Area News
‘Ice Jam at the Dam’ returns to National Great Rivers Museum Feb. 21
The fifth annual Ice Jam at the Dam winter festival, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 21, 2026, at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton. The festival will highlight winter experiences that can be had along the Mississippi River, along with live music, free animal meet-and-greets, eagle watching, and more.…
Read MoreOSF St. Anthony’s expands heart health screenings with new CT cardiac calcium test
Quick, non-invasive scan gives patients and doctors a clearer picture of heart health OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center is now offering a CT cardiac calcium scoring test. This non-invasive test, conducted through OSF Saint Anthony’s Imaging Services helps doctors gain a clearer picture of a patient’s overall heart health. Patients with one or more…
Read MoreIllinois American Water foundation launches 2026 water and environment grant program
Illinois American Water recently announced the launch of the American Water Charitable Foundation 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program. The foundation invites community partners to apply for grants that promote clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability and water-based recreation projects. Applications will be accepted through March 6, 2026. Learn more about the American Water…
Read MoreSIU System invites input from alumni, community to help shape next strategic plan
In addition to a survey being conducted on campus, the Southern Illinois University System is inviting alumni and community members to fill out a brief survey that will help shape the next chapter of its strategic plan, which will guide the university system through 2031. “Over the past several years, the SIU System has made…
Read MoreFreightway releases Madison County Manufacturing and Logistics Industry Overview
The St. Louis Regional Freightway recently released the Madison County Manufacturing and Logistics Industry Overview, which was developed in collaboration with the economic development and community development teams at Madison County. Located in the northeast portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area, Madison County is one of the largest counties in the bi-state region in…
Read MoreRoute 66 Centennial: Hemmings Great Race plans Collinsville stop
Classic car rally will travel through southwest Illinois June 20 The Hemmings Great Race presented by Coker Tire will shine the spotlight along The Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in southwest Illinois on Saturday, June 20 with a stop in Collinsville. The Great Race is a nine-day classic car rally that spans more…
Read MoreUPDATED: RiverBend Growth Association adds new board members
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] The RiverBend Growth Association recently published a correction to the previous announcement of new members added to its slate of board members for 2026. The seven new board members this year include Tom Berry of Jackson Lewis P.C., Jeff Lauritzen of Country Financial, Taylor Justice…
Read MoreDuckworth discusses water infrastructure funding, housing costs
On Feb. 6, 2026, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) hosted local, state and regional leaders to discuss ongoing water infrastructure challenges throughout Madison County. As PFAS contamination in drinking water supply has become more prevalent throughout the county, compounded with aging water infrastructure, Duckworth and leaders discussed the need for more funding for the region,…
Read MoreAmeren Corporation increases quarterly cash dividend by 5.6 percent
Marking 13 consecutive years of growth, new annualized rate is $3.00 per share On Feb. 6, 2026, the board of directors of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of 75 cents per share, a 5.6 percent increase from the prior quarterly cash dividend of 71 cents per share,…
Read MoreRBGA seeks nominations for 2026 Chamber Choice Awards
The RiverBend Growth Association’s fifth annual Chamber Choice Awards will be presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at LCCC’s Godfrey Campus in The Commons. In addition to the below-listed awards presented to businesses and individuals, its Young Adults Committee wraps their school year and scholarships are awarded. Nominations are now being sought…
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