Latest news with #Pol
Chicago Tribune
21-05-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Franciscan Health undecided on reopening Chesterton urgent care
Franciscan Health hasn't decided yet whether to reopen its ExpressCare in Chesterton, although a state senator said he cleared the way legally in recent legislation to support restarting the operation. The Franciscan Health building at 770 Indian Boundary Road houses the Emergency Department and doctors' offices. ExpressCare also operated inside the facility until Jan. 1. The closing occurred because House Bill 1004, passed in 2023, required health care providers to charge ambulatory rates for urgent care services, making it too expensive for Franciscan to continue Express Care. Under the prior arrangement, ExpressCare — the only urgent care facility in Chesterton — operated 24 hours a day and worked closely with the Emergency Department. The setup allowed patients who came in with non-emergency needs to the Emergency Department to be seamlessly transferred to ExpressCare within the same facility, said Lauri Keagle, a spokeswoman for Franciscan Health. Since Franciscan ExpressCare in Chesterton was open around the clock, there were higher operating costs, Keagle said. It had been the only Franciscan Health in Northwest Indiana where they operated an Emergency Department and ExpressCare at the same site. The ExpressCare signs outside the building are now covered up. State Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, said he worked with Franciscan officials to include language in House Bill 1004, the 2025 version, to fix the issues that caused the closure of ExpressCare. However, Franciscan hasn't made a decision yet. 'We are currently evaluating the new language with our legal team and advisors,' said a statement prepared by Keagle. Pol said he would be surprised if a legal issue is blocking the reopening of ExpressCare. He said there may be another issue involved. The amendment that Pol was able to include created an exemption to allow for an urgent care facility to operate in a community with less than 20,000 residents, qualifying Chesterton. 'This was an issue I had to fight painstakingly for, fueled in large part from the outrcy from the community that did not know it (the closing) was coming,' Pol said. Pol talked about the issue with the Chesterton Town Council at its May 12 meeting. Councilwoman Erin Collins, D-2nd, called what Pol had done 'a significant win for Chesterton and surrounding communities.' House Bill 1004 in 2025 was 'very contentious' because it pitted the intent of lowering costs at nonprofit hospitals versus the impact on hospitals that serve the most Medicaid and Medicare patients and the viability of those facilities, Pol said. 'Trying to get support for an amendment that saves just the Chesterton facility from the prior 2023 legislation was no easy task as the battle raged on within the respective caucuses and out on the Senate floor,' Pol said. Keagle, in a reply from Franciscan, stated: 'We thank Sen. Pol for his tremendous effort to assist both Franciscan and his constituents with this legislation. Due to the complicated nature of the topic, we're evaluating the legislative language with our legal team and advisors to determine if it allows us to reopen.'
Business Mayor
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Dutch climate campaigners vow to take Shell to court again
Climate campaigners in the Netherlands have promised to take Shell to court for a second time to force the energy company to stop developing new oil and gas projects. In a letter to Shell, the Dutch climate non-profit Milieudefensie vowed to take legal action because the company has 700 oil and gas projects in development that will continue to drive up carbon emissions despite efforts to slow global heating. It revealed its plan to return to the Dutch courts six months after the oil company successfully overturned a ruling in favour of the green group that called on Shell to reduce its emissions. It is currently waiting for a ruling from the Netherlands supreme court on the case in which Milieudefensie argued that Shell should reduce its emissions by 45% in line with the Paris climate agreement. Donald Pols, the director of Milieudefensie, said the ruling late last year had prompted the group to 'pick up the gauntlet and take Shell to court once again'. Pol said: 'At a time in which the climate crisis continues to rage on because of the actions of companies such as Shell, every new oil or gas field is simply one too many.' The court said at the time that a company could be compelled to take measures to protect the environment that go beyond current legislation. However, it added that demanding a specific percentage reduction in emissions was not realistic. Instead, the group has called for a ban on Shell's new oil and gas fields rather than setting an emissions target. Read More Long covid could cost the economy billions every year 'We simply cannot sit back and wait while Shell continues on its fossil path. Shell remains fully committed to new oil and gas fields, despite warnings from scientists that this will have disastrous consequences. Now is the critical moment to curb the climate crisis,' Pol said. A spokesperson for Shell confirmed that it had received the letter but stressed that no lawsuit has been filed. skip past newsletter promotion Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion 'As we have said many times, what Milieudefensie wants will not advance the energy transition. As the world continues to use oil and gas to heat homes and to transport goods and people, the transition needs collaboration between governments, businesses and consumers. By working together, with effective government policies, the world can move to low-carbon products and maintain a secure supply of affordable energy,' the spokesperson added. The lawsuit is the latest legal row between Shell and climate campaigners after the oil company settled a $2.1m (£1.6m) lawsuit against Greenpeace after its campaigners boarded an oil rig as part of a peaceful protest last year. Shell in 2023 successfully quashed a lawsuit brought by the environmental law charity ClientEarth when the high court in London refused permission to bring a case against the energy company.
