There has been a lot of focus on urban food deserts, forcing people in cities to travel farther to access fresh food items. But that problem also exists in rural areas. At least two Illinois counties lack a grocery store.

While the city's signature pie looks similar to many others, it is unique. The main reason: the cheese.

The longtime home of the Chicago White Sox, Comiskey Park, met the wrecking ball more than three decades ago. But a documentary recalls the final season and what made the site so unique.

A new investigation from member station WBEZ finds Illinois' lifeline program for kids is buckling under the weight of demand, along with a lack of funding and capacity.

Last year, nine children 17 years old or younger were killed on a weekday between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. in Chicago.

While Democrats have been able to claim victory at the state level and pass more progressive laws, there is growing dissatisfaction in areas Republicans represent. Several counties have even gone on record supporting secession from Illinois.

The Chicago museum, created by a musician, opened in 2021 in a former funeral home.

On this episode, we learn more about challenges facing cannabis craft growers. These are often in disadvantaged areas. Dozens of licenses have been issued in Illinois, but many are having trouble with financing needed to get up and running.

Enrollment fell hard at most community colleges during the pandemic. At schools like Waubonsee Community College, it’s starting to come back up. But adult education roared back — enrollment more than doubled this fall. That story and more on this episode of Statewide.

Online learning became more common during the pandemic. It's also given an opportunity to some former offenders a chance to stay enrolled in prison classes upon release.