Edwardsville

Illinois became the first state in the country to abolish cash bail on Monday, but the courts remained slow in the Metro East.

Originally scheduled to be ready this year, the $105 million project was pushed back to 2025 after the pandemic slowed its progress, according to SIU System President Dan Mahoney.

Despite enrollment at Albert Cassens Elementary falling, as it is at many schools across Illinois, spirits were high with Edwardsville families and teachers as a new school year kicked off Wednesday.

A piece of restored Edwardsville history is making its debut Friday. The West End Service Station is reopening as a museum and interpretive center for people to learn about its history as a hub along the Route 66 corridor, in anticipation of the road’s 100th anniversary in 2026.

Last year, more than 378,000 workers were authorized for H-2A visas, or temporary agriculture positions, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Labor. Horseradish farmers in the Metro East are among those who say they’re now using the program.

Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposal includes $100 million for a state grant program. At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 30% of students use the program.

In response to the collapse of the Amazon warehouse that killed six employees during a December 2021 tornado, Illinois lawmakers hope to recommend increased safety measures by 2025.

Edwardsville's school district held a number of "engagement sessions" to get input from community members. School officials propose a $100 million bond.

Amazon officials say they are taking steps to make their workplaces safer, including better training.

In the wake of the storm, warehouse employees and supporters of labor said the building should have included a protective shelter, even though building codes do not require them.