Local Business Headlines
IRS data shows Illinois lost $6B to outmigration in 2023
A net of nearly 56,000 people and $6 billion in income left the state in 2023, according to IRS data. By BRYCE HILL Illinois Policy Institute Illinoisans who leave take a lot of money with them. Federal tax returns show the state lost 55,609 people and $6 billion in adjusted gross income on net in…
Read MoreGovernor announces appointments to new Illinois State Attainment Working Group
Governor JB Pritzker recently announced 11 appointments to the Illinois State Attainment Working Group. Established by the Governor’s Executive Order 2026-03 last month, the working group will establish statewide goals to prepare Illinois’ workforce for the jobs of the future by bringing together a diverse group of expert voices. “I’m pleased to appoint this talented group…
Read MoreMadison County’s Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 25
Madison County’s law enforcement agencies, in cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will operate a drop-off site for Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, in Edwardsville. Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine, Sheriff Jeff Connor, Coroner Nick Novacich and Emergency Management Agency Director Fred Patterson will be operating the drop-off…
Read MoreCommentary: Failing bridges and roads threaten Illinois economy
By MATT HART Executive Director Illinois Trucking Association Drivers were understandably shocked after a massive hole was spotted in a bridge crossing East St. Louis over the weekend. Sadly, this is just the latest example of troubled bridges throughout Illinois, coming just weeks after the Quincy Memorial Bridge was closed for a month following an…
Read MoreReminder: Public comment sought on proposed Illinois 203 improvements
The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss a study for the proposed improvements on Illinois 203 from Maverick Drive to Eagle Park Road in Madison County. The meeting will be held: Thursday, April 23 4 to 7 p.m. The Mill Events 1311 20th St., Granite City IDOT, in cooperation with the…
Read MoreTrump requests 19 percent cut to USDA
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek President Donald Trump’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes a nearly 20 percent cut to USDA. The blueprint, which the White House sent to Congress on April 3, requests $20.8 billion in discretionary budget authority for USDA, which is a $4.9 billion decrease from the 2026 enacted level. Trump also…
Read MoreRBGA spotlights Alton Youth Symphony’s nonprofit mission
Bringing musical delight throughout the region for 57 years now, Alton Youth Symphony has been chosen by the RiverBend Growth Association for its bi-monthly Nonprofit Mission Spotlight recognition. The mission of the Alton Youth Symphony has remained constant, even after nearly six decades of existence: To promote the musical and educational experiences of youth and…
Read MoreLegislators host community shred, clean-up day in Wood River April 25
In recognition of Earth Month, State Senator Erica Harriss (R- 56th– Glen Carbon) and Representative Amy Elik (R- 111th– Alton) are inviting area residents to take part in a free Community Shred Event and Clean Up Day to be held from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Wood River Police…
Read MoreNew survey finds most U.S. farmers can’t afford fertilizer
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek A nationwide survey conducted by American Farm Bureau Federation shows 70 percent of respondents cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year. More than 5,700 farmers from every state and Puerto Rico responded to the survey, which was conducted April 3 through 11. In Illinois, more than…
Read MoreBritish Airways new St. Louis route officially takes flight
British Airways has officially touched down in St. Louis, Mo. (STL), with the airline’s inaugural flight from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) arriving on time at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time on April 19, 2026. Home to the iconic Gateway Arch, St. Louis now becomes the airline’s 27th U.S. destination served directly from London. The…
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