Podcasts about Ameren

The St. Louis Morning Brief lays bare a region grappling with chaos and accountability. A Spanish Lake pool party spirals into a 150-200 teen takeover with shots fired, while a Crestwood-area mess draws 25 frantic 911 calls in two hours — and Marc and Kim don't hold back on the deadbeat parents who couldn't even be bothered to pick up their own kids. The Missouri Attorney General takes aim at the crime-ridden Mark Twain building, and Marc gives her credit for finally cracking down. Then it's Ameren's turn in the hot seat, as the utility giant seeks a second rate hike in three years while Marc asks why lawmakers keep handing them a blank check — the same lawmakers, he notes, who won't touch the income tax. Plus, more gun thefts out of unlocked cars in once-safe Baldwin. Personal responsibility, real accountability, and no excuses — that's the St. Louis Morning Brief, only on The Marc Cox Morning Show. John Lamping is up next. Hashtags: #MarcCoxMorningShow #TheMarcCoxMorningShow #StLouisMorningBrief #SpanishLake #TeenTakeover #PublicSafety #MarkTwainBuilding #MissouriAG #Ameren #UtilityRates #BaldwinMO #GunSafety #ParentalResponsibility #STLNews #LawAndOrder

Hour 2 of The Marc Cox Morning Show opens with more storm stories from the Lake of the Ozarks before Marc and Kim tackle the Missouri Realtors Association's misleading Amendment 5 ads and give credit where it's due on Metro Transit's overdue security upgrades. The St. Louis Morning Brief exposes a chaotic Spanish Lake teen takeover, a Mark Twain building drug crackdown, and another Ameren rate hike squeezing Missouri families. Guest John Lamping delivers the real story behind Mike Parson's state plane scandal, Governor Kehoe's tough budget calls, and an honest breakdown of who wins under Amendment 5. In Other News closes things out with a mortar scare on a Chicago flight, a new Florida transparency law for restaurant fees, and an unexpected bull shark catch in North Carolina. Accountability, common sense, and a few laughs along the way — that's this hour on The Marc Cox Morning Show. Hour 3 is coming up next. Hashtags: #MarcCoxMorningShow #TheMarcCoxMorningShow #Hour2Recap #StLouisMorningBrief #JohnLamping #AmendmentFive #InOtherNews #MissouriBudget #Ameren #PublicSafety #ConservativeValues #STLNews

Today's Marc Cox Morning Show delivered four hours of unapologetic common-sense talk for St. Louis and beyond. Marc opened with his own storm-tossed Lake of the Ozarks getaway before defending Team USA and President Trump against a wave of left-wing outrage over the FIFA controversy. Kim on a Whim tackled the end of DOGE, Missouri's Amendment 5 tax fight, and later questioned whether Supreme Court justices are drifting into celebrity activism. The St. Louis Morning Brief exposed a chaotic Spanish Lake teen takeover, a crime-ridden Mark Twain building, and another Ameren rate hike squeezing families. Guest John Lamping broke down Governor Parson's state plane scandal and Governor Kehoe's tough budget calls, while John Mack showed off the head-turning Mark Cox moving billboard touring St. Louis. On 2A Tuesday, Armed American Radio's Mark Walters predicted a resounding Supreme Court win for AR-15 owners, and In Other News rounded up a mortar scare on a Chicago flight and a startling North Carolina shark catch. The show's final hour brought defense attorney Scott Rosenblum's breakdown of the Castle Doctrine in the Wing Haven road rage case, Ryan Wiggins' hard data linking illegal immigration to America's housing crisis, and a closing look at Democrats finally abandoning Graham Platner's imploding Senate campaign. Faith, family, freedom, and common sense — that's every single day on The Marc Cox Morning Show. Hashtags: #MarcCoxMorningShow #TheMarcCoxMorningShow #KimOnAWhim #StLouisMorningBrief #InOtherNews #2ATuesday #AmendmentFive #CastleDoctrine #SecondAmendment #IllegalImmigration #GrahamPlatner #STLNews #ConservativeValues #FaithFamilyFreedom Full Guest List: John Lamping — Missouri budget, Governor Parson's state plane scandal, and Amendment 5 analysis John Mack (Pink Tiger Marketing) — showcasing the Mark Cox moving billboard around St. Louis Mark Walters (Armed American Radio) — Supreme Court AR-15 ban cases and crime statistics debate Scott Rosenblum — Castle Doctrine defense in the Wing Haven road rage case Ryan Wiggins — Biden-era illegal immigration's impact on housing prices and wages

