
Read MoreFirst Mid Bank & Trust changes local lives with housing grants
First Mid partners with Habitat for Humanity, regional planning group First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) recently helped distribute millions of dollars to those in need throughout the community, allowing people in the region to make vital repairs to their homes along with providing safe, decent, and affordable housing for neighbors in need. First Mid received grant…
Read MoreThe Edwardsville Arts Center announced third annual ‘ARTini’ Cocktail Competition
This year’s competition is being presented by Breakthru Beverage The Edwardsville Arts Center (EAC) recently announced details of this year’s ARTini Cocktail Competition, to be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the N.O. Nelson’s Leclaire Room. Presented by Breakthru Beverage, the ARTini Cocktail Competition is “an exhilarating event that…
Read MoreHoffman tours Mascoutah Boeing facility, highlights local job creator
State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, recently visited Boeing’s Mascoutah facility where he viewed firsthand the aircraft company’s efforts to ramp up production of the MQ-25 Stingray – an aerial refueling drone developed for the U.S. Navy. “After years of investment and hard work, it’s exciting to see this facility ready to meet production demands,”…
Read MoreFeb. 12 ‘Lunch & Learn’ to provide insights into Medications for Addiction Treatment therapy
Informative session on how medication can assist in recovery when other options haven’t been successful According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, abundant evidence shows that medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone all reduce opioid use and opioid use disorder-related symptoms, and they reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission as well as…
Read MoreTargeting the C-suite, Troy area chamber introduces latest member perk
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE IBJ Managing Editor [email protected] There’s a new perk to membership in the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce starting in 2025, and if you’re a CEO or C-suite executive, then your newest membership benefit awaits. “The Executive Exchange is exclusive to C-suite members only, not their delegates,” explains the chamber’s Dawn…
Read MoreFitch affirms top AAA rating to Illinois funds
$10 billion local government investment pool complements local banking relationships The Illinois Funds, a mutual fund investment used by local governments through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, has earned the top AAA rating from Fitch Ratings, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced. The Illinois Funds rating reaffirms the confidence Fitch and other ratings agencies have…
Read MoreU.S. Attorney’s Office honors law enforcement personnel for exceptional public service
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe announced the recipients of the 2024 Law Enforcement Public Service Awards on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Honorees were selected based on their contributions to successful prosecutions in the Southern District of Illinois. “In 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged 248 criminal cases, which is nearly a…
Read MoreL&C to host annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Jan. 30
Lewis and Clark Community College will honor Martin Luther King, Jr. during its annual MLK Commemoration event at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, in The Commons on the college’s Godfrey Campus. This free public event will honor King’s civil rights work by showcasing select signature speeches performed by Lewis and Clark students, live music by…
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