On December 3, 1818 Illinois became the 21st united state of America. From Cairo to Paris, we’ll explore some small Illinois towns with big names to commemorate two centuries and two years of Illinois Statehood

The 21st explores the disproportionate economic toll the pandemic on women a panel of three guests and what policy changes they want to see coming out of this pandemic. 

In today’s deep dive, drug manufacturers have released promising early results for their COVID-19 vaccines, but skepticism among Americans remains high -- especially for African Americans.

Illinois poet Gwendolyn Brooks said ‘poetry is life distilled.’ Chicago poet, playwright, and novelist Angela Jackson joins Brooks and Carl Sandburg as the state’s fifth poet laureate. We’ll hear some of her work and about the life that inspires her words. 

According to Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson, Black and Latino children make up nearly 90% of students in CPS, but half of the teachers are white. The 21st explored new initiatives to combat the lack of representation in classrooms.

Democrats had a banner year across the Chicago suburbs in this year’s election, with one exception: candidates for the Illinois House of Representatives. We’ll talk to a House Republican lawmaker about what happened, the state’s COVID response, and where his party goes from here.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about the challenges that central Illinois hospitals are facing with COVID-19.

Host Brian Mackey and producers Anna Casey and Ryan Wilde share some of their favorite and most memorable segments from The 21st.

Many of us are experiencing what researchers and now calling “COVID-fatigue” this holiday season. The 21st spoke with experts about what is causing this phenomenon, and also hear how to combat it and remain vigilant as the pandemic continues on.