Podcasts about illinois department

On this episode of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares his concerns about the proposed Illinois Department of Natural Resources hunting regulations, which are under criticism. Plus, where are all of the fall colors?

President & Co-CEO Brooke McKean of REACH Pathways joins the podcast. As a recipient of Illinois Innovation Voucher Program, an initiative supported by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and ISTC, Brooke shares how this support has helped advance their mission to make education more accessible for students everywhere. For more information, please visit our website: https://ilinnovoucher.istcoalition.org/ 

Tune in for an important episode of Making Cents of Money. IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. joins the podcast to explain Why Regulation Matters. He breaks down the importance of recent regulatory initiatives that ensure consumers are protected and discusses how Illinois is leading the nation in instituting and enhancing these standards. It's a can't miss episode! Show Notes • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2023). Annual report 2023. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/data-research/research-reports/consumer-response-annual-report-2023/ • Congressional Research Service. (2022). The 2007–2009 financial crisis. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R43413 • Brookings Institution. (2025). Series on financial markets and regulation. https://www.brookings.edu/tags/financial-markets-and-regulation/ • Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). (2021). Predatory Loan Prevention Act. https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/news/2021/2021-03-23-predatory-loan-prevention-and-cra.pdf • Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. (n.d.). The Illinois Community Reinvestment Act. https://idfpr.illinois.gov/il-cra.html

Talking archery and firearm deer hunting seasons with Dan Skinner from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.Jason McVicker provides a Pioneer agronomy segment. Joe Camp previews a new market week.   

Illinois Family Institute recently hosted a forum at Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove, and this episode of Spotlight features remarks from Jedd Davis at aformentioned event. Jedd Davis is the IL 75th State District Representative, has a civil engineering degree, and served as board president for Yorkville’s Parkview Christian Academy. In this commentary, Davis shares insider stories from his time serving in the Ilinois legislature and what is coming up in the Lame Duck Session, and the troubling concerns he has with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.… Continue Reading

Sean Welch from the Illinois FFA Center previews the National FFA Convention later this month.  Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Deputy Director of Cemetery and Funeral Oversight Denise Bullocks discusses the Cemetery Relief Fund Grant program.  Monthly update from Illinois Farm Bureau Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg.Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto provides weather update.   

Monthly visit with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.Stephanie Bogart at Midwest Dairy promotes two upcoming webinars.Alex Paul and Janella Neary discuss their roles with the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team.  

An estimated three million Americans use cannabis for medical purposes, primarily for chronic pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, nausea, seizures, and other conditions. Yet, most healthcare practitioners and students in the health professions report feeling unprepared to counsel patients or integrate cannabis into care. Currently, standardized education on the therapeutic use of medical cannabis remains absent from most medical school curricula. On this episode of the GW Integrative Medicine podcast, we discuss a new study published in JAMA on the importance of standardizing and integrating medical cannabis into the medical education curricula. We have three of the article's co-authors here with us today. • Dr. Ethan Russo is a neurologist, preeminent psychopharmacology researcher, and founder and CEO of CReDO Science. A renowned global expert, Dr. Russo is author of some of the most influential and scientifically important books within the field of medical cannabis research. He has been actively researching medical cannabis and cannabinoids for nearly 30 years. • Dr. Leslie Mendoza Temple is the chair of the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board for the Illinois Department of Public Health. Dr. Temple is the and Owen L. Coon Chair of Integrative Medicine, Medical Director of the Integrative Medicine Program at Endeavor Health and a clinical professor of Family Medicine at the University of Chicago Pritzker (PRIT-skur) School of Medicine. • Dr. Misha Kogan, chief medical officer of the GW Center of Integrative Medicine, co-author of “Medical Marijuana: Dr. Kogan's Evidence-Based Guide to the Health Benefits of Cannabis and CBD,” and an associate professor of Medicine here at GW. His specific area of interest is utilizing cannabis as a solution to reduce polypharmacy in the geriatric patient population. He is a renowned international speaker in the field of medical cannabis. ◘ Developing Medical Cannabis Competencies: A Consensus Statement (JAMA Article) https://bit.ly/4o82GtM ◘ Transcript bit.ly/3JoA2mz ◘ This podcast features the song “Follow Your Dreams” (freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Ho…ur_Dreams_1918) by Scott Holmes, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial (01https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) license. ◘ Disclaimer: The content and information shared in GW Integrative Medicine is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in GW Integrative Medicine represent the opinions of the host(s) and their guest(s). For medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment, please consult a medical professional.

