![Capitol Briefs: State gets ‘average’ lung cancer grade, announces opioid settlements, manufacturing grants Capitol Briefs: State gets ‘average’ lung cancer grade, announces opioid settlements, manufacturing grants](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/RAOUL-CAPITOL-BRIEFS-knTTVY-1024x701.jpeg)
Capitol Briefs: State gets ‘average’ lung cancer grade, announces opioid settlements, manufacturing grants
By COLE LONGCOR
& JENNIFER FULLER
Capitol News Illinois
news@capitolnewsillinois.com
The American Lung Association’s 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report shows Illinois has “a lot of work to do” to ensure individuals at high risk for lung cancer are properly screened and treated.
The report graded Illinois as “average” in nearly all categories such as lung cancer rates, including treatment, screening, prevention and racial disparities in care for the 2023 calendar year.
Illinois ranked 16th worst in the nation for new lung disease cases with almost 60 cases per 100,000 people. The state was graded “above average” for individuals receiving treatment, but approximately 18 out of every 100 people went untreated in 2023. That was 15th best of all states.
Illinois’ lung cancer survival rate of 27.2 percent was better than the national average of 26.6 percent. Lung cancer typically has a low five-year survival rate due to delayed screenings and diagnosis.
Illinois is working to prevent and treat cancer through the 2022-2027 Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. To expand access to screening services, the American Lung Association started the Illinois Lung Cancer Screening Initiative with $935,000 in funding from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The program provides qualified residents with vouchers to cover the cost of low-dose CT scans and transportation to appointments.
The ALA encourages healthier living habits, including through Fight for Air Climb events aimed at getting people to take the stairs.
One such event will take place in Springfield on Feb. 10, where participants will climb the 32 flights of stairs at the Wyndham City Center. Climbs are also scheduled for March 9 at 411 East Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, March 10 at the Oakbrook Terrace Tower in Oakbrook, March 23 at Metropolitan Square in St. Louis and May 19 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
For more information, visit lung.org
New opioid settlements announced
Illinois will share in hundreds of millions of dollars received as part of two multi-state settlements involving the opioid epidemic.
One case involves Publicis Health, which Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office says contributed to the epidemic by helping Purdue Pharma and other opioid manufacturers sell the drugs, which include OxyContin and others.
The other is a case against opioid manufacturer Hikma Pharmaceuticals. The company was accused of failing to monitor orders for opioids from potentially fraudulent distributors.
“Too many families have lost loved ones to the opioid epidemic, and too many people have lost years of their lives to addiction,” Raoul said in a statement. “The companies that created and fueled this crisis must be held accountable for providing treatment and recovery resources to help those who suffer from opioid addiction.”
These two settlements will bring Illinois’ share of opioid payouts to more than $1.3 billion – the result of numerous multi-state lawsuits and negotiations in recent years. The money is expected to be distributed through at least 2038 and allocated via the Illinois Opioid Allocation Agreement. That agreement directs funds for purposes like remediation, distribution to local government and other uses aimed at mitigating the opioid epidemic’s effects.
Illinois operates a helpline for people who may be addicted, or for people whose loved ones are impacted by opioid addiction. You can find it at Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances or by calling 833-2FINDHELP.
Made in Illinois grants
Illinois is setting aside $1 million to help fund a grant program for manufacturers whose products are made in the state.
Economic leaders say the program, which will provide up to $50,000 in matching grants for small- and mid-sized manufacturers for innovation and strategic advancement, will help boost the state’s economy while also supporting the local workforce.
Applications are open through March 31, 2024, at https://www.imec.org/madeinillinois. Eligible companies must meet the following criteria:
Be an Illinois manufacturer (as designated with a North American Industry Classification System code starting with 31-33).
Have between 5-250 employees.
Have operated in Illinois for at least 3 years.