CATL unveiled its TENER Sodium energy storage system at Intersolar Europe in Munich, rated for 15,000 cycles to 70 percent state of health at room temperature. CATL frames that as a 25 to 30 year service life, and it takes only 34 modules to stand up a one gigawatt-hour site. That single specification changes how commercial storage professionals price, propose, and finance battery projects. Tim Montague and John Weaver dig into what it means, alongside Illinois growing from about 80 megawatts of solar a decade ago to over 6,000 megawatts today under the new CRGA law, SunBallast ballasted racking and what module stacking tells you about install labor, UK bids for 16 and 18 hour long-duration storage, perovskite modules reaching the residential market, El Niño shifting solar output across the US, and silver falling more than 50 percent from its 2026 peak.Episode HighlightsCATL sodium ion battery, 15,000 cycles: CATL launched its TENER Sodium system at Intersolar Europe in Munich. It is rated for 15,000 cycles to 70 percent state of health at 25 degrees C, which CATL frames as a 25 to 30 year service life, and just 34 modules build a 1 GWh site. (Energy Storage News)Sodium ion safety advantage: CATL claims its sodium cells cut expansion force by roughly 40 percent, generate about 35 percent less gas during thermal runaway, and hold peak surface temperatures far below comparable lithium ion. The fire and thermal-runaway story is a big part of why C&I buyers are paying attention to sodium. (Interesting Engineering)Sodium ion in the fast-response role: John flagged a detail from a CATL hybrid storage proposal where sodium was specified for the faster-response duty and lithium for the slower role. Worth keeping in context. This is one proposal's configuration, not a blanket claim that sodium beats lithium on response everywhere.GM and Peak Energy sodium ion partnership: General Motors is moving into stationary storage with Peak Energy, backed by a strategic investment from GM Ventures. GM will develop the sodium ion cell in its Michigan battery lab and keep exclusive manufacturing rights, while Peak integrates the cell into its passively cooled storage systems. Peak energized the first U.S. grid-scale sodium-ion system, 3.5 MWh, in Watkins, Colorado, in 2025. (Inside Climate News)Illinois energy transition, 80 MW to 6 GW: Tim attended a Nexamp event at the company's Chicago office, where IPA director Brian Granahan reported Illinois has grown from about 80 megawatts of solar a decade ago to over 6,000 megawatts energized today, with roughly 14.5 gigawatts of wind and solar developed under the state RPS (13 GW to date plus about 1.5 GW just approved). The engine is CRGA, the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (SB 25, pronounced "Surge"), which runs its first utility-scale storage procurement in August, the opening tranche toward 3 GW by 2030 via additional 2027 and 2028 rounds. Residential VPP enrollment opens in mid-July, with ComEd and Ameren customers able to put home batteries into a short-term scheduled-dispatch pilot this summer. (PV Magazine)SunBallast racking and install labor: The hosts walk through SunBallast ballasted, no-penetration racking and get into the labor economics of module mounting, including what the way different manufacturers stack modules for shipping tells you about handling time on the job site.UK long-duration storage bids at 16 and 18 hours: Fresh procurement results out of Scotland and England show projects awarded at 16 and 18 hours of duration. John notes it is the first time he has seen bids at that scale and ties it to Scotland's wind-heavy generation profile. (Blue Sky)Trina Solar perovskite module hits residential market: Trina landed its first commercial order for a perovskite-silicon tandem module, going into New Zealand's premium residential market. The record-setting module is 907 watts at 29.2 percent efficiency, certified by TUV SUD. (Perovskite Info)El Niño and solar irradiance shifts: John walks through regional solar output swings across the US and globally. Rajasthan, India, home to some of the world's largest solar plants, is projected to run about 15 percent above its seasonal average this season. (PV Magazine)Silver prices fall more than 50 percent: Silver has dropped from its late-January 2026 record near 121 dollars to the upper 50s, more than half off the peak, on a stronger dollar and a hawkish Fed. It matters for PV because silver paste is a real line item, and World Silver Survey data shows solar's silver demand down about 19 percent. (TheStreet)This episode is essential for commercial solar installers, battery storage developers, community solar professionals, and clean energy policy watchers. The sodium ion story has direct and immediate implications for how professionals structure storage proposals, financial models, and customer conversations. Illinois developers will also want Tim's firsthand account of the CRGA storage procurement and the residential VPP pilot going live this summer. Support the showConnect with Tim  Clean Power Hour  Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email:  CleanPowerHour@gmail.comCorporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America's number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems.  Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

Greg and Dan talk with Jason Klein, Vice President of Electric Operations for Ameren about the significant impact recent severe weather has had on the electrical system across the region. He discusses the number of utility poles lost over the past two weeks, the widespread outages that occurred, and the efforts made by Ameren Illinois crews and mutual aid teams to restore power to affected customers. He also shares what customers should know moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk with Jason Klein, Vice President of Electric Operations for Ameren about the significant impact recent severe weather has had on the electrical system across the region. He discusses the number of utility poles lost over the past two weeks, the widespread outages that occurred, and the efforts made by Ameren Illinois crews and mutual aid teams to restore power to affected customers. He also shares what customers should know moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff talks safety while using a ladder during outdoor work, checking the surrounding area for power lines, and more on WRAM.

