This week, we hear how the legal system can have a disproportionate impact on low income individuals. Fines and fees can pile up and experts say that can keep people in a cycle of poverty. We'll learn what other states are doing to improve the situation. East St. Louis has a rich cultural history, but even many of its residents are unaware. A new effort is underway to show the town's contributions. And speaking of history, Illinois has plenty to brag about when it comes to homegrown musical

We sit down with a woman who spent years in prison for the murder of her 3-year old son. She was later exonerated. But in our conversation with Kristine Bunch, she talks about her time behind bars, her struggle with forgiveness and why returning to her friends and family has been challenging. The amazing scenery of the Shawnee National Forest makes it a tourist destination. But some of its most popular sites might soon begin charging admission. We find out what's behind the change. That and more

This week on Statewide, the new Illinois law that will make recreational marijuana legal will create a need for people to work in the industry. We'll explain how some are getting training through a college program. We'll go to Stateville Correctional Center to learn about inmates making the best of their situation. And the kudzu vine is a scourge in the southern U.S. Now, it's showing up here in Illinois. But there are individuals who are finding uses for the invasive plant. That and more on

Gov. J.B. Pritzker's approval rating is strong in the latest Illinois Issues survey, conducted last month involving registered voters from across the state. While more people see the state making progress, a majority of those responding still say the state is going in the wrong direction. We'll break down the findings. Also, a national marijuana advocacy group sees Illinois' recreational cannabis law as a big win - not just for the cause in Illinois, but across the country. And, a new report has

This week, we hear from a Champaign-Urbana rap group whose members make their experiences with violence part of their music. We learn about a public service announcement depicting school shootings that is grabbing attention. And that's the point. Also, we visit a small Illinois community that is the hometown of a world famous sculptor. That and more on this episode of Statewide.

Many Illinois colleges and universities are struggling to attract and keep students. The problem, along with what some are doing about it, is outlined in the Illinois public radio series Enrollment Exodus. On this episode of Statewide, we hear those reports from journalists throughout Illinois.

Illinois has several sleepy, small towns that travelers bypass as they motor along highways. Only a few of these have figured a way to not only get people to stop, but to make their community a destination. Casey, in eastern Illinois, was struggling like most others just a few years ago. Then, Casey leaders started thinking BIG. This week, we hear about the transformation and get some advice for other towns. In 2016, Illinois' voting system was hacked and personal information for tens of

On this episode of Statewide, many communities have seen the value of keeping and restoring their older theatres. We take a trip to one town where the theatre is making new memories. We chat with Charlie Wheeler, the longtime journalist and professor who recently retired, for his views on statehouse reporting. And we learn why some women are turning to truck driving as a career. That and more this week.

66 year old Julie Bartolome bid a tearful farewell to her loved ones in the Chicago area as she was sent back to her native Phillipines last month. Our reporter was there when the matriarch of the family lost her battle with immigration authorities after more than 30 years in the United States. "Stay healthy, eat well," her husband Edgardo said she told him. "Don't cry." Also, we learn about tax increment financing and the development tool widely used and sometimes abused. And, a discussion on

This week, we recap an ongoing NPR Illinois/ProPublica investigation into complaints of sexual harassment on the University of Illinois' flagship campus. Reporter Rachel Otwell details the findings. After a deadly outbreak at the Quincy Veterans' Home, Illinois is taking steps to address Legionnaire's Disease. But is the state on the right track? An expert will join us. And indications are that more mosquitoes could be in our future. That and more on this episode of Statewide.