Illinois Public Media News

Despite "pandemic fatigue" and a rising sentiment that people just want to be done with the COVID-19 pandemic, it's clear that the pandemic isn't done with us. A new variant of concern has emerged, and case counts are on the rise again as we head into the holiday season. The 21st was joined by the Illinois Department of Public Health Director, Dr. Ngozi Ezike.

In their new book "Distraction: Girls, School, and Sexuality," two Illinois State University professors explore the way regulation and school practices sexualize school-age girls from pre-school through adulthood. They joined The 21st to talk about the value placed on the education of kids of different genders, as well as the burdens forced on young women in schools and the effect of labeling girls as a "distraction." 

Large donors can put universities in potentially awkward positions when faculty conclusions conflict with the interests of those benefactors. Data collected by Harvest Public Media and Investigate Midwest show corporations have given at least $170 million to ag colleges in the past decade.

Long pandemic lockdowns and lasting quarantines afforded some people free time to start new hobbies and creative pursuits, leading them to start small businesses of their own. We talked about running a small business during the pandemic with three central Illinois small business owners.

An executive order from Gov. JB Pritzker's office created a task force and an advisory council to be shepherded by a new position in state government. Earlier this month, the administration announced the new state homelessness chief would be Christine Haley. She joined us today on The 21st to talk about the position and housing issues in Illinois.