A mother Peregrine falcon is sitting on a nest hundreds of feet above an Ameren energy center in Franklin County. Four chicks just hatched in a specially built box that you can watch on a live web camJeff Meshach, deputy director at World Bird Sanctuary and Julianne Randazzo, career environmental scientist at Ameren Missouri, join Megan Lynch. Watch the falcons here: https://www.ameren.com/sustainability/biodiversity/falcon-watch

In the debut of “St Louis Morning Brief,” Marc Cox and Kim St. Ange take a deeper look at severe storms that swept across the region, bringing tornado warnings, hail, fallen trees, structural damage, and widespread power outages. Kim reports more than 20,000 Ameren customers in St. Louis County remained without electricity, with additional outages across the Metro East. Marc recounts driving through multiple storm cells and sheltering in a Galleria parking garage to avoid hail. The segment also examines concerns over municipal warning sirens, whether alerts were too broad or properly timed, and how last year's deadly tornado has heightened anxiety whenever severe weather strikes the area. Hashtags: #StLouisMorningBrief #StLouisWeather #StormDamage #PowerOutages #Ameren #TornadoWarning #StCharlesCounty #MetroEast #SevereWeather #MarkCox

During Kim on a Whim, Kim St. Onge discusses how elections can impact energy costs and why electricity prices vary between states. She looks at studies comparing red and blue states, renewable energy mandates, rising Ameren bills in Missouri, and a new law allowing utilities to charge customers while power plants are still being built. Kim also talks about the growing demand from data centers and what it could mean for future utility rates.

Marc Cox and Kim St. Onge cover power outages across Missouri and Illinois after severe storms and celebrate Mizzou, Illinois, and SLU making the NCAA Tournament. Marc also shares a story from the Defiance St. Patrick's Day parade after confronting a woman he believes was being deceptive while collecting petition signatures. During Kim on a Whim, Kim St. Onge discusses how elections can influence energy costs, looking at electricity prices in red vs blue states, rising Ameren bills in Missouri, and a new law allowing utilities to charge customers while power plants are still under construction.

Mark talks electrifying transportation, installation of charging stations, and more on the WRAM Morning Show.

Galva Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss plans to replace playground equipment at Wiley Park, using funds from solar revenue, with city staff and volunteers slated to assist with installation this spring. The city council recently sold a surplus box truck for $1,550 and transferred ownership of a Northwest First Avenue property to a nearby resident. A new 20-year lease with Ameren will bring in $125,000 over its term for gas line use. Officials continue to evaluate options for a replacement street sweeper and remind residents about upcoming cemetery cleanup dates and the risks of tax-related scams. Grants were also discussed for maintaining and replanting the city's trees. Cemetery cleanup begins on March 29th. Items need to be removed from the cemetery before March 29th, and then things can be put back on after April 3rd. 

Susan talks Ameren utility bills, explains the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program, and more on the WRAM Morning Show.

