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Illinois Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund Welcomes Van Ikner as Director of Engagement and Partnerships

7 months 1 week ago
The Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund (CEJJF) has announced the appointment of Van Ikner as director of engagement and partnerships. In this role, he will direct equity-focused clean energy investments across Illinois with a focus on historically underserved regions throughout the state. CEJJF is Illinois’ nonprofit green bank created to advance a fair and inclusive transition to clean energy across Illinois by expanding access to capital for clean energy businesses that face barriers to traditional financing. CEJJF helps homeowners and small businesses lower their energy costs and facilitates access to clean energy solutions for frontline communities, fostering healthier environments and stronger local economies. A natural bridge builder, Ikner brings extensive experience in listening, building trust and making systems more accessible for everyday people. He has held active roles on several boards and initiatives. Recently, he served as an engagement specialist with the NAACP

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BJC Health System Awarded 109 Recognitions for Clinical Excellence in U.S. News & World Report

7 months 1 week ago
ST. LOUIS – BJC Health System has received 109 recognitions for clinical excellence from U.S. News & World Report , including national ranking for Barnes-Jewish Hospital in 11 out of 14 specialties. Multiple BJC hospitals are ranked among the “Best Hospitals” in Missouri. Barnes-Jewish Hospital and its physician partners at WashU Medicine are once again ranked No. 1 in the metro St. Louis area and No. 1 in Missouri. Missouri Baptist Medical Center is No. 3 in both categories, and Christian Hospital is No. 11 in Missouri and No. 6 in the St. Louis area. Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City and Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit were recognized among the top four hospitals in Kansas City and among the top 10 hospitals in Missouri, with Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City ranked No. 2 in the Kansas City metro area. Barnes-Jewish Hospital ranked nationally in 11 specialties: cancer; cardiology, heart and vascular surgery; diabetes

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South Roxana Drops Citation Against Dad's Club Over Permit Dispute

7 months 1 week ago
SOUTH ROXANA – The Village of South Roxana has chosen to voluntarily dismiss its ordinance violation citation against the South Roxana Dad’s Club for holding an unpermitted public event earlier this year. The decision was made not because the Village lacked legal standing — officials remain confident the ordinance is valid and enforceable — but because the Village refuses to spend public funds litigating a case that could have been avoided through simple cooperation. “This was never about punishing the Dad’s Club,” said Police Chief Bob Coles. “It was about following clear rules designed to protect public safety. We simply chose not to continue investing taxpayer dollars in a dispute that should never have happened.” The citation was issued after the Dad’s Club proceeded with a large public event without obtaining the necessary permits — not only from the Village, but also in violation of county and state requirements.

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Frustrated By NIMBYs, States Are Trying to Force Cities to Build Affordable Housing

7 months 1 week ago

From National Public Radio: It’s almost dinner time and the smell of creole seasoning fills the kitchen of Grace Cunningham and Jamal Cureau’s rental home. “Some people in Utah call it bratwurst, but where I’m from in the Deep South of Louisiana we call it fresh sausage,” Cureau says as he stirs the dish. He […]

The post Frustrated By NIMBYs, States Are Trying to Force Cities to Build Affordable Housing appeared first on Construction Forum.

Tom Finan

Alton, Edwardsville Men Face Domestic Battery Charges

7 months 1 week ago
ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE – Two men from Alton and one from Edwardsville have been charged with domestic battery and other offenses in separate Madison County cases. Patrick S. Bailey, 31, of Alton, was charged on July 22, 2025 with a Class 4 felony count of criminal damage to property and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery. On July 21, 2025, Bailey allegedly caused bodily harm to a household or family member by striking them about the face, causing a laceration to the victim’s face. He was additionally accused of causing over $500 worth of damage to the victim’s cell phone. The Alton Police Department presented the case against Bailey, who was granted pretrial release from custody with additional conditions. Under the additional conditions of his release, Bailey is ordered to have no contact with the victim from this case and remain at least 50 feet away from them at all times. Another Alton man, 45-year-old Randy R. Harris, faces his second or subsequent

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‘Devastating’ spending cuts: Advocates decry Trump tax law’s harm to Latino communities

7 months 1 week ago
WASHINGTON — The massive tax and spending cuts package signed into law by President Donald Trump earlier this month will affect not only Latinos using federal safety net programs but also those living in communities vulnerable to environmental pollution, Democrats and advocates said during a Tuesday virtual press conference. The president’s domestic policy agenda bill that congressional […]
Ariana Figueroa

What Happens When You Call the National Crisis Line?

7 months 1 week ago
RIVERBEND - When should you call 988, and what happens when you do? Megan Tyler, the founder of Sacred Spaces of CARE, clarified the reasons why an individual might call 988, which is a 24/7 national crisis line. She also recognized the difference between 911 and 988, and she spoke about what a caller might expect when they dial 988. “988 can really connect you to a plethora or a wide variety of services. It really depends on the situation that you’re in in that moment,” Tyler said. “If there is not a safety threat, then there are some other alternatives that I think would be really good for people to know about and just know what options are available, how to access them, and what to expect when they do call those numbers.” If an individual is a potential danger to themself or others, Tyler recommends calling 911 right away. But if the individual is not a threat and instead is “in a very unregulated or dysregulated emotional state and they’re

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