In her latest policy analysis, Mina Raj, assistant professor at @ahsillinois.bsky.social explores the impact of the CARE Act and how it improves outcomes for patients, strengthens health systems, and benefits states. Read the full analysis here: ow.ly/Lfx250X0htC

Sara Gerke, an associate professor at @law.illinois.edu, explains the ethical complications of using AI for mental health treatment and how fractured federal policy can complicate compliance. igpa.uillinois.edu/in-the-news/...

IGPA is deeply saddened by the passing of Gov. Jim Edgar. His commitment to good government led to the formation of the Edgar Fellows Program at IGPA, which seeks to inspire collaboration in addressing the state’s major challenges. news.uillinois.edu/view/7815/43...

Jonathan Coppess, associate professor of agricultural policy, critiques Section 10306 of the Reconciliation Farm Bill, warning it expands subsidy loopholes that favor big farms over small and beginning farmers, fueling higher land costs and harm to rural communities. www.farms.com/news/the-rec...

The Illinois Flash Index fell again in August to 101.7 from its 101.8 level in July. “As noted in the past, this may be the soft landing hoped for a year ago when there was fear of a looming recession,” said Fred Giertz, professor emeritus at Illinois. igpa.uillinois.edu/flash-index/...

Jonathan Coppess, Illinois professor of agriculture and IGPA affiliate, joins several experts in discussing challenges faced by farmers under climate change and the economic impacts for consumers. ow.ly/vUAq50WPzGE

Jacinda Dariotis, professor of human development/family studies at Illinois, published an analysis on impacts of the pandemic among youth and parents across the U.S. Midwest. This study was completed with the help of a Research Scholar Initiative grant through IGPA. aces.illinois.edu/news/how-cov...

IGPA is proud to launch the Data Hub, a new central resource for accessible, research-ready public policy data, debuting with its inaugural project, "Fiscal Futures," led by Professor David Merriman of @uiccuppa.bsky.social. Explore the Data Hub here: ow.ly/e3kg50WLwG1

Sara Gerke, associate professor of law at Illinois and IGPA affiliate, is spearheading the "AI in Cancer Surgery & Care" conference on September 4–5 at the University of Illinois College of Law. Attendance is free, but space is limited: forms.illinois.edu/sec/1702756029.

IGPA held its annual staff retreat yesterday at Allerton Park, where the team discussed accomplishments and set goals for the upcoming year. Learn more about the IGPA team at igpa.uillinois.edu/leadership

🎙️ On Illinois Policy Unpacked, UIC’s Jeremy Riel explores Illinois’ AI policy landscape, shares goals of IGPA’s new science and technology working group, and discusses how his latest grant supports educators and lawmakers navigating emerging tech. ow.ly/oWCJ50WFm5f

In a @crainschicago.bsky.social op-ed, Meg Bates highlights new research showing young adults with a bachelor’s degree earn nearly $30K more than high school grads within 3 years. The study underscores the need for expanded college access and equity-focused policy. ow.ly/YWCM50WEPX2

A Louisiana redistricting case could change the rules nationwide. Steve Schwinn, a law professor at UIC, said the case “could potentially seriously threaten another part of the Voting Rights Act,” along with other decisions in recent years. ow.ly/QniA50WCVKo

Congratulations to Steven Schwinn, IGPA affiliate and professor of law at UIC, on being selected for the 2025-26 President’s Executive Leadership Program Fellows program.

Christelle Khalaf, Associate Director at UIC’s Government Finance Research Center, explores how changing political leadership disrupts federal energy funding. She argues that stable, long-term investment is key to advancing clean energy and staying globally competitive. ow.ly/v3wq50WAbyh

The Illinois Flash Index fell slightly again in July to 101.8 from its 101.9 level in June. “This mirrors the national economy, which remains remarkably stable amid both domestic and international uncertainty,” said Fred Giertz, Professor Emeritus at Illinois. igpa.uillinois.edu/flash-index/...

41 public policy leaders from across Illinois have been selected for the 2025 class of the Edgar Fellows Program. This leadership initiative designed by former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar to inspire respectful collaboration in addressing the state’s major challenges. igpa.uillinois.edu/in-the-news/...

