Area News
Ameren 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…
Read MoreMadison County Drug Court celebrates 30 years of transforming lives
On April 2, 2026, the Madison County Drug Court will celebrate a major milestone: Its 30‑year anniversary. As the first drug court established in the State of Illinois, this anniversary marks three decades of innovation, perseverance, and life‑changing outcomes. The celebration will coincide with a drug court graduation ceremony, where 14 participants will complete the…
Read MoreGov. Pritzker advocates for Illinois farmers during Agriculture Legislative Day
On March 24, 2026, Governor JB Pritzker joined hundreds of farmers, agricultural advocates, and lawmakers for the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s (IDOA) 56th annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day. The annual event brought together scores of industry representatives and highlighted the state’s $26.4 billion agricultural sector that employs hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans while bolstering communities…
Read MoreDevelopmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Caritas Family Solutions highlights expanding adult services
Caritas Family Solutions has provided adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live in an independent and caring community for nearly 16 years. Throughout Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the nonprofit continues to embrace this year’s theme, “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always.” After merging with Human Support Services (HSS) in 2025, Caritas has continued to expand its services,…
Read MoreIDOT seeks firms for Northern Illinois Transit Authority transition
The historic reform will bolster reliability, expand access, strengthen safety across world-class transportation system The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that it has issued a formal Request for Proposal for firms to assist with the historic transition to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. Signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker in late 2025, NITA will strengthen and modernize public…
Read MoreReminder from AG to Parent Plus student loan borrowers about consolidation deadline
Attorney General Kwame Raoul is urging Parent PLUS federal student loan borrowers who have not previously consolidated their Parent PLUS loans to consider doing so by April 1. Recent federal law changes mean that parent borrowers with unconsolidated Parent PLUS loans, or who take out new loans after July 1, will have limited repayment plan options and be ineligible for income-driven repayment plans.…
Read MoreIllinois FBLA Collegiate 2026 State Leadership Conference hosted at L&C
Sixty members, advisers, staff, and guests of Illinois Collegiate chapters of Future Business Leaders of America attended the organization’s State Leadership Conference Feb. 27 and 28, 2026, which was held in the Trimpe Advanced Technology Center on the main Godfrey campus of Lewis and Clark Community College. Every year, Illinois creates programming for the…
Read MoreSt. Clair County tax preparer accused of submitting false returns
Accusations stem from falsifying her personal income, clients’ business expenses EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A tax return preparer who worked in St. Clair County is facing several federal charges for allegedly making intentional false statements on tax return forms to defraud the Government. A federal grand jury returned a nine-count superseding indictment charging Dormeshia…
Read MoreAG Raoul urges caution to avoid tax identity theft when filing returns
As the income tax filing deadline approaches, Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued guidance to help Illinois residents safely file tax returns and urged people to exercise caution before providing personally-identifying and financial information online. “Unfortunately, bad actors stand ready to take advantage of consumers during tax season, and it is more important than ever…
Read MoreHear intriguing speakers at TEDxSIUC on March 28
TEDxSIUC returns to Southern Illinois University Carbondale on March 28. Buy tickets online now for the 1 to 5 p.m. independent, self-organized session featuring an eclectic, informative panel of guest speakers. It will take place in the ballrooms of the SIU Student Center, 1255 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale. “TEDxSIUC is all about putting a spotlight on…
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