Illinois’ Push for Electric Trucks: A New Frontier for Local Industries

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on June 18, 2025

The shift to electric vehicles has become a major trend across various sectors, with the transportation industry leading the charge. Illinois is pushing forward with its plans to integrate electric trucks into local industries, aiming to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and boost economic growth. The state is using a multifaceted approach to promote the adoption of electric trucks, from funding opportunities to workforce development and private sector collaboration.

Why is Illinois Investing in Electric Trucks?

Illinois has recognized the need to transform its transportation infrastructure to meet environmental goals and improve public health. The state’s commitment to electrifying its trucking industry is part of a larger strategy to reduce carbon emissions, address climate change, and create new job opportunities. By switching to electric trucks, the state aims to not only enhance its sustainability efforts but also to position itself as a leader in clean transportation.

The growing popularity of electric vehicles, including electric trucks, is seen as an essential step in reducing the state’s dependence on fossil fuels and improving air quality, particularly in urban areas. With major transportation hubs in Illinois, the state’s investments in electric trucks are seen as a way to make a significant impact on reducing vehicle emissions, which are a key contributor to air pollution.

What Incentives Are Being Offered for Electric Truck Adoption?

Illinois' Push for Electric Trucks A New Frontier for Local Industries

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

Illinois is not only focused on encouraging the purchase of electric trucks but also on ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place for long-term success. The state has introduced several initiatives to support the electrification of the trucking sector.

Funding Opportunities

In March 2025, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) introduced a $20 million funding opportunity designed to help businesses replace diesel-powered trucks with electric models. The program targets local freight trucks in the greater Chicagoland area, including Cook, DuPage, and other surrounding counties. It also includes funding for the installation of charging infrastructure, such as Level 2 and fast charging stations, which are essential to supporting a widespread electric truck fleet.

This funding initiative is part of the state’s larger goal to electrify a significant portion of its medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. By offering financial assistance, Illinois aims to reduce the initial barriers to adopting electric trucks, such as high upfront costs and the need for robust charging infrastructure.

Legislative Support

Illinois has also passed legislation to incentivize electric vehicle manufacturing in the state. The REV Illinois Act, signed into law in 2021, provides tax incentives to companies that create new jobs in the electric vehicle sector or retain existing employees. These incentives are designed to encourage manufacturers to expand their operations and invest in electric vehicle production facilities. The law aims to create a robust ecosystem for electric vehicle manufacturing, which is vital to the state’s long-term goals for cleaner transportation.

What Role Will Workforce Development Play in Electric Truck Adoption?

A significant part of Illinois’ push for electric trucks is ensuring that the workforce is ready to meet the growing demand for skilled technicians and engineers in the electric vehicle sector. As electric trucks become more prevalent, there will be a growing need for trained workers who can maintain, repair, and operate these vehicles.

The state has already begun investing in workforce development programs. For example, a $21.3 million investment in Decatur will support the creation of a Climatic Center for Innovation and Research and an EV + Energy Workforce Training Academy. These facilities will provide training for the next generation of electric vehicle technicians and engineers. This focus on workforce development is crucial in ensuring that Illinois can meet the needs of its expanding electric vehicle industry and provide sustainable job opportunities for residents.

What Challenges Does Illinois Face in Transitioning to Electric Trucks?

While Illinois is making strides toward electrifying its truck fleet, the transition is not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the high upfront cost of electric trucks. Despite the long-term savings in fuel and maintenance, the initial investment in electric trucks is still significantly higher than that of traditional diesel-powered trucks. Many businesses may hesitate to make this investment without clear financial incentives, and the state is addressing this concern through funding programs and tax incentives.

Another challenge is the need for a comprehensive charging infrastructure. While electric vehicle charging stations are becoming more common, the infrastructure needed to support electric trucks is still in its infancy. The installation of fast-charging stations that can accommodate large trucks is essential to making the transition to electric trucks feasible for long-haul routes. Illinois is working on expanding its charging network, but widespread access to charging stations will take time to achieve.

How Is Illinois Collaborating with Private Companies?

Illinois is actively collaborating with private companies to strengthen the state’s electric vehicle infrastructure. These companies are playing a key role in driving the growth of electric vehicle manufacturing in the state. Investments in new production facilities and charging infrastructure are helping reduce costs and streamline production. These collaborations are contributing to the creation of jobs and support for the growing electric vehicle market.

Additionally, private companies are investing in the necessary infrastructure to support electric trucks. From building charging stations to developing new battery technologies, partnerships with private companies are critical in ensuring that Illinois can meet its electrification goals. These collaborations also contribute to job creation and economic growth, further enhancing the state’s ability to compete in the growing electric vehicle market.

What’s Next for Electric Trucks in Illinois?

