Local Business Headlines
Conservation leader warns state cannot afford to ignore soil, water funding crisis
As Illinois lawmakers enter the final weeks of budget negotiations before the May 31 deadline, southern Illinois conservation leader Dale Shumaker is urging state leaders to reach a bipartisan solution that fully supports Illinois’ Soil and Water Conservation Districts before more local conservation capacity is lost. Shumaker, president of the Association of Illinois Soil &…
Read MoreEdwardsville to host summer event series to celebrate America’s 250th birthday
The City of Edwardsville will take a weeklong trek through history this summer to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Thanks to the collaboration of community groups, Edwardsville’s America 250 celebration will feature a fun and patriotic series of musical performances; a movie; historical reenactors; an all-ages parade in City Park; creative,…
Read More2026 Infrastructure Week: Illinois American Water highlights $290M of expected investments
In recognition of Infrastructure Week, Illinois American Water recently announced its continued commitment to strengthening water and wastewater infrastructure across the state, with significant planned investments in 2026 totaling approximately $290 million to support safe, clean, reliable and affordable service for customers. Illinois American Water plans to invest approximately $570 million through 2027 focused on…
Read MoreThe save no one saw: Quiet alert helped prevent dangerous situation in Witt
By BRIAN BRETSCH Ameren Illinois We all know what a tremendous save looks like in sports — a diving catch, a last-second block, a play that changes everything. But what does a tremendous save look like in natural gas safety? In Witt, Illinois, it started with a quiet alert from advanced metering technology and…
Read MoreAlton Memorial Day Parade to include Commemorative Air Force flyover
The Alton Memorial Day Parade Committee of the East End Improvement Association, along with the Alton Area Optimist Club and the RiverBend Growth Association, recently announced that a flyover by the Commemorative Air Force will take place during this year’s Alton Memorial Day Parade, beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25. The Commemorative Air…
Read MoreFirst Mid Bank & Trust encourages homeownership exploration amid rising rents
As rising rent prices and housing market uncertainty continue to challenge many first-time homebuyers, mortgage experts say misconceptions about credit scores and interest rates may be preventing buyers from exploring homeownership opportunities. According to Zillow, median rents for single-family homes have increased approximately 30 percent to 45 percent in many markets since early 2020. With…
Read MoreSenator Harriss launches student art contest honoring America’s 250th birthday
State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) is inviting students across the 56th Senate District to participate in her district-wide art contest celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The contest is open to students in 1st through 8th grade and encourages young artists to showcase their creativity while reflecting on what makes…
Read MoreBelt helps secure neighborhood infrastructure funding in Belleville
State Senator Christopher Belt recently announced Belleville will receive a total of $250,000 through Illinois’ Safe Routes to School program to improve pedestrian safety and expand opportunities for children and families to safely walk and bike in their community. “Keeping children safe on their way to school should always be a top priority,” said Belt…
Read MoreFairmount Park ups the ante: $3M investment in live table games
Fairmount Park adds new options to casino floor Fairmount Park Casino & Racing recently invested nearly $3 million and hired 35 new employees to introduce live table games to its casino, marking another major expansion for Illinois’ only “racino,” a venue that combines live horse racing and casino gaming under one roof. When Fairmount…
Read MoreSenators Harriss, Tracy help residents recover nearly $100K at recent ICASH event
State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) and State Senator Jil Tracy (R-50th-Quincy) helped connect Metro East residents with thousands of dollars in missing money during an ICASH event held Monday, May 11, 2026, in Alton, including one individual who discovered $94,000 in unclaimed property. “Helping residents recover money that rightfully belongs to them is one…
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