By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Increased flu activity reported

The Illinois Department of Public Health says flu activity is very high in the state, the most severe of five respiratory illness activity levels as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Illinois reported its first influenza death in a child this season after reporting 12 pediatric deaths from influenza during the 2024-25 season.

IDPH says COVID-19 rates have climbed to moderate levels.

$24 million for manufacturing training

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced Monday that $24 million in taxpayer-funded grants are available to establish six new Manufacturing Training Academies at community colleges outside of Cook and other Chicago-area counties.

Qualified entities can apply for grants from $3 million to $6 million.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. or until funds are exhausted.

Gas rate hike opposed

Peoples Gas has filed for a rate increase the utility says would raise residential gas bills by $10 to $11 a month.

The Citizens Utility Board promised it would urge state regulators to reject every penny of the proposed increase that Peoples could not justify, saying the utility received the biggest rate hike in state history in 2023.

The Illinois Commerce Commission is expected to rule on the case in late 2026.