In this episode of Elevated Access, host Chad Hughes sits down with industry leader Brett Farner to explore the amazing and varied opportunities in the right of way and utility real estate profession. With a 17-year career spanning Ameren, Invenergy, and now a new leadership role at Toth & Associates, Brett shares a deeply insightful journey through utility infrastructure, electric transmission development, land acquisition, technology modernization, competitive transmission, and right of way leadership. Brett's experiences offer a rare inside look at the soft skills, strategic thinking, and mindset needed to succeed in the profession.Brett emphasizes the career-defining importance of staying curious, asking questions, seeking mentorship, and being unafraid to take on work that no one has attempted before. From shoreline permitting at Lake of the Ozarks to navigating intense public opposition on the 100-mile Mark Twain Transmission Project, Brett discusses the nuances of building stakeholder trust. He shares how transparency, fair market valuation, and genuine listening transformed a highly opposed project into a success delivered ahead of schedule.Brett encourages newcomers to see the profession as a long-term, rewarding career path. He emphasizes that this profession desperately needs new talent, and the upward mobility is tremendous for those who lean into learning and leadership. With advice for newcomers and seasoned professionals alike, he encourages listeners to stay open-minded, stay curious, invest in their development, and recognize the essential role real estate plays in the success of every infrastructure project.“If I see something that could be better, I'm not just going to point it out—I'm willing to carry the load to make the improvement.” - Brett FarnerAbout Brett Farner: Brett Farner is an accomplished leader in the utility real estate and right of way industry, recognized for his ability to develop strategic direction, drive innovation, and deliver complex infrastructure projects. With nearly two decades of experience, Brett has consistently demonstrated expertise in property acquisition, transmission development, and organizational leadership across the energy sector.In his current role as Manager of ROW and Real Estate Acquisition at Toth & Associates, Brett oversees all aspects of right of way acquisition and real estate strategies for complex development projects. He is responsible for ensuring compliance, optimizing processes, and fostering collaborative partnerships with stakeholders to support the successful delivery of large-scale infrastructure initiatives.Prior to joining Toth & Associates, Brett served as Director of Transmission Development at Invenergy LLC, a leading global developer of sustainable energy solutions. There, he led teams executing land campaigns for major HVDC transmission projects, managed budgets exceeding $100M, and implemented visionary organizational plans to support the organization's strategic growth in emerging markets.Earlier in his career, Brett spent 15 years at Ameren Corporation, a Fortune 500 energy company, where he advanced through multiple leadership roles. As Manager of Real Estate, he directed a property portfolio in excess of $1B, spearheaded a $12.1M customer affordability initiative, and managed technology-driven improvements to enhance operational efficiency. His tenure also included oversight of large-scale transmission projects, including the Mark Twain Transmission Project, where he was the lead for real estate on routing, public engagement, property acquisition, and construction support.Brett holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from the University of Missouri, with emphases in finance, banking, and real estate. He earned the prestigious Senior Right of Way Professional (SR/WA) designation from the International Right of Way Association (IRWA) and has served in numerous leadership roles within the organization, including Past International Director and Chapter President. He also contributed as a past member of the Board of Trustees for the Right of Way International Education Foundation (RWIEF), is a frequent industry speaker and has been published in Right of Way Magazine.Known for his strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and commitment to excellence, Brett continues to champion innovation and professional development within the utility and real estate sectors.---Chad Hughes | CEO, Entrepreneurial Leader, Author: website | linkedinBrett Farner | Manager of ROW and Real Estate Acquisition | Toth & Associates:  linkedin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Galva Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the Monday night council meeting. The latest city council meeting focused on several key updates for the community, including the purchase of $151,000 worth of new playground equipment that is set to be installed by late summer, offering a fresh space for families and daycares. Longtime employee Greg Thompson announced his retirement after 46 years; Jake McClintic will step into his role in the water department. Residents interested in city property can submit bids for newly available lots and a 2006 Ford F-250 truck. The council also handled routine business like renewing its Ameren gas franchise agreement, keeping municipal operations running smoothly.

With the cold weather hitting the St. Louis region in the past two weeks, Illinoisans have been using more natural gas to heat their homes. In the last six years, Ameren has been working to renovate its natural gas storage fields to make them more efficient for the company — and, they say, save customers money. St. Louis Public Radio's Will Bauer recently toured one of the fields near Freeburg and has this report.

In today’s deep dive, Cold temperatures have already hit the St. Louis region. With that will come increased use of natural gas to heat homes. Ameren Illinois says changes to their local gas storage fields will help save customers money.

In hour 1 of the Mark Reardon Show, Scott Jennings, 97.1 Political Insider and CNN Political Contributor and former special assistant to President Bush, joins to discuss his new book titled "A Revolution of Common Sense: How Donald Trump Stormed Washington and Fought for Western Civilization." J. Peder Zane, editor at Real Clear Investigations and a columnist for Real Clear Politics, joins to discuss his new piece headlined "Shutdown Just Latest Battle in Democrats Long War." In hour 2, Ken Mallin, chair of Holidays in Saint Louis, joins to discuss Ameren's Thanksgiving Day Parade that is coming up on Saturday afternoon. In this edition of Sue's News, Sue discusses events that happened this day in history, such as a hit from Lionel Ritchie. Mike Archer, St. Louis County Councilman from South County, joins to discuss the St. Louis County Council taking a hard look at police and health budgets, as it grapples with an 82-million dollar shortfall. Frank Cusumano, KSDK Sports Director, joins to discuss STL area sports teams such as the Chiefs and Blues' losses, as well as SLU Basketball and Mizzou Football's wins. In hour 3 of The Mark Reardon Show, Dave Simons, partner and managing director at One Private Wealth - Chesterfield, on the Wall Street Journal piece on why we could use a long bear market. Later on in the hour, Joe Arnold, longtime Louisville broadcaster, joins to discuss his relationship with Scott Jennings and his interview with him. We also hear our Audio Cut of the Day!

Ken Mallin, chair of Holidays in Saint Louis, joins to discuss Ameren's Thanksgiving Day Parade that is coming up on Saturday afternoon.

In hour 2, Ken Mallin, chair of Holidays in Saint Louis, joins to discuss Ameren's Thanksgiving Day Parade that is coming up on Saturday afternoon. In this edition of Sue's News, Sue discusses events that happened this day in history, such as a hit from Lionel Ritchie. Mike Archer, St. Louis County Councilman from South County, joins to discuss the St. Louis County Council taking a hard look at police and health budgets, as it grapples with an 82-million dollar shortfall. Frank Cusumano, KSDK Sports Director, joins to discuss STL area sports teams such as the Chiefs and Blues' losses, as well as SLU Basketball and Mizzou Football's wins.

