PFAS in Wood River water: City Manager Steve Palen says PFOS testing found 6.7 parts per trillion—above Illinois’s 4 ppt standard—but stresses it’s not an immediate health emergency and points to a PFAS treatment pilot to find effective long-term technology. Vaccines policy pushback: Illinois public health officials reaffirm the 2026 AAP child vaccine schedule despite a federal executive order, saying the existing guidance is safe and backed by decades of research. Assisted suicide lawsuit: A federal lawsuit challenges Illinois’s new assisted suicide law, arguing it forces doctors to discuss “benefits,” refer patients, and falsify death certificates. Endocrinology care expansion: Mercyhealth hired board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Shazia Azmat for Crystal Lake and Woodstock clinics. Long-term care staffing: A new Illinois law lets assisted living and supportive living facilities host supervised CNA clinical experiences to speed training and expand the workforce pipeline. Severe weather impacts: Storms knocked out power across the Chicago area and parts of Indiana and Ohio, with tornado warnings, roof damage, and flooding reported. Data center scrutiny in Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an order to tighten review of new data centers—air, noise, and utility use—while urging a City Council moratorium. Homecare workplace recognition: Help at Home earned Newsweek workplace honors for women, mental well-being, and healthcare, highlighting caregiver support as key to quality care. Food safety watch: A multistate salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños continues to drive recalls and consumer alerts.