Hip-hop is just a few decades old, but its cultural impact in Illinois and America at large is unquestionable.

Located in the southeast region of Chicago and flowing through the suburbs, the Little Calumet River once played an important role as part of the Underground Railroad. Recently, conservation efforts have worked to establish a new, seven-mile African American Heritage Water trail where canoers and kayakers can learn about the history of the river.

An investigation by ProPublica and NPR Illinois recently found that the University of Illinois may have helped preserve the reputations of sexual harassers. We spoke about how the U of I handles sexual misconduct allegations, and how some people want the process to change. Plus, some descendants of Black civil rights leaders in Chicago want the public to know more about their family members while also protecting them at the same time. And, a road in southern Illinois more than two miles long closes until the end of October every year to make way for migrating snakes. Also, we learned about Illinois’ newest invasive species, the jumping worm.