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Last Friday, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Board approved a resolution objecting to any decrease in funding for rental assistance in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget that would also impact affordable housing development in Illinois and across the nation. The resolution affirms the critical importance of HUD-funded programs to Illinois residents, particularly low- and extremely low-income households, and highlights the devastating impact the proposed reductions would have on housing stability, community development, and the state’s broader economy.

A southern Illinois resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, marking the state’s earliest reported human case since 2016. Health officials urge residents—especially seniors and those with weakened immune systems—to take precautions against mosquito bites as the virus has already been detected in 19 counties. Click on the title to read the story.

Senate GOP leaders have proposed a $15 billion fund to stabilize rural hospitals affected by planned Medicaid changes in a major domestic policy bill. The offer faces pushback from key Republicans who argue the amount falls short of addressing the financial risks posed by rolling back state provider taxes. Click on the title for the story.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today nonfarm payrolls were nearly unchanged over-the-month, up +100 (0.0%) to 6,166,100 in May. Additionally, the April monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +4,100 to -2,400. The unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in May, while the revised April unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, unchanged from the preliminary April unemployment rate. The May payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public that along with the start of summer, mosquito season is underway in Illinois. With this comes the risk of West Nile virus (WNV), which has been confirmed from environmental samples in 17 counties around the state so far this year. The reminder comes as public health officials around the country are highlighting the importance of taking action to “Fight the Bite” during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, June 15-21.

Governor JB Pritzker signed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget into law Monday. The $55 billion spending plan is the largest in state history. Capitol News Illinois reports while state Democrats worry about potential federal funding cuts, this year’s budget boosts spending on education and healthcare. There will also be new taxes on businesses, sports betting and nicotine products to help raise $700 million in revenue. The governor says this is another balanced budget, despite what he calls chaos and ineptitude from President Donald Trump.

The theme for this year’s National Fire Prevention Week has been announced and it’s focused on Lithium-Ion Battery Safety. Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has awarded a grant to the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) to develop a multi-year campaign supporting and promoting the work of community health workers (CHWs). Community health workers are trusted members of their communities, who serve as a bridge between health care and social services and the community. CHWs assist with access to health services, and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. CHWs also create healthier communities by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency, through outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy.

Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) today announced the recipients of the 2025 Made in Illinois Grant Program. This year, 29 small and mid-sized manufacturers across Illinois are receiving a combined $1.35 million in capital grant funding to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth in the state’s vital manufacturing sector. The program is part of Illinois’ broader commitment to support the state’s manufacturers while bolstering the manufacturing ecosystem.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) remains committed to open and transparent communication on public health developments.

2025 Month Items sold In-state resident sales Out-of-state resident sales Sales total January 3,958,808 $111,503,991.71 $28,687,248.56 $140,191,240.27 February 3,814,569 $103,632,113.52 $26,976,173.05 $130,608,286.57 March 4,314,397 $116,452,635.34 $31,032,923.70 $147,485,559.04 April 4,514,562 $116,606,027.51 $29,999,905.47 $146,605,932.99 TOTALS: 16,684,800 $448,193,965.07 $116,696,221.78 $564,890,186.85

Following the passage of Governor JB Pritzker's seventh consecutive balanced budget, the State of Illinois today highlighted a historic $500 million investment in site readiness—marking a bold step forward in transforming unused state properties into hubs of economic opportunity. This investment—which represents the largest site readiness investment in state history—will prepare sites across the state to attract new industries, create jobs, and bring new life to communities that have long been impacted by shuttered or unused facilities.

SPRINGFIELD – Giving almost no time for public review, Illinois Democrats pushed through a $55.2 billion budget for next fiscal year late Saturday, bolstering coffers with new taxes on sports bets, nicotine products and businesses. The $55.2 billion spending plan is supported by $55.3 billion of revenue, including just over $1 billion in new taxes and revenue changes.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is joining Illinoisans in celebrating 2025 Pride Month throughout the month of June by showcasing programs and services that improve the health and wellness of the state’s diverse LGBTQIA+ community. A highlight of the 2025 Pride Month in Illinois is Chicago’s Pride Parade on June 29. IDPH will be hosting a contingent marching in the parade, which this year features the theme “United in Pride.” More information on Pride festivals around across the state can be found at Pride Festivals in Illinois | Enjoy Illinois.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced a funding opportunity through the new Overflow and Sewer Grant (OSG) program. The OSG program was created to assist local governments with infrastructure needs to address combined sewer overflows (CSO), sanitary sewer overflows (SSO), and stormwater management to improve water quality and protect local water resources. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted Illinois EPA website. “Many communities are challenged by frequent sanitary or combined sewer overflows, which can cause property damage and negatively impact area water resources,” said Acting Director Jennings. “This new funding opportunity provides a financial resource for communities working to address the root cause of flooding experienced during heavy rainfall events.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for June. June 1 Champagne British Car Festival David Davis Mansion State Historic Site Bloomington | McLean County More than 100 vehicles of various makes, models, and years manufactured in the United Kingdom are the focus of this popular summer event at the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, co-sponsored by the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club. Visitors will enjoy live music and concessions on the mansion lawn while wandering through endless rows of cars and motorcycles, including Jaguar, MG, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Triumph, Austin-Healey, Cobra, Lotus, Mini, Rootes, and more. View upcoming events at David Davis Mansion online.

