Air Quality & Health: A mold and air quality expert urges Illinois residents to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors when levels spike, citing links to respiratory issues, inflammation, headaches, fatigue, and longer-term risks like heart disease and cancer. Public Health & Kids: A Chicago pediatric infectious disease physician warns that federal vaccine rhetoric is fueling distrust right before school resumes, urging parents to rely on medical guidance. Cancer & Recovery: UW-Green Bay volleyball player Kendall Schara shares her comeback after acute myeloid leukemia and a stem cell transplant from her sister. Substance Use & Care Safety: Evanston mental health facilities face scrutiny after allegations tied to fentanyl overdose deaths and concerns about resident safety and quality of care. Environment & Water: Illinois orders an ethanol plant on the Illinois River to fund wetland restoration after a long-running pollution settlement over thermal discharges. Cannabis Policy: Illinois regulators propose allowing licensed cannabis producers to grow outdoors, aiming to cut energy use and costs. Pregnancy & STI Gaps: A Chicago study finds many pregnant ED patients miss STI testing and timely prenatal care. Community Health Events: “Dance for Life” spotlights healthcare gaps for Chicago performers while raising funds for dancer grants. Local Wellness Infrastructure: Metropolis council advances lead service line planning to reduce drinking-water lead exposure.