Area News
Rebuilding Metro East: Construction season brings another round of major improvements
Rebuild Illinois is continuing to improve mobility, safety and quality of life in the Metro East, with the Illinois Department of Transportation delivering multiple major projects this construction season. Made possible by Governor JB Pritzker’s historic capital program, 23 projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $960 million, creating and maintaining good-paying jobs throughout…
Read MoreTRRA expands Madison Yard to add 500-car storage-in-transit capacity
The Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) has announced an expansion of its Madison Yard facility in Venice, Ill., adding approximately 500 railcar positions dedicated to storage-in-transit service, with the new capacity expected to begin accepting cars in October 2026, to support growing demand from Class I rail partners and industrial customers. As one…
Read MoreTroy area chamber has welcomed 50 new members since January 1
The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce recently recognized its addition of 50 new members since Jan. 1, 2026, marking a strong start to the year and reflecting continued momentum in the local business community. These new members represent a wide range of industries and services, bringing fresh energy, new ideas, and added strength to the…
Read MoreTwo Illinois American Water drinking water treatment plants earn national recognition
Two Illinois American Water drinking water treatment plants have been recognized for achieving water quality excellence by the Partnership for Safe Water. Illinois American Water’s Granite City water treatment plant and Illinois River water treatment plant in Peoria both received the 25-year Directors Award. The national awards, which honor efforts to continuously optimize water treatment…
Read MoreTick species, tick-borne disease spreading across Illinois
By PHYLLIS COULTER FarmWeek Social media is abuzz with news about ticks and tick-borne diseases actively spreading across Illinois, with many counties confirming several species. Some of the increased talk comes from more awareness of ticks and their dangers, Jenny Buttaccio, Illinois Lyme Association (ILA) communications director, told FarmWeek. However, Illinois has ticks converging…
Read MoreNew MCT 111 Trail Bridge opens in Pontoon Beach
MCT celebrates completion of signature bridge for the MCT Schoolhouse Trail On Thursday, June 25, Madison County Transit (MCT) officials along with a host of contractors and local leaders, participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for a towering new bicycle/pedestrian bridge that carries the MCT Schoolhouse Trail over IL-111 in Pontoon Beach. Known as…
Read MoreHelmkamp Construction launches $10,000 matching campaign to benefit Community Hope Center
Helmkamp Construction is inviting the community to help make twice the impact this summer through its charitable matching campaign benefiting the Community Hope Center. Now through the conclusion of the campaign, Helmkamp will match the first $10,000 donated, turning community generosity into a total of $20,000 to support the Community Hope Center’s mission of providing…
Read MoreSenator Erica Harriss invites Metro East residents to ‘Celebrate America with Erica’ reception
State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) is inviting friends and supporters from across the Metro East to join her for the fourth annual “Celebrate America with Erica” reception. The celebration will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1 at The Ink House – Off the Record Lounge in downtown Edwardsville. The…
Read MoreAg traders shift focus to weather, upcoming reports
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek Crop markets are focused on weather following a lackluster world agricultural supply and demand report from USDA. The June 11 report estimated a 3-million-bushel increase in old-crop corn carryout but otherwise left old and new-crop estimates the same for corn and soybeans. “That was expected because in June, it’s too…
Read MoreFarmers feeling pinch of economic downturn
By DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek The U.S. farm economy is in the 12th consecutive quarter of an economic downturn, according to data from the Kansas City Fed’s Agricultural Credit Survey. USDA estimated U.S. net farm income could decline by $1.2 billion (0.7 percent) this year, compared to 2025, in its most recent projection last month. “We’re…
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