Statewide

In June 1919, Illinois was the first state that voted on ratification of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote. While a paperwork typo forced a separate vote several days later, it doesn't take away from the state's importance in women's suffrage. That story and more reports and conversations on Statewide.

After the deadly elementary school shooting in Texas, a fifth grade teacher in Illinois said a student asked her "Would that happen here?” “You are in a building of adults who will do whatever it takes to keep you safe,” she told them. We talk with teacher Rebecca Gamboa about the discussion in the aftermath of the tragedy. That story and more on this episode of Statewide.

Illinois and other states got a windfall with federal pandemic aid. But new research looks at how the money is being spent and raises the possibility of problems down the road.

On this episode, a leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion may signal the conservative majority of justices plan to overturn Roe v. Wade. It's a move that could restrict abortion access in many states. That would make Illinois a destination for those seeking the procedure. Lawmakers in favor of abortion rights say even though the state will protect the right to an abortion, additional legislation and other action is needed to prepare for what's to come. We'll also hear about another critical audit of a state agency, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Those stories and more on Statewide.

It was the fall of 2020 and COVID was surging again. An outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans' Home resulted in the deaths of 36 residents. Gov. J.B. Pritzker made changes in leadership at the home and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. But a new state audit questions the Illinois Department of Public Health's response when the problem became apparent. We'll discuss the audit and reaction on this episode.

Gun violence is a crisis in Illinois. The federal government provided money for the state to use on anti-violence efforts. But Illinois has only spent about one tenth of one percent of that amount so far. What's causing the delay? We have a report.And we learn about the challenging attracting — and keeping — home health aides. Those stories and more on this episode of Statewide.

On this week's episode, we speak with a person conducting seminars to help understand the way racism is built into our society. We also hear about a Ukrainian couple who fled their country and now live in the Midwest. And, the early history of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, who was born in Illinois and spent time in Peoria. Those stories and more on Statewide.

The country was shocked when news came of President Lincoln's assassination, 157 years ago this week. But how did people react? An author went through personal letters of the time to get a glimpse into the mood of the public. And a Black Springfield High School graduate says she was denied her rightful spot as class valedictorian in the 1980s. A new documentary tells her story.

Many in the U.S. feel helpless as they watch the war in Ukraine. But we'll take you to a small gift shop in Illinois, which has become a place to show support and find a sense of belonging. Also, Russian immigrants in the state explain their thoughts watching the war unfold. Those stories and more on this episode of Statewide.

The first U.S. town founded by a Black person was in Illinois. Free Frank McWorter was formerly enslaved. He settled New Philadelphia in Pike County in the 1830s and both whites and Blacks lived there. It is now being considered for National Park status. McWorter's great-great grandson and his wife have written a book about the community and we hear from them.And we learn about how contracts for deed are used to help some individuals obtain home ownership. But things don't always work out. Those stories and more on this week's Statewide.