Illinois Public Media News

Illinois had to face the coronavirus pandemic early, and months of restrictions curbed the spread of the disease. But now that businesses have largely reopened, cases are creeping back up.

Many industries are taking a hit due to the coronavirus, this is especially true for the airline companies. The 21st speaks to the President and Directing General Chair of IAM District 141, the union representing machinists and aerospace workers at nearly a dozen airlines.

Big Hat Rodeo, a company based in the northern Illinois town of Harvard, would have been celebrating its 100-year-anniversary putting on rodeos in and around the midwest this year. The 21st speaks to members of the rodeo community to talk about the atmosphere of a rodeo and why it is so compelling and meaningful to many parts of Illinois.

You know that saying, “This entire meeting could have been an email”? Many of us lucky enough to do our jobs from home during the pandemic have learned most of our offices could have been an email, and some of us are not excited about going back.
 

The 21st explores rural mental health in Illinois, particularly as it relates to farmers and how the pandemic has put additional strain on farming communities.