Meicen Sun, a professor of information sciences at Illinois, explains that unlike traditional tariffs, digital controls use data regulations, often framed as national security measures, to shield domestic tech companies, as in the case of the TikTok ban. news.illinois.edu/what-are-the...

46 out-of-state agencies, including in Texas, illegally accessed Illinois license plate data to investigate abortion and immigration cases. Sara Gerke, associate law professor at Illinois, warns of growing cross-state data misuse and calls for stronger privacy protections. ow.ly/aCRt50WwRuc

David Merriman, professor at @uiccuppa.bsky.social, talks about his team's latest analysis on Illinois' finances. “Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin all have a broader sales tax base than Illinois," Merriman said. ow.ly/WrIC50WtycV

Jonathan Coppess critiques the Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill” for shifting farm policy priorities and cutting nearly $186B from SNAP while increasing subsidies for large farms. This move breaks the traditional farm bill agreement linking food aid and farm support. ow.ly/iMVZ50WtjeV

The inaugural PEPP cohort will begin in August 2025 with four fellows working on policy projects related to labor policy, child welfare, natural resources, and housing policy. PEPP is a collaborative program directed by IGPA and the Center for Social & Behavioral Science (CSBS). ow.ly/sCgR50Wr9Kt

A new policy report provides a timely look at Illinois’ financial health and examines potential policy shifts, with a particular focus on the state’s sales tax structure. go.uillinois.edu/PolicySpotli...

Jonathan Coppess, associate professor of agriculture and consumer economics at Illinois, discusses recent changes to federal food funding are putting pressure on some farmers and the communities that rely on their products on the 21st Show. will.illinois.edu/21stshow/sto...

📢 Call for Papers! Exploring equity-driven leadership in urban schools 🏙️📚 Submit to the Special Issue on Developing Leaders in Urban Schools. 🧑‍🔬Guest Editor: @craigdevoto.bsky.social‬ 🔗 shorturl.at/oMjew @illinoisigpa.bsky.social @ucea-leadership.bsky.social

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 to limit the ability of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions. Steven Schwinn, UIC law professor, said the ruling "sharply undermines the power of federal courts to rein in lawless actions by the government." ow.ly/s3ci50WnEsX

The Paul H. Douglas Award is given annually to a person who has made a significant contribution to the practice of ethical behavior in government. Awardees have included prominent public figures such as Barack Obama and Liz Cheney. Deadline: August 15 Form ➡️ forms.uofi.uillinois.edu/sec/1354985318

The Illinois Flash Index fell in June to 101.9 from its 102 level in May. “Despite recent political and economic turmoil, the Illinois economy has remained surprisingly stable," said Fred Giertz, professor emeritus at Illinois. Read more: ow.ly/cEM950WjjFc

Lav Varshney, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at ‪@uofigrainger.bsky.social‬, discusses AI energy use transparency measures in our latest IGPA Q&A. go.uillinois.edu/AITransparency

Elizabeth Powers, associate director of IGPA and associate professor of economics at Illinois, led a project to reevaluate the state education policy, resulting in the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) using a new Comparable Wage Index. go.uillinois.edu/ISBE-Powers

In an Effingham Radio appearance, Illinois political science professor and IGPA affiliate Brian Gaines pointed out that the bribery-related benefits Michael Madigan provided to ComEd were estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars. ow.ly/fjcp50WfG7M

IGPA has selected two inaugural Data Hub projects on Illinois policy making and child health. Learn more about E.J. Fagan and Sheena Martenies' initiatives on our website: go.uillinois.edu/DataHubAnnou...

