State News

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has announced the removal of 10 lenders from participation in the USDA Rural Development (RD) OneRD Guaranteed Lending Program. These lenders will be precluded from further participation in the program. The removed lenders listed below have portfolios with approximately $620 million in delinquent loans, accounting for approximately 47…

The O’Fallon Public Works Department will be closing State Street between Highway 50 and Obernuefemann Road beginning on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The road will be closed to perform pavement repairs. Drivers will have a marked detour route on Highway 50 and Obernuefemann and are required to use this route or recommended to find other…

State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) has recognized Good Morning Café as his ‘Business of the Month’ for April 2026. Rep. Schmidt visited with Owners Chelsea Vogel Martinez and Irepan Martinez to present them with an official certificate from the Illinois House of Representatives. “It was a pleasure to meet Chelsea Vogel Martinez and Irepan Martinez…

Addresses shortage of engineering talent, puts up to $60,000 toward student loan debt In an effort to address a nationwide shortage of people entering the profession and attract young talent, the Illinois Department of Transportation has announced a hiring initiative that will pay $15,000 of eligible student loan debt annually for up to 50 new…

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – In observance of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois recognize the courage and dedication of local, state and federal law enforcement partners and honor the officers who have fallen in the line of duty. National Police Week is…

Grant funding will provide support to organizations to ​​create a more inclusive business ecosystem Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently announced $2.5 million in funding is available for the second round of the Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Grant Program. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice…

On May 6, 2026, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) convened her bipartisan Agriculture Advisory Council at the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The Congresswoman answered questions on needed improvements to the Farm Bill, upcoming USDA reorganization, protecting funding for agricultural research institutions, support for farmers facing tariff and export market…

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project, invites you to REC (Recreation, Exploration, and Conservation) Fest – the largest recreation and safety festival in the Riverbend. Kick off the summer season with your family from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at the National Great Rivers Museum, in Alton, Ill., with…

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) recently announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. This year’s overall winner is Charlotte Lin of University Laboratory High School for her piece, Liminal. Runner-up winners: Mackenzie Shirley — Belleville East High School Amelia Drews — Springfield High School Amiya Williams — Belleville West…

State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) recently announced a new round of Traveling Office Hours taking place throughout May, providing residents with additional opportunities to connect with her office and receive assistance with state services. “These Traveling Office Hours are an important way for my team to stay connected with the communities we serve,” said…