Illinois Public Media News

Some Illinois farmers are changing their practices in an effort to protect our state insect: the monarch butterfly. The 21st explores the role pollinators play in our food systems and conservation efforts to support pollinator populations. 

Illinois-based Quaker Oats is ending its Aunt Jemima brand, saying it was based on a racial stereotype. Meanwhile, others are working to preserve the legacy of the real-life Chicago woman on whom the character was based.

The Illinois Innocence Project has secured the release of a man who spent 13 years in prison for murdering his own son, a crime he says he did not commit. The 21st speaks to the legal experts who worked on his case. 

On today's 21st we talk to county public health officials about what you can and should do in Phase 4, we get the concerns of students returning to campus this fall and even though most of the summer concerts have been canceled or postponed we check in on summer music.

To the disappointment of music fans, artists and organizers have had to pull the plug on concerts and festivals this season. We wanted to offer some summer music recommendations from artists both here in central Illinois and around the world.