Jennifer Tirey with IL Pork highlights National Pork Month. Paul Wappel from the Illinois Department of Transportation talks harvest road safety.Karen Stallman promotes the Farm Family Resource Initiative.Kimel 4-H Club in Mercer County celebrating 100 years.

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says President Donald Trump is to blame for the U.S. government's partial shutdown, but Vice President J.D. Vance has a different opinion. The governor took questions from reporters Wednesday after he hosted a panel discussion with Illinois Department of Public Health Director Sameer Vohra and doctors at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine. “The president of the United States decided to shut down the government because he's unwilling to sit down with Democrats to discuss things,” Pritzker said. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's show is sponsored in part by EPIC-MRA Public Opinion Research MIRS News

Director of the Illinois Department of Ag, Jerry Costello, joined Byers & Co live at the Macon County Farm Bureau to talk about the Illinois Grain Tour. The IDOA is welcoming international buyers from six Middle Eastern and Asian countries (China, Vietnam, Egypt, Jordan, Singapore and the island of Mauritius) as part of a four-day event. The tour, which will run September 29 through October 2, is intended to develop relationships that will lead to an increase in export sales of Illinois agricultural products. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on the new guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health recommending that all adults receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Aileen Marty, Infectious Disease Specialist and Professor at Florida International University, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the latest health news. Dr. Marty explains why autism is a spectrum disease and why she thinks it’s important for pregnant women to continue taking Tylenol to reduce fevers. She also discusses an announcement from Illinois Department […]

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on the new guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health recommending that all adults receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on the new guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health recommending that all adults receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra joins Patrick to discuss the state's new guidelines on vaccines and the federal government's recent actions on Hepatitis B vaccines and linking Tylenol to autism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Pierre Michiels talks with Julio Rodriguez, Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Employment and Training, about the future of work and workforce development in Illinois. Julio shares insights on emerging industries like advanced manufacturing and quantum technology, the rise of skills-based hiring, and the importance of apprenticeships and flexible career pathways. He highlights how Illinois is using data, technology, and partnerships to prepare workers for evolving job markets, including tools like Illinois WorkNet and virtual reality for career exploration. The conversation emphasizes lifelong learning, emotional intelligence, and building inclusive talent pipelines that benefit both individuals and employers. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.00:00–00:02:30 – Introduction to the Career Ready Podcast and guest Julio Rodriguez, Deputy Director at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.00:02:30–00:05:00 – Discussion on career services, training opportunities, and Illinois' leadership in apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.00:05:00–00:07:00 – How Illinois identifies job market trends using labor market data and business partnerships.00:07:00–00:09:00 – Changing perceptions of manufacturing; highlighting its modernization and growth in Illinois.00:09:00–00:12:00 – Emerging industries like quantum technology and the importance of exposing youth to career possibilities early.00:12:00–00:16:00 – Impact of COVID-19 on work models; rise of hybrid work, telehealth, and flexible scheduling.00:16:00–00:20:00 – Expansion of the gig economy into professional sectors and the need for adaptable benefit structures.00:20:00–00:24:00 – Skills-based hiring trends; employers focusing on problem-solving, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and applied learning.00:24:00–00:27:00 – Importance of self-awareness and foundational skills for career success across industries.00:27:00–00:31:00 – How Illinois workforce centers support career navigation, training, and apprenticeships to meet labor market shifts.00:31:00–00:34:00 – Use of virtual reality and other technologies to simulate job environments and improve career fit.00:34:00–00:36:00 – Overview of Illinois WorkNet portal and its resources for job seekers, including resume tools and career exploration.00:36:00–00:42:00 – Expansion of apprenticeship programs and support for earn-and-learn models.00:42:00–00:44:00 – Closing thoughts on Illinois' strengths in education, economic development, and lifelong learning opportunities.Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, discusses the Op-Ed he co-authored in the Chicago Tribune on the progress his state has made in treating HIV; Brandon Kufalk, STI Unit Supervisor for the state of Wisconsin, explains the dramatic increase in Syphilis rates since 2019 and how his state has worked to reduce cases; a new ASTHO brief provides key considerations for STI programs during an emergency response; the next session of ASTHO's Public Health Nursing Learning Lab Series takes place on September 24th; and in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, ASTHO has resources that can help public health leaders protect the communities they serve.  Chicago Tribune: Ending the HIV epidemic is in sight. We can't stop now. Wisconsin Dept of Health Services: New Data Show Congenital Syphilis Increasing in Wisconsin While Other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Decrease ASTHO Brief: Prioritizing Cases and Contacts: Considerations for STI Programs During Emergency Response ASTHO Webinar: Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab - A Series ASTHO Web Page: Suicide Prevention Offices and Committees Legal Map  

