Illinois Public Media News

On today's 21st, reporters from around the state give us an update on Phase 4 and the history of slavery in Illinois.

There is a lot more nuance to Illinois’ history with slavery than we may have learned in school, and there were enslaved people living in Illinois before and during the Civil War. Our guests on the show today shine a light on the historical realities of Illinois’ history with slavery that many did not learn about in social studies classes growing up. 

Reporters across the state join us to talk about the business landscape as Illinois enters the fourth phase of reopening the state. 

On today's 21st, we talk to to lawyers who secured the release of a potentially innocent man from prison, have a conversation about the Aunt Jemima brand and protecting the monarch butterfly.

Some Illinois farmers are changing their practices in an effort to protect our state insect: the monarch butterfly. The 21st explores the role pollinators play in our food systems and conservation efforts to support pollinator populations.