Illinois Public Media News

This weekend saw continued demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other acts of police violence. We talk to reporters across Illinois about what they saw.

Today on The 21st: we talk to reporters covering demonstrations over the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Tayloer and others; furloughs and layoffs have come to many newsrooms; and an astronomer filed a trademark lawsuit against American Girl over a doll that looked a little too familiar.

On the eve of her second solo album release, Chicago singer songwriter Vivian McConnell, otherwise known as  V.V. Lightbody, joined The 21st to talk about growing up in a musical family, the origins of “nap rock” and making a name for herself. Plus a performance, just for us.

After having to cancel their California wedding, Rob Roberge and Gina Frangello were still able to get married in front of friends and family — by taking their wedding to Zoom.

The COVID-19 pandemic is putting a strain on many marriages and other domestic partnerships. But our guest, Eli Finkel, says while the average marriage will suffer, some relationships will benefit. He offers practical advice for making the best of a relationship during a crisis.

Today's enocore edition of The 21st: relationship advice for a pandemic, a Zoom wedding, and an interview with Chicago singer-songwriter V.V. Lightbody.

For many people of color, going about a seemingly banal activity, like birding, or jogging, can turn into a racist encounter that is at best unpleasant, and at worst potentially deadly. We speak with black runners about the mental checklists they go through to ensure their safety, and speak with a psychologist about the negative emotional and health effects of racial trauma. 

Illinois U.S. Sen Tammy Duckworth joins The 21st to talk about the possibility of being nominated for vice president, the key role the U.S. Senate could play in Illinois state finances, and the growing sense of “quarantine fatigue.”