Had sales revenue in the last 12 months prior to application date.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is partnering with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center on the project. The two entities will provide resources including workforce support, market leadership, innovation and more through the program.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
Local News
![reporter 6-27-24 ol parade shriners Shriners entertain the crowd at last year's Oak Lawn Independence Day Parade. (File photo)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/reporter-6-27-24-ol-parade-shriners-1024x698.jpg)
Oak Lawn Fourth of July festivities
Spread the loveCelebrate Independence Day at the Village of Oak Lawn’s annual Fourth of July Parade at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 29! This cherished community event brings together families, friends, and neighbors to honor the spirit of freedom and patriotism. Parade will step off at 95th Street and Lacrosse and head west on 95th…
![regional 6-24-24 sd230 safety director Mary Pat Carr](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/regional-6-24-24-sd230-safety-director-659x1024.jpg)
District 230 names Director of Safety and Security
Spread the loveFrom staff reports The Consolidated High School District 230 Board of Education approved Dr. Mary Pat Carr as the district’s first Director of Security. She will move from her current position as Assistant Principal of Activities at Stagg High School to the Administrative Center on July 1. Her duties as Director of Safety…
![3 The Worth Public Library, 6917 W. 111th St., hosted its annual celebration on June 1 to bring patrons of all ages out to sign up for its summer reading program. (Supplied photos)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-1024x771.jpg)
Worth Public Library kicks off summer reading program
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Patrons at the Worth Public Library welcomed in the summer season earlier this month. The library, 6917 W. 111th St., hosted its annual celebration on June 1 to bring patrons of all ages out to sign up for its summer reading program. “We love any excuse to celebrate reading with…
![regional 6-24-24 UFC Gym Orland Mall fire3 Fire hoses line the parking lot outside of the UFC Gym last Thursday. (Supplied photos)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/regional-6-24-24-UFC-Gym-Orland-Mall-fire3-1024x739.jpg)
Fire knocks out Orland’s UFC Gym
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A fire last Thursday afternoon practically destroyed an Orland Park gym and knocked out neighboring businesses, as well. Orland Park firefighters received a call at 2:31 p.m. June 20 for a reported fire in the UFC Gym located at 66 Orland Square Drive Unit C. Multiple 911 calls were received for a…
![reporter 6-24-24 cr fire chief retires Retiring Chicago Ridge Fire Chief William Bonnar (at left) is congratulated by Mayor Jack Lind, who also presented him with a proclamation, at the June 18 Village Board meeting. (Photo by Dermot Connolly)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/reporter-6-24-24-cr-fire-chief-retires-1024x764.jpg)
Chicago Ridge Fire Chief Bonnar retires
Spread the loveStarted his 50-year career as Orland Park cadet By Dermot Connolly Chicago Ridge Fire Chief William Bonnar officially announced his retirement from a nearly 50-year career at the June 18 Village Board meeting. Mayor Jack Lind made the announcement “with great regret,” joking that “he doesn’t have the age to retire but he…
![basketball stock basketball stock](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/stock-basketball-e1719502937287.jpg)
Stagg tabs Allee Hernandez to guide girls hoops
Spread the loveBy Randy Whalen Correspondent Allee Hernandez has accrued many years of basketball experience as a player and as an assistant coach. She will soon embark on a new experience as a head coach at Stagg, where she will be the Chargers first new head coach in 16 seasons. She succeeds Bill Turner, who…
![1 Shepard High School, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights, was chosen as a Yearbook Excellence Contest recipient from Walsworth Publishing Company, a family-owned printing company based out of Marceline, Missouri. (Supplied photo)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-1024x576.jpg)
Shepard’s yearbook wins national recognition
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Shepard High School students have worked tirelessly to create a yearbook for this academic year that was nationally recognized. The high school, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights, was chosen as a Yearbook Excellence Contest recipient from Walsworth Publishing Company, a family-owned printing company based out of Marceline, Missouri.…
![reporter 6-24-24 dean faulk mugshot Dean J. Faulk](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/reporter-6-24-24-dean-faulk-mugshot.bmp)
Hickory Hills man charged in grandfather’s murder
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam A 32-year-old Hickory Hills man has been charged with first-degree murder in the June 21 death of his 90-year-old grandfather. Dean J. Faulk was charged on June 22 with the June 21 murder of Dean L. Faulk. Police said they responded to a call at 9:45 a.m. June 21 at…
![1 On June 8, Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., hosted its second annual Summer Reading Challenge Kick-Off event themed, Read, Renew, Repeat. (Supplied photos)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-1-1024x683.jpg)
