An economist predicts Illinois' 19-cent-per-gallon gas tax hike will cause many Illinoisans to drive less, even if we haven't changed our habits just yet.

University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen is “delighted” and “very excited” about the funding increase for higher education included in the newly approved state budget. He said the investment in higher education spending represents an “historic turn in absolutely the right direction,” Killeen said.

Lawmakers are considering whether to ask Illinoisans to pay more for gasoline — with the money dedicated to fixing crumbling infrastructure.

Problems on interstate highways and bridges get a lot of attention. But you may be seeing more potholes and cracks on the roads you take to work or even live on, particularly in rural areas.

Crumbling sidewalks, gas line failures and cracked concrete — the problems at Brookfield Zoo are a metaphor for what’s wrong with public infrastructure throughout Illinois. As lawmakers begin negotiating a statewide spending plan to fix it, the zoo is among a growing list of those coming to Springfield with their paws out.