Illinois Public Media News

On this encore edition of The 21st: New technology is bringing interpreters directly to patients to help with their medical needs. And, ProPublica Illinois reporter Mick Dumke talks to us about Chicago's problematic "gang database." But first, the state of Illinois spent less than 300 dollars on books throughout all state prisons for the entirety of 2017. What's behind this lack of funding and how is it impacting prisoners?

When communities watch young people grow up, go off and never return, remaining residents and politicians often bemoan there’s been a “brain drain” — especially when such population loss means schools and businesses close. But plenty of residents are full of love and pride for those communities, and some are working to identify their towns’ best attributes so they can attract new residents and achieve “brain gain.”

A few dozen demonstrators gathered in front of the Champaign County Courthouse in Urbana Wednesday afternoon to protest against the arrest and deportation of local immigrants.

Willard Airport says American Airlines will begin service between the Champaign-Urbana airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, starting in December. 

Democrats are trying to flip several Congressional seats in Illinois this fall. That’s put some Republicans in a tricky spot when it comes to questions about President Donald Trump.