Illinois

Illinois — encyclopedia article coming soon.

Illinois boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure, anchored by world-class research hospitals and expansive regional health systems.

* Top Hospitals: Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago), Rush University Medical Center (Chicago), and UChicago Medicine are internationally recognized for specialized care, education, and research. * Major Health Systems: Advocate Health Care, OSF HealthCare, and Carle Health serve large portions of the state, ensuring access to primary, urgent, and specialty care in both urban and rural areas. * Public Health: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) oversees public health initiatives, mental health services, and nursing home regulations across the state. * Pharmacies & Clinics: A dense network of Walgreens (headquartered in Illinois) and CVS pharmacies, alongside numerous federally qualified community health centers, provides accessible outpatient care.

Emergency services in Illinois are highly coordinated at the local, county, and state levels.

* Emergency Number: Dial 911 statewide for police, fire, and medical emergencies. * Law Enforcement: The Illinois State Police (ISP) patrol the highways and support local jurisdictions, working alongside county sheriffs and municipal police departments (most notably the Chicago Police Department). * Fire & Rescue: Managed by local fire protection districts and municipal fire departments. The Chicago Fire Department is one of the largest and oldest in the nation. * Disaster Management: The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) coordinates disaster response, severe weather alerts, and statewide emergency preparedness, working closely with FEMA.

Illinois has a highly diversified economy, traditionally serving as a vital bridge between the agricultural Midwest and global financial markets.

* Major Industries: Advanced manufacturing, agriculture (primarily corn and soybeans), financial services, technology, and logistics/transportation. * Business Districts: The Chicago Loop is the state's commercial heartbeat, housing the Chicago Board of Trade and numerous corporate headquarters. * Shopping Centers: The Magnificent Mile (Chicago), Woodfield Mall (Schaumburg), and Oakbrook Center (Oak Brook) are premier retail destinations. * Innovation & Startups: The state hosts a growing tech and startup ecosystem, supported by hubs like 1871 in Chicago and research corridors near the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.

The culinary scene in Illinois ranges from hearty Midwestern staples to globally acclaimed fine dining.

* Signature Dishes: Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, the Chicago hot dog (traditionally served without ketchup), Italian beef sandwiches, and Garrett Popcorn. * Famous Eateries: Iconic casual spots include Lou Malnati's, Portillo's, and Al's Beef. On the fine-dining end, Alinea (Chicago) is widely considered one of the best and most innovative restaurants in the world. * Farmers Markets: The Green City Market in Chicago and Urbana's Market at the Square highlight the state's rich agricultural bounty. * Agriculture: Illinois is the nation's top producer of pumpkins and a leading producer of corn and soybeans, heavily influencing local farm-to-table menus.

Tourism in Illinois offers a rich blend of urban architectural marvels, historic landmarks, and classic American road trips.

* Iconic Landmarks: The Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Navy Pier, and Cloud Gate (known affectionately as 'The Bean') in Millennium Park. * Historic Sites: The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and his tomb, all located in the capital city of Springfield. * Scenic Routes: The Historic Route 66 begins in Chicago and winds through classic Americana towns across the state toward St. Louis. * Parks & Architecture: Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio in Oak Park, and the spectacular Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette draw global visitors.

Illinois offers diverse recreational opportunities, from Great Lakes watersports to southern forest trails.

* Biking & Walking: The 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail offers stunning uninterrupted views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. * Hiking & Camping: The rugged terrain of the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois provides excellent backpacking, rock climbing, and camping. * Water Sports: Boating, kayaking, and sailing are highly popular on Lake Michigan, the Fox River, and the Chain O'Lakes system in northern Illinois. * Golf: The state features hundreds of golf courses, including famous championship courses like Medinah Country Club, which has hosted multiple major championships.

While much of the state is characterized by flat, fertile prairie, Illinois holds surprising geographical diversity.

