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Partners transform MetroBus stop in East St. Louis retail corridor

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Transit Stop Transformation Project partners—Citizens for Modern Transit, St. Clair County Transit District, AARP in St. Louis and Metro Transit—officially unveiled a newly transformed MetroBus stop in the East St. Louis retail corridor on April 9. The public opening marked the culmination of an 11-month process of site selection, conceptual design surveying and construction, resulting…

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Keeping families together: Local nonprofit challenges misconceptions about child abuse prevention

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Caritas Family Solutions sees surge in referrals as new program connects struggling parents to immediate support As Child Abuse Awareness Month begins this April, Caritas Family Solutions is urging a shift in how communities view child welfare, emphasizing that most families in crisis aren’t neglectful, but overwhelmed and in need of support, resources and early…

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Illinois EDC launches its new dedicated research center, publishes first report

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The Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) recently announced its new Economic Research Center, a dedicated in-house research and analytics department. The ERC also released its first report, the State of Business, a comprehensive overview of Illinois’ economic performance and competitive position over the past year. The State of Business finds that Illinois’ economy remained broadly aligned with national growth while demonstrating key…

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SIUE to host annual symposium on ‘Energy-Water-Food Nexus’

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  Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is hosting its annual symposium, themed “Energy-Water-Food Nexus” from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 22 at the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability, Fuller Dome, on the SIUE campus. Brought together by the Climate and Sustainability Advisory Board (CASAB) and Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC), the event is all set to bring regional experts, practitioners, and community members together to promote awareness…

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U.S. planting intentions: Less corn, more soybeans

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  By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek  U.S. farmers intend to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2026, down 3 percent from last year, and 84.7 million acres of soybeans, up 4 percent from last year, according to USDA’s prospective plantings report released March 31. “The survey suggested corn acres would be switching to soybeans in…

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Illinois land values simmer, for now

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  By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek  The 2026 Land Values and Lease Trends Report saw a shift in narrative from recent years, with 61 percent of survey respondents expecting a decline in farmland prices this year, signaling a potential plateau in the market. However, the report, conducted annually by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers…

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‘Makers Madness’ contest enters final round

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Four products remain in running for “The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois” As voting opens in the final round of the 2026 “Makers Madness” contest, just four products remain in the annual bracket-style tournament held by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association that lets voters decide The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. Presented by Comcast Business, the…

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NGRREC named Environmental Education Association of Illinois Organization of the Year

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  The Environmental Education Department at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRRECsm) has been named the 2026 Organization of the Year by the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI). The honor recognizes the team’s outstanding and ongoing efforts to advance environmental education opportunities across the state of Illinois. “I am incredibly proud…

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