Illinois Public Media News

Even as restrictions loosen and more potential customers are vaccinated, some restaurants are struggling to find workers. The 21st checked in on how restaurants are doing in the current phase of the pandemic.

In May of 1971, National Public Radio debuted All Things Considered. Since then, NPR programs, member stations and engagement have become an American institution. Three Illinoisans with long ties to NPR member stations joined us today.

It’s bug season. Which means in Illinois means ticks, mosquitoes and other insects are looking to attach themselves to people and pets. The 21st spoke with an ecologist and a mosquito expert about how climate change is affecting mosquito populations and diseases ticks can transmit.

Spring is here and can mark an internal shift; we leave our long, reflective winter hibernation and emerge with an opportunity for transformation. The director of the Japan House at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign joined us to talk about zen and the art of transitioning to spring.

Summer is just around the corner, and for a lot of kids that means camp is calling their names. But what’s that going to look like during the COVID-19 pandemic? The 21st spoke to camp directors in Illinois to talk more about what precautions they'll be taking to ensure the safety of the children.