Illinois Public Media News

On Today's 21st: Some Illinois prisoners say they were denied eye surgery because they were told “one good eye” was good enough. Plus, we spoke with two Iranian-Illinoisans about the escalating hostilities following last week’s U.S. drone strike that killed a top-ranking Iranian military commander. And, everyone in our state knows the name Abraham Lincoln, but fewer know his rival Stephen A. Douglas. We’ll talk about how Douglas’ legacy shapes today’s Illinois politics. 

More college students can receive financial aid in Illinois; Dozens of children die despite DCFS contact; Rare sheet music collector dies; and you don't have to worry about unpaid red-light tickets.

More than half of all Americans say religion is a very important part of their lives.

When the clock struck Midnight on the new year, more than 250 new laws took effect here in Illinois. 

Today on the 21st:  A new year means new laws, and this year more than 250 took effect here in Illinois. We'll talk about some of the most notable, and some that may have slipped under your radar. Plus, along with politics and money, religion is one of those taboo topics we’re told to avoid. But a new public radio podcast explores the messiness of faith with people from all walks of life. We spoke to host Lee Hale about his show, “Preach.”