In this episode, Chad Hughes is joined by Tara Green, a Real Estate Specialist with Ameren Corporation, to discuss the innovative approaches she introduced to Ameren for engaging with landowners. Tara's experience has taught her strategies, effective communication, and the importance of consistency in messaging and teammates. She shares sound advice and is very encouraging to those who may have an interest in joining the industry.Tara lets Chad in on her career journey from a small-town childhood in Illinois to leading real estate and transmission routing projects at Ameren. She was influenced by her father's work in the electric utility sector and through his stories developed keen respect for landowners and rural communities. This respect shaped her empathetic approach to easement acquisition and project development.     One of the key focuses of Chad and Tara's conversation is Tara's creation of “impacted landowner meetings,” which are collaborative, community-style assemblies that replace traditional door-to-door negotiations. Through these meetings, Ameren was able to build trust, maintain consistent messaging, and address landowner concerns directly through subject matter experts in every area. Tara emphasizes communication, respect for landowners, and consistency from project conception through construction as critical components of success. “I noticed that there weren't many people sensitive to the landowner receiving the information. And I said, well, as a negotiator, my main job is to take very complicated, maybe scary information, simplify that in a way that normal people understand what's going on, and they're not fearing it. If I can keep it simple and give them the facts that they need to make an educated decision, I've done my job.” - Tara GreenAbout Tara Green:Tara Green grew up with country surroundings in the rural community of Staunton, Illinois, and began her real estate career when she graduated from Staunton High School.  Throughout her childhood, her dad, Rollie Lorenz, worked for Union Electric Company (now Ameren) as a design draftsman focused on electric schematics for substation and energy centers.  She continued her real estate career by earning a bachelor's degree in business management and maintains her Managing Broker Real Estate License for Illinois.Green spent the first 5 years learning about title searching and real estate ownership rights at Community Title & Escrow in Illinois.  Over the next decade, she utilized her Illinois Real Estate Broker's license to partner with commercial, industrial, and investment companies to create jobs and support economic development in Southwestern Illinois.  She served as the commercial property manager for Bandwidth Exchange Buildings, two data center carrier hotels located in downtown St. Louis, as the Information Technology industry grew in the Metro St. Louis region.  This experience in effective customer service, through quality client relationships, has laid the foundation for her continued success in the real estate network.Tara's awareness of the manufacturing and industrial processes, the need for redundant and reliable energy, and the long-term needs of commercial and industrial companies introduced her to the utility sector in early 2014 when she began supporting Ameren Illinois as a member of their Real Estate Department.  Her Ameren Illinois journey began in natural gas pipeline and distribution electric projects along with logistics lead for emergency storm response.  Over the next several years, Tara designed and implemented a sustainable railroad permitting strategy for processing and training utility, contractor, and railroad companies to work together as partners.  In 2016, Tara advanced to a lead real estate position serving electric transmission leading the vegetation reclamation program and the fiber communication installation and maintenance program (Intelligrid Program) across the existing transmission and distribution facilities in Missouri and Illinois to ensure the reliability of its infrastructure.Currently, she manages multiple certificated greenfield electric transmission projects to serve transmission utility business partners across Ameren's service territory.  As a Real Estate Specialist, Tara is responsible for planning, executing and completing real estate scope requirements for large-scale electric transmission construction greenfield certificated utility projects on behalf of Ameren's operating companies.  Tara is responsible for coordinating and managing all real estate matters connected to transmission line projects including surveys, market studies and appraisals, public process and testimony, acquisition of land rights and permits, access determination for construction and maintenance support, damage settlements, and eminent domain.  Her daily responsibilities include providing written and in-person testimony for the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) public process, consultant and landowner relationship management, preparing and negotiating legal instruments for the acquisition of easements, leases, consent and crossing agreements, railroad and highway right of entry permits, construction-related property damages and project forecasting.Tara serves as an active member of Chapter 37 of the International Right of Way Association (IRWA) for Chapter 37 and is Region 3 Vice Chair for the 2025 - 2027 term.  ---Chad Hughes | CEO, Entrepreneurial Leader, Author: website | linkedinTara Green | Real Estate Specialist, Ameren Corporation: website | facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marc Cox talks with former Missouri Senator John Lamping about Senator Josh Hawley's pushback against big data centers and the concern that AI expansion may raise electricity rates while eliminating jobs. They question whether government can actually fix these issues and examine Hawley's populist strategy against large corporate interests. The conversation moves to the Affordable Care Act and how premiums have risen under the Biden administration along with the political challenge of reforming subsidies once they are in place. They wrap with Missouri state politics including the tension between Josh Hawley and Cindy O'Laughlin and lobbying efforts from utility companies like Ameren as corporate priorities collide with consumer concerns.