Monthly visit with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.Pest update from State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes.  Illinois Farm Bureau Nurse Practitioner Scholarship recipient Amber Sowers from Jasper County.  Talking agritourism with Regan Joehl at Greene Fields Farm in Greene County. 

Dr. Arti Barnes, Chief Medical Officer at the Illinois Department of Public Health, describes how her agency is working collaboratively with other state departments to enhance access to pediatric vaccinations; Jeffrey Ekoma, Senior Director of Government Affairs at ASTHO, discusses changes to the CDC, this month's federal funding deadline, and more news from Capitol Hill in this week's View From Washington, D.C. report; a full-length recording of ASTHO's webinar on Navigating Ethical Issues in Wastewater Surveillance for Infectious Diseases is now available online; and ASTHO congratulates new member Dr. John Dunn on his appointment as Interim Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health.  ASTHO Newscast: 925: KFF Tracking Poll, Youth Vaccines ASTHO Legislative Alert: Summary of FY26 House LHHS Appropriations Bill ASTHO Web Page: INSPIRE: Readiness - Navigating Ethical Issues in Wastewater Surveillance for Infectious Diseases John Dunn Bio  

In a collaboration between the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services and several nonprofits, Governor JB Pritzker recently announced a new resource for LGBTQ individuals in the state. This comes as the Trump administration rolls back similar supports for the community.    The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0 Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Former ASTHO President Dr. Anne Zink, Senior Clinical Fellow at Yale University and practicing emergency medicine physician, shares how PopHIVE, an interactive database of de-identified, population-level health data, can help public health providers navigate health trends in their respective jurisdictions; Joy Ermie, Health Commissioner of Henry County Health Department, discusses ASTHO's upcoming webinar series on succession planning explains how it can help address various public health challenges; Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, gave the closing keynote last week at the National Conference on Tobacco or Health in Chicago; and ASTHO's State and Territorial Administrative Readiness (STAR) Center offers resources, tools, and best practices to help your agency build infrastructure and address critical population health needs. PopHIVE Web Page ASTHO Webinar: Succession Planning Part 1 of 3: Building the Case for Succession Planning National Conference on Tobacco or Health (2025) ASTHO Resource: State and Territorial Administrative Readiness (STAR) Center  

Dr. Joseph Kanter, CEO of ASTHO, joined us from the Public Health Infrastructure Grant Annual Recipient Convening to discuss the importance of public health leaders coming together to learn from one another; Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, explains how his department works to improve access to care in rural communities across the state; ASTHO will host the first webinar session of the Activate series in the Ignite, Accelerate, and Activate leadership workshop on Thursday, September 11th; and the PHIG National Partners Connections newsletter helps keep public health leaders up to date on deadlines, project updates, resources, and more.  Illinois Department of Public Health: Rural & Underserved Populations ASTHO Webinar: Ignite, Accelerate, and Activate: Series 3, Session 1: Building Emotional Intelligence Skills ASTHO Web Page: PHIG Connections Newsletter  

Greg Bishop talks live with state Rep. Jed Davis about his continued concerns about the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services' use of interns. He says he's seeking legislative solutions but worries the issue could get buried heading into an election year.

Next week, Illinois Agriculture officials will play host to grain buyers from other parts of the world. Katie Lemenager, international marketing representative with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, joined Megan Lynch to explain the grain tour.

An ag education update from FCAE District 2 Program Advisor Jenny Wold.  Illinois Soybean Association Director of Agronomy Abigail Peterson discusses ISA's role at next week's Farm Progress Show. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo recaps the numbers from the Illinois Specialty Growers Association Farm Stand at the Illinois Department of Agriculture Tent during the Illinois State Fair.  