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is alerting Illinoisans on ways to keep cool and offset coming energy price spikes. Summer costs are expected to rise June 1 for ComEd and Ameren customers alike following a regional increase in energy supply prices. “Energy affordability is always top of mind at the ICC, and we want ratepayers to be aware of higher summertime rates so they can safely plan to reduce energy usage and improve energy efficiency around their homes,” said Jonathan Feipel, Executive Director for the Illinois Commerce Commission. “Higher energy supply rates are not unique to Illinois. Unfortunately, electric consumers from Louisiana to Minnesota will be paying more for electricity—not due to state policy decisions, but regional supply and demand.”

–State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is recognizing 529 Day on May 29 by reminding Illinois families that now is always a good time to save for a child’s future education by opening or adding to a Bright Start 529 account. “When a child knows he or she has a college savings plan, that child is three times more likely to attend college,” Frerichs said. “When an adult opens and contributes to a child’s savings account, it sends a powerful message to the child, ‘I believe in you.’” Bright Start is a 529 College Savings plan that can be used at eligible educational institutions, including public and private schools; two-year and four-year colleges and universities; technical and vocational schools; and registered apprenticeship programs. Illinois taxpayers receive tax benefits for contributing to an Illinois 529 plan and the investment grows tax-free when spent on qualified expenses. Families have the option to open a Bright Start 529 account online or, for those who prefer to work with a financial advisor, Treasurer Frerichs also administers the Bright Directions Advisor-Guided 529 College Savings plan.

The Illinois State Fair Box Office opens for in-person ticket purchases Monday, June 2. Regular box office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For one day only, June 2, all in-person buyers will receive one free adult admission ticket for every concert and/or event ticket purchased, making entrance to the fair free. This is a one-day only offer and only applicable for in-person sales. In addition, the first 50 in-person customers will receive a free State Fair Foodie Pass – which includes gift certificates for mini donuts from The Donut Family, Cullers Fries and Vose’s Korndogs that can be redeemed during the Illinois State Fair.

In an effort to expand the availability of fresh, locally-grown produce and strengthen the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) plans to distribute more than $679,000 over a three-year period thanks to funding allocated in the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program. An application for grant funding is available on the Illinois Department of Agriculture website and must be returned to the Department by 11:59 p.m. on June 23, 2025. To be eligible for funding, all projects must begin in calendar year 2026. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, local and government entities, trade and commodity associations, public and private colleges/universities. Illinois encourages applications that benefit smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers and underserved communities. “Illinois’ specialty crop industry is robust, providing diverse opportunities statewide,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “Specialty Crop Block Grant funds bolster research at our world-class universities and support non-profits’ efforts to provide hands-on agriculture experience for students in Illinois.” To encourage further expansion of this industry, and to take full advantage of the allocated federal funds, the Department invites the development of projects pertaining to the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry:

Ahead of Memorial Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced the return of a Purple Heart medal to the grandson of a late World War II Army veteran from Lansing, Ill. Army Cpl. Henry Van Der Noord was one of four brothers who fought for the U.S. during World War II, with all of them making it home. He earned the Purple Heart for wounds he suffered during the fight to liberate the Philippines in May 1945. “Mr. Van Der Noord and his brothers served their country proudly during a crucial time in our world’s history,” Frerichs said while returning the Purple Heart to Van Der Noord’s grandson, Christopher Reed, also a veteran. “I am proud to return this honor to his loving family.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced the conditional award of more than $50 million in state and federal funding to spur the development of permanent supportive housing throughout Illinois. These critical investments will enable the construction or rehabilitation of seven developments, creating 129 units of affordable housing integrated with comprehensive services to help vulnerable individuals and families attain stable housing. Awardees were selected after a competitive application and review process and approved by IHDA’s Board.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today nonfarm payrolls increased +4,100 (+0.1%) over-the-month to a new record high of 6,172,500 in April. The previous record was set in last month, with 6,168,400 jobs. Additionally, the March monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report of +14,800 to +10,900. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.8 percent in April, while the revised unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, unchanged from the preliminary March unemployment rate. The April payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting that the first mosquito pool of the year to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) this year was collected on May 9 in Rockford by the Winnebago County Health Department. The specimen tested positive for WNV on May 12. “The news of the first batch of mosquitos carrying West Nile virus is a reminder for Illinois residents to begin protecting themselves from diseases caused by mosquito and tick bites,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “The best defense against West Nile virus is to practice the ‘Three R’s’: reduce, repel, and report’. IDPH urges everyone, and especially those who are older or have weakened immune systems, to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry.” Last year in Illinois, IDPH reported that 72 counties around the state reported positive tests for WNV in mosquitos, birds, horses or humans. There were 69 confirmed human cases of WNV according to IDPH data and 13 human deaths, the highest number since 17 deaths were recorded in 2018.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is providing notification to the owners and operators of ten Community Water Systems (CWS) that have been identified as having an emergency connection to a CWS that was previously notified of the detection of one or more Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) at levels exceeding newly enacted groundwater quality standards. The ten CWS only utilize the emergency connection in the event of a water emergency. A list of the ten systems is included with this notification.