Nine rural hospitals at risk: U.S. senators warn that $1 trillion in Medicaid and ACA cuts, now law, could leave nine rural Illinois hospitals unpaid for required services and facing closure — learn what’s at stake.
Missing money is on its way: The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is sending $45 million to about 600,000 residents via its I-CASH Enhanced Money Match program, with average checks around $50 and no action required. Letters hit mailboxes first, followed by checks later this summer — see if you’re owed cash.
Illinois BBQ hotspots ranked: The 2025 LawnStarter study compared 476 cities on factors from consumer ratings to elite awards, landing Chicago at No. 6 and Joliet at No. 94 among 15 Illinois contenders — find out if your city made the cut.
Expanded SNAP work requirements: The Big Beautiful Bill signed July 4 expands work mandates to adults up to age 64, putting 360,000 Illinois residents at risk of losing benefits and forcing the state to cover millions in new costs — find out what’s next.
Homelessness surges, funding cuts: Despite a 116% spike in unhoused residents, Illinois’ FY26 budget trims housing programs by over $14 million, including a $26.6 million cut to Home Illinois — find out how this affects homelessness prevention.
Illinois prescription price relief: The Prescription Drug Affordability Act, signed July 1, curbs PBM tactics, backs independent rural pharmacies and mandates full rebate transparency — find out what it means for your prescriptions.
Salad waste fuels jet engines: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers developed scalable iron–molybdenum carbide nanocatalysts to convert salad-dressing biocrude into sustainable aviation fuel, demonstrating the first non-noble metal route from food waste that could boost SAF to 10–20% of U.S. jet fuel demand — find out how.
Automatic college admission: A new Illinois law will send acceptance letters to high school juniors statewide after a successful pilot at Eastern Illinois University, with free offers arriving in fall 2026 — find out what this means.
Own your own private island: A one-acre parcel on Grass Lake in Antioch, Illinois, sits on the market for $200,000 with unknown electrical hookups, floating structures, and endless fixer-upper possibilities near Blarney’s Island — find out if it’s worth the leap.
Cycle Across Illinois kicks off: The annual multi-day bike tour returns for its 21st year this weekend, inviting riders of all skill levels to explore scenic state routes — find out how to join.
Other Illinois headlines this week
- Illinois programs help sports bettors overcome addiction
- Summer tickets and parking at Illinois zoos
- Illinois law largely permits sleeping in cars
- State-funded test prep saves Illinois students millions
- Committee forms to explore Indiana–Illinois border redraw
- Congress bars tipping taxes, Illinois eyes policy
- Duly Health grant expands Illinois eye care
- Illinois corn rated below national averages
