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Illinois Schools Encouraged to Apply for 2026 H2O on the Go Grants

Illinois Schools Encouraged to Apply for 2026 H2O on the Go Grants

Illinois schools are being invited to apply for the 2026 H2O on the Go grant program, which aims to replace traditional drinking fountains with touch-free water bottle-filling stations. This initiative, led by the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation and the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation, seeks to promote oral health and sustainability by encouraging students to choose water over sugary drinks. The program also aims to reduce plastic waste and limit germ exposure in schools. Applications are open until May 8, with priority given to schools without existing bottle-filling stations.
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Illinois CEJA Workforce Hubs Struggle to Secure Jobs for Graduates in Renewable Energy Sector

Illinois CEJA Workforce Hubs Struggle to Secure Jobs for Graduates in Renewable Energy Sector

Illinois' Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) workforce hubs, designed to train individuals for employment in the renewable energy sector, are facing challenges in job placement. Despite the program's promise, only 15% of its graduates have secured jobs in the sector. The hubs, part of a state initiative to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050, aim to incorporate individuals from communities historically affected by economic and environmental challenges. However, the transition from training to employment has been difficult, with federal tax credit rollbacks adding uncertainty to the job market. The program, still in its early stages, is seen as a long-term investment, with state officials optimistic about future growth and success.
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Illinois' CEJA Workforce Hubs Face Challenges in Job Placement Amid Federal Rollbacks

Illinois' CEJA Workforce Hubs Face Challenges in Job Placement Amid Federal Rollbacks

Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) workforce hubs, designed to train individuals for clean energy jobs, are facing difficulties in securing employment for graduates. Despite the program's goal to integrate people from economically and environmentally disadvantaged communities into the clean energy sector, only 15% of graduates have found jobs in the field. The federal rollback of tax credits has added uncertainty to the job market, although state-level actions are attempting to mitigate these effects. The program, which began in 2021, aims to achieve 100% renewable energy in Illinois by 2050 and includes training in renewable energy manufacturing, electric vehicle technology, and more.
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Illinois Schools Invited to Apply for 2026 H2O on the Go Grants

Illinois Schools Invited to Apply for 2026 H2O on the Go Grants

Illinois schools are now eligible to apply for the 2026 H2O on the Go grant program, which provides water bottle-filling stations to promote oral health and sustainability. The program, a collaboration between Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation and Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation, aims to replace traditional drinking fountains with touch-free stations. This initiative encourages students to choose water over sugary drinks, reducing cavities and supporting environmental efforts by minimizing plastic waste.
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Rev. Robert G. Mair Passes Away at 86, Leaving Legacy in Glenview Community

Rev. Robert G. Mair Passes Away at 86, Leaving Legacy in Glenview Community

Rev. Robert G. Mair, known affectionately as 'Fr. Bob', passed away on March 29, 2026, at the age of 86. He was the pastor emeritus of St. Catherine Labouré in Glenview, Illinois. Born in Chicago, Mair was a dedicated servant of the church, having attended St. Justin Martyr School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary, and St. Mary of the Lake Seminary. His pastoral career included roles as associate pastor at several parishes, including St. Nicholas in Evanston and St. Joseph in Wilmette, before becoming pastor at St. Mary of the Lake in Chicago and later at St. Catherine Labouré. Mair was also involved with the Priest Placement Board and the Priest Retirement and Mutual Aid Association. He is survived by a large family, including siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held at St. Catherine Labouré, with visitation on April 9 and a Mass on April 10. Interment will be private.
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Illinois Clean Energy Workforce Hubs Face Job Placement Challenges Amid Federal Cuts

Illinois Clean Energy Workforce Hubs Face Job Placement Challenges Amid Federal Cuts

The clean energy workforce hubs in Illinois, established under the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), are facing challenges in placing graduates into jobs within the renewable energy sector. Despite the program's aim to integrate individuals from economically and environmentally disadvantaged communities into the clean energy workforce, only 15% of the 805 graduates have secured employment in the sector. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) attributes this to the program still being in its early stages. The hubs provide training in renewable energy manufacturing, electric vehicle technology, and other related fields, with support from state grants. However, federal cuts to clean energy tax credits have created uncertainty, impacting job availability.
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Illinois Schools Eligible for 2026 H2O on the Go Grants for Water Stations