* Shawnee National Forest: Located in southern Illinois, featuring the stunning rock formations of the Garden of the Gods. * Starved Rock State Park: Famous for its spectacular seasonal waterfalls and sandstone canyons, located along the Illinois River. * Matthiessen State Park: A neighbor to Starved Rock, known for its unique sunken rock formations and prairie trails. * Illinois Beach State Park: Stretching along the shores of Lake Michigan, offering rare dune ecosystems and sandy beaches. * Wildlife: The state is home to white-tailed deer, red foxes, coyotes, and bald eagles (especially wintering along the Mississippi River), as well as diverse migratory bird populations.

Waterways define much of Illinois' borders and its commercial history.

* Lake Michigan: Forms the northeastern border, providing drinking water, recreation, and crucial shipping routes connecting to the St. Lawrence Seaway. * Major Rivers: The Mississippi River forms the entire western border, while the Ohio River and Wabash River form the southern and southeastern borders. * Inland Rivers: The Illinois River bisects the state, serving as a vital commercial link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River system. The Chicago River is famous for its architectural boat tours and being dyed green every St. Patrick's Day. * Lakes: The Chain O'Lakes in northern Illinois is a heavily used recreational waterway system.

Illinois is a global center for arts, music, and cultural institutions.

* Museums: The Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium are world-renowned. * Music Heritage: Chicago is a historic epicenter for Blues, Jazz, and House music. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is globally celebrated for its brass section and historic recordings. * Theater: A vibrant theater scene is anchored by the Steppenwolf Theater Company, The Second City (a legendary comedy and improv institution), and the historic Chicago Theater. * Architecture: The state is widely considered the birthplace of the modern skyscraper and boasts an unparalleled architectural heritage, heavily influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Illinois is a tapestry of diverse faiths and religious traditions.

* Christianity: The Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago is one of the largest in the nation. There are also robust Protestant populations (Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran) across the state. * Judaism: The Chicago metropolitan area is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States, with numerous historic synagogues and cultural centers. * Islam: The state has a rapidly growing Muslim population, with the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview serving as a major community hub. * Other Faiths: The Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette is the oldest surviving Baha'i temple in the world and the only one in the United States. Vibrant Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh communities also thrive, particularly in the northern and western suburbs.

Illinois has a deeply passionate sports culture with representation in every major professional league.

* Professional Football: Chicago Bears (NFL). * Professional Basketball: Chicago Bulls (NBA) and Chicago Sky (WNBA). * Professional Baseball: Chicago Cubs (MLB - National League) and Chicago White Sox (MLB - American League). * Professional Hockey: Chicago Blackhawks (NHL). * Professional Soccer: Chicago Fire FC (MLS) and Chicago Red Stars (NWSL). * Collegiate Sports: The University of Illinois Fighting Illini and Northwestern University Wildcats both compete in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference.

The state's calendar is packed with local fairs, music festivals, and major international events.

* Music Festivals: Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival, and the Chicago Blues Festival draw massive global crowds every summer. * Food Festivals: The Taste of Chicago is one of the largest outdoor food festivals in the world. * State Fairs: The Illinois State Fair, held annually in Springfield, celebrates the state's agricultural roots with entertainment, competitions, and iconic food. * Sporting Events: The Chicago Marathon, held every October, is one of the six prestigious World Marathon Majors. * Cultural Celebrations: St. Patrick's Day (featuring the dyeing of the Chicago River), the Bud Billiken Parade, and vibrant Pride celebrations in Chicago.

Illinois has a rich journalistic history and a vibrant modern media landscape.

* Newspapers: The *Chicago Tribune* and *Chicago Sun-Times* are the primary metropolitan dailies. The *Daily Herald* serves the expansive suburbs, while the *State Journal-Register* covers the state capital. * Television: Chicago is a major global television market, home to network-owned stations WMAQ (NBC), WLS (ABC), WBBM (CBS), WFLD (Fox), and independent powerhouse WGN-TV. * Radio: WBEZ is a prominent NPR member station (and the original home of acclaimed shows like *This American Life*). WBBM Newsradio and WXRT are historic local broadcast pillars. * Digital: Numerous digital-first outlets, such as *Block Club Chicago*, provide deep local neighborhood coverage and investigative reporting.

