State News

Firms large and small that want to participate in Illinois Department of Transportation projects are encouraged to mark their calendars for Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward on April 1 and 2 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. Hosted by IDOT’s Office of Business and Workforce Diversity, the conference provides female- and minority-owned businesses with opportunities to…

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced an Arkansas man to 210 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to robbing a motel in Maryville at gunpoint. Rickey Martin, Jr., 36, pleaded guilty in November to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandish and use of a firearm during a crime…

The Illinois State Attainment Working Group will establish attainment goals and identify degree, and credential needs to bolster Illinois’ workforce while promoting economic mobility across the state On March 13, 2026, Governor JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2026-03 to establish an Illinois State Attainment Working Group. The working group will evaluate Illinois’ workforce and training…

State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) recently helped celebrate the opening of Heartlinks Grief Center’s new facility in Belleville, which will help more children and families experiencing trauma access the care and support they deserve. “For almost three decades, Heartlinks has been delivering compassionate care to our community, helping people find healing in their most difficult…

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that improvements at the intersection of Illinois 161 and Illinois 158 in St. Clair County will require daily lane closures beginning Tuesday, March 17, weather permitting. The project is expected to be completed by early summer 2026. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes…

Road trip highlights, pit stop ideas, for Mother Road’s 100th anniversary The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced the release of a ​new Illinois Route 66 Map in honor of the iconic road’s 100th birthday this year. The map takes a nostalgic look at America’s most famous highway and sights to see in Illinois, while…

Throughout March, State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) is collecting donations from the community to put together Easter baskets for local youth in foster care at Caritas Family Solutions. “We want to make sure these kids have a great Easter, so we’re putting together baskets with candy, games and other fun items,” Hoffman said. “I’m always…

  By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] On March 9, 2026, U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Mike Bost (R-IL-15) joined Missouri Reps. Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) and Ann Wagner (R-MO-02) in introducing bipartisan legislation that would expand the boundaries of Gateway Arch National Park into the Metro East. Specifically, the legislation…

Attorney General Kwame Raoul is encouraging voters to know their rights as early voting is underway for the March 17 general primary election. It has been the longstanding practice of the Attorney General’s office to monitor elections in Illinois to ensure that voters’ rights are protected and polling places are accessible. Raoul is urging Illinois…

The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss a study for the proposed improvements on Illinois 177 in Mascoutah. The meeting will be held: Wednesday, March 18 ​4 to 7 p.m. ​Mascoutah High School ​1313 W. Main St., Mascoutah The project involves replacing the existing pavement on Illinois 177 in Mascoutah…