Illinois Public Media News

Members of the Illinois General Assembly are set to return to Springfield this week, with an agenda limited to a relatively narrow set of issues: the COVID-19 pandemic, the state budget, the election later this year, and a few other topics. We talk to a Democrat and a Republican about what they're expecting.

On Monday's reporter roundtable, we speak with Dana Vollmer from Peoria Public Radio about why some doctors are concerned parents are delaying vaccines for their children amid the coronavirus pandemic. We also check in with Ashok Selvam, senior editor at Eater Chicago to hear when restaurants in the state could begin to reopen and discuss the challenges that lay ahead for the state's service industry. 

Today on The 21st: we check in with reporters from around the state, preview the state legislative session that starts this week, and talk to an infectious disease expert about how to stay safe when stay-at-home restrictions are lifted.

For those with a little extra time on their hands, writer Elizabeth Segran says a new hobby is a great way to add structure to the day, find a bit of distraction, and even explore aspects of our identity. 

For music students, end-of-year recitals and concerts are not only celebratory milestones, but often are also mandatory requirements to earn degrees. 

How to have those tough but necessary conversations about staying home to stop the spread of the coronavirus. 

On today's encore broadcast of The 21st, talking social distancing with family, virtual recitals, and the importance of hobbies — and why the pandemic might be time to pick one up.

The new ESPN miniseries The Last Dance puts the Chicago Bulls dynasty and Michael Jordan back in the spotlight. 

High school seniors missed out on a lot this spring. Graduations are virtual for now, prom was cancelled, and in-person end-of-year celebrations will have to be put on hold or happen at a distance. There’s the additional worry and uncertainty many are facing about their fall semester at college.