Illinois has been home to or heavily shaped by numerous prominent historical and cultural figures:

* Abraham Lincoln: 16th U.S. President, who spent much of his adult life and political career in Springfield. * Barack Obama: 44th U.S. President, former Illinois State Senator and U.S. Senator. * Jane Addams: Pioneer social worker, founder of Hull House, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. * Walt Disney: Iconic animator, film producer, and entrepreneur, born in Chicago. * Ernest Hemingway: Nobel Prize-winning author, born and raised in Oak Park. * Michael Jordan: Basketball legend who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s. * Oprah Winfrey: Media mogul and philanthropist, who broadcast *The Oprah Winfrey Show* from Chicago for over two decades. * Miles Davis: Legendary jazz trumpeter and composer, born in Alton.

Illinois is a major corporate hub, housing the headquarters of numerous Fortune 500 companies across diverse sectors.

* Food & Retail: McDonald's (Chicago), Walgreens Boots Alliance (Deerfield), and Mondelez International (Chicago). * Healthcare & Pharma: Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park) and AbbVie (North Chicago). * Manufacturing & Heavy Industry: John Deere (Moline) and Archer Daniels Midland (Chicago). * Aviation & Transportation: United Airlines (Chicago). * Finance & Insurance: State Farm (Bloomington) and Allstate (Northbrook).

As a state, Illinois maintains sister-state and cooperative relationships to foster international trade, education, and cultural exchange:

* Niigata Prefecture, Japan * Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea * Greater Poland Voivodeship, Poland * *Note:* The city of Chicago also has one of the largest Sister Cities programs in the world, maintaining active relationships with 29 cities globally, including Paris (France), Osaka (Japan), and Warsaw (Poland).

Illinois is home to a robust network of civic, charitable, and professional organizations that strengthen communities from the urban centers of Chicagoland to the rural heartland of the state.

* Rotary International & Lions Clubs International: Both globally recognized service organizations are headquartered in Illinois (Evanston and Oak Brook, respectively), reflecting the state's deep roots in community service. * Illinois Chamber of Commerce: A leading voice for businesses across the state, advocating for economic growth and workforce development. * United Way of Illinois: A statewide association representing local United Way chapters that focus on education, financial stability, and health. * Illinois Farm Bureau: Given the state's massive agricultural output, this organization is crucial in supporting farmers and rural communities. * The Chicago Community Trust: One of the nation’s oldest and largest community foundations, dedicated to improving the region through strategic philanthropy. * Heartland Alliance: A major anti-poverty organization historically based in Chicago, working on housing, healthcare, and human rights.

Illinois features a diverse educational landscape, ranging from world-renowned research universities to extensive community college networks.

* Literacy Rate: Adult literacy aligns closely with the national average, though specific localized initiatives target improvements in urban and rural pockets. * High School Graduation Rate: The statewide high school graduation rate is consistently around 87% to 88%. * Higher Education: Illinois is a global hub for higher education. * University of Chicago: Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities globally, known for economics, sciences, and law. * Northwestern University: A premier private research institution in Evanston, highly ranked globally. * University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): A public Ivy and powerhouse in engineering, computer science, and agricultural sciences. * Community Colleges: The Illinois Community College Board oversees one of the largest community college systems in the United States, serving hundreds of thousands of students annually.

Public utilities in Illinois are regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), ensuring safe and reliable services.

