Area News
St. Louis Battlehawks announce 2026 local partners lineup
The St. Louis Battlehawks recently announced their local partner lineup for the 2026 UFL season, supporting game day operations and fan engagement initiatives throughout the year. The 2026 partner group reflects continued growth across multiple categories, with activations planned across Baer Plaza, inside The Dome at America’s Center, and through community and retail integrations. “The…
Read MoreIllinois Transportation Enhancement Program workshops for local governments, communities
The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting 11 workshops throughout the state to help local governments and communities learn about and apply for funding opportunities through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. Organized through IDOT’s ongoing Special Programs Assistance Conferences, the workshops will help stakeholders identify projects that qualify and learn how to craft successful applications.…
Read MoreUnemployment Equity Act passes House Labor and Commerce Committee
HB 4416, the Unemployment Equity Act sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Marcus C. Evans Jr. (D-33), passed the House Labor Committee. This is a critical step forward in ensuring frontline, public education workers are eligible to receive unemployment when school is not in session. “The Unemployment Equity Act is about fairness and justice for all…
Read MoreExplore the world of cryptocurrency for free at April 2 SIU event
If you’re curious about the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain, you won’t want to miss “What is Crypto?,” a free event at Southern Illinois University on Thursday, April 2. The SIU Blockchain and Economics Club cryptocurrency summit is happening from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Old Main Room on the second floor of…
Read MoreJoe’s Market Basket gives tips and tricks for beginner veggie gardeners
Gardening experts recommend getting spring vegetables in the ground now It’s never too late to pick up a new hobby, and while growing your own vegetables can seem overwhelming, the satisfaction of seeing your first ripe tomatoes gives you a sense of accomplishment that is irreplaceable. At Joe’s Market Basket, they provide six simple…
Read MoreBudzinski introduces bill banning Congress, federal officials from insider prediction market trading
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) have introduced the Preventing Real-time Exploitation and Deceptive Insider Congressional Trading Act (PREDICT Act), a bipartisan effort to prohibit senior government officials from participating in insider prediction market trading. The PREDICT Act would prohibit Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children; the President and Vice President; and…
Read MoreGovernor convenes BUILD initiative roundtable to lower housing costs
On March 25, 2026, Governor Pritzker convened local officials, community members, and construction and business representatives in McLean County to discuss building more housing to lower costs. During the roundtable, the Governor heard from local leaders and discussed how his Building Up Illinois Developments (BUILD) proposal can help make renting and owning homes more affordable in…
Read MoreACEC Illinois engineers roll out 2026 legislative agenda
Agenda calls for commitment to Rebuild Illinois, positioning Illinois as a national hub for industry and investing in water infrastructure The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) has unveiled its 2026 legislative agenda. Legislative priorities for the group range from policies to sustain progress made to upgrade Illinois’ vast road and transportation…
Read MoreYoung Americans launch ‘Letters to America’ nationwide call
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, a new nationwide initiative is inviting young people to do something rarely asked of them at this scale: define what America should become. Submissions are now open at: youth250.org/letters As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Made By Us, a national coalition of hundreds of museums, historic…
Read MoreAmeren Illinois upgrading eight miles of natural gas pipeline between Highland, Pocahontas
Ameren Illinois customers traveling between Madison and Bond counties will see significant energy infrastructure improvements underway beginning the week of April 1. Crews will begin upgrading a major natural gas transmission pipeline to meet enhanced federal safety standards established in 2019. The project involves replacing approximately eight miles of 1960s-era steel pipeline with a new…
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