Illinois Public Media News

Illnesses from mosquitoes, ticks and fleas have tripled in the U.S. between 2004 and 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

On the 21st: An Illinois man shares his own personal story of addiction and recovery, as pharmaceutical executives testified before Congress earlier this week on their role in the opioid crisis. Plus, a new bill that passed the state Senate would require LGBT historical figures to be covered in classrooms. And, some tips for avoiding mosquito and tick bites during the summer months.

Anecdotal reports suggest marijuana is helpful in managing symptoms of chemotherapy, like pain and nausea. But it's unlikely curious patients are getting clear guidance from their doctors on whether they should try marijuana, which form might work best and how much to take. A new survey of 237 oncologists from around the country finds that while roughly 80 percent talk with their patients about marijuana, fewer than 30 percent feel they have sufficient knowledge to advise them about its medicinal use.

The new report from Prairie Rivers Network shows elevated nitrate levels have been measured in drinking water in many areas across the state. The group says elevated nitrate levels are associated with some serious health issues.

The Civic Federation, a Chicago-based fiscal watchdog group Wednesday said Governor Bruce Rauner’s budget proposal is unrealistic and relies on money that may never come through. The group’s report calls it “precariously balanced”.