In this week's episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor recaps the top local stories from around Kankakee County. A grain bin collapse in Martinton spilled tons of corn and caused power outages for more than 160 Ameren customers, though no injuries were reported. The Kankakee County Board recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month alongside Harbor House leaders, highlighting over 45 years of service to local survivors. Kankakee police recovered multiple firearms and arrested three suspects during a search on South Greenwood Avenue. In Bradley, a high school student was taken into custody after allegedly threatening to bring a weapon to school, prompting a strong police response. And finally, reports of ICE operations in Kankakee sparked fear and confusion among residents, leading some families and businesses to temporarily close as officials reiterated local law enforcement's limited involvement.Send us a textSupport the show

September 4, 2025 - Tucker Kennedy of Ameren joined Byers & Co to talk about what factors contribute to increased power bills. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Illinois Citizens Utility Board Director of Communications Jim Chilsen says Ameren's latest proposal is for a $131 million rate hike, which accounts for $8-10 per month for consumers. He calls it 'outrageous and excessive.' Public forums are set for this week in Springfield and East St Louis. www.CUBActionCenter.com

Maria Keena visits with Connie Taylor, a spokeswoman at Ameren, who says programming is available for low income customers impacted by the May tornado in St Louis. They work very closely with organizations like the Urban League to deliver information about the low energy assistance program.

Chris and Amy dive into questions about the Francis Howell School District Superintendent; Ameren's bills; Turo at the airport; and smoothies flavored like ketchup.

Chris and Amy chat with Matt Pauley on the Cards; MaJor Garrett from Washington; Jen Siess previews the Soccer Showcase show; and Mike LaMartina is in from Ballpark Village, Plus questions linger about Francis Howell School District; Ameren bills; clean sheets; and dogs in bed.

Listener Diane Collins breaks down the math of her electric rate increase. She agrees that Ameren's rate increase matches what was mentioned by other callers, and she says her bill was 'believable.' She says bills need to be looked at very specifically.

Chris and Amy bask in the great weather this weekend; discuss how a MAGA hat made headlines; visit with a listener who sets the record straight on the Ameren bill; and wonder why movie studios aren't making more new movies.

Chris and Amy start this week with comments on the great weather over the weekend; a listener details the accuracy of Ameren's electric bills; 'cold cases' are being investigated in an SIUE classroom; Matt Pauley on the Cardinals; Political commentator Chris Cillizza and KMOX's Sean Malone.

Chris and Amy are in Forest Park for the 100 Acts of Kindness campaign with Jerry Kelly. Hancock and Kelley join for the first hour and discuss Sam Page being indicted, Ameren price hikes and more.

KMOX's Maria Keena visits with Page Selby, Ameren's Customer Advocacy Manager, about the surge in higher than expected electric bills that customers are experiencing.

KMOX's Matt Pauley joins Chris and Amy as the Cardinals make deals on the trade deadline day; more on Ameren's surging electric rates for customers; Major Garrett live from Washington DC on the back and forth between Pres Trump and Sen Hawley; Chris and Amy also recap what they learned about their air conditioning system on yesterday's show.

KMOX's Maria Keena says that utility bills will continue to rise, not just Ameren (which is in the crosshairs now), but also Spire and American Water. She doesn't think paying the higher rates are sustainable. She says the Missouri Public Services Commission is where to file complaints 800-392-4211 In Illinois, dial 800-524-0795

Marc welcomes former Missouri senator John Lamping for a no-nonsense discussion on government, lobbying, and skyrocketing utility bills. Opening with a Reagan quote—“Government is not the solution; government is the problem”—Lamping lays out how political money and lobbying, especially by Ameren, Missouri's utility giant, are squeezing everyday taxpayers. Lamping recounts a recent St. Charles GOP fundraiser where former Senator Caleb Rowden, now a lobbyist, was spotted pushing cash behind the scenes—highlighting the revolving door between politicians and special interests. The conversation turns to intitiative petition (IP) reform—a key issue that failed to pass largely due to lobbying muscle from political consultants and opposition from interests who profit off the current low 50% voting threshold. Lamping warns this system allows costly, often bad laws to slip through by simple majority votes, undermining the constitutional republic. The bulk of the segment focuses on utility bill hikes tied to new legislation benefiting Ameren. Lamping exposes the new “surge pricing” scheme where customers get hit with massive rate increases simply for using electricity during peak times, while big corporate users pay less by shifting demand. Examples cited include monthly bills doubling—even for properties barely occupied—and cases where usage only rose slightly but bills skyrocketed 100%+.

Hour 2 digs into Senator John Kennedy's sharp take on gun control amid the NYC shooting, focusing instead on mental health and accountability. Brendan Steinhauser breaks down the next “big beautiful bill” GOP lawmakers are eyeing to build on the July 4 legislative win — with tax relief, border security, and spending control front and center. Former Missouri Senator John Lamping joins to explain how Caleb Rowden killed vital IP reform, and warns about Ameren's lobbying win that's now doubling utility bills across Missouri thanks to surge pricing and legislative changes. Plus, cultural takes on woke advertising and absurd climate lawsuits round out the hour.

