SUMMARY: A groundbreaking project in North St. Louis, Doorways, has completed a $40 million initiative to combat homelessness and health disparities among individuals living with HIV. The facility offers 39 permanent housing units with on-site career services, a food pantry, behavioral health support, and the newly opened Boca Pharmacy, addressing a local pharmacy shortage. The units are intentionally unfurnished to allow residents to personalize their spaces, emphasizing a connection to nature and health. This project addresses the urgent need for housing, as there are over 8,000 reported HIV cases in St. Louis, according to state health services.

A groundbreaking effort to combat homelessness and health disparities in north St. Louis is now complete. Doorways is offering …

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SUMMARY: Montgomery County leaders convened a special meeting in Hillsboro after property owners faced staggering tax increases of up to 1500%. Local officials, including state representatives Blain Willauer and Rosenthal, expressed concerns that solutions are unlikely from Springfield. The steep assessment hikes, particularly for wooded acreage, stem from a poorly implemented 2007 state law intended to promote conservation. Assessor Kendra N. has offered to delay increases for landowners committing to conservation plans. However, Willauer argues this compromise undermines private property rights and urges the county to adopt a fairer approach, as other counties manage these assessments differently.

Two local State Representatives are urging the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners to find a solution after some landowners saw a 1500% increase in their wooded acreage assessments.

“At the drop of a hat here they’re going one year to the next with 1000% to 3000% increase in property taxes,” Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-IL 110th) said.

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SUMMARY: Corey Lewis, a 45-year-old coach and substitute teacher at Pattonville High School, was arrested for sexual contact with a former student. The investigation began after the Pattonville School District reported that a graduate from 2013 alleged a sexual relationship with Lewis when she was a 16-year-old student. Lead detective Ben Burgess noted that the victim provided proof of the relationship and Lewis eventually admitted to it during police questioning. The victim’s delayed report may stem from processing trauma and realizing the wrongdoing. Lewis is currently in custody, having applied for a public defender, with a bond hearing scheduled next week.

A Pattonville High School coach and substitute is behind bars after facing a judge in his first court appearance Wednesday morning.

The day prior, 45-year-old Corey Lewis was arrested for sexual contact with a former student, who was 16 at the time.

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