No one should face barriers to care after experiencing sexual assault. Senator Julie Morrison joins the Sound of the State to explain how her new law requires hospitals to put survivors first—strengthening trauma-informed care, expanding nurse examiner training, and giving the Illinois Department of Public Health more authority to ensure hospitals meet their responsibilities.

AI therapy? Not if you're in Illinois. The state has banned the use of artificial intelligence for mental health therapy. It is just the third state to put restrictions on the use of AI in the field, joining Nevada and Utah. While some therapists support the ban, others are opposed, arguing that AI allows them to be more present in their client meetings. Others also vouch for AI therapy as a cheaper mental health care option for those who cannot afford professional care. Reset hears more about what the ban could mean for mental health care patients and providers in Illinois. Today's panel: Aaron Weiner, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist and addiction specialist; Blase Ur, assistant professor of computer science, University of Chicago; Joel Rubin, executive director, National Association of Social Workers, Illinois chapter; Mario Treto Jr., Secretary of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

We take listeners to Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair. Plus, an interview with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.

Celebrating the Illinois State Fair with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello and Deputy Director Kristi Jones. Catching up with Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Johnna Fulcher.  Logan Karcher with the Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition highlights September Grazing School events.Monthly update from Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Business and Regulatory Affairs Bill Bodine. 

What's up with kids these days? Meet Drew Cotton and Andrew Larson. Mr. Larson is fresh into the retirement scene but together, the two men served as professors at Black Hawk College in Galva, Illinois. They've seen it all. And they confidently say, we're in good hands. *** Show notes and Links *** Subscribe to AgEmerge here: https://www.youtube.com/c/AgSolutionsNetwork Watch another outstanding educator, Dr. Dwayne Beck, here: https://youtu.be/1JlTPcoKB0M Ag Solutions Network Socials: https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/ Ag Solutions Network website: https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/ Got questions you want answered? Send them our way and we'll do our best to research and find answers. Know someone you think would be great on the AgEmerge stage or podcast? Send your questions or suggestions to contactus@asn.farm we'd love to hear from you. *** Show notes and Links *** Monte Bottens hosts interns and classes from Black Hawk multiple times throughout the year. The three guys talk all about the unique learning approach Black Hawk provides and the depth of experience students have under their belts by graduation. Drew Cotton is the Co-Department Chair for the Agriculture Department at Black Hawk College. He focuses on agribusiness education. Prior to Black Hawk, Mr. Cotton studied Animal Sciences at the University of Florida and completed undergrad at Kansas State University. Mr. Cotton leads the Agribusiness Club and coaches the Agricultural Business and Horse Judging teams. With his peers and students, Mr. Cotton has coached and guided wins with the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Judging Conference Sweepstakes Awards. Andrew Larson: We thank Mr. Larson for his military service, prior to becoming an instructor. He recently retired after teaching at Black Hawk College for 27 years. He earned a Master's of Science in Nutrient Management and Crop Production from the University of Illinois in 1998 after completing his undergrad from the Illinois State University in Environmental Sciences and Protection in 1994. While at Black Hawk, Mr. Larson served as a full-time instructor in the agriculture department of Black Hawk College. He taught production, marketing and management of agriculture curriculums. He's secured places of employment for over 500 graduates in the agriculture industry. And provided leadership to place and supervise over 100 internships. Mr. Larson managed a 25-acre college agronomy lab, coached college soil and crop judging teams, and also served as Advisor for the Trap Shooting Club. He was the lead Investigator for Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant that supported a four-acre sustainable agriculture research plot and conducted numerous field trials annually in the agronomy lab. He designed subsurface drainage system in the agronomy lab to implement nutrient management study; facilitated installation of a bio-reactor.

The Illinois State Fair is more than fun and funnel cakes — it's a celebration of agriculture, youth leadership, and investment in our state's #1 industry. Senator Doris Turner and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello talk about upgrades to the fairgrounds, diversity in ag, and what the future holds for FFA, 4-H, and more.

