In this Black History Month episode, State Senator Robert Peters discusses the history of African American labor movements in Illinois, his advocacy for labor rights and state efforts to support Black laborers and promote workforce equality.

Senator Doris Turner joins the Sound of the State to talk about the work of the Illinois Flag Commission and the public's opportunity to vote on a potential new design for the Illinois state flag.

With the start of a new year, there are a number of new laws taking effect in Illinois. This episode of the Sound of the State takes a look at ten of those laws, ranging from one that fights catalytic converter theft to one which lowers the out-of-pocket cost to Illinois families for life-saving EpiPens, and more.