Topic: Gardening and Horticulture

The Chicago Teachers’ Union is on strike, and classes are canceled today. But they’re not the only teachers walking off the job in Illinois. We check in with other teachers who are striking across the state. Plus, a new art exhibit in Urbana explores the invisible ways that radioactivity and nuclear waste affects all of our lives. And, Illinois produces more pumpkins than any other state. Now that fall is here, we’ll speak with two Illinois farmers about this year's pumpkin crop. 

The world’s largest democracy is holding elections right now. And even though India is thousands of miles away, many Illinoisans are paying close attention. Plus, are you trying to cut back on meat? Well, there’s a growing market for burgers that taste like it, and look like it, but are entirely plant-based. And as you ready your garden for spring, how ready it is to attract pollinators? 

What would doing business with cannabis look like in Illinois? We'll talk with State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and the Mayor of Delevan, which is already home to a medical marijuana facility. Plus, the controversy over a proposed immigration facility in Dwight is not over yet. A group of Democratic House members want to ban private immigration detention centers in the whole state. And we’re finally getting our first glimpse of Spring. If you have concerns about your garden- don't worry. We talk to experts who can answer your questions. 

Farmers in a federal class-action lawsuit filed two main complaints this week against agro-chemical giants Monsanto and BASF regarding the herbicide dicamba, which is blamed for millions of acres of crop damage, especially to soybeans, over the last couple years.

Danville’s OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center and its Faith in Action ministry are looking for volunteers and food donations for its Garden Share Program. The initiative starts offering free, fresh produce next week to area seniors.

Urbana lost 500 trees in the last three years because of the Emerald Ash Borer, an insect that infects ash trees. 

No matter the weather, it’s not too early to start thinking about this year's garden. Saturday, Jan. 27 is National Seed Swap Day, and several seed swap gatherings have been scheduled on or near the day around the country.

While many of us hated the cold weather of the last three weeks, thee brutally cold weather DID provide a benefit we’ll see in the spring and summer. 

On the 21st: We learn how winning a scholarship for college could mean your financial aid will take a hit. Plus, we get tips for summer gardening and learn what it's like to be a gameshow contestant.

On the 21st: Following Wednesday's shooting, members from both sides of the aisle have sent messages of support and have called for civility in this heated political climate. We spoke with current and former politicians and a communications expert about political rhetoric, bipartisanship and what this moment means for our country. We also got the latest on an appellate court hearing in southern Illinois over state worker pay and learn about plants that can be toxic to pets.