* Electricity: The northern third of the state (including Chicago) is primarily served by ComEd (Commonwealth Edison). Central and southern Illinois are predominantly served by Ameren Illinois. Rural areas are often served by electric cooperatives. * Natural Gas: Major providers include Nicor Gas (northern Illinois suburbs), Peoples Gas (City of Chicago), North Shore Gas, and Ameren Illinois (downstate). * Water: Water services are generally managed at the municipal level. The City of Chicago Department of Water Management provides Lake Michigan water to the city and numerous surrounding suburbs. Downstate communities rely on local rivers, lakes, and extensive groundwater aquifers. * Waste Management: Private companies such as Waste Management (WM), Republic Services, and LRS (Lakeshore Recycling Systems) handle residential and commercial waste, alongside municipal sanitation departments.

Illinois offers a varied landscape of safety and security, heavily dependent on the specific municipality or region.

* Emergency Numbers: Dial 911 for all police, fire, and medical emergencies across the state. * Crime Overview: Rural and suburban Illinois generally report crime rates below the national average. The Chicago metropolitan area has varying safety profiles; while the central business districts and many neighborhoods are highly secure, some areas experience higher rates of localized crime. * State Law Enforcement: The Illinois State Police (ISP) patrol the extensive interstate highway system and assist local jurisdictions. * Weather Safety: Visitors and residents should be prepared for extreme weather. Illinois experiences severe thunderstorms and tornadoes (primarily in spring and summer) and heavy snowfall and extreme cold (in winter). * Visitor Tips: When visiting large urban centers, practice standard city awareness: keep valuables secure, stay in well-lit areas at night, and familiarize yourself with public transit routes.

Illinois boasts a diverse environment, transitioning from the Great Lakes ecosystem in the north to rolling hills and forests in the south.

* Protected Areas: The state maintains over 100 state parks, including the popular Starved Rock State Park (known for its sandstone canyons and waterfalls). The Shawnee National Forest spans southern Illinois, offering rugged terrain and the famous Garden of the Gods. * Water Quality: Lake Michigan is a vital freshwater resource, heavily monitored for water quality. The state's extensive river network (including the Mississippi, Illinois, and Ohio rivers) requires ongoing conservation to manage agricultural runoff. * Air Quality: Generally good statewide, though the Chicago metropolitan area occasionally experiences "Ozone Action Days" during hot summer months due to vehicle emissions and industrial activity. * Sustainability: Illinois has committed to green energy transitions, notably through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which aims for 100% clean energy by 2050. Wind power is a major contributor to the state grid, and solar adoption is rapidly increasing.

Illinois is actively investing in infrastructure, technology, and green energy to secure its economic future.

* Rebuild Illinois: A historic, multi-billion dollar bipartisan capital plan passed in 2019, funding massive improvements to roads, bridges, railways, universities, and broadband internet access statewide over several years. * O'Hare 21: A massive modernization and expansion project at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, aiming to increase capacity, efficiency, and passenger experience into the next several decades. * High-Speed Rail: Continued upgrades to the Chicago-to-St. Louis rail corridor have allowed for faster, more reliable Amtrak service (up to 110 mph). * Tech and Innovation: Illinois is positioning itself as a leader in quantum computing and microelectronics, with significant state and federal investments going toward the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in the Chicago area. * Green Energy: Ongoing development of wind and solar farms downstate, alongside infrastructure for electric vehicles (EV), including a push for in-state EV manufacturing.

Illinois is the most populous state in the Midwest, featuring a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and communities.

| Demographic Category | Distribution (Approximate) | | :--- | :--- | | Population | ~12.5 million | | Race / Ethnicity | White (Non-Hispanic): 59%, Hispanic/Latino: 17.5%, Black/African American: 14%, Asian: 6%, Two or more races: 2.5% | | Age Groups | Under 18: 22%, 18-64: 61%, 65 and over: 17% | | Primary Languages | English (77%), Spanish (13%), Polish, Mandarin, Tagalog | | Religious Affiliation | Christian (~71%), Unaffiliated (~22%), Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist (~7% combined) |

