Illinois passes budget, but leaves some legislation unfinished
The big picture: The budget headed to Gov. Pritzker's desk has so-called "sin tax" increases. Pritzker used his budget press conference to take aim at President Trump for slashing federal funding, affecting Illinois and other states.
Zoom out: Questions remain on how Chicago-area transit is going to move forward without the funding needed to avoid service cuts and layoffs, but lawmakers will likely work over the summer.
Here are some other high-profile bills that did and didn't make it to Pritzker's desk.
Medical aid and dying law
Catch up quick: Democratic State Sen. Linda Holmes told Axios she pushed for this legislation after watching her mother die of cancer.
The bill authorized a qualified patient with a terminal disease to request that a physician prescribe aid-in-dying medication that will allow the patient to die peacefully.
The other side: Archbishop Cardinal Blase Cupich voiced opposition to the legislation after the bill passed the House, saying the end-of-life medical assistance was against Catholic beliefs.
"There is a way to both honor the dignity of human life and provide compassionate care to those experiencing life-ending illness," Cupich said.
State of play: The bill passed the House but didn't pass the Senate before Saturday's deadline.
Home schooling
Context: The bill required parents and guardians who choose to homeschool to notify the school district and set requirements for reporting the progress of home-schooled students.
The chief sponsor also maintained that it would save kids who slip through the cracks, who would otherwise have a school support system looking out for their well-being.
State of play: Several active members of the homeschool movement rallied in Springfield, calling on lawmakers to kill the legislation, saying it created too much regulation and blamed a "failing" public school system.
The Homeschool Act did not get a vote in either chamber.
What they're saying: " We haven't given up on fighting for every Illinois homeschooled kid, and we're hopeful the bill will make it across the finish line when the next session starts," The Coalition for Responsible Home Education said in a statement.
What we're watching: In other education news, a bill that would have banned cell phones during instructional time didn't make it to the floor for a vote.
A bill to allow community colleges to offer four-year degrees made it to assignments but was never called.
AI as therapy
The big picture: As experts warn about AI taking jobs, mental health professionals in Illinois can rest assured that their jobs are safe for the near future.
State of play: Legislation declaring that only licensed therapists, aka humans, can provide psychotherapy services in Illinois passed the legislature.
Between the lines: No lawmaker in either the House or Senate voted against in the bill.
What we're watching: The House passed legislation that would increase reimbursement rates for mental health care providers and make care more affordable for patients, but it didn't make it to a full Senate vote.
Reproductive health
The big picture: Pritzker and the Democrat majority legislature have been instrumental in protecting access to reproductive health care in the state, and that continued with two pieces of legislation that passed.
One will require all public colleges and universities to ensure students have access to contraception and abortion medication, and the other protects providers who prescribe abortion medication, even if the FDA revokes it.
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Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Human Osteoblasts Market to Reach US$ 87.1 Million by 2033
The market is currently experiencing robust growth, fueled by a post-pandemic surge in orthopedic surgeries and significant investment in regenerative medicine. Innovations in 3D bioprinting and smart scaffolds are creating new therapeutic possibilities for bone repair. Chicago, Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global human osteoblasts market was valued at US$ 48.2 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 87.1 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period 2025–2033. The future potential of the human osteoblasts market lies in the convergence of artificial intelligence with advanced biomanufacturing. AI-powered platforms are now capable of analyzing genomic data from 1000s of individuals to predict osteoblast response to new drug compounds, drastically reducing discovery timelines. This synergy is enabling the creation of patient-specific 3D-bioprinted bone grafts. As of 2025, researchers are successfully embedding patient-derived