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2025: Women's Conference Set For Nov. 5, 2025

1 month 3 weeks ago
TROY - Women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals across the region are invited to mark their calendars for the highly anticipated 2025 Women's Conference, themed "See The Signs... Be The Change." This empowering event, set to take place on Wednesday, November 5, at The Outlet Event Center at Edison’s Entertainment Complex. The day will be filled with a full day of insightful discussions, practical workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities designed to inspire growth, foster leadership, and champion well-being. The conference will kick off at 7:15 AM with registration, breakfast, and networking, leading into an impactful opening remarks session. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse lineup of expert speakers and panelists, addressing critical topics relevant to today's evolving professional landscape. Key highlights of the 2025 Women's Conference include: Empowering Leadership: Tracy Bianco of Tracy Bianco Coaching & Consulting wil

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ISP Leads Human Trafficking Demand Suppression Operation

1 month 3 weeks ago
MARION - Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Trafficking Enforcement Group arrested eight individuals during a two-day human trafficking demand suppression operation in the Marion area of Williamson County on October 14 - 15, 2025. The operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts. As a result of the operation, the following individuals were arrested and charged: Nicholas A. Love (44) of Marion, IL – Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3), Indecent Solicitation of a Minor (Class 3), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4). Michael L. Beltz (66) of Herrin, IL – Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3), Indecent Solicitation of a Minor (Class 3), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4). Jason R. Fox (51) of Alto Pass, IL – Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3), Indecent Solicitation of a Minor (Class 3), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4). Willie A. Huddson (50) of Colp, IL – Traveling to Meet a Minor

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Alton's Current Conditions Focus Of First Comprehensive Plan Update

1 month 3 weeks ago
ALTON – Alton city officials received an update on the city’s comprehensive planning efforts last night after a well-attended community workshop was held last week to gather input from residents. Adam Jones with Stantec Consulting Services gave Alton Committee of the Whole members a presentation on the city’s “existing conditions” regarding demographics, zoning, and other trends observed over the past 10 years. Jones said this marks the “first phase” of the project since Alton hired Stantec three months ago to update its Comprehensive Plan – a document which aims to guide the city’s growth and development for the next 20 years and keep it competitive among other local cities. Jones said he expects the new Comprehensive Plan to be complete by next year. In the meantime, Stantec plans to host more “vision and goal-setting events” to gather public input in the future and will soon publish

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Comptroller Mendoza Recognizes National Business Women's Week

1 month 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD - Women business owners looking to expand sales and win government contracts should consider the Illinois Office of Comptroller’s (IOC) SMART Business program, which provides free counseling and guidance on how to become certified as a small business or a women-owned business with the state. “Getting certified means our hard-working business owners can take advantage of procurement opportunities with the State of Illinois, bidding on contracts specifically set aside for businesses in these specific categories,” said Comptroller Mendoza. There are several advantages to doing business with the state. Business owners can count on a steady demand, create a track record of service to help win more clients, and grow revenue. The SMART Business program has staff available to consult with business owners one-on-one throughout the process of becoming a certified vendor. Interested business owners can sign up here: Smart Business Illinois - The Illinois

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Illinois Poison Center Shares Halloween Safety Tips to Keep Kids Safe from Hidden Hazards

1 month 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO - As families prepare to celebrate Halloween, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is reminding parents and caregivers about the growing number of accidental poisonings reported during the season, including cases involving dry ice, glow sticks, cosmetics, and occasionally candy. In 2024, IPC managed 4,062 exposures to cosmetics, 244 exposures to glow stick products and 3 exposures to dry ice. Most calls related to the exposure of cosmetics and glow sticks were children 5 and under, and most exposures to dry ice were adults. “IPC rarely manages calls about Halloween candy, but still recommend parents and caregivers check their child’s candy as a safety precaution, especially with the use of gummies and other candy-like products that contain THC,” said IPC Medical Director, Michael Wahl, MD. “Each year, IPC receives calls about internal and external exposures to glow sticks, dry ice, and Halloween makeup.” IPC encourages everyone to follow these Halloween

