East Alton

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state plan to eliminate preschool deserts had a successful first year and celebrated East Alton-based Wieland Manufacturing's $500 million investment to modernize its facility.

With the passage of Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act back in 2021, coal mines and plants will slowly close across the state. The state grant program will provide $3.28 million to various Metro East communities whose coal facilities will close.

When the Wood River Power Station’s main building was brought down earlier this month, it was another visual reminder of the Metro East turning away from some of the heavy industry that helped build the region.

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner made a stop Wednesday in East Alton as part of a statewide push against the state’s epic budget impasse, which has led to…