Topic: Geography

As the midterm election draws near, some state lawmakers want to change the way Illinois’ political districts are drawn. They want to do that by giving voters a chance to change the constitution. 

Eat Asian carp. That’s the message that Illinois and Louisiana officials want people to learn as conservation officials try to find a way to stop the invasive fresh-water species.
 

Irma has quickly become one of the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricanes ever recorded, with wind speeds of 185 miles per hour. As this monster churns through the Caribbean and heads toward Florida, here's the lowdown.

At least one person was killed Saturday night as the Houston area is inundated by torrential rain and catastrophic flooding from Tropical Storm Harvey, which officials called an "unprecedented" weather event that has left some residents stranded in their flooding homes and overwhelmed rescue workers.

A growing number of studies indicate that climate change is behind more frequent and intense flooding among Midwestern waterways. But some riverside residents believe there’s a bigger culprit behind the rising Mississippi: high levees.

Higher education has been one of the most notable victims of the Illinois budget impasse, which is nearing two years. So, it's unusual to hear Parkland College president Tom Ramage talk about growth amid that backdrop.

Nearly three-dozen activists were arrested during a sit-in last night at the Illinois State Capitol. Their goal: get lawmakers to pass a so called “People and Planet First Budget” — taxing the wealthy to pay for universal health care and free tuition at public universities.

Gov. Bruce Rauner was in the Chicago Suburbs Monday pushing to add toll lanes to Interstate 55. He also took the opportunity to attack Illinois Democrats.

It’s Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois.  The state saw its first round of severe weather last week when tornadoes killed three people.  The National Weather Service is looking for severe weather spotters to help give people advance warning of severe weather.

Why are the poor in central Illinois dying younger than in other parts of the country? We talked to researchers and health professionals to find out. Also, we spoke with the women behind the Ebertfest Film "Radical Grace."