Infrastructure
Mississippi River crests at Davenport, testing barriers
The peak was slightly lower than forecast but still high enough to test the region's flood defenses and to keep officials on guard. Many larger cities have flood walls but Davenport relies on temporary sand-filled barriers and allows the river to flood in riverfront parks.
FAA: Construction can start on new O'Hare terminals
Construction can begin on new passenger terminals at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport following the completion of an environmental review, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
Great Lakes projects get funding under new law
Among other projects, the U.S. A.C.E. will devote $226 million to the Brandon Road Lock & Dam near Joliet to install obstacles to prevent invasive carp from migrating up the Illinois River to Lake Michigan.
Illinois getting $1.4B from feds to fix, upgrade bridges
Illinois was recently ranked as having the 3rd most structurally-deficient bridges in the nation.
Sky-high car prices likely to continue through 2022
Average price of a used vehicle in the U.S. in November was $29,011 - 39% more than 12 months prior. For the first time, more than half of America's households have less income than considered necessary to buy an average-priced used vehicle.
New Quad Cities bridge over the Mississippi River opens
The 3,464-foot (1,056-meter) span is supported by so-called “basket handle” arches that rise 164 feet (50 meters) above the roadway. The $1 billion project, nearly 90% of which came from federal money, replaces an initial bridge that opened in 1935.
Illinois Secretary of State unveils new web address to combat fraud
Don't worry too much, the old website, at cyberdriveillinois.com, will continue to redirect to the new website. Just don't be alarmed.
Cause of Montana Amtrak derailment still under investigation
Killed in the accident were Margie and Don Vardahoe, a Georgia couple on a cross-country trip to mark their 50th wedding anniversary, and Zachariah Schneider, 28, a software developer from Illinois.
At least 3 killed in Amtrak derailment
Five Amtrak cars on The Empire Builder, a train that runs from Chicago to Seattle, derailed around 3:55 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time.
