On the latest episode of Statewide, a new report examines the past and present of corruption in both Chicago and the State of Illinois. It also ranks them compared to other governments throughout the country. Spoiler alert: it's not a pretty picture. How are college students viewing this election season and what questions do they have for candidates? And despite the same pressures faced by the newspaper industry as a whole, some individuals are making an effort to keep student papers keep

Cities are finding a way to improve high crime areas is to have police develop ties with residents. In Peoria, a program where officers live in the neighborhoods has proven successful and is expanding. We have a report. And we learn what Governor J.B. Pritzker said during his budget address. Pritzker used the opportunity to also push for a graduated income tax. That and more on Statewide.

As the northern Illinois community of Aurora marks the one year anniversary of a deadly workplace shooting at the Henry Pratt Company, we find out how the city is remembering the lives lost that day. The gunman in that shooting had his firearm license revoked years earlier, but his weapons were never confiscated. That has put more focus on getting guns away from individuals who are prohibited from having them. We have a report. And we hear the perspectives of two law enforcement officials, from

High schools promote a four year college degree to students, often placing less priority on other options like vocational training, two year degrees and more. We learn about a program in one community that is working to explain the different choices. More colleges and universities are making standardized test scores from the ACT and SAT scores optional when it comes to admissions. And we get a lesson on coyotes and why more are showing up in urban areas. That and more on this episode of

We'll find out why tearing down old structures doesn't have to mean sending a lot of material to the landfill. Deconstruction is a process of salvage and re-use. Hear how one city is embracing that approach. We'll talk with some Springfield area artists who put a face on the issue of homelessness. And we have a conversation about an effort to teach and celebrate statesmanship. Those stories and more on this week's Statewide.

There is still a lot of optimism regarding hemp as a cash crop in Illinois and other states. But the first year since it became legal to grow shows there is still a lot of work to be done. We'll hear from some farmers. Are people from the midwest nicer than those in other parts of the country? And how can you you measure it? Those stories and more on this episode of Statewide.

As he marked a year in office, Gov. J.B. Pritzker talked with Brian Mackey about several issues facing the state, including his thoughts on marijuana. The minimum wage hike that just happened in Illinois also meant a pay boost for those under 18, but they will continue to be paid less than other minimum wage earners. We have a report. And Western Illinois University has struggled with enrollment, leading to financial problems. But the interim President says he believes the dark clouds are

Illinois lawmakers did away with a requirement in 2019 that could have a big impact on those who want to be teachers. We'll hear from one woman who says it has changed her life. With college debt skyrocketing, more high schools see the need to teach personal finance to students. We'll visit one of those classrooms. And not many towns have a poet laureate. We bring you a report from Aurora, a community that just named its first person to hold that title. That and more on this week's Statewide.

On last week's episode, we looked back at some of the stories we covered in 2019. But with the new year upon us, we thought it would be a good time to look forward. We discuss some of the issues you'll be hearing more about this year.