On The 21st: Illinois is facing sub-zero temperatures for the next couple of days. How do administrators decide whether or not to close school? Plus, the Illinois Supreme Court is hearing a case today that asks: how long is too long when it comes to sentencing juvenile offenders? Also, two men from central Illinois pleaded guilty in Minnesota federal court last week for trying to bomb a mosque in August of 2017. And, a new study shows more than 80 percent of the time we’re prescribed antibiotics we don’t actually need it.

On The 21st: Illinois is home to some of America’s most segregated cities. Not just Chicago, but also Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield. Plus, have you checked this week’s forecast? Lots of us are going to see below zero temperatures. Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard helps us prepare. But first, the government is finally open after the longest shutdown in American history. And the state of Illinois wants to fund a hundred million dollars in low or zero-interest loans to people who’ve been affected. 

On the 21st: We speak with Juliana Stratton, our new lieutenant governor. She’s tasked with leading the state’s efforts to change our criminal justice syste - and, we'll hear from the community organization First Followers on how to best help people who have been incarcerated. Plus, just 2% of Illinois preschool teachers are men. What's behind that? And, you might be surprised to hear that the 8-foot tall “lost vase” from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair has been found...in a California seafood restaurant.

On The 21st: When it comes to legalizing recreational marijuana, Governor JB Pritzker has made his stance pretty clear, but the legalization process can be complicated. We answer your questions about what Illinois might do about this. Plus, we have some tips for warding off the winter blues. Also, it’s gotten so bad for one particular endangered bee species that the NRDC is suing the federal government.

On The 21st: Video gambling machines were meant to bring in money for the state, but as a ProPublica Illinois investigation found, it’s actually created both financial and social costs. Plus, the government shutdown has started to hurt crisis center hotlines for sexual violence. We’ll hear from the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault on how they’re trying to keep things running. But first, what should Governor Pritzker do about our education system? We talk with educators about what they hope to see from our state government.

On the 21st: As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we look to Illinois' past and present. First, Yale law professor and central Illinois native Tracey Meares tells us what it takes to build a sense of fairness between police and civilians. Plus, the story of New Philadelphia, Illinois—the first town founded by African-Americans—told by Kate Williams-McWorter and Gerald McWorter, who also happens to be great-great-grandson of the town's founder.

On The 21st: With the new Pritzker administration, we’re talking to different stakeholders about their hopes for the next four years. Today: businesses. Plus we hear from filmmakers involved in a new series called Reel Midwest. And, more on some of the recent discoveries around black holes. 

On The 21st: Social service agencies have had a difficult few years, especially after the state budget crisis. We speak with a couple of organizations about what they’re hoping to see from the Pritzker administration. Also, a small group of out-of-state companies have been buying up mobile home lots in Illinois, and raising the rents. Now communities are pushing for rent control. Plus, there will be only one total lunar eclipse this year, and it’s happening on Sunday. 

On The 21st: A new study shows the cost of local government increases in areas without newspapers. Plus, with the inauguration of the Pritzker administration, Democrats now have a historic majority in Springfield. What does that mean for Republicans in Illinois? Also, SNAP benefits are arriving weeks early due to the government shutdown. We'll talk about how that impacts recipients and retailers. And, we answer your questions about Governor Pritzker. 

On the 21st: On Monday at 12:01 pm, J.B. Pritzker took the oath of office and become Illinois' 43rd governor. Niala Boodhoo and Brian Mackey hosted this special Illinois Public Radio coverage of the inauguration ceremonies.

Today on the 21st: Yesterday, your representatives convened in Springfield to take their oaths of office. And on Monday, Governor Pritzker will take a similar oath. But what will they do as your elected officials? And what are different stakeholders in the process thinking? We speak with Illinois Public Radio statehouse reporter Brian Mackey and WTTW Politics reporter Amanda Vinicky. Plus, a new study finds that fake news is shared most by older Americans. We speak with someone very interested in this topic, journalism professor Nikki Usher. Also, an Illinois researcher shares how her work with natural disasters, like Hurricane Maria, is now being used to help children overcome other trauma.

On The 21st: Sen. Tammy Duckworth joined us to talk about the latest in politics, including the government shutdown. Also, a new law signed last month is focused on advancing dental healthcare in rural areas. How might communities here in Illinois benefit? Plus, early research shows there are benefits for women who use mindfulness techniques to turn toward the experience of childbirth, rather than run away from it. And, prosecutors in Chicago and Atlanta are investigating singer R. Kelly after the documentary, 'Surviving R. Kelly' aired on Lifetime last week.

Today on the 21st: we discuss recent changes to school lunch guidelines. We'll also explore how committing a crime can affect someones chance at a college education and learn about new research about whether it's more kind to tell white lies or the full truth. 

On The 21st: Despite demand in the labor market for the skills that trade schools provide, many parents and teachers still push for four-year college. Wes Aymer in Springfield wants to change the perception around trade school. Plus we discuss ways to exercise and eat smarter in the new year. But first, with the new year comes new laws. This year, more than 250 new laws took effect here in Illinois. Which do you need to know about?