Statewide: Limiting Payday Loans; The Debate Over Police Using Military Vehicles

On this episode, we take a look at a new law that caps interest rates and fees on payday loans.  While some say the lenders use predatory practices, others say the problem is rooted in systemic racism.  

We'll also hear from an expert on why southern Illinois could have less representation when Illinois loses a congressional seat.  

And we hear about a central Illinois sheriff wanting to purchase an armored vehicle for law enforcement and why some are against the idea.  

This week:

* John Shaw, Director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, discusses the announcement Illinois will lose one congressional seat.  He says southern Illinois is likely to have less representation in congress.

* We hear about a new Illinois law to cap interest rates and fees on payday loans.

* WBEZ's Dan Mihalopolus has more on an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct by Chicago Park District employees.

* Christine Herman with Illinois Newsroom explains changes to help new moms in the state keep their health insurance.

* Jonathon Ahl reports on the barge industry's outlook as part of the green energy movement.

* Katie Peikes with Harvest Public Media brings us the story of an Iowa town raising its levee to protect from flooding.  

* Mary Hansen hears from the Sangamon County Sheriff about his effort to purchase an armored vehicle for the community and an opponent who calls it a bad idea.

* Sean Crawford talks with political science professor Chris Mooney about what he says is the most unrepresentative governmental body, the U.S. Senate.

* Tim Shelley with WCBU tells us about people experiencing COVID-19 side effects.  

Listen to Statewide across Illinois in:

• Bloomington/Normal – WGLT 89.1 (Fridays 11 a.m. - Noon, Sundays 6-7 a.m.)
• Carbondale – WSIU 91.9 (Fridays 2-3 p.m. and Sundays 6-7 a.m.)
• Mount Vernon - WVSI 88.9 (Fridays 2-3 p.m. and Sundays 6-7 a.m.)
• Olney - WUSI 90.3 (Fridays 2-3 p.m. and Sundays 6-7 a.m.)
• Quad Cities - WVIK 105.7 HD-2 (Fridays 11 a.m. - noon)
• Rockford/DeKalb – WNIJ 89.5 (Saturdays 6-7 a.m., Sundays 2-3 p.m.)
• Springfield/Decatur - WUIS 91.9 (Fridays 11 a.m. - Noon, 11 p.m. - Midnight, Saturdays 9-10 a.m.)
• Peoria – WCBU 89.9 (Fridays 11-noon, Sundays 6-7 a.m.)
• Pittsfield - WIPA 89.3 (Fridays 11 a.m. - Noon, 11 p.m. - Midnight, Saturdays 9-10 a.m.)
• Urbana/Champaign – WILL 580 (Fridays 11 a.m. - Noon, 7-8 p.m.)