Mike Ferguson in the Morning -Ameren will be be taking control of 51,000 thermostats today as part of the "Peak Time Savings Event" between 3pm and 6pm. Mike and Gabe tried warning people years ago from enrolling in the program. -Legendary Cubs player Ryne Sandberg passes away from cancer.-St. Louis County Councilman Dennis Hancock discusses the investigation into Sam Page over his mail ballot scandal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Ferguson in the Morning -Those who took the bait from Ameren will have their thermostats controlled today - while there is an active heat wave still in effect - from 3p to 6p. While many are pointing fingers at Ameren, are we enabling these types of business practices with our consumer behavior?-It's time to address the elephant in the room: how conservative outlets have reported, or not reported, on the "Epstein Hoax" is damaging the credibility of conservative media in general. -Sam Page is facing criminal investigation. While this may long overdue, this is a big step in the right direction and hopefully a sign that our government officials will have to follow the law like everyone else. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc and Kim unpack the fallout from the Tulsi Gabbard revelations, continuing their frustration over political cowardice when it comes to potential indictments tied to the Obama administration's alleged coup attempt. Marc doubles down: If it happened, someone needs to be held accountable. Then, former Missouri Senator John Lamping joins to break down a quiet but brutal legislative change—Republican-backed bills that allow Ameren to pre-charge customers for future energy infrastructure, including projects they may never benefit from. Gas and electric rates are already spiking 12%, and that's before the new law kicks in. Lamping warns the GOP risks alienating the very working-class voters that now make up its base. With food stamps, Medicaid, and Obamacare subsidies on the chopping block, the message is clear: lawmakers are listening to lobbyists, not constituents.

Hour 2 brings a powerful mix of political accountability and cultural commentary. Marc and Kim dive into Missouri's quiet utility rate bombshell, with former State Senator John Lamping exposing how Republican lawmakers greenlit Ameren to charge customers before building anything—while electric and gas bills soar 12%. Lamping warns that the GOP is asleep at the wheel, risking its base by siding with monopolies over working families. Then, a somber turn: reports emerge that Malcolm-Jamal Warner, beloved as Theo from The Cosby Show, drowned in Costa Rica at age 54. The hour also tackles a disturbing study on early smartphone use and its links to child depression and suicide, sparking a blunt discussion on parenting and tech. Wrapping it all up, the team mocks Tesla's retro diner and laughs at the absurdity of Shark Week turning into Dancing With Sharks, while a Beyoncé concert stampede proves once again—our culture's gone off the rails.

Steve Wills, Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs with Ameren Missouri, joins the show to explain why you might see an increase on your utility bills this summer. Later, Producer Matt plays Chris & Amy's most questionable comments from the past week in a new recurring segment.

T&D World's Faces of the Future department highlights up-and-comers in the line trade. For this week's episode, we are highlighting Vincent Napolitano, an apprentice for Ameren Illinois and a competitor at the International Lineman's Rodeo. During his apprenticeship, he is learning new things every day and also helping others who are just starting in the line trade. He trains both in the classroom and the field and works out of the operating center in Peoria, Illinois. His crew specializes in overhead and underground and works mainly on distribution. When storms hit, he focuses on troubleshooting, and when he tops out as a journeyman, he may be interested in assisting with mutual assistance calls.  To prepare for the International Lineman's Rodeo in 2024, he trained with other apprentices to take practice tests and test his skills alongside the journeymen on the training grounds. In the future, he wants to stay out in the field, and he says the crews he works with are like a family.  To learn more about Vincent, you can read the Faces of the Future department in our June 2025 T&D World print magazine and soon on our website. Also, if you are an apprentice lineworker who is interested in being profiled, fill out this online form and email a photo of you by a bucket truck, competing at the Rodeo or working out in the field to Amy Fischbach, Field Editor of T&D World magazine and host of the Line Life Podcast. Journeymen lineworkers are featured in our Lineworker Focus department and need to fill out this online form. All featured lineworkers receive a free tool package from Milwaukee Tool for their dedication to the line trade. 

Former Missouri Senator John Lamping joins Marc & Kim to unpack a month of quiet corruption in the state legislature. Lamping slams the new utility bill signed by Governor Parson, calling it a stealth tax hike that allows Ameren to charge customers upfront for unbuilt energy projects. He warns of rate hikes with zero transparency and blasts the revolving door between utility companies and the Public Service Commission. Lamping also discusses Ian Mackey's merger bill and why it's likely more setup for 2026 than a real threat this year. Plus, he breaks down the 'previous question' tactic and why the GOP rarely flexes that muscle even when they should. Missouri's legislature might be winding down, but the backroom deals are just heating up.