American Legion Post 32's sidewalk hosts the show on opening day of the Illinois State Fair as Mark Selvaggio of title sponsor Selvaggio Steel, Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II and Illinois County Fair Queen Johnna Fulcher visit with Sam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Bishop reviews continued concerns Illinois Statehouse Republicans have with the Pritzker administration's management of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

In this episode of The Cole Memo, attorney Ali returns to discuss a groundbreaking lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Representing a group of mostly minority and women-owned cannabis transporters, Ali outlines how her clients were granted licenses that were essentially worthless—while larger, established companies received the same licenses under entirely different and more favorable terms. The lawsuit alleges that this created a discriminatory impact and violated the Illinois Civil Rights Act. We also touch on broader issues within the cannabis industry, from transparency in state rulemaking to the politics of outdoor cultivation. With real data, including a 96% failure rate among independent transporters, and insight from the state's own disparity study, this episode exposes how lofty social equity promises can fall apart in practice. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/07/30/e223/

Several key ordinances and resolutions were addressed in the latest Kewanee City Council session. Council members approved a Tax Increment Financing redevelopment agreement between the city and KTown Real Estate, aiming to boost local investment. Meanwhile, the demolition contract for 500 Fifth Ave was awarded to the lowest bidder, moving forward with city revitalization efforts. In addition, city officials were authorized to convey certain real estate interests and easements to the Illinois Department of Transportation for planned highway projects. The council also approved compliance measures at the city's solid waste transfer station and announced intentions to purchase the mortgage note for Kewanee Mobile Home Parks from First Secure Community Bank. Kewanee City Council meetings are streamed live on Facebook and posted on our YouTube page.

July 22, 2025 - Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture Jerry Costello II joined Byers & Co to talk about the importance of agriculture to the state of Illinois and to preview the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Illinois Farm Bureau Director National Legislation Ryan Whitehouse highlights a "tool shed" conversation in Champaign County. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza with her monthly conversation. Illinois Department of Natural Resources large carnivore program manager Charis Jacques discusses black bear sightings in Illinois.  

 Champaign County Court Appointed Special Advocate's (CASA) representatives stop by to passionately and compassionately explain why the kids in our community need CASA to to be their voice. Listen as Candi, a townie and CASA volunteer, and Amy, a Peoria transplant and Director of Development, talk about how they attach themselves to the child abuse and neglect cases in Champaign County, the wide and vast volunteer base that makes up the majority of their workforce, how the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) and CASA differ and align, why this is an organization worth dedicating time and money to and the numbers CASA are able to help in our area. Without volunteers like Candi and staff like Amy, our community would lack the resources needed to support the little ones in our area that need an advocate supporting them.  Emily Harrington, here! Mom, wife, retired communications liaison and host of the HyperLocal(s) Podcast. Each week I bring you a pod where townies and transplants share their tales of tears and triumphs, losses and wins. In an effort to provide a way for those that don't want a public podcast, but still have a story to tell friends and family, I've created, In Retrospect: A HyperLocal(s) Project, a private podcast. Visit hyperlocalscu.com/in-retrospectThank you so much for listening! However your podcast host of choice allows, please positively: rate, review, comment and give all the stars! Don't forget to follow, subscribe, share and ring that notification bell so you know when the next episode drops! Also, search and follow hyperlocalscu on all social media. If I forgot anything or you need me, visit my website at HyperLocalsCU.com. Byee.

Monthly visit from Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.Jennifer Waters with Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education recaps the 2024/2025 academic year. Conversations with the Bremmer brothers from the Illinois FFA Convention. Ben, the Illinois FFA Treasurer during the 2023/24 term and Ethan, the new Illinois FFA Reporter.  

Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss mosquitoes and West Nile Virus. Health officials in Illinois are urging caution as mosquito testing reveals positive results for West Nile Virus in 18 counties, including Henry, Stark, and Bureau. Although no human cases have been reported so far, the risk remains high, particularly for older adults and those with compromised immune systems. The West Nile virus is mainly transmitted by mosquito bites, and past outbreaks in Illinois have been severe. Residents are encouraged to use EPA-approved insect repellent, wear protective clothing outdoors, and regularly remove standing water to prevent mosquito breeding. Early symptoms include high fever and severe headache; seek medical care if these occur. The West Nile virus, primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, is a growing health concern during the warmer months. While most people experience no symptoms or only mild, flu-like illness, severe cases can lead to dangerous conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems. There is no vaccine or specific treatment available. The best defense is prevention: use EPA-approved insect repellents, wear long sleeves and pants outdoors, and eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Awareness of symptoms like high fever, severe headache, or confusion is crucial—seek medical attention if these develop. Illinois has faced significant challenges with West Nile virus since it was first detected in dead crows in the Chicago area in September 2001. By 2002, the state reported the highest number of human cases and fatalities in the United States, with 884 cases and 64 deaths. The Illinois Department of Public Health uses a comprehensive surveillance system to track infected birds, mosquitoes, horses, and humans. West Nile virus is primarily spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, with people over 60 most at risk for severe illness. Authorities urge residents to eliminate standing water and use protective measures to reduce risk.

