World Wide Technology Raceway

The Illinois Department of Transportation has been talking about constructing a connector between Illinois 3 in Fairmont City and Illinois 203 and Madison, Illinois, for the last 20 years. Recently, the state agency unveiled its preferred route.

Along with the rest of the state, southwest Illinois’ tourism industry continues to see a solid bounce back following a pandemic lull, according to the latest figures released for 2022.

The highs for Illinois tourism come after dramatic drop-off in revenue during the pandemic.

Jamon Greenwood Jr., 10, and Tremell Kellys, 11, were new to the world of soap box car racing. Both left Sunday's derby, a beloved tradition in the Hill neighborhood of St. Louis, with a new passion. One left with a trophy.

Last year’s event drew around 102,000 people to the venue over the course of the weekend, and nearly 60,000 for Sunday's main event. That’s comparable to a major playoff game in any other major sport.

The first NASCAR Cup Series race in the St. Louis area packed hotels and restaurants. A study from Maryville University estimated that the regional economic impact of the three-day event could be as much as $60 million.

“This one race, if done well, can lead to many more years of economic change for the Metro East,” said the owner of World Wide Technology Raceway.

MADISON — A program that pairs science and technology education with car racing hit the track at World Wide Technology Raceway on Thursday.For the first…