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Four Townhomes coming to Morgan Ford and Arsenal

10 months 2 weeks ago

After decades of blight, the southwest corner of Morgan Ford and Arsenal across from Tower Grove Park in the Tower Grove South neighborhood is becoming four townhomes. The demolition of the low-productivity auto-oriented land use commenced today. A developer based in south St. Louis County acquired the property last year. An $800k building permit was […]

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Richard Bose

House Democrats Must Bring Brandon Johnson to Springfield for Answers

10 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD - Following the Congressional hearing on sanctuary city policies and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s embarrassing testimony, Illinoisans are left with more questions than answers on how taxpayer dollars are being used to support illegal immigrants. The Illinois House Republican Organization is calling on House Democrats to demand that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson testify before a legislative committee in Springfield after his evasive and inadequate responses before Congress. During his testimony in Washington, D.C., Johnson attempted to shift blame for Chicago’s sanctuary city crisis onto state law, citing the Illinois TRUST Act. If Mayor Johnson believes state law is the problem, then he should appear before the General Assembly and advocate for repealing the very policies that have made Illinois a magnet for illegal immigration. If he is right, House Democrats will need to answer for policies that have given the Mayor the greenlight to protect violent criminal illega

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Illinois Housing Development Authority Announces Annual Lender Award Winners

10 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Homeownership Department (IHDA Mortgage) is proud to announce the recipients of its “2024 Lender and Loan Officer Awards.” These awards recognize the banks, mortgage lenders, credit unions, and loan officers who assisted the most homebuyers utilizing IHDA Mortgage programs over the past year. With more than 160 lenders currently partnered with IHDA Mortgage across Illinois, the lender awards recognize the institutions and individuals who excelled in serving low- to moderate-income homebuyers. “Affordable homeownership isn’t just about family stability. It’s about building strong communities and a competitive economy that offers opportunities for all Illinoisans,” IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said. “Our lending partners play a key role in this work, ensuring homebuyers in every community across the state have direct access to IHDA’s housing counseling, mortgage

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VIDEO: Single Mom’s Journey in The Trades

10 months 2 weeks ago
From Lowes: As the skilled trades industry continues to evolve to address labor shortages, women in the trades are becoming increasingly critical to bridging the gap. Still, women make up only 11% of construction workers and 4% of the skilled trades workforce. Elizabeth Silva, a plumbing apprentice in Denver, is one of those women. Through […]
Tom Finan

Illinois Nurses Convene at State Capitol to Engage with Leaders on Critical Healthcare Priorities

10 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday, more than 70 nurses from Illinois’ Magnet hospitals met with Illinois lawmakers to stress the importance of investing in healthcare, while also advocating for policies that prioritize patient safety, support clinical leadership and innovation, and preserve access to quality care for all Illinois residents. "Illinois is home to world-class hospitals dedicated to excellence,” said A.J. Wilhelmi, Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) President and CEO. “IHA congratulates Illinois’ Magnet hospitals for this significant distinction and celebrates all Illinois hospitals for their unwavering commitment to patient care. We are especially grateful for our nursing workforce, whose dedication goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service and improve health outcomes across the state." During Magnet Hospital Day, attendees had the opportunity to network, celebrate the journey to Magnet status, and share with legislators

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MO Legislators Debate Defunding DEI Initiatives

10 months 2 weeks ago
From The Missouri Independent: The Senate Committee on Government Efficiency heard a bill Monday that would ban state funding for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Sponsored by state Rep. Ben Baker, a Republican from Neosho, the bill would also bar state departments from mandating a DEI program in contracts with private organizations. “The bottom line is […]
Rachel Finan

Senate Republicans Reject Durbin's Resolution To Condemn Russia’s Abduction Of Ukrainian Children

10 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, asked for unanimous consent (UC) to pass a simple resolution he introduced condemning Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children and called on Russia to work with the international community to return all abducted Ukrainian children to their families. Since Russia’s full-scale war of aggression started in 2022, the Russian government has abducted, forcibly transferred, or facilitated the illegal deportation of at least 20,000 Ukrainian children. Senate Republicans rejected the resolution. They also objected to every other straightforward resolution offered by Senate Democrats, including urging Russian President Putin to end the war, clarifying that Russia started the war, stating that Russia committed war crimes, reaffirming the U.S.-Ukraine relationship and support for its sovereignty, and clarifying that no nation should forcibly seize

