Illinois News & Current Events | Public News Service

A wetland and marsh area at Chain O' Lakes State Park. Illinois' Interagency Wetland Policy Act of 1989 set a goal of no net loss of wetlands due to projects funded by the state. (GoodFreePhotos.com)

SCOTUS Lands Gut Punch to EPA Wetland Protections

A U.S. Supreme Court decision is shaking up the environmental community in Illinois and across the country. The high court ruled 5-4 on Thursday …

Illinois state agencies will be required to use the Middle Eastern or North African classification for reporting workforce or hiring data as of July 1, 2025. (Marko/Adobe Stock)

Middle Eastern, North African Race Checkbox Added to IL state forms

Illinois is making history as the first state to collect Middle Eastern and North African representation data on all state forms and surveys…

Illinois had almost 1,000 juveniles incarcerated in adult correctional facilities in 2021, at an annual cost of almost $33 million, according to a Human Rights for Kids report. (napatacha/Adobe Stock)

IL Lawmakers Pass Bill to Prevent Unfair Youth Sentencing

Illinois could soon be the fourth state to pass a law to prevent unfair youth sentencing. The legislation encourages criminal courts to recognize …

In addition to preschool investments, Smart Start Illinois includes $12 million for scholarships and internships to expand the childcare workforce. (junce11/Adobe Stock)

More Illinois Toddlers Head for 'Smart Start' in Early Education

Researchers say a lot of learning begins even before birth - and especially between birth and age five. Gov. JB Pritzker's "Smart Start Illinois" …

Accessible voting booths require staff to assist with machine use and collect completed ballots from people who are considered 'print-impaired.' (petrushin1984/Adobe Stock)

Voting for People with Visual Impairments Could Get Easier in IL

A proposed measure in Illinois aims to improve access to the ballot for visually impaired voters. Senate Bill 282, introduced by Sen. Julie Morrison…

According to The Sentencing Project, in 2022 an estimated 4.6 million Americans were ineligible to vote due to laws and policies. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Push for Voting-Restoration Rights for Incarcerated Illinoisans

Groups in Illinois are pushing legislation that would restore voting rights, including for people currently incarcerated. According to Stand Up …

There are roughly 30,000 people in Illinois in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.<br />(Molly Adams/Wikimedia Commons)

"Health Care is a Human Right"

The Biden administration is expanding access to health coverage under the Affordable Care Act to include young people in the Deferred Action for Child…

Electric vehicles, which can carry a battery pack with up to 50,000 volts of electricity, can be a danger, both to passengers and first responders, in accidents. (Adobe Stock)

First Responders Learn to Deal with Electric-Vehicle Accidents

As the number of electric vehicles on Illinois roads grows, so does the danger of injury for emergency medical technicians and firefighters …

The abortion drug mifepristone remains available in 19 states, including Illinois, while a pair of federal rulings are heard by a federal appeals court. (Adobe Stock)

Planned Parenthood IL: Abortion Pill Ruling a 'Political Stunt'

Women's health groups in Illinois and across the country are angered by a pair of federal court rulings last week on the abortion drug mifepristone…

Illinois is the third-largest consumer of coal in the country, using more than 39 million tons a year to generate electricity. (Wikimedia Commons)

Proposed EPA Rule Limits Toxic Emissions from Coal Plants

The Environmental Protection Agency is tightening rules to limit emissions of mercury and other harmful pollutants from coal-fired power plants…

Whether it is due to an increase in technology use or a shift from the typical 9-5 workday, around 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from sleep issues, according to the American Sleep<br />Apnea Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Studies Show a Good Night’s Sleep Can Bring Health Benefits

More than three in 10 Illinois adults reported getting too few hours of sleep a night, which can contribute to poor job performance and health …

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" …

Illinois advocacy groups say they are educating policymakers on the benefits of hospital screening as a solution to prevent medical debt, both for low-income patients and the hospital. (volgariver/Adobe Stock)

IL Legislation Would Help People Avoid Medical Debt

A new report finds thousands of low-income or uninsured people in Illinois face medical debt that is depleting their savings and, in some cases…

The Illinois Poison Center urges parents to store household cleaning chemicals and other toxic substances on high shelves and out of sight of young children. (Pixel Image/Adobe Stock)

IL Poison Center Urges Families to Identify Household Toxins, Save Lives

National Poison Prevention Week is coming up, and the staff at the Illinois Poison Center is getting the word out to be aware of toxic substances …

Statistics show more than 90,000 U.S. farmworkers contracted the COVID virus, and at least 100 died during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Government Program to Protect Farmworkers Failing

