BUZZ MAGAZINE – Growth Corp, one of the nation’s highest-producing SBA 504 lenders, recently announced a significant leadership transition effective January 1, 2026. After 35 years as President, Doug Kinley will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, while Sara Vanhala, a nearly 20-year veteran of the organization and current Chair of the Board of the National Association of Development Companies (NADCO), has been appointed President. Serving small and mid-sized, for-profit
BUZZ MAGAZINE – Storyteller Studios, the award-winning video production company known for premium, story-driven marketing campaigns nationwide, today announced the launch of Storyteller Small Batch, designed to make high-quality brand storytelling accessible to local small businesses in Springfield and Sangamon County. Launched January 1, 2026, Storyteller Small Batch delivers the same Emmy Award-winning team, cinematic production values, and strategic storytelling that have defined Storyteller
On January 8, 1918, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson delivered what became known as the “Fourteen Points,” a set of principles meant to guide peace negotiations as World War I neared its end. The speech called for ideas that were still relatively new in global diplomacy at the time: more open agreements between countries, freer trade and navigation, reductions in arms, and the notion that borders and governments should better reflect the people living under them. It also proposed an
This morning starts mostly cloudy with temperatures near 43 degrees. Light rain showers will begin early, but by afternoon, rain will pick up along with thunderstorms. The high today reaches 63 degrees, with winds from the south-southeast gusting up to 39 mph. These storms may bring gusty winds, hail, and heavy downpours that could cause localized flooding. By evening, rain continues with thunderstorms gradually easing to lighter showers. Winds remain breezy, shifting southwest and gusting near
Governor Pritzker Blasts Trump’s Partisan Freeze to Crucial Child Care and Family Assistance Programs Approximately 152,000 children in Illinois are served through the Child Care Assistance Program that the Trump administration is attacking. CHICAGO – Today, the Trump Administration and Department of Health and Human Services announced the freezing of $10 billion in federal funds, including approximately $1 billion for Illinois, for social services and child care across five
WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) today released a joint statement on the Trump administration’s decision to exclude the Senate Judiciary Committee from this evening’s Capitol Hill briefing on the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, who was indicted for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracy: “President Trump and Secretary Rubio have stated that this was a law enforcement operation tha
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his office has won the first civil hate crime lawsuit filed by the Attorney General’s office. As a result of Raoul’s lawsuit, a Carroll County Circuit Court judge ordered two white Carroll County residents to pay more than $90,000 for their monthslong campaign of intimidation against their neighbor, who is a Black man. “This behavior is shocking, racist and un-American. I appreciate the judge’s order that shows
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $24 million is now available in grant funding to establish six new Manufacturing Training Academies (MTAs) at community colleges in the state’s downstate regions to expand training for high-demand manufacturing jobs in Illinois. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Our skilled workforce is part of what
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul applauded the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit for affirming a lower court ruling permanently preventing the Trump administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from cutting funding that supports cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country. The ruling protects “indirect cost” reimbursements at research
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is now cosponsoring a War Powers Resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rand Paul (R-KY) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) as well as Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) that would block the use of the U.S. Armed Forces to engage in hostilities within or against Venezuela unless authorized by Congress. “Our Constitution requires the American people, through their elected representatives
GODFREY – Godfrey residents under the age of 40 may have a chance this spring to share their views on how to make the village more attractive to younger individuals and families. Village officials are planning an “Under 40 Focus Group” event at Bakers & Hale with a tentative date of March 30, 2026, according to a memo from Economic Development Director Jim Mager. A group of up to 25 participants will be selected to participate by invitation and asked a series of open-ended
EAST ST. LOUIS — A Georgia man was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for leading a bank fraud and identity theft scheme that targeted financial institutions across central and southern Illinois, federal officials announced Wednesday. Traveon H. Reese, 31, of Atlanta, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He admitted to orchestrating a check-cashing conspiracy that involved stealing business checks and identities
GODFREY - The Harman family will once again come together for the 48th Annual Harman Family Bluegrass Show. Hosted by the Harman Family Bluegrass Band, the show is a beloved January tradition for many people in the Riverbend region. This year’s performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Hatheway Cultural Center at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey. “You can expect nearly a couple of hours of good bluegrass, gospel and country music, as we hav
GODFREY — A two-vehicle crash occurred Wednesday morning, Jan. 7, 2026, in front of Alton High School in Godfrey and caused significant damage to the vehicles involved, the Madison County Sheriff's Office said. The collision happened Jan. 7, 2026, when one vehicle was traveling south on Humbert Road, and the other was attempting to turn into the high school parking lot, according to Madison County Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido. "Unit 2 was traveling South on Humbert Road, as Unit
EDWARDSVILLE —The Madison County Mental Health Board named a new Executive Director — selecting a seasoned leader with more than 30 years of experience in child and family welfare, trauma-informed care, and systems reform. Amber Donnelly, Ed.S., will serve as the new executive director. She brings a specialized background in educational leadership, policy analysis and strategic planning to the organization. Throughout her distinguished career, Donnelly championed trauma-informed
O’FALLON, Ill. — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital proudly welcomed Rosalinda Elizabeth Taylor as the first baby born at the hospital in 2026 to Cecilia Hammond and Levi Taylor of Belleville. She was delivered at 2:02 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2025, at St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center, weighing 6 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 20 inches long. In celebration of being the first baby born in 2026 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Rosalinda and her family
WOOD RIVER - Canaan Cook, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for his participation in wrestling. Under the guidance of coach Tim Donohoo, Cook has been involved in the sport for four years. He describes wrestling as a unique experience that fosters a strong sense of brotherhood, especially within a small team that travels frequently together. Cook is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. In addition to wrestling, Cook is active
ST. LOUIS – In an important step toward rebuilding after the May 16 tornado and bringing new investment to North St. Louis, the City of St. Louis Planning Commission has formally adopted “A Stronger Northside,” a new neighborhood plan created with significant community involvement to guide the future development, investment and community priorities for The Ville, Greater Ville and Kingsway East neighborhoods, all of which were significantly impacted by the tornado. This is
ALTON - Middletown neighbors once again came together to celebrate Twelfth Night with carols, cookies and a bonfire. On Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, residents from the Middletown neighborhood in Alton gathered at Haskell Park. The Alton Fire Department burned donated live Christmas trees, and community members snacked on cookies and wassail. Organizers also announced the Three Kings of Middletown, honoring community members who have gone above and beyond in the neighborhood this past year. “It’s
Pictured above: New Edwardsville Firefighters Quinn Phillips, Alex Thompson, and Oren Baran stand with Fire Chief Brendan McKee (left) and Mayor Art Risavy (right). EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Fire Department is welcoming three new firefighters who were sworn in at this week’s City Council meeting. Quinn Phillips, Alex Thompson, and Oren Baran, the city’s three newest probationary firefighters, took their Oaths of Office on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 in view of their families,
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