Statewide

This week, we hear from a woman who questioned the need to vaccinated against COVID-19. Then, she got sick. What she says now. We'll also talk with some contact tracers about the difficulty in doing that job over the past year. And, the National Weather Service is launching a new weather alert category. Those stories and more on Statewide.

On this episode, gun violence in Chicago and many other cities has led to more efforts to go after gun traffickers. Officials say many of the weapons in Illinois come from other states, where laws are less strict.Also, a mother whose son was shot and wounded by police while having a mental health episode opens up about the incident.And it's not uncommon for prisoners to learn new skills while serving sentences. We'll tell you about some who are becoming beekeepers. Hear more reports and conversations from in and around Illinois on Statewide.

On this episode, the pandemic has sent many people to the hospital. Some wound up in intensive care on a ventilator. Others have faced long recoveries. That's resulted in higher costs for health care. And everyone will end up paying more for it. We also speak with a doctor from western Illinois, where vaccination rates are below average. And we hear from farmers who have found making a profit off of hemp crops to be challenging.

On this episode, we learn about a woman who helped save millions of lives. Alice Hamilton fought industry leaders, politicians and even some employees to improve workplace safety. We also hear how some restaurants are having trouble getting enough employees. What does that mean for those who are back on the job? And the ethanol industry is pushing for changes to make it more viable as the country heads toward a future with cleaner energy. But researchers have doubts. Those stories and more on this week's Statewide.

On this episode, we learn more about an investigation into rampant unemployment fraud during the pandemic. Could Illinois have been more prepared? A proposal awaiting the governor's signature is being hailed by home bakers and other cottage food entrepreneurs. It would give them more options to sell their goods. And how did a piano wind up on a state park hiking trail? Those stories and more on Statewide.

It happens once a decade. Political boundaries are redrawn. The impact is huge. It will dictate who represents you in congress, the Illinois legislature and many other offices. It will also help determine what government decisions are made. Still, many voters are unclear about the process and its importance.

On this episode, the state wants more people to eat Asian Carp. But so far, it has failed to catch on with consumers. Will a name change help?Also, it's not just bars and restaurants having difficulty finding employees. Those stories and more on Statewide.

On this week's episode, with the state moving to Phase 5 of the reopening plan, people are returning to regular activities. That includes going out to bars and restaurants, as well as returning to the workplace. But some are anxious about getting back to normal. And Illinois is working to create a system to better handle mental health and behavioral situations. Those stories and more on Statewide.

On this week's Statewide, as the country marks a century since the Tulsa Race Massacre, we'll hear about what's known as "The Red Summer" of 1919. Racial violence and death occurred in many cities, including Chicago. An author will tells what happened. And this past year has seen a strong push for racial justice. We'll look back on the impact it's had on some in northern Illinois.

Throughout the midwest, pandemic restrictions are being eased. That's good news for smaller communities who rely on the economic boost of annual festivals…