osteoblasts into custom scaffolds with 95% cell viability post-printing. These constructs are being tested in preclinical models for craniofacial reconstruction and spinal fusion, promising a new era of personalized regenerative medicine. Demand for highly characterized osteoblasts for these applications is projected to soar. Download Sample Pages: Another significant growth frontier of the human osteoblasts market is the application of osteoblast research to counteract microgravity-induced bone loss in astronauts. With 3 new long-duration space missions planned by international agencies before 2028, research into osteoblast function in simulated microgravity is intensifying. Furthermore, the veterinary orthopedics market represents a substantial, untapped opportunity. In 2024, an estimated 1.2 million companion animals in the U.S. alone underwent procedures for fractures or degenerative joint diseases. The development of canine and equine osteoblast cell lines for testing new veterinary implants and cell-based therapies is an emerging field that could create an entirely new vertical within the broader market. Key Findings in Human Osteoblasts Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 87.1 million CAGR 6.8% Top Drivers Rising prevalence of osteoporosis and degenerative bone diseases globally. Technological advancements in cell-based therapies and tissue engineering. Increasing geriatric population driving demand for orthopedic surgical procedures. Top Trends Shift towards personalized medicine using patient-derived osteoblast cultures. Development of 3D bioprinting for creating patient-specific bone grafts. Growing adoption of minimally invasive bone regeneration surgical techniques. Top Challenges Expensive cell-based therapies and procedures. Stringent and complex regulatory approval pathways for new biologics. Top 12 Key Players Strategically Dominate the Evolving Global Human Osteoblasts Market The competitive environment is both concentrated and highly specialized. Analysis in 2024 consistently identifies 12 key players shaping the industry. These include Sigma-Aldrich, Athersys Inc., Cerapedics Inc., CryoLife, Inc., and Cytori Therapeutics Inc. Other notable companies are USA Stem Cell Inc., Vericel Corporation, Wright Medical Group N.V, Biocomposites, BD, Zimmer Biomet, and PromoCell. In the crucial U.S. orthopedic biomaterials sector, a key application area, 3 major competitors—Medtronic, DePuy Synthes, and Stryker—were noted as dominant forces in 2024. Suppliers offer highly specific product lines to meet diverse research needs. As of 2025, PromoCell provides 4 primary product categories related to osteoblasts, including cells and specialized growth media. Similarly, Innoprot offers 2 distinct types of primary human osteoblasts as of 2024 Human Calvarial and Human Femoral Osteoblasts in the human osteoblasts market. InSCREENex provides 1 specific immortalized human osteoblast cell line, CI-huOB. Product quality and performance are paramount. Lonza guarantees 10 population doublings for its Clonetics™ Normal Human Osteoblasts, ensuring robust expansion for 2024 research. Innoprot's immortalized cells demonstrate a growth potential of over 30+ passages, a significant advantage. Recent Product and Technology Launches Signal Rapid Advancement Within the Market Innovation remains a cornerstone of human osteoblasts market growth, with companies actively launching advanced products. On April 15, 2024, CryoLife, Inc. introduced 1 new osteoblast culture system designed to enhance cell viability. Zimmer Biomet followed suit in February 2024, launching 1 new bioreactor system for osteoblast cultivation with improved scalability. Innovation extends to cell preservation. In 2024, PromoCell released 1 new protein- and animal component-free cryopreservation medium, Cryo-SFM Plus, featuring advanced antioxidant technology. Intellectual property is also a key competitive tool. Bone Solutions Inc. was awarded 5 new patents in fiscal year 2025 for its Mg OSTEOCRETE technology, a bone substitute that stimulates osteoblast activity. Practical usability is crucial for clinical adoption. Bone Solutions' Mg OSTEOCRETE boasts a preparation time of just 30 seconds, a significant handling benefit for 2025 applications. To support adjacent research fields, PromoCell also launched 1 new Cancer Media Toolbox in 2024 to facilitate the establishment of primary cancer cell lines and complex 3D tumor models. Active Clinical Trials for Osteoblast-Related Therapies Underpin Future Market Expansion The clinical development pipeline is a strong indicator of future commercial opportunities. In February 2024, Biocomposites initiated 2 Phase 2 clinical