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Illinois Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day

3 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. With reports of elder abuse on the rise in Illinois since 2022 , Department on Aging Director Mary Killough is reminding community members to learn the warning signs and speak up about suspected abuse of older adults. “Elder abuse is sadly more common than many people realize, but it is largely preventable,” said IDoA Director Mary Killough. “By understanding what elder abuse is, recognizing the signs, and taking steps to prevent it, we can create safer and more supportive communities for older adults.” Elder abuse is characterized as an act causing any physical, mental or sexual injury to an older adult, including exploitation of their financial resources and abandonment. The term also applies to actions that create an environment in which harm could be expected, including harm to an older adult's health, physical and/or emotional well-being, or welfare. National studies show as many as one in 10

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The Value of GIS for Architecture, Urban Design, and Planning

3 months 1 week ago
From Architecture: Architects and urban planners are being called to think holistically in this era of rapid urban growth, climate uncertainty, and increasing pressure for sustainable development. Design is no longer just about aesthetics or function—it’s about systems, resilience, and place. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology has emerged as a vital tool in this evolution, […]
Tom Finan

Nominations Open For 2025 Illinois Outdoor Hall Of Fame

3 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – Do you know someone who has left a lasting mark on the outdoors in Illinois? The Illinois Conservation Foundation is now accepting nominations for the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame class of 2025. Each year, the foundation honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to conservation and outdoor recreation across the state. Since 2002, inductees have included mentors who have introduced thousands to hunting, fishing and wildlife stewardship. These leaders have championed habitat restoration, clean water, and helped preserve our outdoor heritage for generations to come. “These are the people who don’t just enjoy the outdoors, they make it better for everyone,” said Jenny Vaughn, executive director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. “We’re proud to celebrate their stories and their impact.” Nominees selected for the 2025 class will be inducted at the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Gala next spring. Visit the

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Attorney General Raoul, State Attorneys General Continue Fight To Defend Birthright Citizenship

3 months 1 week ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul defended birthright citizenship in the ongoing multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration’s executive order purporting to redefine birthright citizenship to exclude certain children born to non-citizen parents. Attorneys representing Illinois, Arizona, Oregon and Washington argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Wednesday in the states’ lawsuit challenging the executive order. It was the first case against the order to be heard in an appeals court since a district judge in February deemed the order “blatantly unconstitutional” and granted a nationwide preliminary injunction against its implementation while the case proceeds. The administration appealed to the 9th Circuit in an effort to overturn the injunction. “As a birthright citizen myself, born to an immigrant mother not yet naturalized at the time, the fight to preserve birthright citizenship is a personal one,”

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Governor Pritzker Awards 27 Equitable Energy Future Grants, Launches Application for Round Three of Program

3 months 1 week ago
CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced 27 awards totaling $23 million through the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program as part of a larger strategy to equitably grow the clean energy workforce in Illinois through the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Additionally, the Governor announced $25.5 million available in grant funding for the third round of the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program to support renewable energy projects in historically underserved communities. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, Illinois is leading the nation forward in generating good jobs and fostering economic opportunity in the clean energy industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program ensures that our investments leave no community behind – and

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Jess Ray Brings Soulful "Matin Tour" To Highland On July 9, 2025

3 months 1 week ago
HIGHLAND – EvUCC (Evangelical United Church of Christ) in Highland, is set to host a deeply moving evening of music and reflection as singer-songwriter Jess Ray brings her acclaimed Matin Tour to town. The concert will take place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 , offering a unique blend of quiet songs, hymns, and heartfelt storytelling. The Matin Tour is inspired by Jess Ray’s Matin project, a four-part set of songs recorded at sunrise, capturing the stillness and sacredness of the early morning hours. Known for her honest lyrics and warm, folk-infused sound, Jess invites audiences into a space of peace, creativity, and connection. Event Details: Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 Venue: Evangelical United Church of Christ (EvUCC), Highland, IL Early Entry Ticket Holders Doors Open: 5:45 PM Early Entry Ticket Holder Q&A Hang with Jess: 6:00 PM General Admission Doors: 6:30 PM Concert Begins: 7:00 PM Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her music,

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Duckworth Presses Nominee to Be VA's Inspector General on Whether She Will Prioritize the Interests of Our Veterans Over Loyalty to Trump

3 months 1 week ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC)—pressed the nominee to serve as Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Cheryl Mason, on whether she intends to remain impartial in her investigations and put the needs of our Veterans ahead of the whims of Donald Trump. Duckworth raised concerns about Ms. Mason’s commitment to uphold the rule of law, particularly since she refuses to acknowledge that her nomination is only possible because Donald Trump illegally fired her predecessor. Duckworth’s remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . “Congress established Inspector Generals to help ensure any given Administration complies with the law—and instead of carrying out these important oversight responsibilities, I’m deeply concerned that Ms. Mason would simply serve as a private investigator for Donal

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Westbound I-64 Lane Closures Near East St. Louis Begin June 7, 2025

3 months 1 week ago
EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that maintenance work will take place on westbound Interstate 64 between Ninth Street and the Martin Luther King Drive ramps in St. Clair County, weather permitting, from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, June 7. During that time, traffic will be reduced to one lane. All lanes are expected to reopen by 6 p.m. the same day. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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St. Louis Magazine covers Richmond Heights family’s recovery from May 16 tornado

3 months 1 week ago
In the news: a Richmond Heights family in a century-old home deals with the after-effects of the tornado. Plus, St. Louis Magazine covers Maplewood’s newest restaurant, and more. Feast — The ultimate food-lover’s guide to Maplewood St. Louis Magazine — A family uprooted: A St. Louis mom navigates the tornado’s aftermath St. Louis Magazine — […]
Doug Miner

Missouri Senate approves $100M for St. Louis tornado relief

3 months 1 week ago
Missouri senators on Thursday approved a plan to provide over $100 million in aid for tornado-ravaged St. Louis and authorized hundreds of millions of dollars worth of incentives to try to persuade the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to continue playing in Missouri in new or improved stadiums.
DAVID A. LIEB, Associated Press

Like Water

3 months 1 week ago

An international and multigenerational group of artists will take over the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis for Like Water, which considers water from different angles – from fonts of inspirations […]

The post Like Water appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman