Illinois Public Media News

On The 21st: 35 years ago this week, Susan Hendricks and her three children were brutally murdered in their Bloomington home. We‘ll talk with journalist Steve Vogel about his book, Reasonable Doubt, and what we know about the crime three decades later. Plus, more than two dozen Illinois colleges have banded together to try and address the college graduation gap between African-American and Latino students and their white counterparts. But first, how can all the cows we raise for meat help, rather than hurt, our environment?

Cunnigham Township Supervisor Danielle Chynoweth said she received three calls alleging that homeless individuals faced challenges at local polling places when they tried to register and vote early. 

Across the country, farmers have voiced concerns over what they say is a growing labor shortage. That’s why an increasing number are turning to the federal H-2A visa program, which allows farmers to bring in workers temporarily from foreign countries.

Illinois election officials say there’s been a huge spike in early voting this year. But it’s not yet clear just what that means.

On The 21st: Here’s a quick civics quiz for you. You aren’t registered yet. You don’t speak English. You have a felony conviction. You can’t vote, right? Wrong! We tackle common voting misconceptions. And, voting is for all US citizens but the process can be more challenging if you have a disability, or if you have trouble reading English. What systems are in place to make sure everyone can vote? And, tomorrow is Election Day and many voters are turning out for the very first time, including new citizens.