Illinois News & Current Events | Public News Service

According to the financial site Forbes Advisor, Illinois ranks 20th in the nation for struggling most with credit card debt. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

IL financial jobs seen at risk with possible merger

Two of the largest credit card companies in the United States want federal regulators to greenlight a merger and the deal has been met with skepticism…

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration, abandoned mines may still house containers with leaking toxic chemicals or explosives which can detonate without warning.(Adobe Stock)

Abandoned IL coal mines pose health, environmental complications

New legislation in Congress would hold coal producers accountable for cleaning up the mine sites they have abandoned, including tens of thousands of …

Illinois is bordered by 880 miles of water - the Mississippi River, Ohio River, and Wabash River. according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. (Adode Stock)

Tug-of-war for more access to IL streams continues

Federal law and Illinois law are at odds over ownership, access, and use of the state's streams, lakes & rivers - and the Legislature failed to pass …

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2024 Kids Count Book, 425,000 Illinois children live in poverty. (Adobe Stock)

Kids Count Data Book shows IL children fare well in health care, lag in academics

The 2024 Kids Count Data Book was released this week. The publication is a 50-state report of data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation about the …

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports between April and July 2023, unemployment among youths nationwide rose by 826,000. (Adobe Stock)

IL study finds youths of color have fewer summer job offers

Summer jobs are a boost for companies needing seasonal help. But Black and Latino youths are not seeing the opportunities come their way. A report …

A National Abortion Federation report revealed in 2021, nationwide incidences of stalking at abortion clinics rose by 600%. Assault and battery cases increased by 128%. (Adobe Stock)

IL lawmakers boost funding for Planned Parenthood

The Illinois General Assembly has just passed a $53 billion state budget which includes a boost in funding for Planned Parenthood. Reproductive …

IL residents urged to prepare now for coming heat waves

A new report supports data on the effects of global climate change, finding that, within a one-year span starting in May 2023, the cause of frequent …

The federal government collects more than $1 billion every year through an excise tax on items such as licenses, guns, arrows and fishing tackle to fund wildlife conservation programs. (Adobe Stock)

Conservationists: Farm Bill crucial to future access to IL wildlife habitat

As Congress prepares to start work on a new Farm Bill this week, hunters and anglers say billions of dollars in investments in private-lands …

A U.S. Department of Justice report noted 20% of the staff sexual misconduct occurred in a correction facility's cell, its commissary, cafeteria, or workshop. (Adobe Stock)

IL juvenile justice group says lawsuit addresses years of abuse

A lawsuit filed this month against the Illinois Departments of Corrections and Juvenile Justice might help tip the scales for legislation pending in S…

Planners said one of the biggest challenges in preparing for electric vehicles is changing planning and zoning codes to accommodate EV charging stations. (Adobe Stock)

Regional program helps Chicago-area communities become 'EV Ready'

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netw…

A study by the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health found lead pipes were used, and often required, before being banned in the U.S. in 1986. Many cities still use lead water pipes installed prior to the ban. (Adobe Stock)

A spigot of federal money opens, clean water one goal

The Environmental Protection Agency said the country's aging systems of water pipes are hotbeds for chemical and lead contamination. More lead …

Suzy Flack's son Andrew became an advocate for medical-aid-in-dying by creating a video, blog and podcast before dying of cancer in 2022 at age 34. (Photo courtesy Suzy Flack)

Illinois mother whose son died asks lawmakers to pass medical aid-in-dying bill

A Chicago mom who lost her son to cancer in 2022 is using the occasion of Mother's Day to call on Illinois lawmakers to pass medical aid-in-dying legi…

The Federal Trade Commission Consumer Division advises funeral pre-planning, to spare survivors the stress of making these decisions under the pressure of time and strong emotions. (Adobe Stock)