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

The transition to electric trucks in Illinois is still in the early stages, but the state is making significant progress. By offering funding opportunities, tax incentives, and workforce training programs, Illinois is setting the stage for a successful shift to clean transportation. While challenges remain, particularly around cost and charging infrastructure, the state’s comprehensive approach is positioning it to lead the way in electric truck adoption.

As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, Illinois is working to create a strong foundation for electric trucks to thrive in its local industries. With continued investments in technology, infrastructure, and workforce development, the state is poised to be a key player in the future of electric transportation.

Managing Stress During Menopause: Tips from Allie Theiss

The Chicago Journal Staff on June 18, 2025

By: Allie Theiss, MSc, CSC, ABS – Menopause Care Provider and Integrative Wellness Coach

For years, I thought I was managing my stress just fine—until my body told me otherwise.

Like many women in midlife, I was juggling a career, family, and aging parents while trying to keep everything afloat. But slowly, my energy began to fade. I was waking up at 3 AM and couldn’t fall back asleep. I felt wired during the day but too tired to think straight. I craved sugar, lost patience easily, and no matter what I did, I felt like I was running on empty.

At first, I thought it was just life. But as a nationally recognized Menopausal Care Provider and Integrative Wellness Coach, I knew better. What I was experiencing was more than burnout—it was the silent strain of chronic stress layered on top of hormonal transition. And once I named it for what it was, everything changed.

Today, I help other women reclaim their energy and resilience through my Thrive™ Framework—a holistic approach to menopause that blends science, intuition, and soul. In this article, I want to pull back the curtain on how stress worsens menopause, and how you can start feeling like yourself again, naturally.

How Stress and Menopause Interact—And Why It Matters

Most women are aware that menopause involves hormonal changes. But what many don’t realize is that stress magnifies every menopause symptom and can even mimic them.

When you’re under chronic stress, your body produces more cortisol, the stress hormone. Elevated cortisol disrupts your entire endocrine system, including your estrogen, progesterone, and insulin levels. It becomes harder to sleep, easier to gain weight (especially belly fat), and more difficult to focus or stay calm.

This is where adrenal function comes into play. Your adrenal glands are supposed to help you respond to short bursts of stress. But when stress becomes a daily state—emotional, physical, financial, or even mental overstimulation—your adrenals begin to falter. This can lead to what we call adrenal fatigue, a condition that is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed entirely.

Recognizing the Signs: When Stress Takes Over

In my practice, I hear the same confessions from women over and over again:

“Why do I keep waking up at 3 AM and can’t fall back asleep?”
“I’m so anxious, but also completely exhausted.”
“I used to handle everything, now the smallest things set me off.”

These aren’t just mood swings or bad days. Your nervous system is waving a red flag: “I’m overwhelmed. I need help.” Here are some of the most common signs that stress is amplifying your menopause experience:

Waking between 2–4 AM – often triggered by a cortisol spike or blood sugar crash
Wired but tired – your body feels edgy, your mind is racing, but your energy is running on fumes
Heightened emotional reactivity – irritability, anxious thoughts, or feeling on edge for no clear reason
Cravings for sugar, salt, or carbs – especially during the afternoon or late at night
Mental fog and decision fatigue – struggling to focus, forgetting details, or feeling easily overwhelmed

If you recognize yourself in this list, please hear this: you’re not failing—your body is adapting. And with the right support, you can help it adapt in a way that restores your clarity, energy, and calm.

Holistic Strategies That Help

In my Thrive™ Framework, we focus on calming the nervous system and restoring internal balance, not just pushing through.

Here are four stress-supportive tools I teach my clients:

Breathwork and Grounding Practices

Simple breathing exercises can shift your body out of fight-or-flight in under 60 seconds. One of my favorites is 4-7-8 breathing: Inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Repeat 4 cycles. Walking barefoot in the grass, placing your hand on your chest, or doing a 5-minute body scan can also bring your energy back to center.

Herbal Allies

Adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and lemon balm gently help your body respond to stress. Whether in teas, tinctures, or supplements, these herbs can reduce cortisol and support adrenal recovery.

Mind-Body Rituals

Rituals are powerful. Journaling for 10 minutes in the morning, taking a mindful walk after dinner, or doing gentle stretching before bed helps regulate your emotions and establishes a pattern for your body to rely on. These rituals build rhythm, and rhythm is soothing to a stressed-out system.

Blood Sugar and Nervous System Stabilization

If you’re constantly stressed, skipping meals or surviving on caffeine and carbs only makes it worse. I teach women to nourish themselves regularly with protein-rich snacks, healthy fats, and mineral-rich hydration to maintain steady energy and mood levels.

Coming August 2025: The Stress Reset™ Mini-Course, Plus Essential Oil

For women who want to delve deeper, I’ve created a new resource: The Stress Reset™, a concise and supportive online course that teaches you exactly how stress impacts your hormones and how to gently reverse that cycle.

Through bite-sized guided exercises, we explore calming rituals, food-based nervous system support, and mindset practices that reconnect you to peace, even in the midst of change.

