WILL-AM | Illinois Public Media

Illinois is among several states to have passed a requirement for media literacy education, which experts say is more important than ever in an increasingly online world. — Martin Meissner/AP, file

The 21st Show

February 01, 2023

Illinois now mandates media literacy education. Why does it matter?

The 21st was joined by a panel of educators to discuss Illinois' new media literacy education requirement and why it's important.

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One of the U.S. senators representing Illinois, Dick Durbin, joined The 21st for a wide-ranging interview on policing, the debt ceiling, and more.

The 21st Show

February 01, 2023

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin on policing, firearms, abortion, and more

As the national conversation around policing reignites over the death of Tyre Nichols, Democrats and Republicans seem to work together on live entertainment prices, and Illinois faces legal battles over its new assault weapons ban, we spoke with one of Illinois' U.S. senators, Dick Durbin.

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A new procedure room at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Champaign. Another reproductive health clinic is opening in Champaign later this month. — Madison Holcomb/Illinois Student Newsroom

The 217 Today Podcast

February 01, 2023

217 Today: New reproductive health clinic to open in Champaign

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn about a new reproductive health clinic opening in Champaign this month

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Chicago rapper Da Brat performs at the 2019 Essence Festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Sunday, July 7, 2019, in New Orleans. — Amy Harris/Invision/AP

The 21st Show

January 31, 2023

Hip hop’s history in Illinois and America

Hip-hop is just a few decades old, but its cultural impact in Illinois and America at large is unquestionable.

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In this Sept. 14, 2014, file photo, protesters participate in a rally on Chicago's south side as labor organizers escalate their campaign raise the minimum wage for employees to $15 an hour. — M. Spencer Green/AP, file

The 21st Show

January 31, 2023

What effect is Illinois’ rising minimum wage actually having?

As Illinois' minimum wage continues its slow rise to $15, many questions still linger about the state of the minimum wage here.

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The Nature Conservancy's Emiquon Preserve in central Illinois. A pending ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court could lessen protections for smaller, isolated wetlands. — Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco/Harvest Public Media

The 217 Today Podcast

January 31, 2023

217 Today: Supreme Court ruling could reduce wetland protections

In today's deep dive, we’ll take a look at the state of wetlands in the Midwest now and in the future.

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Planned Parenthood of Illinois estimates the costs to restore the center after the attack will be more than $1 million. It’s expected the building will be closed for months. — Joe Deacon/WCBU

The 21st Show

January 30, 2023

Suspect charged in Peoria Planned Parenthood fire bombing

After the fire bombing of a Peoria Planned Parenthood, Tyler Massengill of Chillecothe, Ill., was charged in federal court. To discuss the case, we were joined by a Peoria journalist who's been following the story.

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Ukrainian emergency employees and volunteers carry an injured pregnant woman from a maternity hospital damaged by shelling in Mariupol, Ukraine, Wednesday, March 9, 2022. — Evgeniy Maloletka/AP, file

The 21st Show

January 30, 2023

Military aid to Ukraine and other updates on the war

As the war between Russia and Ukraine enters it's twelfth month and many fear a renewed Russian offensive in the spring, the United States and other NATO allies have promised more military aid to Ukraine. A Northwestern University professor joined The 21st to discuss where the war in Ukraine stands.

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