Illinois Schools Eligible for 2026 H2O on the Go Grants for Water Stations

Illinois schools can now apply for the 2026 H2O on the Go grant program, which provides water bottle-filling stations to replace traditional drinking fountains. This initiative, led by the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation and the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation, aims to improve children's health by encouraging water consumption over sugary drinks. Applications are open until May 8, with priority given to schools without existing bottle-filling stations. Selected schools will receive a new station, reusable water bottles, and toothbrushes for students.
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Severson Dells Nature Center to Rebrand as Wild Roots Nature Center

Severson Dells Nature Center to Rebrand as Wild Roots Nature Center

The Severson Dells Nature Center, located in Illinois, is set to undergo a rebranding and will be known as Wild Roots Nature Center starting July 1, 2026. This change reflects the organization's expansion and its operations at both the Severson Dells Forest Preserve and a new preserve at the former Elliot Golf Course. The rebranding aims to better define the organization's growing scope and mission. The Severson Dells Forest Preserve will retain its name, while the new sites will be designated as Wild Roots Nature Center at Severson Dells and Wild Roots Nature Center at Prairie’s Edge.
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Severson Dells Nature Center to Rebrand as Wild Roots Nature Center, Expanding Its Reach

Severson Dells Nature Center to Rebrand as Wild Roots Nature Center, Expanding Its Reach

Severson Dells Nature Center, a well-known environmental education facility, is set to undergo a rebranding, adopting the new name Wild Roots Nature Center. This change, effective July 1, 2026, reflects the organization's expansion and its broader mission. The center currently operates at the Severson Dells Forest Preserve and is planning to extend its operations to a new site at the former Elliot Golf Course. The new names for these locations will be Wild Roots Nature Center at Severson Dells and Wild Roots Nature Center at Prairie’s Edge, respectively. Despite the rebranding, the Severson Dells Forest Preserve will maintain its original name. This strategic move aims to better represent the organization's growing scope and commitment to environmental education and conservation.
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Self-Service Electronics Recycling Event Announced in Normal, Illinois

Self-Service Electronics Recycling Event Announced in Normal, Illinois

Residents of McLean County, Illinois, have the opportunity to participate in a self-service electronics recycling event on April 4, 2026. The event will take place at the Town of Normal Public Works facility, located at 1301 Warriner St., from 8 a.m. to noon. The facility also offers regular drop-off hours during weekdays and the first Saturday of each month. Accepted items include computers, televisions, cell phones, and other electronics, regardless of their working condition. However, items containing Freon, such as mini refrigerators and dehumidifiers, will not be accepted. The service is exclusive to McLean County residents, and participants are advised to adhere to designated drop-off times.
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Faith Leaders Allowed to Minister to Detainees at Broadview ICE Facility Amid Legal Battle

Faith Leaders Allowed to Minister to Detainees at Broadview ICE Facility Amid Legal Battle

Catholic ministers were granted access to the Broadview ICE facility in Illinois to perform a Holy Thursday ritual, washing the feet of 14 detainees. This access was part of a court order allowing clergy to minister to migrants during Holy Week, following a legal battle over clergy access to the facility. The legal dispute began after religious leaders were denied regular pastoral care access, which they had previously been granted. The denial coincided with the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, leading to a lawsuit by the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership. The court order, issued by U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman, allows clergy access from Thursday through Sunday, despite federal objections.
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CEJA Workforce Hubs Struggle to Secure Jobs for Graduates in Renewable Energy Sector

CEJA Workforce Hubs Struggle to Secure Jobs for Graduates in Renewable Energy Sector

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) workforce hubs in Illinois are facing challenges in placing graduates into jobs within the renewable energy sector. Despite the state's allocation of nearly $23 million annually to support 14 hubs, only about 15% of the 805 graduates have secured employment in the sector. The hubs, which began receiving grants in mid-2024, aim to provide training for entry-level jobs in clean energy. However, the program's implementation has been slow, and many graduates find themselves without job prospects in the field. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) defends the program as a long-term investment, with expectations for improvement as the hubs establish themselves further.