Chicago Tribune
13-05-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Chesterton council appoints members for new sustainability commission
Six people were appointed Monday by the Town Council to serve on Chesterton's newly formed Sustainability Commission that is charged with examining environmental solutions for the community. Chesterton is following a trend of communities establishing an environmental commission. The neighboring Town of Porter has had an Environmental Sustainability Commission operating for about a year and Valparaiso recently formed its own Environmental Advisory Board. Those appointed for two-year terms are Emily Bretl, Matt Carter and Joshua Van Nevel. Angela Grady and Michael Spinar will serve one-year terms. Athena Lafata, an 8th grader at Westchester Middle School, is the Duneland School Corporation representative who will serve a year on the board. Athena is the daughter of Councilman Dane Lafata, D-3. Councilwoman Erin Collins, D-2, who spearheaded the implementation of the commission, said that Athena was the lone applicant for the student position on the board. Collins said the person chosen to serve as the 18-to 25-year-old representative on the board couldn't commit, so the town is reopening the application process for that position. Those who qualify are asked to submit an application by June 2. The town will make the appointment at the June 9 meeting. State Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, spoke briefly to the Town Council about the recent state legislative session. The Express Care at the Franciscan Emergency Center in Chesterton will be allowed to reopen because of a clause that Pol was able to get into House Bill 1004. 'It's a significant win for Chesterton and the surrounding communities,' Collins said. Franciscan Health had closed the Urgent Care facility on Dec. 31, 2024, due to a state law change in 2023 that made it cost prohibitive. The emergency room has remained open. Pol said that the aim of the 2023 law was to reduce healthcare costs in the state. He said that The Express Care in Chesterton became caught in a coding issue for federal reimbursement under that law, which led to the closing. Pol said he was able to get a clause into House Bill 1004 that exempted The Express Care in Chesterton. Senate Bill 1, which contained property tax reforms, will have an effect on local government and school budgets. Pol said that local governments in Porter County were already frugal. He said that communities will have to 'sharpen their pencils' when it comes to budgeting because of Senate Bill 1. There are similar concerns for the school districts, including the Duneland School Corporation, Pol said. Councilman James Ton, R-1, compared the situation to 'driving a car without enough oil in the engine.' The council plans to have a public hearing soon concerning the rental of the Tilden building at 360 Lincoln Street in Porter for use by the fire department during the renovation of the Fire Station. The Tilden building — which is currently empty — had been used as a pet supply store. Fire Chief Sean O'Donnell said the fire trucks and operations could be moved there during the renovation project. Town Council on Monday night had its meeting at the Baugher Center, which is owned by the Westchester Public Library. A dedication ceremony for the Town Hall/fire station remodeling project is set for 10 a.m. Friday at 8th Street and Broadway.
