Officials with Western Illinois Unviersity will be looking for a new president after Jack Thomas announced his resignation. Thomas' tenure was rocky at the school that has campuses in Macomb and the Quad Cities. His replacement will deal with an institution still trying to rebound from a state budget impasse and enrollment declines. The WIU Board Chair gives his view of the situation. We also check in on a new law requiring cursive writing be taught in schools. But just because kids are shown

Our Education Reporter Dusty Rhodes examines what's wrong with the teacher pension system in Illinois and why it needs to be fixed soon. Also, gambling addicts are warning the state's gambling expansion will result in more compulsive bettors. And, the governor signs the most comprehensive abortion rights law in the country. That and more on this episode of Statewide.

The heavy and frequent rains across the midwest has resulted in flooding here in Illinois and farmers being unable to get crops in the field. But there has been another impact: bugs. Specifically, flying insects like gnats and mosquitoes. We talk with an entomologist about the swarms and how long they might last. More casinos and legal sports wagering. That's the result of a gambling package the General Assembly approved. And Steak n Shake, founded in Normal 85 years ago, is facing problems that

A key argument against a graduated income tax, where those who earn more pay a higher percentage, is that individuals who have the resources will leave the state to relocate somewhere cheaper. But the same was said when Illinois bumped up its tax rates under the flat tax system earlier this decade. An analysis finds the number of higher income taxpayers actually went up. And, the invasive Asian carp have taken over several waterways in the midwest, threatening native species and throwing off the

Illinois has too few mental health providers to deal with demand, putting those who don't get care at risk. Something was wrong with the little girl. That was clear by the time she was 10 years old. She raged often and was sometimes sullen. By the time she was 13, she was missing school because her anxiety was so severe. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which is marked by periods of depression and irritability interrupted by extreme highs. “We used to refer to her as Jekyll and Hyde

Six individuals were recently awarded the Order of Lincoln, a prestigious honor in Illinois to recognize contributions and achievements. Among those singled out was columnist George Will. We listen to his remarks. And 1919 was so violent, it was given the nickname "The Summer of Red." An Illinois author joins us to look back on an Illinois race riot that year. That and more on this week's Statewide.

Recreational pot, construction projects and more — here’s what we know.

Families of those who died at the Quincy Veterans’ Home during a Legionnaire's Disease outbreak are still upset. Those deaths happened on the Rauner Administration’s watch. But now they are questioning if the new governor is doing enough. Four women who are friends -- and also state lawmakers -- talk about how working on a key piece of legislation has brought them closer together. And in southern Illinois, one of the oldest homes still standing is state-owned. But there appears to be no plan for

Imagine being put in a postion where you could lose your job and face legal repercussions for helping save the life of a young student. That was the predicament an Illinois school nurse found herself in when a crisis happened. She tells her story, which may lead to a rule change. We look back at the dangerous derecho, which some say resembled an inland hurricane, that struck southern Illinois in May of 2009. What happened and what lessons were learned. That and more on this week's Statewide.

With Illinois lawmakers negotiating over a plan to make recreational marijuana use legal, public radio stations throughout the state focused on the issue. Reporters delved into various angles and points of view. The result was the series The State of Cannabis, which aired throughout Illinois this past week. On this special episode of Statewide, we highlight that reporting.