Area News
Stuart celebrates new group researching projected Illinois labor, education needs
State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) is celebrating a new working group launched by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to identify workforce needs throughout Illinois and establish a plan to collaborate with educational institutions, local workforce boards, labor unions, industry leaders and more. The working group hopes to increase both job creation and increase employee preparedness and…
Read MoreISP recently announced completion of statewide next-generation 911
All 169 call centers now providing more efficient and reliable 911 services The Illinois State Police (ISP) recently announced that all 169 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) throughout Illinois, commonly called 911 call centers, have successfully transitioned to Next Generation 911 (NG911). NG911 upgrades the traditional 911 service from voice-centric networks to secure, IP-based…
Read MoreInfrastructure upgrades needed for competitive edge
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek The U.S. grain transportation system, particularly the inland waterways, is considered a competitive edge for America’s farmers. But a century-old lock and dam system along the Mississippi River and a pending rail merger could present challenges in the future. “Part of the success we’ve had in exports is because we have…
Read MoreEconomic momentum builds as global companies choose Illinois to invest, grow
Illinois committed job creation in first quarter of 2026 outpacing recent years In just the first quarter of 2026, a growing list of global companies are choosing Illinois to invest, expand, and create jobs—driving early-year momentum that has is already outpacing total job creation commitments in recent years. Companies participating in the Economic Development for a…
Read MoreO’Fallon-Shiloh chamber to honor excellence in business, community service
The O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce will host its 48th Annual Salute to Business Awards from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Regency Conference Center in O’Fallon. This after-hours celebration honors businesses and organizations that have made a meaningful impact on the community. The evening will feature a ‘Taste of’ format, allowing…
Read MoreGovernor urges Congress to provide Illinois farmers long-term market certainty
Gov. Pritzker presses for federal action to permanently allow year-round sale of E15 gasoline as global instability and tariffs drive up costs for Illinois farmers On April 2, 2026, Governor JB Pritzker sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging for a swift passage of legislation to permanently allow year-round sales of E15 gasoline and bring…
Read MoreChildcare workers can earn college credit for experience at LC
Lewis and Clark Community College Child Development is now offering college course credit for work experience through its Prior Learning Assessment process. Childcare workers interested in pursuing a degree or certificate can save a semester’s worth of courses by participating in an assessment centered on virtual scenarios. The interactive assessment takes 60 to 90…
Read MoreSWIC to launch football program in Fall 2027
Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) has announced it will launch an intercollegiate football program, with its inaugural season set for Fall 2027. The team will compete as an Independent in Division I as part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The addition of football reflects SWIC’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for student-athletes,…
Read MoreVoters narrow down to top 8 ‘coolest’ products made in Illinois
“Makers Madness” contest lets public decide what is “The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois” The field of contenders for the 2026 title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois has been narrowed further, with voters choosing the top eight products to move ahead in the annual “Makers Madness” contest. Hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association…
Read MoreEggs for Easter more affordable than last year
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek Consumers purchasing table eggs for Easter festivities will be welcomed by a lower price tag at the grocery store this year compared to 2025. However, laying hen depopulations caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continue to push volatility in the market. USDA reported as of March 13, HPAI in…
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