Illinois is experiencing more tornadoes — but receiving less federal disaster aid
byJenna SchweikertandUIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR) Illinois has seen a record number of tornadoes just six months into the year after a series of spring and summer storms barreled their way across the Midwest, causing millions in damage as federal disaster assistance wanes in Democrat-led states. Experts chalk the sudden increase up to temporary fluctuation,…
Read MoreIllinois food assistance error rate continues to grow as federal penalties loom
byBen Szalinski Data released Wednesday, June 24, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows Illinois’ payment error rate for food assistance continues to grow with federal penalties set to take effect in about a year. The data shows Illinois made errors on 14.7% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments in federal fiscal year 2025. That…
Read MoreIn the Shawnee: Alpha-gal syndrome poses threat to southern Illinoisans as tick population surges
By Kristin Borchers & Riley Sembler | Saluki Local Reporting Lab for Capitol News Illinois MURPHYSBORO — Amanda Allen Hall meticulously plans every meal. She avoids restaurants. Spending time outdoors requires careful consideration, a painful reality for the former hiking enthusiast since she developed alpha-gal syndrome eight years ago. A mere step outside leaves her…
Read MoreISBE zeroes in on improving math education in Illinois
byPeter Hancock SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Board of Education formally adopted a plan Wednesday, June 10, aimed at improving math instruction and boosting student math scores throughout the state. The Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan is described as a “first-of-its-kind” framework in Illinois for guiding schools and districts in strengthening math teaching and learning. The…
Read MoreSmall food assistance nonprofits eligible for new state grant program
byJenna SchweikertandUIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR) Small volunteer groups that provide food assistance to Illinoisans in need could be eligible for a new round of grant money under a program announced this week. The Charitable Trust Hunger Relief Grant program will provide grants of up to $5,000 to 10 nonprofit organizations that don’t have full-time…
Read MoreLawmakers at the end of session try to appease both sides in drug pricing controversy
byPeter Hancock SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers gave hospitals and community health centers much of what they wanted this session by passing a bill that prohibits drug manufacturers from interfering with their access to discounted medications through a federal drug pricing program. But they also gave drug companies what they wanted by passing another piece of…
Read More10K Illinois non-citizens to lose Medicaid coverage due to federal changes
byPeter Hancock SPRINGFIELD – A bill that will soon head to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk will officially remove an estimated 10,000 people from the state’s Medicaid program, leaving them without any form of health coverage. That group is made up mainly of people who are not U.S. citizens but who are in the country legally,…
Read MoreFor Your Health — Health and Wellness Tips for Cancer Survivors
By Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way. Maybe we have friends or family who’ve been diagnosed, or maybe you’re one of the 18 million people in the U.S. living as a cancer survivor. Given cancer’s seriousness, its extent can certainly feel concerning, especially…
Read MoreTicket bot bill, Glock ban, e-bikes still up in the air as lawmakers near May 31
by Ben Szalinski, Jenna Schweikert and 2 others As the clocks ticked closer to the May 31 deadline, lawmakers continued to hammer out the final details on dozens of bills. Outside of the three B’s, Bears, budget, and the BUILD housing plan, there are several smaller but still significant bills to watch. Some of those…
Read MoreLawmakers pass bill to shield abortion information from digital medical records
by Nikoel Hytrek and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR) SPRINGFIELD — Bills expanding privacy for abortion medical records and access to birth control services passed in the final days of the General Assembly’s spring session. The bills had strong support from abortion advocates who provide care for Illinoisans and nearly a quarter of the 142,000…
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