By Sky Chadde and Johnathan Heddinger for Investigate Midwest, with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.Broadcast version by Mark …

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 …

Nontraditional learning is seen as an option to address the U.S. nursing shortage, often attributed to burnout from the pandemic and many nurses searching for lower stress and better pay. (Adobe Stock)

Community, Online Colleges Fill Growing Need for Non-Traditional Students

Many college students balance family and work responsibilities with academics, and it can make nontraditional higher education the path to a future …

Eating disorders are serious and sometimes fatal illnesses which cause severe disturbances to a person's dietary habits. (Paolese/Adobe Stock)

Advocates: More Research, Funding Needed for Eating Disorders

Health care researchers estimate about 1.1 million people in Illinois suffer from some form of eating disorder, which can range in severity from mild …

For the first time since 1998, the State of Illinois has updated the County Detention Standards for juvenile detention centers to reflect current best practices. (Adobe Stock)

Officials Hold First-Ever Review of IL Pretrial Juvenile Detention System

Attorneys, state employees and juvenile justice reform advocates will gather virtually Friday to receive updates on county pretrial juvenile …

Tipped workers, such as waiters, must depend on the generosity of their customers to make a living wage. (Adobe Stock)

Bills Filed to Phase Out Tipped Wages in Illinois Restaurants

A pair of Illinois state lawmakers is introducing legislation to phase out what is known as the "subminimum wage" for tipped workers in the restaurant…

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. …

There have been more than 700 toxic chemical disasters in the United States since 2020, according to the Coalition to Prevent Chemical Disasters. (Adobe Stock)

Groups: EPA, Others Need to Step Up Oversight of Chemical Plants

Environmental groups in Illinois are pushing state and federal officials to tighten regulations on businesses that use toxic substances after a fire a…

According to the CDC, children who regularly see a dentist and brush daily with fluoride toothpaste are likely to have fewer dental problems as adults. (Adobe Stock)

Dentists: Teach Kids Good Dental Hygiene for a Lifetime of Smiles

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, giving parents another reason to watch their children's intake of Valentine candy this week…

A new study shows that, by upgrading appliances and adding insulation, the energy costs for homes like these in Chicago's Logan Run neighborhood decrease by more than $1,000 a year. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Chicago Homes' Energy Upgrades Cut Power Bills – and Pollution

A new study finds projected energy upgrades on a sampling of homes across the Chicago area produced significant savings in energy costs, as well as …

Storage batteries hidden behind this Bronzeville mural will be part of a microgrid system that will render the entire Chicago neighborhood energy-independent. (ComEd)

Chicago's Bronzeville Neighborhood Gets Its Own Power Microgrid

By Francesca Mathewes for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journal…

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 …

In 2022, the top 10 states, plus the District of Columbia, certified 1,202 LEED projects and nearly 343 million gross square feet, a 72% increase in just one year. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Illinois Places 2nd for Green Building Program

The 2022 ranking of "green" buildings shows Illinois in 2nd place, demonstrating a commitment to LEED certification, according to the U.S. Green …

In 2022, there were almost 4.5 million gun background checks in Illinois, the highest rate among the 50 states, according to FBI background check data. (megaflopp/Adobe Stock)

Illinois Legislature Approves Controversial Ban on Assault Weapons

Illinois has become the ninth state to approve a statewide ban on assault rifles and high-capacity ammunition magazines. On Tuesday, the Protect …

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sites polluted with coal ash can cause cancer, respiratory issues and other serious health problems. (Nady/Adobe Stock)">

EPA Filed Fewer Civil Cases Against Industrial Polluters in 2022

The EPA's enforcement of federal pollution rules has plummeted. In 2022, the agency referred 88 cases to the Justice Department for civil …

Backers of the Workers' Rights Amendment, approved by voters in 2022, say it will put an end to the existing gaps and exclusions in labor laws by guaranteeing union rights for all Illinois workers. (WH_pics/Adobe Stock)

New Year Brings Wide Variety of New Illinois State Laws

It's a new year, and more than 180 new laws are going into effect, which Illinoisans need to know about. The 2022 General Assembly passed bills …

By diverting juveniles away from detention, Redeploy Illinois estimates it has saved the state $158 million, tax money that would have otherwise been spent on incarceration costs. (gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

Redeploy Illinois: A Model for Juvenile Justice Reform

Redeploy Illinois is a community-based alternative to incarceration, which keeps kids in their home communities. For decades, most youthful …

