The pandemic has forced more students and teachers to go online. That hasn't been easy. But it's also a challenge for parents, juggling work and making sure their kids keep up with their studies. A reporter shares her story. We also look back at an incident in Springfield involving President John F. Kennedy, one year before his assassination. That and more on this week's Statewide.

In a divided country, it's easy to point fingers and throw around blame. Those who work in government are often targets. But a new award will recognize those who do the public good. Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar joins us to talk about the award named after him and the late U.S. Senator Paul Simon. And we'll learn about two middle-aged white women, who refer to themselves as vandals, for taking it upon themselves to change the name of a park that honored a former slaveholder. Those stories

The coronavirus knows no age limits. This week on Statewide, we bring you the story of Dani Kater, McLean County's youngest victim. Her family recalls a woman in her 30's with no underlying health conditions who passed away this month. We'll also hear how the pandemic has made it more difficult for those battling addiction. But also why some say treatment has prepared them for what was to come. And a conversation with the next Illinois Senate Republican Leader.

A proposal to change Illinois' constitution was unsuccessful this week. It would have shifted Illinois away from a flat income tax, where everyone pays the same rate, to a graduated system with higher rates for wealthier individuals. The governor made it a cornerstone of his effort to improve the state's budget picture. Why did it fail and how will it impact J.B. Pritzker's political capital going forward? That story and more on this week's Statewide.

Will the coronavirus pandemic change how cities are designed in the future? Some urban planners think so. We'll hear their ideas. We'll learn why some parts of Illinois are doing better at handling COVID-19 than others. And, we'll find out what it's like to be a contact tracer. It's considered a crucial job in maintaining public health, but workers can sometimes be the target of hostility. Those stories and more on this episode of Statewide.

On this episode, we chat with some college freshmen about what their experience with higher education has been during the pandemic. Some are questioning if they are getting what they pay for. A doctor speaks with us about the latest COVID-19 numbers and what might lie ahead as colder weather approaches. We also learn about individuals performing outreach in Chicago to prevent violence. Those stories and more on this week's Statewide.

As voters continue to cast ballots in Illinois, a key part of the state's financial picture is being decided. A constitutional amendment that would swap Illinois' flat income tax for a graduated tax, with a different rate for higher earners, is seen as a way to shore up Illinois' budget. But how much would it help the state? And what happens if the proposal fails? We'll have a discussion. We'll hear about the brief time Illinois had a graduated tax and why that changed. Also, a reporting

On this week's episode, while we are in the midst of election season, more newspapers are choosing to forego the traditional political endorsement process. There are different reasons for the decision, We'll hear from an Illinois editor about why her paper has followed this trend. Billed as an improvisational comedy enterprise, Second City has launched careers of some of the biggest comedians in recent decades. Now, it's up for sale. We'll have a report from Chicago. And have you noticed more

On this episode of Statewide, we examine the worries over how COVID-19 could impact homeless shelters as the weather turns colder. Also, after more than six months in a pandemic, COVID fatigue has set in for many. We'll get some tips for how to deal with the stress. We'll learn about equine therapy helping veterans facing emotional trouble. And an update on a courthouse, slated for demolition, but mired in a court battle. Those stories and more on this week's Statewide.

On this episode of Statewide, outdoor dining has allowed many restaurants to survive during the pandemic. But what will happen as the temperature drops? We'll have a report. Former Gov. George Ryan explains how he came to the decision to put a hold on the death penalty in Illinois. And, we'll tell you about a grassroots movement to shed more light on police work. That and more on this week's Statewide.