Area News
Illinois invests $4M in Route 66 grants; centennial aims to accelerate tourism economy
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] Illinois is marking the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with a yearlong slate of celebrations, infrastructure investments and tourism-driven economic development initiatives aimed at boosting local economies along the historic highway, state and local leaders said during a ceremonial kickoff in Granite City on…
Read MoreFood banks seek volunteers, donations this winter
By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek Prolonged subzero temperatures haven’t slowed demand at food banks, but they are making key items harder to secure. Fresh produce becomes harder to source and move during the winter months, and both Eastern Illinois Foodbank and the Midwest Food Bank report protein, dairy and shelf‑stable foods like soup and peanut…
Read MoreGOMB releases 2025 Economic and Fiscal Policy Report update
Updated report sheds light on unprecedented budgetary pressures inflicted by Trump’s Budget Bill & actions targeting states with Democratic Governors The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) recently released an update to its October 2025 Economic and Fiscal Policy Report, outlining how recent federal actions and provisions enacted under Trump’s Budget Bill will further…
Read MoreMadison County Recorder’s Office earns second award for property fraud alert program
The Madison County Recorder’s Office earned an annual award for the second year in a row for work promoting the Property Fraud Alert (PFA) program recently. This award is given to a county in Illinois each year for the highest enrollments. Madison County Clerk & Recorder Linda Andreas has added over 21,000 new subscribers since…
Read MoreSt. Louis Fed offers tips to save on Valentine’s Day gifts, celebrations
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Fed has tips on how to show your Valentine love without breaking their heart or the bank. “With the price of chocolate, gold, silver and many other goods and services higher than in years past, money-saving strategies can alleviate the high cost of love,”…
Read MoreWest Highway 50 lane closures announced in St. Clair County through early summer
The Illinois Department of Transportation recently announced lane closures on West Highway 50 at Interstate 64, beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 9. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction to allow for bridge construction. The lane closures are expected to remain in place through early summer 2026. Motorists should expect…
Read MoreSTAR bond program expands statewide: New tool for tourism, retail and job growth
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] Illinois is expanding a long-dormant economic development financing program statewide, giving communities a new tool to back large-scale tourism, entertainment and retail projects by using future local sales tax growth to help fund construction and infrastructure. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state and local leaders…
Read MoreHelp HSHS Home Care collect food items for southern IL local food pantries
In recognition of February being National Canned Food Month, HSHS Home Care is holding its annual “Cram the Car” food drive this month for local organizations to help those struggling with food insecurity. “Cram the Car inspires me every year when I see how our neighbors, friends and colleagues come together to care for…
Read More2026 Wish Home Raffle: A home built with heart in Mascoutah’s Brickyard Estates
In the heart of Brickyard Estates in Mascoutah, Ill., something extraordinary is taking shape not just a beautiful new home, but a powerful symbol of hope, compassion, and what can happen when a community builds with purpose. Created by the Home Builders and Remodelers Charitable and Educational Foundation (HBRCEF), the 2026 Wish Home Raffle is…
Read MoreFull closure of Illinois 157 and Illinois 162 intersection begins Feb. 26
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced a full closure of the intersection of Illinois 157 and Illinois 162 in Madison County (at Glen Carbon) starting at 7 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, weather permitting. During the closure, traffic will not be permitted on Illinois 157 and Illinois 162 at the intersection. Both eastbound and westbound…
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