Public News Service

The 2022 Census of Agriculture report said Illinois has nearly 72,000 farms with an average size of 373 acres. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 29, 2024

IL farmers on costly hold amid legislative foot dragging

By Jennifer Bamberg for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Investigate Midwest-Public N…

Teleheath services have expanded since the start of the pandemic. (Nattakorn/Adobe Stock)

Frozen screens? Telehealth access imperiled

By Sarah Jane Tribble for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Illinois News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public Ne…

MyPlate.gov says toddlers should sit upright for meals and snacks and not wander while eating items such as hot dogs, candy, nuts and seeds, raw carrots, grapes or popcorn, which may cause choking. (Adobe Stock)

University in IL studies link between toddler food access and development

Parents wanting to ensure their children have nutritious meals can serve as their best example, according to new data. Research from the University …

Studies show community health centers significantly reduce prescription-drug spending, as well as the need for emergency room visits and outpatient and inpatient care. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Congressional budget impasse threatens IL community health centers

Community health centers in Illinois are stuck in financial limbo as Congress contends with another potential government shutdown. More than forty …

According to a 2023 NACHC report 'Closing the Primary Care Gap,' more than 100 million people in the United States don't have a primary care provider, and about a quarter of those are children.<br />(Adobe Stock)

Health group hopes for funding amid looming deadline

The price of healthcare has many Americans struggling with costly prescriptions, doctor visits and hospitalizations. Uninsured people are the focus …

With a grant award from the Illinois Power Association, the Green Energy Justice Cooperative plans to build community-level solar power projects to cut costs and give low-income and BIPOC neighborhoods a financial stake in the program. (Wikimedia Commons)

IL co-op to develop solar projects for low-income, BIPOC communities

By Lydia Larsen for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netwo…

Agricultural officials saod bringing broadband connections to rural Illinois countries could provide farmers with data that could increase both crop yields and annual profits. (Wikimedia Commons)

New tool gauges economic effects of expanded broadband in rural IL

By Will Wright for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Illinois News Connection reporting for The Daily Yonder-Public News Servi…

According to America's Health Ranking, nearly 13% of adults in Illinois report smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and currently smoke. (Adobe Stock)

Report grades IL tobacco prevention efforts

Illinois' efforts are all over the map in a new report on what state and federal officials are, or could be, doing to discourage tobacco use…

According to the Illinois General Assembly, at least 318 new pieces of legislation will go into effect in 2024 that will impact every area in the state. (Adobe Stock)

New IL laws usher in policy changes in health care, employment, policing

At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, Illinoisans will see more than 300 new laws take effect - with changes that impact the state's …

Most insurance companies and Medicare allow open enrollment during specified times of the year, usually between October and December. (Adobe Stock)

Open enrollment for public, private health insurance begins soon

Open enrollment begins soon for most employer-sponsored health care coverage and benefits plans for the calendar year 2024. In Illinois, there will …

At 80 universities and colleges, the net price more than doubled for the lowest-income students, while at 19 it more than tripled, and at 10 it quintupled, according to analysis of federal data by The Hechinger Report. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

Lower-Income Students See Higher Tuition than Higher-Income Peers

By Jon Marcus for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Illinois News Connection reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public News …

Illinois is one of 13 states charging state sales taxes on grocery items. (Pcess609/Adobe Stock)

Illinois Grocery Tax Makes Controversial Comeback

Most Illinois residents will soon be paying the one-percent state sales tax on their groceries again. Governor JB Pritzker's temporary tax relief is …

Public health officials warn unless states like Illinois recruit more primary care doctors, there will be a serious shortage of available health care by 2030.(rocketclips/Adobestock)

Report: Illinois, US Need More Primary-Care Physicians to Avoid Shortage

Health insurance's ability to help you drops sharply if you cannot find a primary-care doctor, and it is a problem for 100 million Americans…

Consumer advocates say it's important for customers to read and understand a financial institution's terms and conditions to know what services are available. (AdobeStock)

Many Consumers Looking to Credit Unions as Alternative to 'Mega-Banks'

The collapse of two banks has put the U.S. financial sector into focus this week. Many consumers and financial advisors believe the "big four" …

Mexico and Canada are the largest importers of meat into the United States, but other countries such as Brazil, Australia and Japan sell significant amounts of beef, pork and lamb here as well. (Simone van den Berg/Adobe Stock)

Proposed USDA Rule Change Would Limit Use of 'Product of USA' Labels

A proposal by the U.S. Department of Agriculture would change the rules on what foods can be labeled "Product of USA." Current regulations allow …

Illinois' population declined for the ninth consecutive year in 2022, with a record 104,437 residents lost, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Rosana/Adobe Stock)