As an optional add-on, I’ve created the Calm Core™ Essential Oil Roll-On. It’s an aromatic blend designed to relax the body and quiet the mind anytime, anywhere. Keep it in your bag, on your nightstand, or at your desk—it’s a sensory anchor that tells your body, you’re safe.

You Don’t Have to Do It All Alone

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or just deeply tired, I want you to know there’s a reason. It’s not weakness, it’s biology. But biology isn’t destiny. You can shift your relationship with stress and come back to center. Give yourself permission to rest, reset, and receive the support you always give everyone else. You deserve that too.

To learn more about Allie Theiss, her Thrive™ Framework, and the upcoming Stress Reset™ course, visit menopausewellness.co or follow @menopausewellness.co on Instagram and TikTok.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.

AI Meets Cyber Defense: CyberCatch Advances Cybersecurity with NVIDIA Inception Program Support

The Chicago Journal Staff on June 18, 2025

Innovative Solutions for Evolving Cyber Threats

In today’s rapidly changing digital environment, the threat landscape is in constant flux. Cybercriminals develop increasingly sophisticated techniques, which can leave businesses vulnerable if they don’t stay informed. CyberCatch offers a suite of forward-thinking solutions designed to meet these challenges with a comprehensive strategy. Their commitment to enhancing cybersecurity measures is not just about installing firewalls or antivirus software; it involves a holistic approach that addresses the nuances of each organization’s operations.

A key component of CyberCatch’s offerings is its risk assessment strategy. They don’t rely solely on standard metrics. Instead, they evaluate specific vulnerabilities unique to each business. This individualized approach allows organizations to prioritize investments in cybersecurity, helping ensure that resources are allocated where they are most needed. Furthermore, by continuously monitoring threats, CyberCatch provides its clients with ongoing support, adjusting strategies as necessary based on real-time conditions.

Compliance is another critical aspect of CyberCatch’s services. Many businesses grapple with understanding the various regulations that mandate cybersecurity measures. CyberCatch simplifies this complexity by guiding clients through compliance requirements, aiding them in meeting legal standards, and cultivating a culture of security awareness across their teams. This proactive education empowers employees to recognize potential threats and respond effectively, contributing to reduced risk exposure.

Incident response is yet another area where CyberCatch demonstrates strong capabilities. In the event of a breach or cyber-attack, speed and efficiency are paramount. Their team is equipped to act quickly, limiting potential damage and working to restore normal operations as seamlessly as possible. This level of preparedness can offer reassurance to businesses, knowing they have a responsive partner available when needed.

CyberCatch is not just focused on technology; they actively engage in educating their clients about the importance of cybersecurity. Through workshops and training sessions, they foster a culture of security awareness. This commitment to client education means that businesses can operate with greater clarity and confidence, fully understanding how to protect their digital assets.

With this comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, CyberCatch is positioning itself as a notable partner in the field. Their innovative methods, coupled with a dedication to client service, help distinguish them from many competitors. More information about their solutions can be found on their website.

CyberCatch AI Platform: A Distinct Advantage in Cybersecurity

What truly sets CyberCatch apart is its cutting-edge AI platform, which broadens its cybersecurity capabilities. Unlike traditional security measures that often rely on pre-defined rules and outdated threat models, CyberCatch employs advanced artificial intelligence to analyze patterns, detect anomalies, and adapt to new threats in real time. This innovation means that businesses are not just protected from known threats; they are also better equipped to handle emerging risks.

The AI platform continuously learns from the vast data it processes, allowing it to evolve alongside emerging cyber threats. This adaptability is crucial, especially as hackers become more cunning and their methods more complex. In comparison to other solutions in the market, CyberCatch’s AI-driven approach offers a more anticipatory stance toward cybersecurity. Businesses can benefit from knowing their defenses are not static but dynamically respond to potential risks.

Being part of the NVIDIA Inception Program further strengthens this technological advantage. Selected for its innovative approach to cybersecurity, CyberCatch now has access to NVIDIA’s advanced hardware, software, and AI applications. This partnership enables the company to accelerate existing solutions and develop new ones with enhanced speed and scalability.

This relationship reflects a shared vision for advancing the cybersecurity domain. By leveraging NVIDIA’s resources, CyberCatch seeks to refine its AI algorithms and incorporate novel features that aim to deliver protection across multiple vectors. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances organizational safety but also supports CyberCatch’s growing presence as a strong player in the industry.

As the cybersecurity landscape becomes more intricate, having an adaptive partner like CyberCatch may provide a strategic edge. Their dedication to harnessing advanced technology while promoting client education reflects a well-rounded strategy to address the complexities of today’s digital threats. Companies can feel confident knowing they have a resilient and responsive security framework that evolves with the landscape.

For more insights on their innovative solutions and to learn about their approach to cybersecurity, visit their website today.