Area News
‘Makers Madness:’ Voting begins to name ‘coolest thing’ made in Illinois
More than 100 unique products are in the running to advance to Top 16 Voting is now open in the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s (IMA) 2026 “Makers Madness” contest, a bracket-style tournament that lets the public decide what product will be crowned The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. Presented by Comcast Business, the annual competition celebrates…
Read MoreOver $1B in investment, global brands, fuel STL region’s Food, AgTech sector growth
With more than $1 billion in investment supporting multiple new developments and expansions, the St. Louis region continues to strengthen its position as one of the nation’s leading hubs for Food & AgTech manufacturing, distribution and innovation. Supported by a central U.S. location, unmatched freight network providing global access and an internationally recognized research…
Read MoreHometown engineer powers Belleville community
By EVAN ASHER Ameren Illinois For most drivers cruising past 1080 S. 20th St., the new Goalby Substation may look like just another piece of energy infrastructure. But for lifelong Belleville resident Dan Crockett, a longtime Ameren substation engineer, the project was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to help power the city he has always called…
Read MoreBill of Rights Institute launches Civics Innovation Lab
Lab will create new research-backed and technology-enabled tools for the next generation of Americans The Bill of Rights Institute, a national leader in civics and history education for more than 25 years, recently announced the launch of its new Civics Innovation Lab, marking the calendar’s Civic Learning Week March 9-13. The Civics Innovation Lab will develop,…
Read MoreApplication deadline is March 30 for statewide retail scholarship competition
With less than three weeks left to apply, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) is reminding high school seniors across the state to submit their entries for the Illinois Retail Challenge Scholarship Competition by March 30, 2026, to qualify for scholarships of up to $60,000. The first competition of its kind in Illinois, the scholarship…
Read More‘Goal Setter:’ First Mid accounts help customers build credit while saving
As the cost of everyday necessities continues to rise, building credit or saving for a major purchase can feel out of reach for many Americans, particularly those with limited or damaged credit histories. To help address that challenge, First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) is introducing a new product designed to help customers improve…
Read MoreBusey Bank Bridge Scholarship applications now available
Financial support available for continuing education endeavors Busey Bank is again offering financial support toward continuing education endeavors to applicants of all ages and educational backgrounds through its Busey Bank Bridge Scholarship. “Supporting students as they pursue higher education is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the long‑term strength of our…
Read MoreMadison County offering $5,000 scholarships to local students
Madison County Community Development is accepting applications for a scholarship program designed to assist local students planning to attend college, trade school or other training programs during the upcoming academic year. Through funding provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program will award three scholarships valued…
Read MoreUPDATED: Lane closures on I-55/70 in St. Clair County begin March 12
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced lane closures on westbound Interstate 55/70 in St. Clair County to allow for bridge maintenance. UPDATED: Beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 12, weather permitting, westbound I-55/70 will be reduced to two lanes between Illinois 203 and Exchange Avenue. All lanes are expected to reopen by 12 Noon Saturday,…
Read MoreDad-and-daughter exhibition to celebrate generational Riverbend creativity
Mooneyham Art is bringing a truly one-of-a-kind exhibition to its Alton gallery in April. Titled Karman’s Daughter, Megan’s Dad, the exhibit features Riverbend artists Megan Fairless and Karman Fairless, a father-daughter creative duo whose artistic journeys have shaped each other across decades. The opening reception for this exhibit takes place from 5 to 9…
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