Meredith Howard

6 days ago | bnd.com | Meredith Howard

A double rainbow is seen on the horizon after a storm passes through St. Clair County and the metro-east in this file photo. Here's what to know about the summer weather outlook for southwestern Illinois. Contributed After an unusually stormy period in the metro-east and St. Louis, residents can look forward to the beginning of meteorological summer Sunday, June 1. The summer solstice officially kicks off the new season Friday, June 20, but forecasters expect warm temperatures to arrive sooner.

1 week ago | kentucky.com | Meredith Howard

Kentucky stargazers can see a meteor shower peak Monday and Tuesday, as well as a full “flower” moon soon after. The Eta Aquarid (also spelled Aquariid) meteor shower began April 19, peaks between May 5 and 6 and may still be visible until about Wednesday, May 28, USA Today reported. Your best chance at seeing them will be under the darkest skies you can find, according to the American Meteor Society.

1 week ago | bnd.com | Meredith Howard

The Illinois state government is hiring for more than 40 open positions within 50 miles of Belleville, and jobs are available in a variety of industries. Unemployment in Illinois held steady at 4.8% in March, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rate had previously declined slightly from 4.9 to 4.8% in February. March's statewide unemployment rate is preliminary and may be revised.

1 week ago | bnd.com | Meredith Howard

If you've got plans to fly from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport after Wednesday, May 7, you may want to double-check your ID before heading out. May 7 marks the deadline to get a REAL ID compliant driver's license or state identification card to fly domestically and enter certain federal facilities. A passport can be used as an alternative to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state identification card, and those traveling internationally will still need a passport.

1 week ago | kentucky.com | Meredith Howard

The stars who will grace the Derby Red Carpet Saturday aren’t the only celebrities who will be affiliated with this year’s event — two of this year’s racehorse owners are also particularly notable. The 151st Kentucky Derby will take place Saturday, and 20 thoroughbreds are set to take the track, including newcomers to Churchill Downs, as well as some who have titled at the venue previously. Half of this year’s Derby horses belong to more than one person, and .