Local Business Headlines
Belt calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown
State Senator Christopher Belt is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families. “SNAP is a lifeline for families in need, and…
Read More[Commentary:] Economic analysis of Q3 2025: Falling leaves and rising markets
By ERIC KELLEY Chief Investment Officer UMB Private Wealth Management At the time of publish, a federal budget impasse and government shutdown are underway. The market is unphased by the current budget impasse, and we do not foresee needing to adjust our forecasts or strategies because of the wranglings in D.C. The third quarter of…
Read MoreAlaska Airlines plans non-stop service from STL to Portland
Alaska Airlines expands STL’s footprint in the Pacific Northwest Beginning in May 2026, Alaska Airlines will start non-stop service from St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) to Portland International Airport (PDX). This direct service to PDX is the airlines second destination from STL to the Pacific Northwest. The airline already provides non-stop service to Seattle,…
Read MoreNatural gas rate increases likely for Ameren, Nicor customers next year
Proposed regulatory decision cuts companies’ requests, but still recommends increasing bills By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Nicor Gas and Ameren Illinois customers will likely see a rate increase on their bills next year, pending a final decision from state regulators in the coming weeks. An administrative judge recommended that regulators increase rates.…
Read More[Op-Ed] Proposed delivery tax: Last thing Illinois small businesses need right now
By KRISTIN RAE I’m the founder of a small specialty luggage business based in Bloomington-Normal. I’m also a small-business advocate who helps entrepreneurs across the country navigate policy issues that may threaten their growth and success. For months, Illinois small-business owners have told me they’re struggling with rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty…
Read MoreSIUE School of Business hosts first combined advisory board meeting at The Wedge
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) School of Business recently hosted a “dynamic” advisory board meeting and social, bringing together members from across the school’s various advisory boards for an evening of collaboration, networking, and celebration. The event, held at The Wedge—one of the university’s newest and most innovative spaces—marked the first time that…
Read MoreState Senator Erica Harriss to hold November traveling office hours
The office of State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) will host traveling office hours across the 56th District from Tuesday, Nov. 4, through Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, providing constituents with a convenient opportunity to meet with her team, discuss concerns, and receive assistance on state-related matters. “Meeting with residents across our district is one of…
Read MoreMueller Furniture becomes a first regional independent retailer accepting Bitcoin
Mueller Furniture & Mattress recently announced that it is now accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment. This makes the fourth-generation family-owned business one of the first independently owned furniture retailers in the region to embrace cryptocurrency. To celebrate this innovative step, Mueller Furniture is offering an additional 15 percent savings to customers who choose…
Read MoreWomen leaders to converge Nov. 5 for ‘See the Signs… Be the Change’
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] Regional businesswomen, entrepreneurs, and other professionals will soon gather for the 2025 Women’s Conference, an annual event aimed at inspiring leadership, professional growth, and community impact across the Metro East and beyond. Set for Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, at The Outlet Event Center at…
Read MoreMetro East Park and Recreation District celebrates 25 years of ‘growing together’
This year marks a special anniversary for the Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) and for the entire region. Since its inception in 2000, MEPRD has been dedicated to one primary goal: Helping its partners build a world-class system of parks and interconnected trails. All along the way, MEPRD has been tracking the data,…
Read More