In Illinois, Democrats control the General Assembly and have for years. The rest of the country is now following suit, with one party control in all but one legislature. We discuss the "all or none" phenomenon and if it's here to stay. We also recap Gov. J.B. Pritzker's first budget address and an historic discovery that provides a view of St. Louis' baseball past. That and more on this episode of Statewide:

Illinois' public school system is considered among the most inequitable in the country. So, should top students at the poorest schools be penalized when it comes to college admissions? A state lawmaker weighs in with his plan. Also, infant mortality rates are much higher for black women. We look at some of the reasons why. That and more this week on Statewide.

Despite cold weather, dozens of volunteers bundle up and head out in Chicago neighborhoods to find young girls who are being trafficked for sex. They are there to provide help for those who are looking for a way out. Natalie Moore went along on a recent night in the Roseland neighborhood. We'll hear what she learned. Also, giving assistance to the homeless can go beyond food and shelter. Mary Hansen focuses on a program that provides trauma therapy, which can get to the root problems that

Gov. J.B. Pritzker tabbed a former lawmaker from western Illinois to lead the state's agriculture department. We sit down with John Sullivan to get his thoughts on the ag economy and challenges facing farmers. He also talks about the potential for industrial hemp and his agency's possible role if Illinois legalizes recreational marijuana use. Perry Cline was addicted to drugs, served time in prison and was homeless. But he turned things around and graduated from college. We'll bring you his

Segregation can be found all across the country. But few might realize the level that exists in communities right here in Illinois. An investigation finds many of Illinois' mid-sized cities rank among the most divided nationally. And there's a new podcast that tells the story of impeached governor Rod Blagojevich, from the point of view of those who were part of the story: his wife Patti, federal agents, those who worked closely with him and more. The first episode is already available with more

This week on Statewide, we take a look at government now and in the past. The new governor, J.B. Pritzker, talks about some of the issues facing the state like criminal justice, higher education, taxes and ethics. Pritzker is from Chicago. Most of the state's top leaders make that area their home. But there was a time when some downstate politicians carried significant weight in the legislature. We'll talk about that bygone era of downstate dealmakers.

A new Illinois governor will be sworn in Monday. When Democrat J.B. Pritzker assumes the role, his party will be in charge of the state in a way not seen in decades. Democrats gained more seats in the General Assembly during the fall election and Republicans are mired in the super-minority in both chambers.

Our first show of 2019 brings you more reports and conversations from in and around Illinois.

Statewide began in August of 2018. As we wrap up the year, this episode looks back at some of the reports and conversations we brought you.

Statewide brings you reports and conversations from in and around Illinois each week.