Illinois Public Media News

On The 21st: Connie Barr shares her story of learning her father received a Purple Heart for his service in World War Two and we hear about Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs' work reuniting families with long lost military medals. Plus, as the state celebrates its bicentennial, there’s a new contest to name Illinois’s greatest book. What are some of the titles in the running? But first, we speak to Nigerian author Chibundu Onuzo about her new book and first U.S. release, "Welcome to Lagos." 

Children who experience trauma often face behavioral, health and academic challenges, according to decades of research.

For this week’s Illinois Issues, we bring you a story about a measure that would train more nurses how to collect DNA evidence after a sexual assault for use in a criminal trial, often referred to as rape kits. Mary Cullen spoke with Melissa Souto about her experience undergoing the testing.

The union says the district is refusing to bargain with the CFT over teachers changing classrooms due to upcoming building reconstruction and renovations.

Illinois legislators are trying to help state taxpayers get around limitations in the new federal tax law. But the federal government may negate the plan before it even has a chance to become law.