Area News
Worried about grid reliability, state officials seek to boost renewables, energy storage
Lawmakers and advocates rush to avert a crisis as prices and demand spike By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois When you flip the switch, the lights come on. But in Illinois, after years of sweeping reforms to the energy industry and growing demand for electricity, that premise is coming into question. Several experts – including…
Read MoreCFIUS defers decision on U. S. Steel acquisition by Japan’s Nippon to President
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE IBJ Managing Editor [email protected] The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States was unable to reach a consensus regarding the pending acquisition of U. S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel. On Dec. 23, it had been referred to President Joe Biden for further action, within the next 15 days. In response,…
Read MoreStart the new year with a First Day Hike at an Illinois state park
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites outdoor lovers to start 2025 out right with a First Day Hike at an Illinois state park on Jan. 1. IDNR is hosting self-guided hikes at 15 state parks across Illinois on New Year’s Day. These free, family-friendly hikes are available to the public. “There’s no better…
Read MoreState lawmakers consider Tier 2 pension changes as new session approaches
Public employee unions seeking changes to Tier 2 retirement system By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Changes that would make Illinois pension systems compliant with Social Security by improving benefits for government employees hired since 2011 could be on the table when lawmakers return to Springfield in January. The General Assembly passed…
Read MoreMadison County’s Agency for Community Transit declared a public body
After a five-year process, the Illinois Attorney General recently determined that the Agency for Community Transit (ACT) is a public body subject to the Open Meetings Act (OMA). The ruling comes in response to a complaint filed in December 2019 by Robert E. Dorman, one of the founders of the Madison County Public Corruption Task…
Read MoreFrom IPI: Leaving kids home alone at Christmas could still land you on ‘naughty list’
By PATRICK ANDRIESEN Illinois Policy Institute Illinois no longer has the highest home alone age in the nation, but it might not be the Christmas gift parents were hoping for. Illinoisans should still get a sitter or risk coming under investigation. Leaving your kids home alone this Christmas to stop by the neighbors’ for eggnog…
Read MoreVintage Voices has ‘an awesome turnout;’ donates $4,000 to area organizations
Once again, Alton’s Vintage Voices has surpassed previous attendance records with 671 guests in 2024, a testament to its ever-increasing community support and growing popularity. “We are very grateful for the community’s support of this October tradition,” said Committee Chair Jody Basola. “The unique experience of costumed actors portraying historical characters in the picturesque…
Read MoreSchlafly Beer celebrates 33rd anniversary at each brewpub on Dec. 26
St. Louis’ original independent craft brewery celebrates with 1991 $3 beer pricing, more at all four brewpub locations, including Highland, Ill. location Schlafly Beer, the original independent craft brewery in St. Louis, toasts to its 33rd anniversary with food and beer specials at each brewpub location including the beloved tradition of 1991 beer pricing, $3…
Read MoreNew $820M sustainable aviation fuel investment in southwest Illinois announced
Avina Clean Hydrogen selects Illinois for new multi-million dollar investment, creates 150 new full-time jobs Governor JB Pritzker, Avina Clean Hydrogen, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently announced the selection of southwest Illinois as the location for Avina Clean Hydrogen’s $820 million investment for a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project. …
Read MoreVillage of Glen Carbon to receive $600K state grant for local park development
Village receives Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant for developing public parks, outdoor recreational space The Village of Glen Carbon recently announced that it has been selected to receive a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois. This grant will assist in the planning and development…
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