trials for its STIMULAN VG® bone graft substitute. These trials will assess efficacy in treating diabetic foot osteomyelitis and stage 4 pressure ulcers. Osteosarcoma research, a critical area for the human osteoblasts market, is also advancing. In 2024, the Osteosarcoma Institute (OSI) sponsored 1 Phase 2 clinical trial in Spain for OMO-103, a promising MYC inhibitor. A remarkable 25 months was the fast-tracked timeline to launch the OMO-103 trial, showcasing increased efficiency in clinical development. In the United States, a 2024 study was published on 1 FDA/IRB-approved GMP-manufactured stem cell product, PSC-01, for knee osteoarthritis. The study showed that a single treatment provided pain reduction and increased function for 2.5 years. Research methodologies are also being refined. A 2024 clinical trial enrolled 30 patients to analyze the effects of lasers on alveolar bone preservation. A Phase 1 trial protocol published in 2024 detailed a 3+3 dose escalation method for a study using human umbilical cord-derived osteoblasts for femoral head osteonecrosis. Favorable Regulatory Approvals in 2024 Create a Promising Outlook for Therapies The regulatory climate for cell and gene therapies in the human osteoblasts market became increasingly favorable in 2024. The FDA approved 7 new cell and gene therapy products Amtagvi, Aucatzyl, Beqvez, Kebilidi, Ryoncil, Symvess, and Tecelra. The pace of approvals is accelerating, with 3 of these therapies gaining approval in early 2024 alone. On December 19, 2024, the FDA approved 1 mesenchymal stem cell product, Ryoncil from Mesoblast. Another landmark approval was granted on November 13, 2024, for 1 gene therapy for AADC deficiency, Kebilidi from PTC Therapeutics. On November 8, 2024, the FDA approved 1 CD19-directed T-cell immunotherapy, obecabtagene autoleucel (Aucatzyl), from Autolus Inc. The recommended dose for Aucatzyl is 410x10^6 CAR-positive viable T-cells. StemCyte received approval for 1 allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell therapy, Regenecyte, on November 26, 2024. Patent activity, a precursor to commercialization, is also strong. Innovators at the University of Pittsburgh were issued 5 patents in August 2024, while University of Minnesota researchers secured 111 US patents in 2024 for various health science discoveries. Significant Funding and Strategic Grants Accelerate Osteoblast-Focused Research and Development Robust financial investment is fueling the engine of scientific discovery across the global human osteoblasts market. The Osteosarcoma Institute (OSI) awarded $1,100,000 to 3 groundbreaking osteosarcoma research projects during its 2023–2024 grant cycle. One of these grants provided $500,000 in funding to Dr. David Lyden's team for a project focused on metastasis. The impact of such funding is often magnified. Building on an initial OSI grant, Baylor College of Medicine secured $4,500,000 in additional funding in 2024 to advance CAR-T therapy research. International collaborations are also being funded. In October 2024, one US–Israel Binational Science Foundation grant was awarded to a team including University of Vermont Cancer Center members to study osteosarcoma epigenetics. Wherein, government funding remains critical. In August 2024, Medical College of Georgia scientists received a five-year grant of $2,400,000 from the National Institute on Aging to study how stress hormones signal the skeleton. Philanthropic efforts are also significant, with over $4,600,000 raised from more than 1,000 donations in 2024 to support the OSI's vital mission. Diverse and Critical Applications Are Driving Widespread Adoption Across Multiple Fields The utility of human osteoblasts market extends across a wide spectrum of research and clinical applications. The dynamic interplay between 2 key cell types, osteoblasts and osteoclasts, is central to bone health, driving research into osteoporosis. In the laboratory, standardized protocols are essential. Human osteoblasts from PromoCell require approximately 3 weeks to show detectable mineralization in culture. Advanced 3D modeling is becoming a standard research tool. InSCREENex's immortalized human osteoblasts can form 3D "mini-bones" when cultured under specific conditions. Suppliers like PromoCell target 3 key application areas cell expansion, culture initiation, and differentiation. A 2024 study highlighted the use of 1 new 3D model based on human fetal osteoblasts to study osteocyte commitment. The clinical relevance is clear. The classic period for new bone formation after a tooth extraction, a process driven by osteoblasts, is 6-10 weeks. A 2025 study analyzed ion release from 3D printed scaffolds at 3 days, 7 