Allen and Joel discuss their experience at the ACP OMS event in Nashville, Tennessee. Ameren's High Prairie Wind Farm shuts down all turbines following three turbine collapses. GE Vernova partners with Amazon Web Services on wind projects. And a larger discussion about the way OEMs attempt to solve problems. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly email update on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard's StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary Barnes' YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us! You are listening to the Uptime Wind Energy Podcast, brought to you by build turbines.com. Learn, train, and be a part of the Clean Energy Revolution. Visit build turbines.com today. Now here's your hosts, Allen Hall, Joel Saxum, Phil Totaro, and Rosemary Barnes. Allen Hall: To start off the week, Joel and I have just completed a couple of days that. ACP OMS in Nashville, Tennessee. And if you don't know where Nashville is in the center ish of the country, more towards the eastern part than the western part. It's the same state where it Davey Crockett came from Daniel Boone. Am I right about that, Joel? Sergeant York, Andrew Jackson. Yeah. This is some old names. Yeah, it's right next to, actually next to North Carolina. So we're like I don't know, an hour's drive from North Carolina with the area that got hit with hurricane a couple of months ago. We're not very far from it. But Nashville, the event was pretty well populated. I was trying to relate it to the OM and S event that happened in San Diego a year ago. It felt like it was a little bit smaller of an event, Joel, and maybe the attendance was a little bit lower. Joel Saxum: Yeah, the interesting, we were at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center. It's absolutely massive. I learned today that it's the largest like resort convention center without a casino in the entire world. Like it felt like he walked like a mile through the inside of the thing to get to it. Like the conference center. What I think the issue there was, or what it felt like, is it didn't feel like it was as well attended as it was last year. A lot of ISPs, so a lot of blade repair companies, a lot of service companies, all floating around, not as many operators, but my thought is we're used to having this thing in San Diego. It was 40 degrees and raining today. And in San Diego every year it's like 75, 80 degrees. Beautiful. Everything is fantastic. People bring their families and stuff like that. So you hear a lot of people, oh yeah, I can't grab dinner tonight. I got, my, my wife and kids we're gonna go do this. When you're in the San Diego event here, not so much. 'cause it's, there's live music that's great that but it, you're also 20 minutes from downtown. It is a little bit of a different feel. But yeah the show floor. Of course, Allen and you and I took a couple laps around it and Claire, our producer as well. We took a couple laps around to see what was there. A lot of the same players that we're used to seeing a lot of the same companies. Nothing super new that stuck out. Nothing groundbreaking, however. A couple cool things, right? We sat down, I think we rec, we recorded a bunch of great material with some of our podcast friends and people new to the podcast at the thing. You'll hear those in the coming weeks, of course. But we did get to look at the Earth next platform from Earth Wind. That was really cool. Also the Gulf Wind Technology team was there and they were show showcasing their up tower root bushing repair. That was really cool. Other than that, ah, c nnc onsite, right? The ability to do precision machining up tower, which is really neat.

The Business Brief podcast returns this week with a trip to New Madrid. The southeast Missouri town may be best known for its seismic significance, but its residents are more concerned about a rocky economy. Plus, the show examines the potential consequences of Ameren's proposed electricity rate hike.

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark and the crew discuss the NFL's Conference Championship games and the Chiefs pulling off another miraculous win and heading to yet another Super Bowl. Mark is then joined by Missouri Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger. They discuss his lead of the Republican charge to eliminate DEI training for attorneys. In hour 2, Sue hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest entertainment trending news, this day in history, the random fact of the day, and much more. Mark is then joined by John Coffman who is with the Consumers Council of Missouri. He discusses a public hearing just held this afternoon at Sunset Hills City Hall over Ameren's latest rate hike request and more. He is later joined by John Coffman who is with the Consumers Council of Missouri. He discusses a public hearing just held this afternoon at Sunset Hills City Hall over Ameren's latest rate hike request and more. In hour 3, Mark is joined by John Sailer, a research at the National Association of Scholars. They discuss his recent DEI piece in the Wall Street Journal and more. Mark is then joined by Ian Sherr, a CBS News Tech expert. They discuss what you need to know about the new Chinese app called, "DeepSeek". KMOX Golf Expert Dan Reardon then joins to discuss the new TGL Golf League. They then wrap with the Audio Cut of the Day.

In this segment, Mark is joined by John Coffman who is with the Consumers Council of Missouri. He discusses a public hearing just held this afternoon at Sunset Hills City Hall over Ameren's latest rate hike request and more.

In hour 2, Sue hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest entertainment trending news, this day in history, the random fact of the day, and much more. Mark is then joined by John Coffman who is with the Consumers Council of Missouri. He discusses a public hearing just held this afternoon at Sunset Hills City Hall over Ameren's latest rate hike request and more. He is later joined by John Coffman who is with the Consumers Council of Missouri. He discusses a public hearing just held this afternoon at Sunset Hills City Hall over Ameren's latest rate hike request and more.