Economists: High Tax Burden Driving IL Families, Businesses Out of State

Studies show the tax burden on people and businesses in Illinois - and particularly those in Chicago - is among the highest in the country. …

About 6% of all cars sold in the United States in 2022 were battery-electric powered, but officials say the number of EVs is expected to grow to 25% by 2030. (ake1150/Adobe Stock)

Report: EVs Could Impact Future Highway-Maintenance Funding

Most experts agree that putting more electric vehicles on the road is a positive step toward fighting climate change, but a new report warns that …

A study by the Healthcare Cost Institute found the average price of insulin has nearly doubled since 2012. (Ratmaner/Adobestock)

New Rules Aim to Bring Down High Cost of Insulin for Diabetics

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and almost 1.3 million Illinoisans have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the American …

Over 300,000 Illinois residents purchased insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchange in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

ACA Open-Enrollment Begins Soon in Illinois

Open-enrollment season for health insurance begins soon and Illinoisans have a lot to consider in attempting to get the right kinds of coverage…

Most people who have wills are over age 60. But since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of 18-to 34-year-olds with estate planning documents has increased by 50%, according to a 2022 survey by caring.com. (Adobe Stock)

Will-Making Can Reduce Stress, Cost for Loved Ones

August is National Make-a-Will Month, and if you still have not started, experts emphasized there is no good reason to put it off. End-of-life …

According to the Center for American Progress, the average wealth level for a white household was about $1.17 million in 2020, compared with about $242,000 for Black households. (Adobe Stock)

Barriers Persist for Black Illinoisans Looking to Purchase Homes

Black Illinoisans face entrenched barriers to homeownership, part of a decadeslong legacy of racist housing practices known as "redlining." This …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most U.S. citizens have at least some PFAS in their bloodstreams. (Adobe Stock)

New IL Law Seeks to Limit PFAS-Based Air Pollution

Illinois has enacted a new law to prohibit the incineration of some PFAS-based substances. The man-made chemical compounds are most commonly …

The White House announced this week plans to invest an additional $250 million in domestic fertilizer production, as the Russian invasion of Ukraine has limited the supply of fertilizer globally. (Adobe Stock)

President Highlights Agriculture Initiatives During IL Visit

President Joe Biden used his trip to Illinois Wednesday to tout several new initiatives he said will support American farms. The president's trip …

Maywood Mayor Nathaniel Booker joined the governor to announce funding for water assistance. (Office of J.B Pritzker)

Financial Assistance Available for Stopping Water Shutoffs in IL

CHICAGO -- Illinois residents struggling to pay utility bills can apply for assistance through the state, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced this week $…

A new report from Advanced Energy Economy finds that Illinois clean-energy jobs are expected to grow 7% in 2021. (I Viewfinder/Adobe Stock)

Report: Transportation Electrification Would Benefit IL Economy, Job Market

CHICAGO -- A new report showed the economy of Illinois could see major benefits from the Biden administration's proposed $274 billion investment to el…

As the state moratorium on utility shut-offs ends, utility companies are set to start disconnecting residents who've been unable to pay their bills. (Valmedia/Adobe Stock)

IL Moratorium on Utility Shutoffs Ends, Natural Gas Prices Spike

CHICAGO -- As a state moratorium on utility shutoffs comes to an end, more than 800,000 customers in Illinois are behind on their utility bills and …

A Chicago tech company aims to close the wealth gap by supporting Black entrepreneurs. (Adobe stock)

Chicago Firm Boosts Support for Black Entrepreneurs

CHICAGO - Spurred by protests calling for racial justice over the past year, a Chicago-based tech company that helps entrepreneurs is starting a new …

Housing advocates say tenants and landlords need federal financial help to avoid falling further into debt during the pandemic. (AdobeStock)

Eviction Tsunami Quelled, but Rent Still Will be Due

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- An anticipated eviction tsunami has been calmed temporarily, but that doesn't mean Illinois renters who have fallen behind are …

Illinois' moratorium on evictions during the pandemic ends after today. (Adobe Stock)

Half of Americans Worried About Housing During Pandemic

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A new survey finds nearly one in 10 Americans has moved in with other people, and three in 10 have delayed attempting to purchase …

The FTC advises people to hang up and block any calls that promise early access to government coronavirus stimulus checks. (Sandy Huffaker/AARP)

FTC Warns of Uptick in COVID-Related Scams

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Scammers are working overtime these days, using the coronavirus pandemic to separate people from their money or personal …

There are some estimates that the U.S. Postal Service could run out of money by summer without federal assistance. (Donald Lee Pardue/Flickr)

