Illinois Public Media News

For many of us, the sound of ringing bells in front of stores reminds us not only of the approaching holiday season, but that this is meant to be a time of giving. The 21st was joined by two Central Illinois charities to talk about how they're altering their services because of COVID-19.

Illinois lawmakers are working on their agendas for the spring legislative session. The 21st was joined by State Senator Robert Peters, who was recently elected chair of the Illinois Senate Black Caucus.

On Election Day 2020, six University of Illinois students joined the reporting team at Illinois Public Media to provide blanket coverage about local voters for regional and state listenership.This page features their experiences, told in their own words.

More than 80% of ICU beds are filling up across the state as COVID-19 cases in the U.S. hit record levels and rural hospitals in Illinois are facing additional challenges. 

As of December 7, Illinois is averaging 152 COVID-19 deaths per day. The 21st spoke to three members from county health departments from across Illinois about testing, contract testing and community compliance.