1. Land of Lincoln: Illinois is known as the "Land of Lincoln." Although Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky, he began his political career in Illinois.
2. The First McDonald's: The first franchised McDonald's restaurant opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955 by Ray Kroc.
3. A River Reversed: The Chicago River is one of the only rivers in the world that flows backward. Its flow was reversed in 1900 to keep sewage away from Lake Michigan, Chicago's drinking water source.
4. Pumpkin Capital: Morton, Illinois, claims the title of "Pumpkin Capital of the World," processing over 80% of the world's canned pumpkins.
5. Route 66 Origin: The historic U.S. Route 66 begins in downtown Chicago on Adams Street and travels through the state toward California.
6. Aboriginal Metropolis: Cahokia Mounds, near Collinsville, was once the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico, peaking around 1100 AD.
7. Tallest Building: The Willis Tower (formerly and still commonly known as the Sears Tower) in Chicago was the tallest building in the world for 25 years.
8. First to Ratify: Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery.
9. State Snack: Popcorn is the official state snack of Illinois, designated in 2003.
10. Nuclear Birthplace: The world's first artificial nuclear reactor, Chicago Pile-1, was built under the stands of the University of Chicago's Stagg Field in 1942.
11. Birthplace of Ronald Reagan: The 40th U.S. President was born in Tampico, Illinois, and raised in Dixon.
12. Deep Dish: Chicago is world-famous for its deep-dish pizza, reportedly invented at Pizzeria Uno in 1943.
13. State Fossil: The Tully Monster (*Tullimonstrum gregarium*), a strange prehistoric marine creature found only in Illinois, is the state fossil.
14. First Skyscraper: The Home Insurance Building, built in Chicago in 1885, is widely considered the world's first modern skyscraper.
15. Agricultural Powerhouse: Illinois is a massive producer of both corn and soybeans, usually ranking in the top two states nationally for both crops.
16. State Dance: Square dancing is the official state dance of Illinois.
17. Three Capitals: Springfield is actually the state's third capital city. The first was Kaskaskia, followed by Vandalia.
18. Highest Point: The highest point in Illinois is Charles Mound, located in the northwest corner of the state, sitting at just 1,235 feet above sea level.
19. Busiest Airports: Chicago O'Hare International Airport consistently ranks as one of the top five busiest airports in the world by takeoff and landing data.
20. Web Browser Pioneers: The world's first popular graphical web browser, Mosaic, was developed at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1993.

Q: What is the capital of Illinois? A: The capital is Springfield, located in the central part of the state.

Q: What is the largest city in Illinois? A: Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and the third-largest city in the United States.

Q: Why is Illinois called the Land of Lincoln? A: Abraham Lincoln spent most of his adult life in Illinois, practicing law and launching his political career before becoming the 16th U.S. President.

Q: What is the state bird? A: The Northern Cardinal.

Q: What is the state flower? A: The Violet.

Q: What time zone is Illinois in? A: All of Illinois is in the Central Time Zone (CT).

Q: How many counties are in Illinois? A: Illinois has 102 counties.

Q: What is the weather like in Illinois? A: Illinois has a continental climate with four distinct seasons: hot, humid summers; cool, wet springs; crisp autumns; and cold, snowy winters.

Q: Does Illinois have toll roads? A: Yes, northern Illinois has an extensive network of tollways managed by the Illinois Tollway. The state uses the I-PASS electronic toll collection system, which is fully compatible with E-ZPass.

Q: What is the sales tax rate in Illinois? A: The base state sales tax is 6.25%, but local municipalities add their own taxes, which can push the total rate above 10% in places like Chicago.

Q: What are the main airports? A: Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Chicago Midway (MDW) are the primary international hubs. Downstate airports include Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) in Bloomington and Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) in Springfield.

Q: Is marijuana legal in Illinois? A: Yes, recreational and medical marijuana use is legal for adults 21 and older.

Q: What is the minimum wage in Illinois? A: As of 2024, the statewide minimum wage is $14.00 per hour, though the City of Chicago and Cook County have higher local minimum wages.

