Illinois Public Media News

Peoria County is one of a handful around Illinois that are on “warning level” for coronavirus disease. Meanwhile, in Washington, members of Congress are debating whether to pass another COVID-19 economic relief package. The 21st checks in with US Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) to talk about the relief bill and rising cases in the 18th congressional district.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will have a massive saliva testing program for COVID-19 in place when students return this fall. But some say it will not be enough to stem a rise in infections.

Last spring, students left campus early to stop the spread of the coronavirus and the semester was cut short. This fall, universities across Illinois are preparing to implement face-to-face classes - to an extent. The 21st spoke with a student and faculty from the Illinois State University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign about the risks and benefits of in-person classes. 

Major sports are working to adapt their seasons to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The NBA is finishing out its season in a locked down resort to avoid infections. Meanwhile, health concerns are rising in Major League Baseball after more than a dozen players and staff with the Miami Marlins tested positive for COVID-19.

The 21st explores how blood plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients can help those who are currently still afflicted with  a member of the Red Cross, a manager at Central Illinois Community Blood Center and a journalist for the Illinois Times.