Illinois News & Current Events | Public News Service

The FutureReady States initiative is part of Lumina Foundation's national goal to have 75% of adults in the U.S. labor force with a college degree or other credential by 2040. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, July 17, 2025

IL hopes to build upon success in new FutureReady States workforce initiative

A new workforce initiative in Illinois is hoping to provide working adults with better access to short-term work credentials to help them get better p…

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Federal private school tax incentive draws mixed reviews

Mixed responses continue to swirl about the new federal law offering tax incentives to people who donate to organizations providing scholarships to pr…

The study found in 2024, Illinois beaches had potentially unsafe levels of fecal contamination on at least 25% of all days tested. (Adobe Stock)

IL beaches pose danger from bacteria presence

"Don't go into the water" is a warning Illinoisans may want to heed. A 2024 study released this week found all state-border beaches on Lake Michigan …

The Trump administration considers programs focusing on any facet of diversity, equity or inclusion to be a violation of federal anti-discrimination law. (Adobe Stock)

IL school districts serving immigrants work to stay low-key

The Trump administration has made it clear it will cut funding from schools continuing diversity, equity and inclusion programs and with record …

Nearly one-third of Illinois' state budget is allocated to Medicaid and more than 60% of the funding is federal dollars. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts: Disproportionate effects predicted for LGBTQ+ in IL

Advocacy groups are speaking out about how they believe congressional cuts to Medicaid will disproportionately affect caregiver LGBTQ+ communities in …

A U.S. citizen is legally defined as a person born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, yet experts say human psychology and identity politics result in ingrained biases over who truly belongs. (Adobe Stock)

'American' most often associated with white English speakers

With Donald Trump in the White House, Illinois and the nation face new challenges about who "belongs" in the United States. Nationality has become a …

The process known as budget reconciliation bypasses the usual Senate filibuster rules and allows bills to be passed with a simple majority of 51 votes, or 50, plus the Vice President's tie-breaking vote. (Adobe Stock)

IL professor: Senate-passed budget bill not a win, yet

An Illinois professor cautions against premature celebrations of victory or defeat after the U.S. Senate passed President Donald Trump's budget …

Planned Parenthood of Illinois is seeing an increase in out-of-state patients seeking gender-affirming care as neighboring states enact restrictions and bans. (Adobe Stock)

IL abortion services continue to skyrocket, straining provider resources

Illinois serves as a crucial access point for abortion services and sees the most out-of-state patients in the country. Since Roe v. Wade was …

Report: Gen Z considers politics, mental health in choosing a college

Nearly 30% of "Gen-Z" college students decided where they would attend school based at least partly on political reasons, according to a new report…

There are about 30 rules to which the EPA is considering repeals or rollbacks. (Adobe Stock)

EPA proposed rollbacks on pollution rules could come at high cost

As federal lawmakers move forward with proposed environmental protection rollbacks, advocates are sounding the alarm and requesting additional time …

Dr. Tierney Brosius' friend, professor and fellow artist, Wendy DesChene, and her husband helped to photograph insects for an eight-foot-tall display. (Wendy DesChene)

'Dr. Beetle': Local biology teacher uses art to pique curiosity about bugs

By Jonathan Feakins for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News S…

More than 40% of the 3.4 million Illinoisians enrolled in Medicaid are children. (Adobe Stock)

Potential Medicaid, SNAP cuts could derail IL education system

As Congress considers federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food assistance, groups advocating for Illinois schools are speaking out on how it would …

Jewish communities have fasted for centuries in times of collective mourning and catastrophe. (Adobe Stock)

Chicago Jewish group leads hunger strike for Gaza

Local Jewish advocates for Palestinians are joining forces to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They are calling on the U.S…

Each year, the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book aggregates national and state data from 16 indicators in four domains including economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors, and ranks states according to how children are faring overall. (Adobe Stock)

Report: IL shows mixed results in child well-being despite high ranking

A national report finds mixed results in child well-being in Illinois with improvements in health care coverage for children and poverty rates and dec…

While Illinois has seen a significant decrease in it's prison population, its incarceration rate is still relatively high compared to other states. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Study: Incarceration costs families billions each year

A new study highlights the high price of incarceration, and says the annual total cost to families of Americans behind bars is nearly $350 billion…

As part of Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, consumers can receive rebates of up to $4,000 for electric vehicle purchases. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Black, Latino drivers burdened as ‘superusers’ of gasoline

As federal electric vehicle incentives face potential rollbacks, a new study is highlighting the burden of gasoline costs on Black and Latino drivers…