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Riverbender Building Celebrates 100 Years with Special WWII Guest

1 month 3 weeks ago
ALTON - The Riverbender Building will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a special reception. At 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, the building’s tenants and the larger community are invited to a gathering on the first floor to celebrate the anniversary and honor long-time tenant Robert Ryan with cookies and coffee. Diane Flavan with Skyline Commercial Real Estate expressed the building owners’ appreciation for the community and culture that has developed in the building over the past ten decades. “My owners are committed to community growth as a whole. They love Alton,” Flavan said. The Riverbender Building opened in 1925 as First National Bank, and there are still bank vaults in the basement. These days, the building is home to office space and a wide range of tenants, including the Riverbender.com offices. While the building has undergone a few renovations in recent years, the preservation of its history is important. Flavan highlighted the

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Trivers Wins Design Award from the American Institute of Architects St. Louis Chapter

1 month 3 weeks ago

St. Louis-based architecture, planning, urban design and interiors firm Trivers has won a Distinguished Award – Social Progress in the Architecture Category—an AIA St. Louis Design Award from the St. Louis Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Trivers was recognized for its work with DOORWAYS creating a client-centered, three-acre, $40 million campus in […]

The post Trivers Wins Design Award from the American Institute of Architects St. Louis Chapter appeared first on Construction Forum.

Dede Hance

We’ve Been Doing Newsletters Since Before They Were Cool (Again), And Now We’re Actually Telling You About It

1 month 3 weeks ago
Look, we get it. Your inbox is probably drowning in newsletters right now. Every publication, influencer, and their cousin’s dog walker has suddenly discovered the revolutionary concept of… sending you emails with stuff to read. Who could have predicted that people might want content delivered directly to them? Well, actually, we could have. Because we’ve […]
Mike Masnick

Temporary Closure Of Illinois 157 at Illinois 13 Announced

1 month 3 weeks ago
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that rehabilitation of a crossing by Norfolk Southern railroad on Illinois 157 between Illinois 13 and Chase Lane in St. Clair County will require a full closure beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Oct. 27. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude Friday, Oct. 31. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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Daily Deal: Raspberry Pi Pico W Ultimate Starter Kit

1 month 3 weeks ago
The SunFounder Raspberry Pi Pico W Ultimate Starter Kit offers a rich learning experience for beginners aged 8 and up. With over 450 components, 117 projects, and expert-led tutorials, this kit makes learning microcontroller programming engaging and accessible. It also features 27 video lessons by renowned educator Paul McWhorter, simplifying microcontroller programming and IoT concepts. Packed […]
Daily Deal

Drake Champlin Named Parade Marshal for 2025 Wood River Parade

1 month 3 weeks ago
WOOD RIVER — Drake Champlin, a recent graduate of East Alton Wood River High School and current McKendree University wrestler, has been named parade marshal for the 40th Annual Wood River Halloween Parade in 2025. Champlin earned the honor following a standout high school athletic career, highlighted by his achievement as the 2025 Illinois High School Association Class 1A state wrestling champion at 215 pounds. He finished his senior season with a 43-1 record and previously placed second at the state tournament as a junior. Champlin holds the school record for most wrestling wins with 172. In addition to wrestling, Champlin was a key contributor to the EAWR football team, playing since age five. He served as team captain during his junior and senior seasons and received All-Conference honors as a sophomore and junior. During his senior year, he recorded 63 tackles. “Coaching him these past four years has been the highlight of my coaching career,” said EAWR wrestling

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Chef Terri Jane will have you spellbound with this menu

1 month 3 weeks ago
ST. LOUIS – Chef Terri Jayne from Gateway Grub shares her inspiration in the pairing and naming of the dishes in her Spellbound Mouthful menu. Get ready for a little, rhythm, history and spice! Look for much more with Chef Terri jayne at her Big City! Big Bites! Event on November 15. WHAT: Big City! [...]
Varkita Quinn