Tentative labor deal averts threat of nationwide rail strike.

Illinois is a transcontinental hub for railroads, and there could be major changes afoot in the industry with implications here. There’s talk of a merger on the freight side, and Amtrak recently announced a 15-year plan that would expand and enhance service across Illinois.

On The 21st: Boeing shares on Monday were at its lowest in almost five months after the second fatal crash involving its 737 Max plane. What’s next for the Chicago-based company? Also in travel, how inaction on building high-speed rail between Chicago and St. Louis is symbolic of the problem of train investment in America. Plus, if you’ve ever tried to get your kids off the internet, chances are YouTube is part of the equation. Now one state representative says it’s time to let teachers include media literacy in their high school classes. And, we get an update on the possibility of a Dwight Immigration Detention Center. 

On the 21st: How farmers use the federal crop insurance program to stay in business. Plus, University of Illinois entomologist May Berenbaum explained how even "bad science" from movies could be used to teach valuable lessons, and DePaul University's Joseph Schwieterman discussed new passenger trains that could slash commuting times. Also: a look at climate change, flooding and other severe weather.

Twenty-one people died from train-related incidents in Illinois last year. That's the second most train-related deaths of any state. The effect on victims and their families is fairly obvious. But what happens to the railroad employees when that kind of trauma occurs, and how do they cope?