Area News
Edwardsville Police participating in statewide holiday season enforcement efforts
The holiday season is filled with celebrations. To help make sure those celebrations don’t end in tragedy, the Edwardsville Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Illinois in a major traffic safety effort. From Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, through Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, Edwardsville officers will take part in the statewide “Drive Sober or…
Read MoreNew youth emergency shelter created by Caritas Family Solutions supports children in crisis
The shelter provides 24-hour care, counseling, and a safe environment for vulnerable youth waiting for a home In the U.S. alone, over one million children experience homelessness each year. Caritas Family Solutions is working to address this critical need in the state of Illinois by creating a new Youth Emergency Shelter (YES). For the past…
Read MoreSIUE announces ‘alternate identity’ in celebration of Route 66 centennial anniversary
In celebration of the centennial of Route 66, SIUE Athletics has announced the department’s first” alternate identity.” At various times during the 2026 calendar year, beginning on New Year’s Day with men’s and women’s basketball, SIUE will compete as the “SIUE 66ers.” The SIUE 66ers will compete with a new logo and color scheme including…
Read MoreFrom IDOT: Funding opportunity for new EV charging stations
The Illinois Department of Transportation recently announced the third official notice of funding opportunity through the Illinois National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which will provide approximately $65.6 million for the construction of charging stations across the state. The latest opportunity builds on the first two rounds, which awarded funding for 62 charging stations along Illinois…
Read MoreSalger’s Ostrich Products “meats” a need with red meat alternative
By KIM HILL Illinois Farm Bureau Partners Salger’s Ostrich Products in Illinois offers a red meat alternative, meeting a need within growing market demand. When people are encouraged to try an unfamiliar meat, the person offering the new protein often says, “It tastes just like chicken.” But Paul Mollet won’t ever say that. He…
Read MoreSIUE students use senior project to aid Edwardsville Fire Department
A collaboration between a team of mechanical engineering students and the Edwardsville Fire Department yielded some “reel” results — as in an improved hose reel design that will save time while also avoid strain and potential injury for the firefighters. The four Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students demonstrated the completed project this month at the…
Read MoreU.S. News & World Report names BJC Health hospitals among best in maternity care
Eight BJC Health hospitals earn highest award for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care U.S. News & World Report has named eight BJC Health hospitals as 2026 High Performing hospitals for Maternity Care—the highest award a hospital can earn as part of its Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study. Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Memorial Hospital, Alton…
Read MoreSt. Louis County Port Authority awards nearly $5M to grant recipients
The St. Louis County Port Authority (Port Authority) recently awarded grants to 38 local nonprofit organizations serving St. Louis County that totaled more than $4.9 million. The assistance to the organizations comes from the Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund, a grant program that supports economic and community development projects in St. Louis County. The fund provides…
Read MoreNew ownership at Fairmount Park Casino & Racing continues adding unique events
Fairmount Park hosting Holiday Pop-Up Bar at Longshots Restaurant Fairmount Park Casino & Racing in Collinsville continues to expand its offerings under its new ownership group. For the first time ever, Fairmount Park is hosting a Holiday Pop-Up Bar this Christmas season every Monday and Thursday between 4 and 6 p.m. The bar will be…
Read MoreEagle watching adventures await in southwest Illinois
Book your eagle watching tours in Alton It won’t be long before the iconic American Bald Eagles return to their winter homes in southwest Illinois so make plans now to take your winter eagle watching adventure to the next level with a guided eagle watching shuttle tour available in Alton starting Saturday, Jan. 3,…
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