Area News
Farmers 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…
Read MoreBelleville chamber, SIUE partner to host July 15 AI Learn-a-thon
The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to host an AI Learn-a-thon on Wednesday, July 15, at SIUE’s Belleville location on the Southwestern Illinois Justice & Workforce Development Campus. The event will give chamber members first access to a hands-on workshop designed to help participants begin the Google AI…
Read MoreHarriss, Elik welcome hundreds of families to annual Granite City Kids Fair
State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) and State Representative Amy Elik (R-111th-Alton) recently welcomed hundreds of children and their families from across the Metro East to their annual Kids Fair in Granite City held on Saturday, June 20. “Our Kids Fair continues to grow each year because families appreciate having a place where they can…
Read MoreFour generations: Mueller Furniture celebrates ‘Family Owned, Operated Business Day’
With only three percent of family-owned businesses reaching the fourth generation, Mueller Furniture & Mattress is proud to be an enduring and thriving legacy. The fourth-generation, family-owned business was founded in 1927 by John Mueller. Back then, John was quick to lend a hand and let people pay him back gradually when money was tight.…
Read MoreOld Dominion, Busta Rhymes to headline Confluence Music Festival
The Blues Brothers & The Sacred Hearts and Dasha are among more than 30 acts performing Sept. 11-13 as part of NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway Country band Old Dominion and hip-hop star Busta Rhymes will headline the fifth annual Confluence Music Festival when the event returns to the St.…
Read MoreSCCTD hosting June 27 grand opening of $6M, 4.5-mile MetroBikeLink trail extension
Trail is part of the MetroLink Expansion Project to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, local officials, stakeholders and residents will gather to celebrate the grand opening of the $6 million, 4.5-mile expansion of the MetroBikeLink Trail. Those in attendance will hear formal remarks from officials before taking…
Read MoreUPDATED: Beverly Farm annual fireworks in Godfrey postponed to July 10
Beverly Farm Foundation has announced that its annual fireworks display originally scheduled for June 26 have been postponed until July 10 due to the forecast of ongoing thunderstorms throughout the evening and extremely wet conditions across the lawn areas of the Beverly Farm campus. The decision to postpone the event was made at the recommendation…
Read MoreAmerica’s 250th: Metro East communities to make history from economic opportunity
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] As the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th birthday in 2026, communities across Illinois are looking beyond parades and fireworks, viewing the historic milestone as an opportunity to boost tourism, revitalize downtown districts and strengthen local economies. Economic development officials, tourism leaders and business…
Read MoreCelebrate America’s birthday during Alton’s ‘250 on the Mississippi’ festival
Three-day festival takes place in downtown Alton July 1-3 America’s 250th birthday celebration is coming to Alton with a three-day festival aptly named “250 on the Mississippi” starting Wednesday, July 1 and culminating with a spectacular fireworks show on Friday, July 3. Taking place across downtown Alton, the community-wide event will commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial…
Read MoreRevity Credit Union celebrates 85 years with June 26 Member Appreciation Block Party
Revity Credit Union invites members and the Granite City community to its Member Appreciation Block Party on June 26, taking place at the Maryville Road Branch, as part of the credit union’s yearlong celebration honoring 85 years of serving members and local communities. Founded in 1941, Revity Credit Union has built a strong legacy rooted…
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