End-of-life doula a comfort source for IL families

Birth doulas assist new moms with the stress, uncertainty and anxiety of childbirth, while another type of doula offers similar support to those who …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized clean air standards affecting heavy-duty trucks starting with the 2027 model year. (Adobe Stock)

Communities close to big box warehouses face health fallouts

A recent study by the Environmental Defense Fund showed communities near mega warehouses are exposed to more polluted air. More than 2 million …

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

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…

In 2022, Harvard University established an endowment fund for $100 million for slavery reparations. Many major cities have taken up the issue of reparations, but few have completed action on it. (Adobe Stock)

IL city makes tangible effort to atone for discrimination

By Torsheta Jackson for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

New research predicts warmer, wetter weather in the Quad Cities resulting from climate change. Researchers asked residents about their main concerns. (Adobe Stock)

Quad Cities residents weigh in on climate change research

A new report from the National Wildlife Federation warned the effects of climate change in the Quad Cities will be severe but researchers got the publ…

The Susbtance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration lists the side effects of methodone use as difficulty breathing, rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, and hallucinations. (Adobe Stock)

IL group eyes legislation linked to opioid treatment options

Legislation in Congress, co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin - D-IL - could expand treatment choices for people with opioid use disorder…

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…

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the top five most disadvantaged Illinois counties include Alexander, Cook, Kankakee, Macon and Marion. (Adobe Stock)

Do work requirements 'work' to keep people out of poverty?

Members of the U.S. House Work and Welfare Subcommittee came to Illinois this month to drum up support for work requirements for anyone seeking …

Enbridge owns and operates Line 5, a controversial oil pipeline that crosses tribal lands and runs under a portion of the Great Lakes. (Adobe Stock)

Midwest Tribes to take Line 5 concerns to United Nations forum

Next week, Native American leaders from the Midwest will go before a United Nations panel with their concerns over a controversial oil pipeline they …

Univstats.com reports for the 2022-2023 academic year, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign had nearly 57,000 students. The University of Illinois Chicago ranked second with almost 34,000 and Northwestern University was third with almost 24,000 students. (Adobe Stock)

Tech help comes to the college admissions process

This story is based on reporting by Olivia Sanchez for The Hechinger Report.The broadcast version is by Terri Dee for Indiana News Service, reporting …

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 …

The Environmental Protection Agency said wetlands' sponge-like ability to absorb water slows the momentum of floodwaters or a coastal storm surge. (Adobe Stock)

Action to save remaining Illinois wetlands gains steam

The Supreme Court's decision in 2023 to roll back the Clean Water Act has meant less federal oversight in protecting the country's wetlands. …

The Public Schooling in America 2024 report said

Report touts Illinois' support for public schools

A report released this month by the Network for Public Education ranked Illinois an "A" grade for its overall support of public schools. One …

Lumina Foundation research shows that since the pandemic, college institutions have lost 5.7% of students ages 24 and younger, with significant drops in enrollment among Black, Latino and Native American students. (Adobe Stock)

Illinois receives $750K grant to streamline college admissions process

The Illinois Board of Higher Education is among the winners of a national competition to improve the college admissions process and increase people's …

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 …

An Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission year-end report said 388 youths, male and female, were admitted into juvenile detention centers as of December 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Digital court hearings cause uneasiness for young offenders

Online conferencing was a lifeline for school lessons and business meetings during the pandemic. However, there is concern about the effects of …

The University of Illinois-Chicago recommends children use a straw to help reduce the contact of sweetened beverages with teeth. (Adobe Stock)

Parents' dental habits set the tone for kids' healthy teeth

February is Children's Dental Health Month and experts said getting kids started early on good oral care sets the stage for a healthy lifetime habit…

The World Health Organization reported tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are some of the highest risk factors for heart disease. (Adobe Stock)

Circadian rhythms linked to sleep patterns, heart activity

This is American Heart Month and new findings published by the American Heart Association say irregular sleeping patterns -- over years, weeks or …

