WILL-AM

The 21st Show

May 26, 2020

Recap: Illinois General Assembly’s Pandemic Session

Early Sunday morning, the Illinois General Assembly wrapped up a four-day legislative session. Activity was relatively limited: passing a budget, changing a few voting laws, and approving curbside ordering of cocktails during the pandemic. Wearing masks and keeping socially distant, lawmakers conducted session without the usual swarm of lobbyists, activists, and members of the public to bear witness. But Statehouse reporters were keeping tabs — mostly from a distance — and two joined us to recap the session.

The 21st Show

May 26, 2020

The 21st—Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Today on The 21st: a wrap up of the Illinois General Assembly's brief pandemic session and a look at the life and legacy of jazz icon and Illinois native Miles Davis.

The 21st Show

May 21, 2020

Even Introverts Struggle With Isolation of Pandemic

Each Thursday on The 21st, we discuss a different aspect of mental health, and this week, we discuss loneliness. Whether you identify as an introvert who enjoys spending time alone, or are more extroverted and feel energized being around others -- the coronavirus has magnified the pandemic of loneliness across the personality spectrum.

The 21st Show

May 21, 2020

Observing Ramadan In a Pandemic

People of the Islamic faith mark Eid this weekend — the end of the holy month of Ramadan. But traditional celebrations will look different this year because of COVID-19. 

The 21st Show

May 21, 2020

Pritzker to Ease Restaurant Restrictions, Plus an Update on the Legislative Session

Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Illinois will likely ease stay-at-home restrictions more quickly than previously thought,  allowing outdoor dining at restaurants starting in about a week. Plus the Illinois General Assembly is back in session after more than two months away. We’ll have the latest.

The 21st Show

May 21, 2020

The 21st—Thursday, May 21, 2020

Today on The 21st: changes coming to Illinois' stay-at-home orders and an update on the legislative session, introverts thriving (or struggling) at home, and celebrating Eid at the end of Ramadan during the pandemic.

The 21st Show

May 20, 2020

Environmental Implications Of Staying Home

With billions of people staying home across the globe during the pandemic, we ask Illinois scientists about the positive- and negative- environmental effects that’s had. 

The 21st Show

May 20, 2020

Accents Across Illinois And How They’re Evolving

We explored the many accents of Illinois with Matt Gordon, a linguist and professor of English at the University of Missouri, who researches Midwest dialects and language change. 

The 21st Show

May 20, 2020

Was Sears’ $500m in Tax Breaks Worth It for Illinois?

Decades before Amazon's HQ2 sweepstakes, Illinois fought to keep Sears, Reobuck & Co. headquarted in the state. But by one estimate, the deal cost taxpayers half-a-billion dollars, with questionable benefits.

The 21st Show

May 20, 2020

The 21st—Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Today on The 21st: the history of Sears' tax breaks in Illinois, accents from around the state, and the environmental effects of staying at home during the pandemic.