Illinois Public Media News

The 21st spoke to a panel of guests comprised by down-ballot politicians around the state of Illinois to provide some context and understanding of the less-covered elected offices. 

In just two weeks from today, millions of Americans will be heading to the polls to vote in the 2020 elections. Because it can be challenging to be informed and engaged about down-ballot and local elections, The 21st spoke to two individuals committed to informing voters about political candidates.  

Groups are targeting a handful of judges for defeat in this year's retention elections. We talk to a pair of reporters about some of the more notable campaigns — and the motives of the people behind them.

More workplaces, institutions and companies have turned to diversity training in recent months, but an executive order signed by President Trump last month seeks to limit the type of diversity training that can be offered. The 21st spoke to two professors and a vice chancellor for diversity to hear more about what this executive order might mean for diversity training in Illinois.

Writer and disability activist Melissa Blake isn’t letting internet trolls stop her from spreading a message of positivity and acceptance online. We’ll talk to the DeKalb resident about her recent runway debut during New York Fashion Week.