Public News Service

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

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

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)

Monday, April 15, 2024

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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 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 …

This year Illinois lawmakers passed a bill ending life sentences without parole for people in Illinois who were under 21 when they were arrested. (Adobe Stock)

More work needed on juvenile justice reform

Advocates for juvenile justice reform recently gathered in Chicago to find ways to keep young people out of the criminal justice system. Herschella …

Workplace publication Business Insider lists AI tools like ChatGPT as future replacements for such jobs as switchboard operators, data entry clerks, day traders and customer service agents. (Adobe Stock).

IL Telecom Workers Fight to Keep Their AT&T Jobs

Hundreds of workers employed in the Midwest by a telecommunications giant are facing the possibility of losing their jobs since the company announced …

The solar power sector added more than 12,000 workers in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Report Shows Clean-Energy Job Gains in Illinois

A new look at clean-energy jobs in the U.S. shows growth in Illinois and the prospect of greater gains in the future. The Department of Energy …

AgeOptions Illinois focuses on helping low-income seniors and people with disabilities in the townships around Chicago find and apply for a wide variety of programs and benefits. (zinkevych/Adobe Stock)

Illinois Seniors Can Get Help Finding Benefits, Resources

If you're an older adult, or if there's a senior in your life, you may not realize there are many benefits available in Illinois to make life a …

The new Kids Count Data Book says 54% of 3- and 4-year-olds in the U.S. are not enrolled in preschool, which prepares young learners for elementary school. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Report: Childcare Biggest Challenge for IL Families

Having access to reliable, affordable, high-quality child care benefits both children and adults, but a new report said it is not the norm for …

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 …

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" …

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…

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. …

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 …

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 …

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…

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…

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 …

A Center for American Progress report found in 2021, almost 70% of registered nurses in the U.S. were white, just over 11% were Black, and almost 18% were Hispanic. (Djavan Rodriguez/Adobe Stock)

Increasing Diversity in Nursing to Achieve Health Equity

The pandemic put new focus on the shortage of nurses, in Illinois and across the country. But the lack of diversity in the nursing profession is …

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 …

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 …

In a September 2021 Gallup poll, about one-quarter of respondents indicated they were working from home full-time. (Adobe Stock)

As Folks Continue Telecommuting, Experts Urge Ergonomic Focus

Many Illinoisans find themselves still working from home, and ergonomic and health experts say it's past time to take a more critical look at their …

The prices of beef and veal in the last year have skyrocketed 20%. Fresh fruits and veggies cost 4% more than at this time last year. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Inflation, Supply-Chain Issues Heighten IL Food Insecurity

Supply-chain issues, inflation and job loss during the pandemic have put many families' food security at risk. In Illinois, hunger remains higher …

Multiple forms of rental assistance are available in Illinois, including help with up to 18 months of rent, a Court-Based Rental Assistance Program for folks already facing eviction, and legal representation. (burdun/Adobe Stock)

IL Rental Assistance Can Cover Up to 18 Months

Illinois residents struggling to pay rent or facing eviction can find out if the state has funds or services to help. Teri Ross, executive director …

President Joe Biden's American Jobs Plan includes $400 billion for what's known as the

Chicago Home-Care Workers Rally for Better Pay, Benefits

CHICAGO - Home-care workers in Chicago joined a national day of action Tuesday, urging Congress to prioritize funding for what's become known as the …

Around 42% of respondents to a survey of Amazon workers reported pain or injury from their job that caused them to miss work. (Mike Mareen/Adobe Stock)

Report: Amazon Employees Face High Workplace Injury Rates

WAUKEGAN, Ill. - A new report finds that Amazon's focus on speed comes at a cost to the company's workforce. An analysis of OSHA data by a …

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 …

Since 2016, McDonald's employees in the United States have filed more than 50 complaints of sexual harassment. (Fight for $15 and a Union)

Chicago McDonald's Workers File Sexual-Harassment Charges

CHICAGO - Three Chicago McDonald's workers have filed sexual-harassment charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging unwanted …

Alden Global Capital controls more than 100 local and regional newspapers, and the number of staff members at those papers has been reduced by more than twice the national industry average since 2012. (Rawf8/Adobe Stock)

Chicago Tribune Guild Seeks Local, "Civic-Minded" Ownership

CHICAGO - A hedge fund's purchase of the Chicago Tribune is in the works - but until it becomes official, members of the Chicago Tribune Guild are …

In 2020, the Chicago area saw an employment drop of more than 30%. Thousands of the city's hospitality workers were laid off. (Unite Here Local 1)

Chicago Ordinance Would Bring Laid-Off Workers Back When Hotels Reopen

CHICAGO - Legislation pending before the Chicago City Council would require hotels to reinstate workers who were laid off because of the pandemic to t…

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 …

The Chicago Teachers Union will provide legal and other support to any teachers that choose not to go back to in-person learning until buildings are safe. (Angelov/Adobe Stock)

Chicago Teachers Union Refuses In-Person Learning Until Buildings are Safe

CHICAGO -- Members of the Chicago Teachers Union are refusing to follow the Chicago Public School system's order for pre-kindergarten and certain spec…

Census Household Survey data from this fall shows many Illinois families are behind on bill payments and struggling to keep food on the table. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 1 in 5 IL Families Unsure About Next Rent Payment

CHICAGO -- At least 20% of Illinois families with children said they had only "slight or no confidence" they'd make their next rent or mortgage paymen…

People in one in ten Illinois households with children say they

Hunger Levels Rise for IL Families as Holidays Approach

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The pandemic is causing massive hardships for Illinois families heading into the holidays. The latest Census Bureau survey …

More than half of all food and hospitality workers in the United States receive no paid time off. (Adobe Stock)

Report Reinforces Calls for National Paid Sick-Leave Policy

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - New research suggests access to emergency paid leave could help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. Supporters of a …

One in five nurses in a new survey said they plan to leave their jobs within a year. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Illinois Nurses Burned Out, Understaffed

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The burnout experienced by Illinois nurses on the front lines of the pandemic is apparently nothing new. In a survey of …

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 …

Should instructors be allowed to decide if a course is held in person or online? (AdobeStock)

Illinois Professors: "We're Putting Lives at Risk"

CHICAGO - A coalition of unions representing university and college faculty, staff and graduate workers are questioning the safety of returning to …

A family of a Chicago-area Walmart employee who died from COVID-19 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. (Adobe Stock)

Push to Classify Grocery Workers as First Responders After IL Deaths

CHICAGO -- Major grocery chains are reporting their first coronavirus-related employee deaths, which include two at a Chicago-area Walmart. Although …

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…

Illinois' Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest is one of the few wild spots remaining in the state. (Forest Service Eastern Region/Flickr)

Roadless Rule Reversal Could Take the 'Wild' Out of National Forests

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Trump administration wants to reverse roadless protections for the country's largest national forest, and opponents fear …

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 …

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IL: Livable Wages/Working Families