Local Business Headlines
Alton’s ‘First Fridays’ late night art, shopping experience continues on Nov. 7
Alton Main Street presents First Fridays, a late night art and shopping experience which spans 20 locations across the Downtown Alton district. The series continues this Friday, Nov. 7. This series is held on First Fridays in October, November and December, providing shoppers with an opportunity to check out new shops and galleries and visit…
Read MoreGovernor joins in groundbreaking for new Venice grocery store
$5.9 million in combined private and public funding will bring affordable, nutritious groceries to Metro East families Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and leaders from across the Metro East region on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, to break ground on a new grocery store in Venice as part…
Read More[Op-Ed:] Veto session leaves Illinois families paying the price
By STATE SENATOR ERICA HARRISS (R-56th-Glen Carbon) It was a costly week for Illinois taxpayers. As the General Assembly wrapped up its fall Veto Session just before 5 a.m. on Halloween, the Majority Party pushed through a series of proposals that will make life more expensive for Illinois families, from higher energy bills to new…
Read MoreIllinois ranks second in nation for human trafficking survivor laws
State goes from “F” to “A” on support for human trafficking survivors The Illinois State Police (ISP) recently announced that Illinois has gone from an “F” on the Shared Hope International Just Like Me Report Cards to an “A” due to the recent passage of the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act. Illinois…
Read MoreGovernor comes to Alton for Sunnybrook affordable housing grand opening
Community of Sunnybrook development will provide 40 new residential units for Alton working families Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) joined local officials, community members, and construction and labor representatives in Alton on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of the Community of Sunnybrook (Sunnybrook), a $20 million…
Read MoreUnited impact: Caritas Family Solutions
For more than six decades, Caritas Family Solutions has been a lifeline for individuals and families across southern Illinois and the Metro East, empowering them to overcome challenges, find stability, and build stronger, more connected communities. Caritas serves over 6,300 people each year through vital programs such as foster care and adoption, senior living, family…
Read MoreFrom IAM: Senate Armed Services Committee members urge Boeing, union to reach agreement
Five members of the Senate Armed Services Committee are urging Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg to negotiate in good faith and reach a fair agreement with more than 3,200 striking members of IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) District 837 in the St. Louis area who have been on strike for three months. U.S.…
Read More[Op-Ed:] Innovation lies at the heart of Illinois farming
By CRAIG RUPP Founder and CEO, Sabanto Ag Farmers have always been innovators. Long before “agtech” was a buzzword, they were hacking their own equipment, solving problems in the field, and adapting to the change of each season. But beyond seasonal shifts, every generation of farmers has faced a moment when they had to adapt…
Read MoreHoffman, Belt, collecting canned goods for Thanksgiving giveaway; seeking community donations
In coordination with State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea), State Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) is asking local residents to join in collecting canned goods to provide families a full Thanksgiving dinner this year at their annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. “Our turkey giveaway is always a wonderful day when residents support each other, and this year we’re…
Read MoreSpectrum donates $2,500 to Collinsville Food Pantry
Spectrum recently made a $2,500 donation to Collinsville Food Pantry that will help provide critical resources to the city’s residents in need of food. Food pantry clients can “shop” for their groceries and choose what they need and will use. Special services are provided during the holidays as well as emergency food boxes for crisis…
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