More than 40% of senior citizens report feeling lonely on a regular basis. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Senior social isolation: A silent epidemic, as deadly as cigarettes

Senior advocates are sounding the alarm about the effects of social isolation on older people in Illinois, saying loneliness is comparable to smoking …

In Illinois, laws like the Illinois Equal Pay Act and Pregnancy Discrimination Act serve to uphold equal pay, protections and accommodations for working women across the state. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Study: Past protective labor laws for women benefited men

A new Northwestern University study examining the history of labor laws for women says men ultimately benefited from laws meant to protect women in th…

The U.S. Energy 2024 Jobs Report shows jobs in the energy sector reached 8.4 million, or more than 5% of all U.S. jobs in electric power generation, transmission, distribution and storage, along with fuels, energy efficiency and motor vehicles. (Adobe Stock)

Clean energy training program boosts hope, jobs in IL town

By Kari Lydersen for Canary Media.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Canary Media-Resource Rural-Public New…

The five-year average annual rate of excessive alcohol deaths per capita in Illinois increased by as much as 52% from 2015 to 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Evidence shows alcohol affects women more gravely than it does men

As Women's Health Month comes to an end, public health officials are urging Illinois women to be aware of the increased risks they face from any …

Seniors in Cook County, Illinois, said programs like Meals on Wheels providing hot meals delivered to them every day helps them feel safer in their homes. (Adobe Stock)

IL advocates highlight critical services for seniors

Illinois residents and elected officials are participating in a statewide day of advocacy to bring awareness to the Older Americans Act. Services …

Researchers found between 2010 and 2018, more than 38% of wind energy projects faced National Environmental Policy Act-related litigation. (Adobe Stock)

Reforms to federal permitting may accelerate Rebuild Illinois projects

The budget bill passed by the U.S. House and now under consideration in the Senate would reform environmental permitting in Illinois and nationwide…

The American Mosquito Control Association says almost 2,500 cases of West Nile disease were reported in 2024, with 165 deaths, a significant increase from recent years. (Adobe Stock)

Illinois officials find first instance of West Nile virus, say prepare now

The Illinois Department of Public Health said the first positive test for West Nile virus in 2025 has been detected in Winnebago County near Rockford…

On average, women who live in rural Illinois will travel more than 17 miles for care. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Medicaid cuts risk maternity care for rural Illinois

In Illinois, more than one in five rural women of childbearing age rely on Medicaid for health coverage, according to the Georgetown University …

Some experts said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's order protecting the medical data of state residents reinforces the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which safeguards American's health information. (Adobe Stock)

IL is 1st state to restrict federal access to autism-related data

Illinois is the first state to block the federal government from accessing state data on autism. The order, signed by Gov. JB Pritzker last week…

According to Excelencia in Education, for the United States to regain the top ranking in the world for college degree attainment, Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Illinois Latino students prefer grants over loans to pay for college

Latino students in Illinois and nationwide apply for financial aid at higher rates than some other ethnic groups but receive the lowest average awards…

The Mayo Clinic reported most people born or living in the U.S. before 1957 are immune to measles because they've had the infection and can only get it once. (Adobe Stock)

IL health officials work to combat vaccine hesitancy, stop measles spread

At least two people have tested positive for measles in Illinois and public health officials are working to combat misinformation surrounding vaccines…

Illinois residents pay the second-highest gasoline taxes in the country, according to WalletHub. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: High taxes number one concern for Illinois residents

High taxes and a weak economy are the top concerns of Illinois residents according to a new poll, with nearly half of those surveyed saying they …

Researchers said a new SkillsUSA and Northern Illinois University study is the most comprehensive to date on how many students are involved in apprenticeships, internships, courses and other work-based learning activities. (Adobe Stock)

IL apprenticeships on the rise but disparities remain

A new report shows Illinois youth now have more apprenticeship and internship opportunities, with an increase in women and minority participation but …

In the U.S. Constitution, the 5th and 14th Amendment protections against government actions depriving someone of life, liberty, or property without due process apply to all people within U.S. jurisdiction, regardless of their immigration status. (Adobe Stock)

IL lawyer: Kilmar Obrego Garcia case a ‘constitutional crisis’

An Illinois law professor is weighing in on what she called a "very public and open test of due process" for immigrants being deported from the United…

In Illinois, counties cover the operational costs of juvenile detention centers, while the state reimburses for staffing at more than $40 million per year. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed bills would curb jailing of children in IL

Two bills aimed at reforming the juvenile justice system in Illinois are close to becoming law. Senate Bill 1784 proposes raising the age of …

