Would you say that most people can be trusted, or that you can’t be too careful? An NPR Illinois survey shows Illinoisans are divided on the question — though not in the usual ways of politics. This week, we look at the issue of trust, and why it matters for democracy.

The American Dream is in trouble, inequality is growing, and the biggest divide is in education. So says Robert Putnam and he believes he has the research to prove it. Illinois Public Media’s Scott Cameron spoke to him recently and they discussed what is causing this problem and how we can fix it.