Illinois Public Media News

A key source of funding for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources could be blocked. Or maybe not. Brian Mackey looks into whether a proposed constitutional amendment to safeguard road construction money could block a key funding source for Illinois state parks.

Statistics are playing a larger role in election coverage than ever before.  Websites like Five Thirty Eight and Upshot from the New York Times analyze opinion polls to predict the winner in the race for the White House, as well as US Senate races.  Those websites have a strong track record of predicting winners, but there’s a site on the University of Illinois Urbana campus that’s done even better.

Residents living near a former manufactured gas plant in Champaign say utility company Ameren "won't lift a finger" to address concerns about toxic vapors in the neighborhood. So those in the 5th and Hill neighborhood have called upon the U.S. EPA, which is offering free inspections to those living in the area. The agency is hosting a public meeting Thursday to sign up those residents.

Governor Bruce Rauner says his latest initiative will help grow the state’s economy and create jobs.The first term Republican visited the College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn on Monday to sign an executive order to create the Illinois Competitiveness Council.

A proposed amendment to the state’s constitution would protect money set aside for transportation projects. Supporters say the change is needed because money that's supposed to be earmarked for building roads has gone to other expenses over the years. But the amendment could allow some of those practices to continue, while endangering other popular programs.