AJ Simmons, research director of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, is leading a study on the rising rates of reported mental health challenges in Sangamon County. “I’m glad to support this new effort to gain actionable insights," said Simmons. ow.ly/MxAs50Wamkv

Rachel Jackson-Gordon, a postdoctoral researcher at ACES Illinois' Family Resilience Center, spoke with us about Karina’s Law. The new Illinois bill requires local law enforcement to remove guns from a person who has an order of protection against them. ow.ly/KhyN50W5HSx

IGPA has announced funding for two new Research Scholar Initiative (RSI) grants. This year’s projects will examine the state’s needs for AI infrastructure and education, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of Illinois’s economic development investments. ow.ly/ZxU050W5CHU

About 200 municipalities including Chicago have plans to reimpose Illinois’ grocery tax locally. Elizabeth Powers, associate economics professor at Illinois, told the city council finance subcommittee the tax is not regressive because purchases with SNAP benefits are exempted. tinyurl.com/23bubdds

Rebecca Hinze-Pifer, assistant professor of @educationillinois.bsky.social, spoke with IGPA about a proposal for potential cell phone bans in Illinois schools. The bill passed the Illinois Senate in April and is waiting for House approval. ow.ly/aEoX50W4bhC

@chicagotribune.com cites IGPA's latest Policy Spotlight on hemp-derived THC and highlights growing concerns over its safety, legality and impact on health in Illinois. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/03/i... Full report can be found on the IGPA website: tinyurl.com/bddt7ukh

The Illinois Flash Index fell slightly in May to 102 from its 102.4 level in April. “The decline doesn't mark a major change in the health of the state’s economy and cannot be attributed to a dominant cause such as impending tariffs,” said Fred Giertz, Illinois professor emeritus. ow.ly/iE0g50W46AU

Alexi Giannoulias honored the legacy and impact of Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar with the formal dedication of the Jim Edgar Reading Room at the Illinois State Library on Wednesday. Gov. Edgar also conducts an annual program to develop leadership and governing capabilities. tinyurl.com/ypkebjsh

Podcast: Julian Reif, associate professor of finance at the @giesbusiness.bsky.social, unpacks his latest analysis on Illinois air pollution. We dive into how economists measure air pollution, what the data reveals about Illinois metro areas, and why there's reason for optimism. tinyurl.com/5n7y4ww4

Professor emeritus of political science Kent Redfield said a national autism registry would violate privacy laws."Not without very specific authorization through a statute. They can't suspend HIPAA just by saying we want to do this,” said Redfield. newschannel20.com/news/local/c...

Read the full Q&A with Amy Leman, assistant professor at ACES Illinois, on our website. ow.ly/jKWb50VWEEa

Policy Spotlight: James A. Swartz, Professor at UIC's Jane Addams College of Social Work, highlights how hemp products, which are often just as potent as state-regulated cannabis, are being sold without oversight, due to loopholes in federal law. ow.ly/9SfC50VWCJK

Farm groups are urging Congress to reauthorize the farm bill before it starts expiring Sept. 30. But its future may hinge on political energy. “This over-emphasis on budget... has really decimated policy making,” warns Jonathan Coppess, an associate professor at Illinois. tinyurl.com/2wzx8zfh

New episode of Illinois Policy Unpacked: we talk with our three Charles P. Wolff interns about their experiences working at IGPA. Listen to what they learned, what’s next for them, and what Gen Z wants older generations to understand. ow.ly/kH0v50VSP2Q

Watch the video version of the Illinois Policy Unpacked podcast, where we meet with Fred Wertheimer, founder and president of @democracy21.bsky.social, to discuss ongoing challenges in U.S. campaign finance. youtu.be/SPwdLAnNaVc?...

“The Watergate scandal led to numerous historic reforms… The circumstances we are living in today are very different from Watergate… they appear even more serious… we are facing a democracy under threat and a constitutional crisis.” – Fred Wertheimer democracy21.org/news/press-r...

The Trump administration is trying to stop Chicago Public Schools’ Black Students Success Plan by claiming it violates Title VI. "The program seeks to promote academic success for Black students in CPS, not to the exclusion of other students," said UIC law professor Steven Schwinn. ow.ly/Ct8p50VPqiy

@uofilsystem.bsky.social awarded Fred Wertheimer with the Paul Douglas Award for Ethics in Government on Wednesday, April 30 in Washington DC. Wertheimer has spent more than four decades working on governance issues and is the Founder of @democracy21.bsky.social. Podcast link: tinyurl.com/yc5zuyrs