Local Business Headlines
SIU Alumni Association launches ‘Saluki Market,’ a new hub for alumni entrepreneurs
What began as an idea to help Salukis support one another has quickly become a success story. Since launching in late 2025, Saluki Market, the SIU Alumni Association’s newest venture, has generated more than $6,000 in first-month sales, connecting alumni, students and friends of Southern Illinois University Carbondale with businesses owned by alumni and friends of…
Read MoreAlton Steel ceases operations, citing industrywide challenges
Company commits to working with state agencies, regional employers on job placement for workers By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] Alton Steel Inc. has announced that it will cease operations effective the week of Jan. 26, 2026. The closure will impact approximately 253 employees plus contractors and vendors. The company will…
Read MoreBreak the ice, not your service: Clear natural gas meters after snow
Clearing snow and ice from meters and vents helps ensure safe service With significant snowfall across the region, Ameren is reminding customers to take a few simple steps to help protect their homes and families by keeping outdoor natural gas meters and vents clear of snow and ice. Snow and ice buildup can damage gas…
Read MoreHistorically dry conditions in 2025 boost drought issues
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek Drought, flooding, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and extreme temperature swings; 2025 had it all and it varied drastically by location, making last year a memorable one from a weather standpoint for many Illinois farmers. State Climatologist Trent Ford, with the Illinois State Water Survey, reviewed weather statistics from 2025 and events…
Read MoreFarm bill 2.0, H-2A reform on tap for Congress
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek Text for a new farm bill could be released by February and Congress will likely consider ag labor reform during the first quarter of this year, congressional ag leaders told attendees of American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention. House Ag Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pennsylvania; House Ag ranking member…
Read MoreGOMB releases FY26 budget reserves list
Following Gov. Pritzker’s Executive Order, GOMB identifies nearly $500 million in reserves to safeguard Illinois’ budget amid economic uncertainty driven by the Trump Administration Following Governor JB Pritzker’s Executive Order directing state agencies to prepare for federal economic disruptions, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) has released its FY26 budget reserves list, identifying funds within the current FY26 enacted budget that agencies…
Read MoreBudzinski bringing home $6.65M for IL-13 projects, additional funding for health, education programs
In total, the Congresswoman secured $34 million in community project funding during the 2026 Fiscal Year On Jan. 22, 2026, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) announced that $6,650,000 in funding for local projects she championed passed out of the full House of Representatives. This comes just weeks after the House passed $27.8 million in funding for…
Read MoreHeavy snow, extreme cold, dangerous wind chills creating hazardous travel conditions across Illinois
IDOT, ISP urging public: Avoid unnecessary travel, take special precautions The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are warning the public that a winter storm with heavy snow as well as bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills will have major impacts on Illinois roads this weekend and potentially into next week. Travel is not advised in the areas most affected. “Our snow…
Read MoreHigh school seniors encouraged to apply for ‘Road to Success’ scholarship
Grinnell Mutual is partnering with its independent agents to continue the “Road to Success” Scholarship program. Eighty $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to college-bound high school seniors with good driving records throughout its writing territory. High school seniors are eligible for the $1,000 Road to Success scholarship if they: Are currently insured through a Personal Auto…
Read MoreMiller introduces bill to stop large investors from crowding families out of homes
On Jan. 21, 2026, Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) introduced the American Family Housing Act, following President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Stopping Wall Street From Competing With Main Street Homebuyers.” The American Family Housing Act directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to restrict large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, putting an end to Wall Street…
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