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Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced a $27 million Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the replacement of existing public transit buses with new all-electric transit options. Grant awards will cover 75% of the eligible cost per electric transit bus and any necessary charging infrastructure, with a minimum award amount of $300,000. Eligible applicants include government and transit agencies that own and operate public transit buses in any of the three priority areas outlined in the Volkswagen Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (BMP) and further described below. This funding opportunity will remain open until funding is depleted with grants awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public that along with fall, October brings the start of the traditional respiratory virus season. The department is urging Illinoisans to use the proven tools that can safeguard them from illnesses that typically surge during the fall and winter, including COVID-19, flu and RSV. This includes getting vaccinated to protect yourself and your family for those viral diseases if you are eligible. The Department has upgraded its Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard and has posted two new FAQ documents on its website providing the latest guidance on vaccinations and how to get tested and treated for these seasonal illnesses. In addition, the CDC has created a new Respiratory Illness Data Channel that provides nationwide county specific information that would valuable for anyone planning to travel out of state. “As our public health workers ramp up preparations for the respiratory virus season we know is coming, all of us can play a role in protecting ourselves and reducing the spread of COVID-19 and the flu by getting vaccinated,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “So make plans now to get both of those shots and protect yourself from serious illness.” “As we head into fall, the Department of Public Health is closely monitoring this season’s respiratory illnesses and so can you with our updated respiratory illness dashboard,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Similar to past seasons, we should expect a rise in RSV, COVID-19 and flu cases as the weather cools. Now is a great time to get yourself protected from severe illness with updated vaccines, especially if you are over 65, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions.”

At the start of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are reminding Illinoisans that early detection is the most effective way to prevent the deadly disease which is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. The Governor has issued a proclamation declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 18 as Mammography Day in Illinois. The Illinois Lottery is also assisting in the fight against breast cancer. All proceeds from the purchase of a Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure instant tickets go towards education, awareness and research in finding a cure for breast cancer.

Cook County has launched a new online dashboard providing public access to information about opioid-, gun- and temperature-related deaths. The Medical Examiner Case Archive Dashboard allows users to access a range of demographic information for Cook County residents who’ve died as a result of opioids, guns or temperature-related deaths, including age, gender, race and ethnicity. The dashboard allows users to filter data by municipality and cause of death. Visitors also can pinpoint which neighborhoods are experiencing higher death rates.

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is reminding employers and those looking for a job that, starting January 1, 2025, employers with 15 or more employees must include pay scale and benefit information in job postings. This requirement is the result of an amendment to the Equal Pay Act of 2003 that was contained in HB 3129, passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2023. “Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly continue to take bold action toward eliminating gender and racial wage gaps,” said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. “This legislation will increase wage transparency in the job search process and workplace.” Any aggrieved person may file a complaint with IDOL, when they become aware of a job posting that lacks the required salary and benefit information. Complaints must be filed with IDOL within one year of the relevant violation and complainants are encouraged to submit a link, picture, or screenshot of the posting in question.