State News

In addition to a survey being conducted on campus, the Southern Illinois University System is inviting alumni and community members to fill out a brief survey that will help shape the next chapter of its strategic plan, which will guide the university system through 2031. “Over the past several years, the SIU System has made…

  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…

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,…

  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…

  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…

Updated report sheds light on unprecedented budgetary pressures inflicted by Trump’s Budget Bill & actions targeting states with Democratic Governors The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) recently released an update to its October 2025 Economic and Fiscal Policy Report, outlining how recent federal actions and provisions enacted under Trump’s Budget Bill will further…

The Illinois Department of Transportation recently announced lane closures on West Highway 50 at Interstate 64, beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 9. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction to allow for bridge construction. The lane closures are expected to remain in place through early summer 2026. Motorists should expect…

  By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] Illinois is expanding a long-dormant economic development financing program statewide, giving communities a new tool to back large-scale tourism, entertainment and retail projects by using future local sales tax growth to help fund construction and infrastructure. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state and local leaders…

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced a full closure of the intersection of Illinois 157 and Illinois 162 in Madison County (at Glen Carbon) starting at 7 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, weather permitting. During the closure, traffic will not be permitted on Illinois 157 and Illinois 162 at the intersection. Both eastbound and westbound…

  By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek  Applications opened Feb. 6 for Illinois’ new $1.5 million Farm to Food Bank Capacity-Building Grant Program, designed to strengthen the state’s local food system and expand access to fresh protein and produce. “We’re looking for farmers, ag producers, food banks, food pantries and community partners all looking for help with…