Q: What borders Illinois? A: Wisconsin to the north, Lake Michigan and Indiana to the east, Kentucky to the south, and Missouri and Iowa to the west (across the Mississippi River).

Q: Does Illinois have national parks? A: Illinois does not have a designated "National Park," but it has the Shawnee National Forest, Pullman National Historical Park, and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.

Q: What is the public transportation like? A: Chicago features the CTA (buses and "L" trains) and Metra (commuter rail). Amtrak provides extensive statewide passenger rail service connecting Chicago to downstate cities.

Q: What famous foods is Illinois known for? A: Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, Garrett Popcorn, and the "horseshoe" sandwich (popular in Springfield).

Q: When is the best time to visit? A: Late spring (May/June) and early autumn (September/October) offer the most pleasant weather, while summer brings lively festivals across the state.

Q: Does Illinois experience earthquakes? A: Southern Illinois is located near the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone, so minor earthquakes occasionally occur.

Q: Can you swim in Lake Michigan? A: Yes, during the summer months, Chicago and northern coastal suburbs offer numerous popular public beaches for swimming.

Chicago skyline at sunset Starved Rock State Park waterfalls Illinois State Capitol in Springfield Shawnee National Forest Garden of the Gods Chicago Riverwalk architecture Farmland in central Illinois Route 66 historic signs Illinois Deep dish pizza Chicago University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Aerial view of Lake Michigan shoreline

Chicago walking tour 4K Illinois Route 66 road trip guide Starved Rock State Park drone footage History of Chicago architecture documentary Illinois agriculture and farming Chicago food tour deep dish pizza and Italian beef Shawnee National Forest hiking guide Lollapalooza music festival highlights University of Illinois campus tour Illinois state history and Abraham Lincoln

Illinois political map counties Illinois physical terrain map Chicago CTA L train map Illinois interstate highway map Shawnee National Forest trail map Illinois Amtrak routes map

Social Pulse members in Illinois have a wealth of community connections to explore:

* Volunteer Opportunities: Engage with local chapters of the United Way, volunteer at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, or participate in park cleanups organized by the Friends of the Chicago River. * Food Banks: The Northern Illinois Food Bank and Central Illinois Foodbank provide essential services and always welcome community support. * Farmers Markets: From the massive Green City Market in Chicago to vibrant weekly markets in Peoria, Bloomington, and Champaign, supporting local agriculture is a statewide tradition. * Local History & Archives: Contribute to community history by exploring the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum or the Chicago History Museum. * Celebrate a Life: Connect with neighbors through local memorial groups, share local obituaries, and document family trees rooted in Illinois' historical immigrant populations. * Community Calendars: Follow local county fairs (including the grand Illinois State Fair in August), summer music festivals, and high school sports schedules. * Classifieds & Real Estate: Explore varied living options, from downtown high-rises and suburban family homes to historic farmhouses in the downstate region.

Title: Illinois State Guide | History, Facts, Economy & Tourism Description: Discover Illinois—the Land of Lincoln. Explore comprehensive information on demographics, education, economy, tourism, and community resources in the Prairie State. Keywords: Illinois, Chicago, Springfield, Land of Lincoln, Illinois travel, Illinois facts, Midwest, Illinois economy, Route 66, Illinois demographics Hashtags: #Illinois #EnjoyIllinois #Chicago #Midwest #LandOfLincoln #PrairieState Alternate spellings: Ill., IL, Illanois (common misspelling) Nearby locations: Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Michigan (via lake border) Categories: States, United States, Midwest, Locations Tags: Official Guide, Tourism, Relocation, Geography, History

* United States Census Bureau: Population and demographic data. * State of Illinois Official Portal (illinois.gov): Government, civic, and structural information. * Enjoy Illinois (Illinois Office of Tourism): Travel, cultural, and landmark information. * Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE): Education metrics and public school statistics. * Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC): Utility and infrastructure regulation data. * Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA): Air and water quality data. * FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program: Law enforcement and safety statistics.