Illinois Public Media News

Since mid-December, more than 981,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses have gone into arms across Illinois. So far, less than 2% of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated. The 21st spoke with the Illinois Department of Public Health Director about the rollout past, present and future.

In this web exclusive, the Roger Ebert Fellows, Casey Daly, Grace Johnson, and Scarlett O'hara talk with adviser and film critic Michael Phillips about some films that they were drawn to throughout 2020 and what they are looking forward to in 2021.

The suburbs have long been derided in the popular imagination — endless miles of identical houses, chain restaurants, and big-box stores. And yet, most of us live in suburbs — or at least suburban environments. The 21st spoke to the author of The Sprawl: Reconsidering the Weird American Suburbs, Jason Diamond, who says the suburbs are due for a reappraisal. 

Two years ago, Illinoisans suffered from bone-chilling temperatures, brought on by the polar vortex. Could these record-breaking and deadly weather events become more frequent? And what’s in store for the rest of this winter?

After the last election or January 6, 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol, some Illinoisans have been inspired to be more involved in their local government. To discuss the logistics of running for local office, The 21st was joined by a member of the Illinois State Board of Elections, the president of The Lincoln Series and a mayoral candidate.