The Star
07-05-2025
- The Star
Thai police to press charges against engineers, SAO officials over collapsed Bangkok building
BANGKOK: The Metropolitan Police Bureau is preparing to file multiple charges against engineers and State Audit Office (SAO) officials held responsible for the construction of the SAO building that collapsed on March 28, according to a well-informed source. A source from the police investigative team stated that these charges are distinct from the cases being investigated by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), which focus on alleged bidding collusion, the use of Thai nominees by a Chinese contractor, and a tax evasion case against a Chinese steel manufacturer. Police investigators have questioned more than 100 witnesses, including SAO officials, family members of deceased and injured workers, and representatives of companies involved in the construction. The source noted that the investigation is over 80% complete, and police have collected all necessary evidence, including samples of steel bars, cement slabs, poles, and other materials from the site. The evidence has been sent to forensic police and technical experts for analysis. According to the source, more than five individuals are expected to face charges. The suspects will be grouped into two categories: engineers and SAO officials. The engineers will be charged with failing to adhere to safety regulations, despite being certified and responsible for the project—violating Articles 227 and 238 of the Criminal Code, which relate to negligence causing death and injury. The SAO officials will be charged with malfeasance or nonfeasance in office, which covers the failure to carry out their official duties or acting inappropriately while in office. DSI spokesperson, Pol Maj Woranun Srilam, said on Tuesday that the lead investigator briefed the DSI director-general on the latest progress. The DSI is overseeing three key cases related to the building collapse: 1. Use of Thai nominees by Chinese contractor The investigation involves China Railway No.10 (CREC) (Thailand) Co., Ltd., which allegedly used Thai nominees. The DSI is awaiting written statements from four suspects before submitting the final report to public prosecutors. 2. Alleged Bidding Collusion Woranun stated that the SAO only conducted bidding for the construction work, but appointed an engineering firm to supervise the project without holding a bidding process. The DSI is collecting additional evidence on this matter. Some engineers listed as supervisors have claimed their signatures were forged, and the DSI is working with forensic police to verify these claims. 3. Tax Evasion by Steel Manufacturer Xin Ke Yuan Steel, whose steel bars were used in the SAO project, has denied the tax evasion charges and submitted a tax receipt in defence. The DSI is verifying the receipt with the Department of Business Development. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Star
Avaland deepens community well-being commitment nationwide
PETALING JAYA: Avaland has kicked off the second year of its health screening programme in partnership with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Malaysia. Building on the success of over 2,000 screenings in 2024, this year's goal is to double that - to reach 4,000 screenings across NKF dialysis centres and Avaland's sales galleries. At the heart of this initiative is Avaland's commitment to its mission of creating communities and enhancing lives, while nurturing a strong culture of giving among its people. Partnering with NKF's Public Education department, this year's health screening was rolled out at Avaland Gallery @ Anja Bangi recently, with upcoming sessions scheduled at Avenue25 in Subang Jaya, Avaland Show Village at Cybersouth and Lakefront Cyberjaya in the months ahead. The programme provides comprehensive health checks, including BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and urine tests, alongside private consultations to support the early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility efforts, Avaland has strengthened its partnership with NKF by donating 10 additional advanced vital signs monitoring devices - bringing its total contribution to 20 units. These devices, equipped with ECG and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) monitoring, have been deployed to NKF dialysis centres nationwide, including those in Penang, Kedah, Perak, Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak; extending beyond the initial Klang Valley focus. Pol (centre) during the Avaland health screening event — promoting wellness and community care. Avaland chief executive officer Apollo Bello Tanco (Pol) reaffirmed Avaland's dedication to community well-being. 'We are happy to extend our support to NKF dialysis centres nationwide. Enhancing access to real-time health monitoring is a critical step in delivering quality care to kidney patients. 'Through our collaboration with NKF, we aim to continually empower communities to take charge of their health. Early detection and preventive care are essential, especially for non-communicable diseases that often show no symptoms until it's too late. 'By offering complimentary screenings, we hope to raise awareness, encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce the impact of preventable diseases,' Pol added, reinforcing the programme's purpose. NKF Malaysia chief executive officer Choo Kok Ming said, 'Avaland is not only helping us enhance patient care through these much-needed devices but also actively promoting early detection and health education through community screenings. 'Their commitment goes beyond financial support - it reflects a sincere concern for the health and well-being of Malaysians, regardless of region.' Avaland remains steadfast in its commitment to embedding ESG principles into every aspect of its developments, with a strong focus on community well-being. By prioritising initiatives that enhance the lives of current and future generations, Avaland strives to create meaningful, lasting impact that transcends its physical developments. For more information on Avaland, visit
