Illinois News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Jun 15, 2026 - Highlights health disparities for rural men and highlights work in Illinois to increase awareness. Notes how rural culture contributes to those disparities in addition to general healthcare access challenges.
Source: Public News Service
May 26, 2026 - Describes agricultural occupation factors driving a higher rate of suicide, depression, and anxiety among farmers. Discusses disparities for women in the industry and resources for farmers in Illinois.
Source: Public News Service
May 19, 2026 - Congresswoman Kim Schrier of Washington, along with representatives Randy Feenstra of Iowa, Jill Tokuda of Hawaii, and Darin LaHood of Illinois have reintroduced the Rural Maternity Options for Medical Support Act. This legislation would allow Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) to count labor and delivery beds separate from acute care rooms, allowing hospitals to offer these services without putting their CAH status in jeopardy.
Source: Office of Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA)
May 4, 2026 - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega marked the 100th anniversary of the Route 66 designation by highlighting several Rural Development investments along the highway. Almost $11 million has been invested in recent projects to benefit people in rural Illinois and beyond.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

