Even though Illinois' population loss wasn’t as bad as predicted, it still wasn't great — Illinois did lose population, while most states gained. And precisely who is leaving Illinois is also an interesting story: it’s mostly white people saying goodbye. 

On the 21st: We talked about what Asian-American activism in Illinois has looked like over the years with Asian Americans Advancing Justice executive director Tuyet Le. Then, we heard from three Illinois poets about what they write, why they write it, and what poetry looks like across the state.

Guest: Ronald Takaki.

Today on Focus, we're joined by University of California—Berkeley professor Ronald Takaki to discuss his new book Strangers from a Different Shore. Takaki explores the history of Asian Americans from the Midwest to Hawaii and how they were—and, in many ways, still are—oppressed by other Americans.