Illinois News & Current Events | Public News Service

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

Friday, September 22, 2023

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 …

Researchers at Loyola University in Chicago say almost 175,000 people are held in pretrial detention each year in Illinois. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Backers hope IL 'no cash bail' makes justice equitable, less expensive

A set of controversial reforms to Illinois' cash bail system went into effect this week, changing a decades-old system of holding people in jail …

Many librarians are concerned that groups pushing them to pull certain titles from their shelves are promoting authoritarianism rather than democracy. (Adobe Stock)

State Officials Testify in Senate On Illinois Anti-Book-Ban Legislation

A pair of Illinois state officials testified Tuesday before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on the state General Assembly's adoption of a bill to …

In 2023, the average debt load per student loan borrower in Illinois was $37,757, the seventh-highest amount in the country. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Thousands in IL Eligible for New Student Loan Repayment Plan

A new student loan repayment plan is expected to help thousands of borrowers cut their monthly payments by half. More than four million student loan …

U.S. House Budget Threats Jeopardize Proposed PFAS Regulations

Environmental groups say a proposal to cut $4 billion from the Environmental Protection Agency budget would gut the regulations designed to clean up t…

As of August, the federal government says 75 disasters occurred in the United States and its territories so far in 2023, compared with 55 in the same period last year. (Wikimedia)

Report: Older Adults Lack Emergency Plan for Natural Disasters

Emergency rescue officials say many older adults in Illinois and elsewhere are not as prepared as they should be to respond to natural and man-made di…

A University of Illinois report says such factors as climate change, fluctuating markets and the cost of operations are major stressors that farmers can't always control. (Adobe Stock)

Illinois Expands Farmers' Access to Mental-Health Services

Research shows that farmers die from suicide at a rate twice as high as the rest of the population, and Illinois officials are taking steps to help …

The state of Illinois offers a $4,000 rebate on electric vehicles, in addition to federal incentives. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Illinois Electric Vehicle Sales Accelerating, Not Slowing Down

Experts say consumer interest and sales of electric vehicles in Illinois and across the country are not slowing down. Illinois is among the top 10 …

Illinois Environmental Group Seeks Ban on Pesticides Harmful to Bees

An Illinois group reported toxic pesticides are causing irreversible damage to young, developing bees, putting the bee population in decline and food …

The CDC reported Maternal death rates in the United States rose from 2018 to 2021, noting more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. (Adobe Stock)

CDC: 1 in 5 Women in IL, US Report Mistreatment During Maternity Care

Women from some racial and ethnic minority groups are more likely to have negative health care experiences during pregnancy and delivery affecting qua…

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 …

Illinois has an incarceration rate of 497 per 100,000 people, including prisons, jails, immigration detention and juvenile justice facilities. This means the state locks up a higher percentage of its people than almost any democracy on earth. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Funding Restored to Educate People in Prison

By Max Lubbers for Chalkbeat Chicago.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Service reporting for the Chalkbeat Chicago-Public News Service …

According to the 2018 Illinois Autism Project Report, the prevalence of autism in Cook County was 1 in 46 children, which is higher than the statewide prevalence rate. (Adobe Stock)

Back-to-School Tips for Families of IL Kids with Autism

For a child on the autism spectrum, returning to school after the summer break may be viewed with anxiety and hesitancy. However, parents can pave …

The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates between 8 million and 24 million people will lose Medicaid coverage as the COVID-related Continuous Enrollment Provision unwinds. (Adobe Stock)

Thousands of IL Recipients Face Sudden Medicaid Loss

Millions of Medicaid recipients are losing coverage as the program's pandemic-era Continuous Enrollment Provision unwinds. In Illinois, the number …

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 …

A measure passed in 2021 allows students in Illinois public schools to take up to five

Teachers' Group Seeks to Bolster Public Education in IL, US

A new campaign backed by public school educators aims to bolster public edu cation and student learning. The American Federation of Teachers' Real …

The New York Times reports six of the nine deadliest mass shootings in the United States since 2018 were by people who were 21 or younger, a shift from earlier decades. (Adobe Stock)

IL Works to Take Youth into Account in Life Sentences

It's only been a few months since Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill ending life sentences without parole for people in Illinois who were under 21 when …

In 2020, Illinois ranked seventh among states for its use of coal to produce energy. According to Earthjustice, the state has about 76 coal ash disposal sites. (Adobe Stock)

Agreement Outlines Coal Ash Cleanup for Middle Fork Vermilion River

People who spend summers fishing and canoeing on the Middle Fork Vermilion River should be pleased to know its water quality should be improving in th…

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 …

Young people who are adjudicated as delinquent may be placed in multiple types of facilities, from youth prisons and detention centers, to residential treatment facilities or group homes. (Jan H. Andersen/Adobe Stock)

IL Sees Significant Long-Term Decline in Youth Incarcerations

Illinois is seeing a steady drop in youth arrests and therefore, fewer adolescents locked up in juvenile and adult detention facilities. Josh Rovner…

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 …

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 …

Feeding Illinois, which operates a network of food banks across the state, says one in 12 Illinois residents struggles with food insecurity, including one in nine children. (Aaron Doucett/Unsplash)

Increased Work Requirements Mean Fewer SNAP Benefits for Ilinoisans

Almost 2 million people in Illinois receive SNAP food assistance, but several hundred thousand are expected to lose access to it at the end of …

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 …

Breaking down big tasks into smaller steps helps children develop what experts refer to as executive function skills. (Delete/Adobe Stock)

For Some IL Students, Summer Means Practicing School Preparedness

Tasks like packing a suitcase for summer travel may be difficult for some Illinois children. Experts said parents and caregivers can help kids over …

In 2020, the U.S. population's median age was 38.8, an increase of more than 10 years over the past five decades. (N Lawrenson/peopleimages.com)

Illinois Senior Centers: Not Just for Aged

Some Illinois senior centers aren't just focusing on the 65+ demographic but are beginning to include people aged 50+. The U.S. Census indicates the …

Some Illinois condo dwellers think corporations purchase units in their buildings with a longer-term strategy of increasing fees and assessments to displace other owners, who cannot afford the higher costs or the litigation to fight them. (aleutie/Adobe Stock)

Condo Owners: IL Condominium Property Act Needs Updating

Some Illinois real estate corporations are getting large paydays by charging homeowners assessments for "common expenses," and the owners allege they …

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…

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