Statewide

A Department of Children and Family Services caseworker was attacked and killed while on a welfare check this month. It's happened before and that's making state lawmakers take notice of the dangers with the job. We talk with a former investigator who now trains those entering a career in child protection.And a pastor who lost his wife to COVID-19 tells his story. He had decided against being vaccinated, but has since teamed up with the state to spread the message that the shots save lives.Those stories and more on Statewide.

A Department of Children and Family Services caseworker was attacked and killed while on a welfare check this month. It's happened before and that's making state lawmakers take notice of the dangers with the job. We talk with a former investigator who now trains those entering a career in child protection.And a pastor who lost his wife to COVID-19 tells his story. He had decided against being vaccinated, but has since teamed up with the state to spread the message that the shots save lives.Those stories and more on Statewide.

On this week's episode, we speak with Toi Hutchinson, a former state senator who also oversaw the start of recreational marijuana legalization in Illinois. She has now taken a job as CEO of the national Marijuana Policy Project. She talks about what she sees ahead for cannabis laws at the federal level. January is a time when many struggled with seasonal depression and anxiety. A psychologist tells us it's worse during the pandemic. Those stories and more on Statewide.

On this week's episode, we speak with Toi Hutchinson, a former state senator who also oversaw the start of recreational marijuana legalization in Illinois. She has now taken a job as CEO of the national Marijuana Policy Project. She talks about what she sees ahead for cannabis laws at the federal level. January is a time when many struggled with seasonal depression and anxiety. A psychologist tells us it's worse during the pandemic. Those stories and more on Statewide.

The City of Chicago has pumped millions of dollars into what's known as street outreach, an effort focused on reducing gun violence. But with gun crimes skyrocketing, has it worked? We also look at the health conditions inside meatpacking plants, where COVID outbreaks have been deadly. Those stories and more on this week's Statewide.

The City of Chicago has pumped millions of dollars into what's known as street outreach, an effort focused on reducing gun violence. But with gun crimes skyrocketing, has it worked? We also look at the health conditions inside meatpacking plants, where COVID outbreaks have been deadly. Those stories and more on this week's Statewide.

This week, we ride along with a school bus driver to find out how a difficult job is even harder to do amid a shortage of those willing to transport kids.

This week, we ride along with a school bus driver to find out how a difficult job is even harder to do amid a shortage of those willing to transport kids.

What is the future of journalism amid a challenging time for many news outlets?

What is the future of journalism amid a challenging time for many news outlets?