Local Business Headlines
Illinois’ Secure Jobs Act: How this legislation could accelerate AI adoption, job outsourcing
By SCOTT CRUZ On Jan. 28, 2026, the Illinois Legislature introduced the Secure Jobs Act (“Act”) – which, if enacted (the effective date if enacted is Jan. 1, 2027), Illinois would operate under one of the most sweeping employment‑protection laws in the entire country. Its mere introduction shows a fundamental failure to understand the gravity…
Read MoreRoute 66 Centennial: Hemmings Great Race plans Collinsville stop
Classic car rally will travel through southwest Illinois June 20 The Hemmings Great Race presented by Coker Tire will shine the spotlight along The Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in southwest Illinois on Saturday, June 20 with a stop in Collinsville. The Great Race is a nine-day classic car rally that spans more…
Read MoreDear Governor Pritzker, state legislators: Stand strong, protect Illinoisans from our federal government
By ANUSHA THOTAKURA and LAUREN WRIGHT We are the Illinois frontline service providers and community advocates who have watched in horror as the Trump administration unleashes military-style ICE raids through our neighborhoods while simultaneously dismantling critical supports for our most vulnerable community members. We have supported community members as federal agents conduct sweeping immigration enforcement…
Read MoreCommentary: Madison County Clerk Andreas calls for voter ID
Clerk writes letter to senators, demanding they vote for SAVE Act and support ‘common-sense tools’ for election integrity In an effort to ensure fair elections and strengthen election integrity, Madison County Clerk Linda Andreas is calling on the U.S. Senators who represent Illinois to support the SAVE Act. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, also…
Read MoreUPDATED: RiverBend Growth Association adds new board members
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] The RiverBend Growth Association recently published a correction to the previous announcement of new members added to its slate of board members for 2026. The seven new board members this year include Tom Berry of Jackson Lewis P.C., Jeff Lauritzen of Country Financial, Taylor Justice…
Read MoreDuckworth discusses water infrastructure funding, housing costs
On Feb. 6, 2026, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) hosted local, state and regional leaders to discuss ongoing water infrastructure challenges throughout Madison County. As PFAS contamination in drinking water supply has become more prevalent throughout the county, compounded with aging water infrastructure, Duckworth and leaders discussed the need for more funding for the region,…
Read MoreAmeren Corporation increases quarterly cash dividend by 5.6 percent
Marking 13 consecutive years of growth, new annualized rate is $3.00 per share On Feb. 6, 2026, the board of directors of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of 75 cents per share, a 5.6 percent increase from the prior quarterly cash dividend of 71 cents per share,…
Read MoreRBGA seeks nominations for 2026 Chamber Choice Awards
The RiverBend Growth Association’s fifth annual Chamber Choice Awards will be presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at LCCC’s Godfrey Campus in The Commons. In addition to the below-listed awards presented to businesses and individuals, its Young Adults Committee wraps their school year and scholarships are awarded. Nominations are now being sought…
Read MoreIllinois invests $4M in Route 66 grants; centennial aims to accelerate tourism economy
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] Illinois is marking the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with a yearlong slate of celebrations, infrastructure investments and tourism-driven economic development initiatives aimed at boosting local economies along the historic highway, state and local leaders said during a ceremonial kickoff in Granite City on…
Read MoreFood banks seek volunteers, donations this winter
By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek Prolonged subzero temperatures haven’t slowed demand at food banks, but they are making key items harder to secure. Fresh produce becomes harder to source and move during the winter months, and both Eastern Illinois Foodbank and the Midwest Food Bank report protein, dairy and shelf‑stable foods like soup and peanut…
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