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Sheriff, Coroner, Confirm Tragic Death Of 67-Year-Old Man In Accident At Calhoun Quarry

10 months 2 weeks ago
FIELDON — A man was pronounced dead Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Calhoun Quarry, located at 25840 Eldred Road, following an incident involving falling rock, according to the Jersey County Coroner's Office. Authorities received a call regarding the situation at 4:19 p.m. on March 5, 2025. The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office requested mutual aid, prompting responses from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and Calhoun EMS. Jersey County Coroner Kevin Ayres, who arrived at the scene, confirmed that the man was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. “The initial cause of death appears to be from falling rock,” Ayres said. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns said the victim was a 67-year-old man. "It appears to be an accidental death, which occurred during mining operations at the quarry," Sheriff Manns said. The coroner indicated that the victim's name will be released once all family members have been notified. The investigation into the circumstances

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Trump Promises To Abuse Take It Down Act For Censorship, Just As We Warned

10 months 2 weeks ago
During his address to Congress this week, Donald Trump endorsed the Take It Down Act while openly declaring his plans to abuse it: “And I’m going to use that bill for myself too, if you don’t mind, because nobody gets treated worse than I do online, nobody.” (You might think a former president openly declaring […]
Mike Masnick

Pritzker Administration Announces Illinois Overdose Deaths Declined 8% in 2023

10 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Administration of Governor JB Pritzker announced that Illinois recorded an 8.3% drop in overall drug overdose deaths in 2023, exceeding a nationwide decline of 4%. Specifically, opioid overdose deaths declined 9.7% in the state, compared to 3% nationally. The new data shows 3,502 overdose deaths in Illinois from all causes in 2023, 317 fewer than in 2022. The new data comes as the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) unveiled an expanded Overdose Data Dashboard that shares more data and makes the tool easier to use for both researchers and the general public. Governor Pritzker also announced in his Budget Address that, subject to review by the General Assembly, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will consolidate its mental health and substance use divisions into an integrated Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery in order to improve access to care and positive outcomes for consumers. “My administration has worked closely with

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Current State Flag is Decisive Winner in Flag Redesign Contest

10 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD - The public overwhelmingly favors retaining the current state flag, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced following the five-week voting period to consider a redesign of the flag. Voters had the option to choose their favorite design from one of the Illinois Flag Commission’s Top 10 new designs, or one of three former flag designs, including the current one, which has not had a major redesign in the past century. Of the nearly 385,000 votes that were received, over 165,000, or 43 percent, were cast for the current Illinois State flag, which received more votes than the next five top designs combined. “Some may call it an SOB – a seal on a bedsheet – and the vexillogical community may hate it, but people overwhelmingly prefer our current state flag,” Giannoulias said. “Thank you to everyone who made their voice heard on the future of this important symbol of state pride.” The Illinois Flag Commission will prepare

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Durbin Speaks Against Trump Administration Efforts To Intimidate Judges & Undermine The Rule Of Law

10 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke against efforts by the Trump Administration to intimidate judges and undermine the rule of law. Durbin then asked unanimous consent (UC) to pass a resolution that simply affirms that the Constitution vests the judicial power in the federal courts. It also affirms that both the Constitution and established precedent require the executive branch to comply with all federal court rulings. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) objected to Durbin’s unanimous consent request. Durbin was joined on the Senate floor by Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee who spoke in support of his resolution. “In recent weeks, several federal judges have issued orders blocking unlawful actions taken by the Trump Administration. In response, the Administration’s officials and allies have made worrisome statements criticizin

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Rock the Hops Festival Returns to Alton with Local Talent

10 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON – Rock the Hops returns to Downtown Alton, Illinois, bringing together music lovers, art enthusiasts, and community stakeholders for an electrifying afternoon of live performances, visual artists, makers, and handcrafted libations. The festival will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. on August 9th at several locations, and the producers are excited to invite potential sponsors, venues, musicians, visual artists, beverage makers, and volunteers to be a part of this collaborative community event. Rock the Hops pairs music and art with craft beverages. Attendees can “hop” around between the official venues to catch live music and to observe and purchase art. Ticket holders gain the full experience, with access to free shuttles and the option to taste dozens of styles of locally crafted beer, seltzers, coffee, and more. Over the years, Rock the Hops has showcased over 180 local bands, totalling over 700 musicians who live, work, and create in our community. Sponsorships

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