A recent Supreme Court ruling narrowed the scope of which U.S. bodies of water are protected under the Clean Water Act. A wetlands protection advocacy group said a proposed EPA rule would narrow the definition even further, leaving millions of acres of wetlands across the country unprotected. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA rule could put remaining IL wetlands at risk

Protected wetlands across Illinois could be at risk as the Trump administration considers changes to the Clean Water Act. The Environmental …

Universities across the country have protested against the Trump administration's actions targeting higher-ed funding, speech and international students. (Adobe Stock)

Higher ed supporters rally on two IL campuses for students' rights

It has been a busy week for supporters of higher education in Illinois, with two separate protests at Northern Illinois University and Northeastern …

Illinois was one of the first states to implement annual mental health screenings in schools. (Adobe Stock)

IL school mental health investments leave gaps in provider ratios

Despite making major policy strides to strengthen school-based mental health services for Illinois students, a national report card showed the state …

More than 270 jurisdictions in 13 states currently use instant online permitting for solar installations. (Adobe Stock)

New report: IL makes it too hard to 'go solar'

A new report outlines some of the barriers Illinois residents face that can make adopting solar energy more difficult and expensive than necessary…

According to the American Immigration Council, Illinois' immigrant population paid $27 billion in taxes in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Retired Illinois IRS worker feels 'hurt' by data agreement with ICE

Tax filing season has wrapped up but the backlash over a new IRS policy concerning undocumented individuals is not going away. A retired agency …

The wind industry alone brings almost 17.8-billion-dollars in investments to Illinois, currently powering almost 13 percent of the state's electricity needs. (Adobe Stock)

IL hopes to continue clean energy boom with new bill

As Illinois forges ahead in the clean energy space, legislators and advocates are pushing for what would be the third major climate bill passed in …

The study analyzed 56 million cow-level production records across 18,000 dairy farms from 2012 to 2016. (Adobe Stock)

New study: Small farms disproportionately impacted by extreme heat

A new study shows how extreme weather conditions negatively affect production yields on Midwest dairy farms, with a disproportionate impact on …

The proliferation of Airbnbs, luxury condos and barriers to homeownership contribute to the homeless crisis in the Black community, said Chama St. Louis of the National Black Worker Center. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Black residents in IL 8 times more likely to be homeless

Black residents in Illinois are almost eight times more likely to be homeless than white people, with lack of livable wages and affordable housing …

The Little Village Environmental Justice Organization has become as much as a landmark to the community as the Little Village Arch and was awarded the national Food Sovereignty Prize in 2024. (City of Chicago 2021)

Chicago nonprofit transforms former toxic site to feed community

By Angela Burke for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

Thousands of datasets from federal agency websites have been scrubbed since the new administration took office. (Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit races to save science, environmental-justice website data

As U.S. government website purges continue, one nonprofit is racing to track and save as much data as possible. The Open Environmental Data Project …

Meals on Wheels of Northern Illinois has community caf�s in Cook, Grundy, Kendall and Will counties, providing home-delivered meals to older residents of these areas. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Facing funding hurdles, IL 'March for Meals' event moves forward

A local "Meals on Wheels" organization is forging ahead with an event to provide meals and personal care items to seniors in four Illinois counties…

The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a ruling ordering the rehiring of thousands of federal workers, including in the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

EPA workers in Chicago protest cuts to agency

Nearly 100 probationary workers for the Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago have had their jobs cut and then reinstated in the last month…

The most common NOAA warnings in Illinois are for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding and winter weather, especially during the spring and fall seasons. (Adobe Stock)

Potential NOAA cuts spell trouble for IL weather warnings

One of many federal agencies facing cuts by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm…

State law specifies the governor may remove any member of the Prisoner Review Board at any time for incompetence, neglect of duty, malfeasance or inability to serve. (Illinois Prisoner Review Board in 2024, In Their Hands)

Film highlights reform need of IL’s parole system through one man’s fight

An Illinois documentary takes a deep dive into the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and the politics that influence its decision-making through one man'…

The majority of human H5N1 cases have been found on the West Coast but have been reported in the Midwest and on the East Coast as well. Researchers are monitoring the virus thorough wastewater tracking, direct testing of at-risk people and those with symptoms and randomized sample testing. (Adobe Stock)

Barriers to tracking bird flu mount amid federal changes

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

During the Great Depression, the U.S. enacted the

Data, history show mass deportations harm U.S. economy

As nationwide deportation efforts continue, new research examined the labor market of a past president to help forecast what could happen if …

People applying for asylum face what is called an

Immigration courts offer many barriers, few solutions

As the Trump administration's deportation efforts continue, more people find themselves in immigration court. Immigration law is complicated…

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