days, and 15 days, key time points for osteoblast interaction. Quality Guarantees and Emerging Technologies Redefine the Global Human Osteoblasts Market The reliability of research outcomes depends on the quality of the underlying cell products. Suppliers in the market provide stringent quality guarantees. PromoCell guarantees >500,000 viable cells per cryovial after thawing. Innoprot similarly ensures >500,000 viable cells in each vial, cryopreserved at passage one, while Lonza guarantees ≥500,000 viable cells per ampule. For immortalized lines, Innoprot provides >1,000,000 viable cells per vial, and InSCREENex includes >0.5 million viable cells per vial. Longevity in culture is also specified. Innoprot guarantees 15 population doublings for its primary osteoblasts post-delivery. PromoCell recommends a split ratio of 1:3 to 1:6 for its primary cells. To support targeted research, PromoCell holds >100 HLA-typed cell donors in stock as of 2024, offering 4-digit high-resolution typing. The InSCREENex cell line was derived from a 63-year-old female donor. Concurrently, emerging technologies are creating new opportunities for the human osteoblasts market. Three key trends noted in the 2024 orthopedic biomaterials market are biodegradable materials, 3D printing, and nanotechnology. A September 2024 paper detailed 1 study using collagen-based 3D printed scaffolds to investigate osteoblast activity. A May 2024 publication described 1 new 3D in-vitro model using human fetal osteoblasts. A 2025 study utilized 2 cell lines to test 3D printed composite samples, using standards prepared from 1,000 mg/L stock solutions and a plating density of 10,000 cells/well for viability tests. Customize the Data Scope to Match Your Objectives: Strategic Alliances and Focused Regional Developments Indicate Strong Global Market Growth Corporate strategies and regional activities in 2024 and 2025 underscore a commitment to global expansion of the human osteoblasts market. On March 10, 2024, 1 major collaboration was announced between Athersys Inc. and Cerapedics Inc. to develop a novel osteoblast-based therapy. Service providers are also expanding. In 2024, Thermo Fisher launched its "Accelerator™ Drug Development" solutions, offering 360-degree support to biotech companies. Licensing agreements are expanding market access for key biologics. Bio-Thera Solutions entered into 1 exclusive licensing agreement on December 24, 2024, for its ustekinumab biosimilar. On the same day, GlycoNex announced 1 licensing agreement for its denosumab biosimilar, a therapy for bone loss. Regional market activities are intensifying. In 2024, 1 pivotal Phase 2 trial for osteosarcoma was opened in Barcelona, Spain. Stryker expanded with 1 new testing facility in India in February 2024. In May 2024, Sanofi announced 1 new partnership with OpenAI to accelerate R&D. The North American market saw the FDA grant 1 US approval to Pfizer's Beqvez on April 25, 2024. Europe showed activity with 1 approval by the UK's MHRA on January 15, 2025. The Asia-Pacific region is also growing, evidenced by 1 approval in Japan on January 7, 2025, for Biocon's ustekinumab. Global Human Osteoblasts Market Major Players: Athelas Bionova Scientific Cell Signaling Technology Corning EMD Millipore Invitrogen Lonza Merck Group NantKwest Promega R and D Systems ReproCELL Sigma-Aldrich Stemcell Technologies Thermo Fisher Scientific Other Prominent Players Key Market Segmentation: By Product Human Cell Culture Osteoblast Cell Lines By Application Traumatic Injuries Road Accidents Regeneration Surgeries Orthopedics Musculoskeletal and Spine Neurology By End user Hospitals Specialty Clinics Ambulatory Surgical Centers By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Need a Detailed Walkthrough of the Report? Request a Live Session: About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us:Astute AnalyticaPhone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World)For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube CONTACT: Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Website: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
USA Today
17 minutes ago
- USA Today
'All Things Considered' host Ari Shapiro is leaving NPR amid Trump cuts
