Illinois Public Media News

In light of recent developments in the federal investigation into the electric utility company ComEd, federal prosecutors are charging former executives and lobbyists for the company with conspiring to influence a state of Illinois official. The 21st was joined by a politics reporter from WBEZ who has been following the story to give listeners a brief update of the recent charges.

Since the pandemic the IDES says its processed almost 3 million new claims for jobless benefits. This has presented a number of significant challenges to the system. The department's director joined us to answer your questions.

Governor J.B. Pritzker announced Justin Johnson, director of bands at Niles West High School in Skokie is the 2021 Illinois Teacher of the Year. Johnson told us what influenced him to choose teaching as a career, the challenges of teaching music during a pandemic and his proudest moment as an educator.

With COVID-19 surging across Illinois, in-person dating is considered high risk in 2020, but hearts will find a way. The 21st spoke to two experts on relationships on how dating has changed because of the pandemic and how people can still find love.

Thanksgiving is approaching, but with cases of COVID-19 surging across the Midwest traveling to see loved ones could be a big risk. The 21st hears from two experts on how to stay safe and what steps we can take if traveling is essential.