State News

Company adds manufacturing capacity and dozens of new jobs to southern Illinois On May 20, 2026, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Intermountain Electronics announced the company will invest more than $15 million to expand their operations by adding more than 108,000 square feet of manufacturing space while…

State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would prohibit retailers from refusing cash payments up to $500. “For many Illinois residents, cash remains a dependable and necessary way to pay for everyday purchases,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “People deserve the freedom to choose how they pay.” Belt’s measure would prohibit retailers from refusing cash payments…

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – In celebration of Memorial Day and the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois and U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft will recognize Robert “Bob” Gill, 99, from Jerseyville, for his extensive service to our country. Gill has been named as the recipient of…

State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) has pledged to donate the legislative pay raise he voted against to different local organizations throughout his district to help families in need. This month, he donated a variety of essential items including toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, cereal, pancake mix, syrup, and canned chicken to the food pantry at Zion…

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) has selected a consortium of Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois (ATXI), a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE); GridLiance Heartland LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Transmission LLC; Dairyland Power Cooperative; and the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) to develop, build, operate and maintain two major transmission projects. ATXI…

As Illinois lawmakers enter the final weeks of budget negotiations before the May 31 deadline, southern Illinois conservation leader Dale Shumaker is urging state leaders to reach a bipartisan solution that fully supports Illinois’ Soil and Water Conservation Districts before more local conservation capacity is lost. Shumaker, president of the Association of Illinois Soil &…

State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) is inviting students across the 56th Senate District to participate in her district-wide art contest celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The contest is open to students in 1st through 8th grade and encourages young artists to showcase their creativity while reflecting on what makes…

State Senator Christopher Belt recently announced Belleville will receive a total of $250,000 through Illinois’ Safe Routes to School program to improve pedestrian safety and expand opportunities for children and families to safely walk and bike in their community. “Keeping children safe on their way to school should always be a top priority,” said Belt…

State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) and State Senator Jil Tracy (R-50th-Quincy) helped connect Metro East residents with thousands of dollars in missing money during an ICASH event held Monday, May 11, 2026, in Alton, including one individual who discovered $94,000 in unclaimed property. “Helping residents recover money that rightfully belongs to them is one…

  By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] A collaborative effort between southwestern Illinois workforce development agencies and the hospitality industry has earned statewide recognition while delivering what partners describe as a “Win-Win-Win” for employers, workers and students alike. The region’s workforce ecosystem received the Excellence in Collaboration Award during the Illinois…