Illinois Public Media News

More than 50,000 students in Illinois dealt with homelessness last year. And now, one school district is using a state law to help families find housing by using money in their transportation budget. And if you’re a regular NPR listener, you know the voice of Scott Simon. But, you may not know he has roots here in Illinois. Plus, we’ve all told little white lies. But according to new research from the University of Chicago, the whole truth and nothing but the truth might be the best way to go.

Nearly 1 in 8 Americans don’t have enough food because of lack of money or other resources, according to 2017 data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A University of Illinois professor said he’s hopeful a new million-dollar grant from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research will lead to a better understanding of how to reduce food insecurity nationwide.

Around 150,000 children have an allergy to sesame, a study from Northwestern University shows. A proposal at the Illinois Statehouse could help parents and children avoid foods with the ingredient.

Illinois Newsroom has been covering the struggle to find affordable housing around the state. The lack of funding to build housing for people with low-incomes is one challenge. But city governments can influence where and how housing is built through their zoning rules.

More colleges are beginning to offer classes in growing and handling marijuana as demand for such skills from growers and dispensaries increases.