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 …

Eight objectives in a report by European juvenile-justice groups include encouraging the adoption of age-appropriate alternatives to isolation and preventing tensions between peers and detention center staff. (Adobe Stock)

A push to end solitary confinement in IL for young offenders

There is growing concern over what happens to young offenders in Illinois as they await their first court hearing. A report by European juvenile-…

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…

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers its Soul Shop for Black Churches program to help faith leaders minister to congregants who may be struggling or who have been affected by suicide. (Adobe Stock)

Research shows harmful social media content impacts Black youths

Social media platforms are used by practically everyone but most widely by teens. One study pinpoints a link between online racism and higher rates …

The Education Data Initiative predicts the average yearly cost of law school tuition between 2024 and 2025 will be nearly $52,000. (Adobe Stock)

A lack of attorneys creates 'legal deserts' in rural IL counties

Labor shortages exist across the country in the medical and teaching professions but not as much is said about the lack of attorneys in some states…

The Illinois State Board of Education Literacy Standards indicate fourth graders should be able to determine the main idea of a text, explain how it is supported by key details and summarize the text. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Illinois' child well-being varies widely by race

A new report looks at children's well-being in every state and finds in Illinois, the outcomes vary greatly depending on race. In its Race for …

According to America's Health Rankings, 16% of Illinois' children live in households below the federal poverty threshold, ranking Illinois as 27th in the nation for child poverty. (Adobe Stock)<br />

IL advocacy group insists state’s tax system hurts children

A new analysis of state tax systems finds the Illinois tax structure is unfair to low- and middle-income households, especially those with children…

The Illinois Department of Agriculture says the state's farmland covers 27 million acres, or about 75% of Illinois' total land area. (Adobe Stock)

IL farm group wants improved safety measures for pipelines

A pipeline project to transport carbon dioxide captured from ethanol and fertilizer production to a permanent storage site in Illinois is raising conc…

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency 2020-2022 report indicates 85% of the state's streams are

IL environmental network creates plan for cleaner waterways

Illinois rivers, lakes and groundwater have become unsafe for humans and wildlife. One organization has started the New Year with a "Clean Water …

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 …

The Illinois Department of Health says health conditions caused by climate change are worsened due to poverty, lack of access to health care, unemployment and isolation. (Adobe Stock)

Older Illinoisans have a resource to address climate change

The country is feeling the chill of winter now, but 2023 will be in the history books as the hottest year on record. And worries are growing about …

A 2019 report by the Cook County Advisory Board called for the end of punitive room confinement but Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice officials found in 2022, the disciplinary measure is still used. (Adobe Stock)

Summit paints grim picture of IL juvenile detention centers

At a Wednesday summit, advocates for juvenile justice reform took up the most recent slate of complaints about Illinois' juvenile detention centers…

According to the website 'Illinois.gov,' the state has around 29,000 school buses operating as part of public school districts. (Adobe Stock)

Yellow school bus: From energy consumer to energy asset

What started as a school project for students in one Illinois district has led to the successful changeover to more energy efficient school buses…

Property crime and violence against young people are both up, recent federal data show, but other crime trends are not as clear-cut. (Adobe Stock)

New data: Violent crime is up and also down

By Weihua Li and Jamiles Lartey for The Marshall Project.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Marshall P…

YouthTruth Student Survey finds 74% of the class of 2023 wants to go to college while 66% expect to go to college. The survey also finds the gap is further exacerbated when factoring in race and ethnicity. (Adobe stock)

Illinois high school seniors face big college application challenges

Illinois high school seniors have new hurdles to overcome to get to college. High school students are waiting several extra weeks to get their hands …

The new rule was originally set to go into effect in December, but the NLRB extended the date into February to accommodate legal challenges. (Rafael Henrique/Adobe Stock)<br />

Advocates: New NLRB joint employer rule a win for workers

The National Labor Relations Board recently issued a rule change that may have wide-ranging impacts for workers and businesses. The update to the …

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