"All Things Considered" host Ari Shapiro is leaving NPR. The NPR journalist said in an Aug. 20 statement that as he enters "the next chapter of my own professional evolution, I can't imagine an organization more uniquely prepared to deliver the kind of illumination, understanding, and joy that I have treasured my entire life — and will continue to depend on as a listener." Shapiro, 46, joined NPR as an intern for NPR legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg in 2001, spending the last 10 years as one of the hosts of "ATC." He has served as an international correspondent, a White House correspondent and a justice correspondent. "This has been the second-longest relationship of my adult life (after my marriage), and I am both deeply grateful and exceptionally proud to have become the journalist — and the person — I am because of NPR," Shapiro added. Earlier in his note, Shapiro said that "working at NPR has been a wild privilege," adding that "since I became an ATC host, I've kept the original mission statement from founder Bill Siemering taped in view of my desk." "Our ability to evolve and change without sacrificing that unshakable mission of public service is NPR's greatest strength," Shapiro continued. The exit comes amid President Donald Trump's ongoing push for federal spending cuts, signing a May executive order to pull federal funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, imperiling PBS, NPR and hundreds of associated local and regional radio and television channels. Trump has long accused America's largest public broadcasters of biased reporting. After the order, NPR's president and CEO, Katherine Maher, defended the outlet's journalism and reiterated its commitment to editorial independence in the wake of allegations of bias by the Trump administration. Contributing: Kathryn Palmer
USA Today
17 minutes ago
- USA Today
President Trump calls for Fed governor to resign after accusation of mortgage fraud
Trump's call for Lisa Cook to resign escalates his attacks on the independent Federal Reserve, which set monetary policy including interest rates. WASHINGTON ― President Donald Trump called for the resignation of a Biden-appointed Federal Reserve governor, Lisa Cook, following accusations from his administration that she engaged in mortgage fraud. Trump's new focus on Cook, who former President Joe Biden nominated to the board in 2022, escalates the president's attacks on the independent Federal Reserve, which is governed by a seven-member board to set monetary policy. "Cook must resign, now!!!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on the morning of Aug. 20, shortly after Bill Pulte, director of the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency, publicized a letter referring the Fed governor for criminal proseccution to the Justice Department. More: Trump tussles with Powell during Federal Reserve visit but backs off firing threat Pulte, in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, accused Cook of falsifying bank documents and property records to acquire more favorable loan terms. He said this included falsifying residence statuses in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Atlanta to potentially secure lower interest rates. Cook did not immediately respond to a USA TODAY request for comment on the allegations. Cook, a former economics and international relations professor at Michigan State University, is the first Black woman to ever sit on the Fed's board. Cook previously served as a senior economist on the Council of Economic Advisers in former President Barack Obama's White House. For months, Trump has railed against Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell over the Fed's unwillingness to lower interest rates as Trump has demanded, calling the chairman a "numbskull,' 'stupid person' and 'too late.' Powell has cited inflationary concerns from Trump's robust tariff regime in keeping interest rates steady. More: Trump considering lawsuit against Fed as he bashes Chair Jerome Powell Despite publicly weighing the idea of firing Powell, Trump has instead said he will wait to replace him when the chairman's term ends in 2026. Experts say the president can only remove a Fed chair for cause. Trump has also discussed possible criminal charges against Powell ‒ and perhaps suing Powell ‒ over the ballooning budget in a $2.5 billion renovation of the agency's Washington, DC headquarters. The Federal Open Market Committee, which sets interest rates, is a 12-member panel composed of the seven governors on the Fed board and five Reserve Bank presidents. Two Republican members of the FOMC Committee in July voted to lower interest rates, marking the first time since 1993 that two governors have dissented from a Fed decision. To fill an earlier vacancy on the Fed's board of governors, Trump on Aug. 7 nominated Stephen Miran, who chairs the White House's Council of Economic Advisers. If confirmed by the Sebate, Miran would replace Fed Governor Adriana Kugler, who resigned on Aug. 1 before her term was set to expire. Contributing: Bailey Schulz of USA TODAY Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.