Melody Hulett, a former warden with the Illinois Department of Corrections, is now the co-founder and CEO of Pure Haven Family Resource Center, alongside her husband, Porter Hulett. Together, they provide Christian counseling, extensive programming, and workshops for at-risk individuals.

Illinois Star winners from the Illinois FFA Convention.Star in Agribusiness—Taylor Crouch from Maroa-Forsyth FFA.Star in Ag Placement—Reed Naughton from Olympia FFA.Star in Agriscience—Kade Boatman (goes by middle name) from Byron FFA.Star Farmer—Kade Beckmier (goes by middle name) from Taylorville FFA.Illinois Department of Agriculture Deputy Director Kristi Jones from the Illinois FFA Convention.  Valent's Ron Estes talks soybean production and responding to early growing season challenges.

Coverage of the Illinois Beef Association Annual Meeting and awards program.Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Commodity Programs and Food Systems Tasha Bunting provides monthly update.Illinois FFA Center Executive Director Mindy Bunselmeyer details plans for next week's Illinois FFA Convention. Paul Wappel with the Illinois Department of Transportation highlights the summer construction season.  

Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health and an ASTHO Member, tells us why his department wanted to create a dashboard focused on measles; Jeffrey Ekoma, ASTHO Senior Director of Government Affairs, recaps a busy few weeks on Capitol Hill in this week's View From Washington D.C. Report; and Dr. Ralph Alvarado, ASTHO Member and Tennessee Commissioner of Health, and ASTHO Alum Dr. Georges Benjamin, will give commencement speeches at the Meharry Medical College. Illinois Department of Public Health News Release: IDPH Rolls Out New Measles Simulator Dashboard to Empower School Officials to Protect Students and Staff from Outbreaks Meharry Medical College Web Page: Commencement Speakers ASTHO Web Page: Subscribe  

Jon Schumacher, Bureau Chief of Construction at Illinois Department of Transportation, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the coming ramp closures on the Kennedy Expressway. Starting May 19th, two ramps per week will be closed for a approximately a week.

Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health and an ASTHO Member, explains how his state is taking action for youth behavioral health; Aurora GrantWingate, Member and Partner Engagement Manager at the National Association of Community Health Workers, tells us why CHWs are especially important in the island areas; and Dr. Dr. Ayanna Bennett, Director of the District of Columbia Department of Health and an ASTHO Member has been appointed to the Big Cities Health Coalition Board of Directors. ASTHO Report: Supporting Community Health Workers in Territories and Freely Associated States Big Cities Health Coalition News Release: BCHC announces 2025-26 board directors and executive officers ASTHO Web Page: PH-HERO  

Naomi Adeline Biggs, Director of the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division and an ASTHO Member, explains how her team has made community-based organizations a priority; Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health and an ASTHO Member, tells us about his experience at the HIMSS Global Health Conference; an ASTHO webinar of April 24th explores partnerships with academic institutions; and the Virginia Department of Health's Internship Academy is gaining recognition. Oregon Health Authority Web Page: Partnering with Community-Based Organizations HIMSS Global Health Conference Web Page ASTHO Webinar: Exploring Successful Academic Health Department Partnerships Virginia Department of Health Web Page: VDH Internship Academy  

Illinois saw a drop in drug overdose deaths in 2023, according to newly released data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. And in Cook County, that trend seems to have held in 2024 as well, according to preliminary data from the county coroner's office. Reset talks with Fanya Burford-Berry, a community worker at West Side Heroin Opioid Task Force, where they provide outreach to hear what's led to this decrease and what's needed to bring the numbers down even further and WBEZ reporter and anchor Araceli Gomez-Aldana. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.