The 21st spoke to the Girls Like Me Project founder La’ Keisha Gray-Sewell about the organization and how it helps young Black girls take a critical look at the media and culture, and find a voice of their own. 

State Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) joined The 21st to discuss cannabis policy, gun violence and improving community relations with law enforcement with guest host Lamont Holden. Bennett reached out to Holden after reading his essay about being Black in America.

In today's deep dive, we learn more about a new group led by formerly incarcerated people that has launched a campaign to end what it calls "permanent punishments" for people who have been convicted of felonies.

Through sunshine, rain and snow, a man in Chicago jumped into Lake Michigan every day for a year during the pandemic. He joined The 21st to discuss what started this ritual and what kept him coming back to the lake.

The 21st was joined by a bird expert a conservation educator about America’s most iconic bird. The Bald Eagle population has rebounded in the past two decades and here in Illinois there are now nests in all 102 counties. But there are new threats to America's national bird.

In today's deep dive, children under 12 are not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine yet, but they can still catch and spread the coronavirus. We get tips from a pediatrician on keeping kids safe.

According to the Census Bureau, about 6.5 Americans have fallen behind on their rent payments since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The national moratorium on evictions expired August 1. The 21st spoke to organizations around the state about what help is available for struggling tenants.

The 21st spoke to three Illinois reporters about the updated Centers For Disease Control & Prevention mask guidelines for K-12 schools, vaccinated people, Lollapalooza & vaccine efficacy.

In today's deep dive, we meet several contact tracers who have been on the job talking to Illinoisans with COVID-19 for nearly a year.

In today's deep dive, we learn about the ways the blood shortage is affecting some African Americans’ need for blood transfusions.