Orland Park Public Library kicks off summer
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Summer is nearly here and the Orland Park Public Library is ready for it. On June 8, the library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., hosted its second annual Summer Reading Challenge Kick-Off event themed, Read, Renew, Repeat. “There are multiple interpretations to this theme,” Jackie Boyd, Communications Manager at the Orland…
![dvn 6-24-24 porfirio honored State Senator Mike Porfirio being recognized as the Senator of the Year by representatives of the Illinois VFW. (Supplied photo)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dvn-6-24-24-porfirio-honored-1024x683.jpg)
llinois VFW names Porfirio Senator of the Year
Spread the loveIllinois Veterans of Foreign Wars recently selected state Senator Mike Porfirio as the Senator of the Year. “I’m deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from the Illinois VFW,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “I am committed to ensuring our veterans receive the protections, care and dignity they deserve. This recognition is a testament…
Neighbors
![OL LAWRENCE Oak Lawn’s Davion Lawrence (right) led his team with 14 points in a 57-52 victory at Evergreen Park on Thursday. Photo by Jeff Vorva](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/OL-LAWRENCE-1024x793.jpg)
Here’s the skinny: Trimmed-down Lawrence helps Oak Lawn top Evergreen
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Oak Lawn senior basketball player Davion Lawrence is 45 pounds lighter than he was last season, but insists his eating habits are the same. He has, however, changed up his training habits. Heading into football last fall, Lawrence and a few fellow seniors wanted to get in the…
![HANNAH Former Mother McAuley star Hannah Swiatek (right) smiles and walks off the court with Justene Charlesworth after a recent University of St. Francis victory over Cardinal Stritch. Photo by Jeff Vorva Former Mother McAuley star Hannah Swiatek (right) smiles and walks off the court with Justene Charlesworth after a recent University of St. Francis victory over Cardinal Stritch. Photo by Jeff Vorva](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HANNAH-1024x678.jpg)
College Report: McAuley grad Swiatek plays hero for St. Francis
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Hannah Swiatek comes off the bench for the University of St. Francis and is averaging 3.1 points per game. But when called on for the biggest shot of her college career, the 5-foot-8 junior guard from Oak Lawn delivered. Swiatek scored the winning basket in a wild 99-97…
![BoysBB Argo-Shep Argo’s Evan Shelton (30) and Will Adams battle Shepard’s Robinson Hale for the ball. Photo by Steve Metsch](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BoysBB-Argo-Shep-842x1024.jpg)
Evans, Adams lead Argo past Shepard on Alumni Night
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Corrspondent Argo’s Davonte Evans and Will Adams both knew it was just a matter of time before the Argonauts would find a way to beat Shepard. That time came in the third quarter of a South Suburban Red matchup, when Argo outscored Shepard en rout to a 61-52 on Jan.…
![reporter robert cruz at meeting Rob Cruz](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/reporter-robert-cruz-at-meeting.jpg)
Cruz booted from SD 229 school board in Oak Lawn
Spread the loveBy Dermot Connolly There is a vacancy on the Oak Lawn Community High School District 229 School Board, after members voted 6-1 last week to remove Robert Cruz for allegedly violating his oath of office, school board policy and state statutes. Cruz, a property developer, was elected to the District 229 board in…
![Screen Shot 2022-01-16 at 9.42.00 PM Screen Shot 2022-01-16 at 9.42.00 PM](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-16-at-9.42.00-PM.png)
Tax exemptions will be automatic, Kaegi says
Spread the loveFrom staff reports In response to the ongoing pandemic, the Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office will continue the automatic renewal of the Senior Freeze, Veterans with Disabilities and Persons with Disabilities Exemptions. The Homeowner and Senior Exemptions will continue to auto-renew every year. If a homeowner received any of these five exemptions…
![reporter oak lawn logo reporter oak lawn logo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/reporter-oak-lawn-logo.jpg)
Oak Lawn officials rip governor, legislators over crime
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle Two Oak Lawn officials are calling for Gov. J.B. Pritzker and local legislators to re-evaluate a police reform law that they say has resulted in a rise in crime. Trustee Alex Olejniczak (2nd) served as mayor pro-tem during the Oak Lawn Village Board meeting Tuesday night in place of Mayor Terry Vorderer,…
![GSWNH_StMaryEagleScout_012122 New Eagle Scout Adrian Ayala with his parents, Lorena Sanchez and Lazaro Ayala. --Supplied photo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GSWNH_StMaryEagleScout_012122-1024x836.jpg)
Troop 1441 Scout earns Eagle rank
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A journey that began years ago for Adrian Ayala recently culminated in Boy Scouting’s highest honor. Ayala, a member of Boy Scout Troop 1441 (sponsored by the St. Mary Star of the Sea Holy Name Society) was honored at an Eagle ceremony at Duggan Hall on Jan. 13. The Eagle rank…