Illinois Public Media News

State Senator Chapin Rose says downstate Illinoisans should be concerned about Cook County’s controversial sales tax on sweetened beverages—even though they don’t have to pay it.

The founder of a group promoting conservative causes on college campuses will speak on the University of Illinois campus Thursday, and says he hopes to engage students in constructive conversation. 

On this encore edition of The 21st: We learned more about the story of Chicago blues with Renee Rosen, author of Windy City Blues, a new historical novel about Chess Records. We also heard from Terry Chess, son of the late Phil Chess. Plus, what books can you turn to as a way to alleviate your news fatigue? 

UPDATE: An Oct. 11 arraignment date has been set for Brendt Christensen, after a federal grand jury returned a new indictment accusing the alleged kidnapper of Yingying Zhang of murdering her as well.

Parents of college students and high school seniors headed that way should be busy filling out financial aid paperwork — if they haven’t already.