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Falling temperatures bring colorful foliage, flannel shirts and pumpkin-flavored treats. Unfortunately, cooler weather also brings stink bugs. These shield-shaped invasive pests - officially named brown marmorated stink bugs - are native to China and first made their debut in the US in the late 90s. They feed on the Midwestern landscape, munching everything from residential landscaping to agriculture like soybeans, apples and pears.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) have temporarily waived the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) registration and motor fuel use tax (MFUT) single trip permitting for qualified motor vehicles engaged in interstate disaster relief efforts as a result of Hurricanes Milton & Helene. The suspension, pursuant to 35 ILCS 505/13a.4 and 13a.5, is effective from October 11, 2024, through November 09, 2024.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate LGBTQ+ History Month in Chicago. The event was an opportunity to reflect on the significant achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, and their allies. Frerichs presented awards to leaders in the community, education, government, workforce and labor, and arts and humanities.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced a $27 million Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the replacement of existing public transit buses with new all-electric transit options. Grant awards will cover 75% of the eligible cost per electric transit bus and any necessary charging infrastructure, with a minimum award amount of $300,000. Eligible applicants include government and transit agencies that own and operate public transit buses in any of the three priority areas outlined in the Volkswagen Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (BMP) and further described below. This funding opportunity will remain open until funding is depleted with grants awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public that along with fall, October brings the start of the traditional respiratory virus season. The department is urging Illinoisans to use the proven tools that can safeguard them from illnesses that typically surge during the fall and winter, including COVID-19, flu and RSV. This includes getting vaccinated to protect yourself and your family for those viral diseases if you are eligible. The Department has upgraded its Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard and has posted two new FAQ documents on its website providing the latest guidance on vaccinations and how to get tested and treated for these seasonal illnesses. In addition, the CDC has created a new Respiratory Illness Data Channel that provides nationwide county specific information that would valuable for anyone planning to travel out of state. “As our public health workers ramp up preparations for the respiratory virus season we know is coming, all of us can play a role in protecting ourselves and reducing the spread of COVID-19 and the flu by getting vaccinated,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “So make plans now to get both of those shots and protect yourself from serious illness.” “As we head into fall, the Department of Public Health is closely monitoring this season’s respiratory illnesses and so can you with our updated respiratory illness dashboard,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Similar to past seasons, we should expect a rise in RSV, COVID-19 and flu cases as the weather cools. Now is a great time to get yourself protected from severe illness with updated vaccines, especially if you are over 65, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions.”