Easterseals advises parents to have their child evaluated as early as age 2 for symptoms of autism. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Advocates Say Illinois Families Need More Help for Autistic Children

The rate of autism among American children has grown steadily over the past three decades, but advocates say funding support is not keeping up with …

The number of restaurant workers in the United States fell from 12.6 million to 11.2 million between 2010 and 2021, according to the website Statista. (ADavit85/Adobe Stock)

IL Lawmakers Back Measure to Create Restaurant Workers' Bill of Rights

In response to massive pandemic-related layoffs, proposed legislation in Congress would create a Restaurant Workers' Bill of Rights for people in the …

Illinois educators are recruiting current and retired teachers, prospective teachers, college students and community members to train as high-impact tutors. (Wikimedia Commons)

IL Educators Plan 'High-Impact' Tutoring to Accelerate Learning Recovery

Illinois educators are investing millions of dollars to accelerate the learning recovery process for students who fell behind their grade level during…

Under the Expanded Child Tax Credit, the number of American children living in poverty in 2021 dropped by 46%. (Pexels)

Illinois Child Advocates Demand Action on Renewing Child Tax Credit

As Congress moves toward its deadline to pass a new budget, social advocates are urging lawmakers to reinstate the Enhanced Child Tax Credit for next …

Climate driven-drought has left only driftwood and sand in the channel where the Mississippi and Missouri rivers converge. (Rob Shepard-Danita Delmont/Adobe Stock)

Illinois Groups Urge New Approach to Managing Mississippi River

Drought has devastated the Mississippi River, turning parts of the 2,350-mile channel into dry streambeds and shallow pools. As barge traffic in …

The Illinois Workers' Right Amendment expands workers' ability to form a union, but opponents say they will likely challenge the measure in court. (Nelos/Adobe Stock)

IL Amendment Expands Workers' Rights to Form Unions, Negotiate

Illinois voters approved a "Workers' Rights Amendment" to the state constitution which broadens the state workforce's rights to collective bargaining…

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 …

Conservation efforts by the National Wildlife Federation and other conservation groups restored the U.S. wild turkey population from near extinction to thriving in almost every state in the country. (Brett/Adobe Stock)

Conservationists Urge Congress to Pass Recovering America's Wildlife Act

Environmental groups are calling efforts over the past half-century to restore the wild turkey population from the brink of extinction one of America'…

A Loyola University analysis of Illinois pretrial incarceration outcomes showed no effects on crime or rates of re-arrest, but did find a 3% rise in defendents' failure to appear in court. (Burlingham/Adobe Stock)

Illinois Dems Seek to Tweak Cash-Bail Ban Before it Takes Effect

Illinois lawmakers, meeting in their annual "Veto Session" in Springfield, are taking a look at the controversial SAFE-T Act one last time before it …

Since recreational marijuana became legal in 2020, sales have grown to $160 million a month in Illinois. (ayehab/Adobe Stock)

Applicants Angry Over Delays in IL 'Social Equity' Cannabis Licenses

Illinois lawmakers are hoping to adjust the state's problem-plagued recreational marijuana law designed to award dispensary licenses on a fair and equ…

Analysts predict Illinois families could pay between 44% to 59% more for natural gas to heat their homes this winter. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Winter Forecast: Illinois Families Prep for High Winter Gas Bills

Forecasters are predicting another season of cold, wet weather for Illinois and the upper Midwest this winter, which could bring some high energy …

The 2023 State Business Tax Index found that sales taxes in Cook County (metro Chicago area) are some of the highest excise taxes in the nation. (emiliezhang/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Small Businesses, Homeowners Pay High Price for Illinois Tax Policies

As Illinois residents get ready to pay their taxes next year, they could be in for some sticker shock. The 2023 State Business Tax Index survey…

Bullying is not gender specific; research indicates roughly equal numbers of girls and boys report being bullied. (Adobe Stock)

Bullying Prevention Means Awareness of Social-Emotional Learning

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, and experts are reminding Illinoisans to be aware of the patterns within bullying. One in …

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…

The most recent census shows that nearly 45% of renters in Illinois are

Illinois Advocates Seek Reforms Around Tenant Rights

Most tenants facing eviction don't have legal representation, but advocates in Illinois are trying to change that. The Chicago Department of Housing …

Two Illinois schools are collaborating on the 'RN to BSN' program, which will save nurses a spot for up to two years after graduation. (Adobe Stock)

Malcolm X College, Illinois State U. Offer Nursing Students Dual Enrollment

Two Illinois institutions of higher learning are joining forces to create more options for nursing students. Malcolm X College and the Mennonite …

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