Red Lobster's CEO Damola Adamolekun talks about his personal life experiences, what made the restaurant chain so iconic, and how it plans to make a comeback amid closings nationwide. 

Today on The 21st: the weekly reporter roundtable on COVID-19, the new normal of social norms, and writing obituaries during a global pandemic.

It’s been a month since restaurants and bars closed here in Illinois. We hear how one business owner is faring, and ask what he needs from state leaders. 

For people with disabilities, it can be frustrating to go to a restaurant only to find it’s not accessible. A new website aims to help. “Access Urbana-Champaign” rates more than 100 local restaurants, cafes and bakeries on their accessibility.

As lawmakers consider raising taxes on the video gambling industry, ProPublica Illinois and WBEZ report on several powerful lawmakers from both parties who have direct financial ties to the industry. Plus, last week, activists and workers’ rights groups organized walkouts and filed lawsuits against McDonald’s, for everything from higher wages, union rights, and reports of violence in the workplace. And, if you’re planning to hit the road for the perfect summer day trip, we’ll speak with some of the artisans and restaurateurs featured as Illinois makers.