Statewide

Economic investment, and the jobs that follow, tends to happen in predominantly white communities. The opposite is true in Black neighborhoods. On this episode of Statewide, we examine what's behind the disparity. And we look back three decades at a protest in the Shawnee National Forest.

Economic investment, and the jobs that follow, tends to happen in predominantly white communities. The opposite is true in Black neighborhoods. On this episode of Statewide, we examine what's behind the disparity. And we look back three decades at a protest in the Shawnee National Forest.

Supporters of school dress codes say they help promote discipline and can actually improve safety of students. But many find them discriminatory and sexist. We'll hear how some students have pushed back on the policy. And Sears is closing its final store in Illinois. We recap the rise and fall of what was once the nation's largest retailer. These stories and more on Statewide.

COVID-19 vaccine mandates have been implemented as a way to increase the number of people getting the shots. However, both the federal and state orders allow those with religious objections to skip the vaccinations. Governments have protected that choice for years. But during a pandemic, there are concerns some are exploiting a loophole. We examine the history of religious exemptions and efforts to tighten the rules. We also hear how the return to the classroom hasn't been easy for some young learners. Those stories and more on this week's Statewide.

The NFL's Chicago Bears have called Soldier Field home since 1971. But the team is apparently eyeing a suburban site. Can Chicago keep the Bears in the city? And what would the club gain by moving?That story and more on this week's Statewide.

This week, the story of women who worked at the Radium Dial Company factory in Ottawa, using radium-laced paint on glow-in-the-dark clocks and watches. Unaware of the health risks, many died from radium poisoning. Their case became a landmark moment in the workers' rights movement. Also, we'll hear about the stress on health care facilities in southern Illinois amid the latest COVID-19 surge. Those stories and more on Statewide.

This week, the story of women who worked at the Radium Dial Company factory in Ottawa, using radium-laced paint on glow-in-the-dark clocks and watches. Unaware of the health risks, many died from radium poisoning. Their case became a landmark moment in the workers' rights movement. Also, we'll hear about the stress on health care facilities in southern Illinois amid the latest COVID-19 surge. Those stories and more on Statewide.

As we remember the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, there have been a lot of changes since that day. Security measures, especially at government buildings, have greatly increased. The 20th anniversary can also bring up some difficult emotions. We discuss that and more on this week's Statewide.

As we remember the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, there have been a lot of changes since that day. Security measures, especially at government buildings, have greatly increased. The 20th anniversary can also bring up some difficult emotions. We discuss that and more on this week's Statewide.

Nursing has always been a stressful job. But COVID-19 has made it worse for many as ICU's fill up. One nurse said it has been like walking into a mass casualty event every day. The pandemic has led many to consider leaving the field. While health officials tout the benefits of the COVID vaccine, a lot of people have delayed getting the shots. We hear from some who have only recently decided to get vaccinated. Those stories and more on this week's Statewide.