Illinois Postal Workers Call for Federal Help

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Postal workers in Illinois are among those calling for swift action by Congress to save the U.S. Postal Service. Jackie …

During times of high demand, it's not uncommon to find excessive prices on popular items. (AdobeStock)

Retailers Called Out for Excessive Pricing

CHICAGO - As if protecting oneself from the new coronavirus isn't daunting enough, consumer watchdogs say Illinoisans also need to guard themselves …

Illinois was the first state to expand Medicaid health-care coverage to undocumented children. (AdobeStock)

Gap Widens in Health Coverage for Illinois' Latino Kids

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A strong health care infrastructure is crucial during times like these, but not all children in Illinois have equal access to …

A lack of child care can destabilize employment, finances and overall family well-being. (AdobeStock)

Report: Some Illinois Parents Raising Kids Without a Village

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Worried, overwhelmed, stuck -- that's how some Illinois moms describe the challenges they face trying to find child care…

TV anchor kits cost as little as $5, and can prevent serious injury. (AdobeStock)

NFL Pro Tells TV Tip-Over Tale Ahead of Super Bowl

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- With millions of Americans expected to tune into the Super Bowl this Sunday, safety experts have important advice for TV owners …

In 2019, roughly 312,000 Illinoisans were enrolled in health care coverage through the federal marketplace. (AdobeStock)

Time Short to Select a Get Covered Illinois Health Plan

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – There's not much time left for Illinoisans to sign up for medical coverage from the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance …

An estimated 65% percent of Americans don't research where their money is going prior to donating to charity. (AdobeStock)

Giving Tuesday: Do You Know Where Your Donation is Going?

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinoisans are encouraged to be generous yet wise this Giving Tuesday. While charities use the annual observance to seek …

In Illinois, 102,000 children did not have health insurance coverage in 2018. (Adobe Stock)

Illinois Reverses Course in Children's Health Care Coverage

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – After several years of trending downward, the number of children without health care insurance in Illinois and the nation …

The USMCA deal would protects manufacturing jobs by offering companies incentives for engineering and production in the United States. (Ford Motor Co.)

Auto Leader: Illinois Workers Need "New NAFTA" Deal

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Congressional leaders still are trying to hammer out a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, and there's a lot on the …

Illinois added more than 2,500 energy-efficiency jobs in 2018. (AdobeStock)

Illinois Ranks 5th Nationally for Energy-Efficiency Jobs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Energy-efficiency jobs are booming in Illinois, and the pace is not expected to slow down anytime soon. According to a …

The Citizens Utility Board offers a free guide to help Illinoisans avoid pesky robocalls. (Adobe Stock)

House Committee Acts on Anti-Robocall Bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Those annoying robocalls that drive people crazy are the targets of a bill headed to a floor vote before the U.S. House…

Illinois estimates more than 400,000 residents will receive federal food benefits at least one month this year. (Gemma Billings/Flickr)

SNAP Change Opponent: Food Benefits Support Job Searches

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A change to eligibility for federal food assistance could affect hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans. Able bodied people …

In Illinois, 42 percent of the renters considered extremely low-income are people in the workforce. Another 26 percent are senior citizens. (Elvert Barnes/Flickr)

Report: Illinois' Poorest Live on Unstable Ground

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Housing is a foundation for living, and a new report suggests it's an unstable foundation for hundreds of thousands of …

Illinois social workers are facing increasing caseloads. (emmarie24/Twenty20)

Illinois Social Workers Need Support, Too

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Those who provide comfort and protection for Illinoisans in crisis say they need more support in their efforts. March is …

Research suggests there might be 1 million victims of online romance scams in the United States. <br />(athree23/Pixabay)

Online Dating Scams and Money Mules: Adding Insult to Injury

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Having the wool pulled over your eyes by someone you love is one thing, but imagine unknowingly becoming an accomplice to …

Illinois ranks 12th nationally for the size of its foreign-born population. (yesidvargas/Twenty20.com)

Illinois' Economy Stands to Lose in Immigration Fight

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois' economy could become a casualty should negotiations fail in Washington on U.S. immigration policy. While the …

Fluctuations in income impact a person's ability to cover regular expenses, pay down debt or save for the future. (Vrulan/Twenty20.com)

Research: Dramatic Income Shifts Could Hurt Your Health

CHICAGO — Nearly 1-in-3 American households experiences a dramatic change in income each year, and new research reveals this volatility could …

Almost 17,000 students in Illinois alone will receive student-loan debt relief under a new settlement. (Nruedisueli/Twenty20)

Private College Agrees to Forgive Half-Billion in Student-Loan Debt

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Almost 180,000 former students at for-profit adult education schools headquartered in Illinois will not have to pay back …

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