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UIUC Grammy-Nominated Singer Sophia Byrd

Not yet graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, singer Sophia Byrd has already been nominated for two Grammy Awards, as part of an ensemble for her work in “Place,” a 2018 work by composer Ted Hearne and poet Saul Williams. Byrd also sang a selection from an upcoming album and talked about performing in a pandemic.

How TikTok Is Helping Combat Period Poverty

Two college best friends from Illinois are using TikTok to collect bras and period products to fight period poverty. The 21st spoke to both of them to hear more about about their efforts to combat period poverty.

Left: Brian Mackey, Upper Right: Sen. Don Harmon (D), Lower Right: Rep. Jim Durkin (R)

Interview: Sen. Harmon And Rep. Durkin

The 21st speaks with Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, a Democrat from Oak Park; and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin a Republican from Western Springs, about the governor's budget proposal, COVID relief, the state’s energy infrastructure, pensions and more.

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