Solitary confinement is controversial. In some cases, the UN calls it torture. Many prison officials say it’s necessary to protect safety.

In Illinois, a legal advocacy group sued the Illinois Department of Corrections on behalf of six inmates. The suit alleges some were put in “extreme isolation” for years in what they describe as brutal conditions. The suit argues that this kind of treatment is unconstitutional. Earlier this month, the case took one step closer to becoming a class action.

We were joined on the show by Brian Nelson. He was incarcerated, and spent years in solitary confinement. He now works with the Uptown People’s Law Center in Chicago. We also talked with Alan Mills, executive director of the Uptown People’s Law Center.

The plan put forth by the GOP to replace the Affordable Care Act was supposed to be voted on by the House last Friday. But the vote was called off when it became clear there would not be enough "yea" votes.

Today, we tried to figure out where that leaves us, and whether Obamacare in Illinois at risk of “exploding” the way the Trump administration has predicted.

We were joined by Dr. Jerry Kruse, Dean and Provost of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and CEO of SIU Healthcare.

A play called “Wilderness” will be on stage tonight (March 28) in Urbana at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.