Illinois Public Media News

The 21st speaks to a community health expert on whether Illinois is reopening too widely, too soon. 

Shaking hands, kissing babies, meeting large groups of people — all the ways politicians usually try to connect with voters are not possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out how candidates are trying to campaign for the upcoming November election.

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.