Area News
Rep. Schmidt donates pay raise to Freeburg Food and Clothing Bank
State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) has pledged to donate the legislative pay raise he voted against to different local organizations throughout his district to help families in need. This month he donated laundry detergent to the Freeburg Food and Clothing Bank. “Our team was more than happy to help the Freeburg Food and Clothing Bank…
Read MoreEliminating barriers to literacy: Free library cards to all students in Triad district
The Tri-Township Public Library and its Board of Trustees recently announced a “landmark” update to its membership policy. Following a unanimous vote during the board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, the library has officially approved the expanded Cards for Kids Act. This initiative ensures that every child between the ages of 5 and 18…
Read MoreUnited Way of Greater St. Louis activates ‘Unite With Us Days’
United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) is bringing the region together through Unite With Us Days, a community-wide volunteer initiative that invites individuals, families, and groups to give their time in support of local nonprofits. This extended series of days of service mobilizes thousands of volunteers across the bi‑state region to strengthen neighborhoods, support…
Read MoreBudzinski visits with students at Riverbend Head Start in Alton
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) met with students at Riverbend Head Start and Family Services in Alton to highlight the importance of Head Start programs. Budzinski also discussed her work earlier this year to secure delayed federal funding that had been allocated to the Alton facility for renovations. “Head Start services are…
Read MoreIllinoisans overwhelmingly support paid student teaching program
A bipartisan poll conducted in January shows that 72 percent of Illinoisans strongly support the idea of paying college students as they complete the mandatory student teaching portion of their education. A poll of 1,000 Illinoisans conducted by Normington Petts and Associates and Next Generation Strategies in late January asked: “As you may know, student…
Read MoreCommunity invited to Vitality Women’s Clinic dinner: Celebrating hope, impact, connection
Vitality Women’s Clinic (formerly ThriVe Metro East) invites the community to gather for an inspiring evening of connection, celebration, and shared purpose at its 2026 Annual Dinner. The fundraiser event will take place on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Lewis & Clark Community College Commons Building in Godfrey, Ill. The evening begins at 6 p.m.,…
Read MoreAgreement reached between Anderson Healthcare, UnitedHealthcare
Anderson Healthcare and UnitedHealthcare have reached a new agreement, ensuring patient care may continue uninterrupted. Effective immediately: Patients with UHC marketplace, employer-sponsored, and Medicare Advantage coverage will keep in-network access to the hospital, medical group, and imaging services. Patients may continue to schedule appointments and procedures without any disruption. Call your provider’s office directly. More…
Read MoreIllinois continues Metro East showcase with Collinsville’s Teklab $10M lab expansion
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] On Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, Teklab Inc. cut the ribbon on a new 36,500-square-foot laboratory in Collinsville, marking a $10 million investment that state and local leaders say reinforces the Metro East’s role in Illinois’ broader economic development strategy. With its new facility, the…
Read MoreLocal company advises gardeners to prepare for spring now
The region dealt with frigid temperatures and mounds of snow this winter, but luckily for locals, warmer weather is on the way. The arriving sunshine represents the return of spring gardening and blooming buds, bringing color back to the landscape. While St. Louis and the Metro East wait a few more weeks for that welcome…
Read MoreBelt’s bill would require service providers to give consumers two-hour service window
State Senator Christopher Belt’s legislation that would require service providing companies to give consumers a two-hour service window for appointments advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee. “People shouldn’t have to stay home from work all day waiting around for the cable guy to show up.” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This is about basic respect for families…
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