As the Illinois General Assembly plans its return to Springfield next week — the first meeting of the legislature since early March — we talk to Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford about what's on the agenda.

Today on The 21st: a conversation with Illinois Senate Majority Leader and Black Caucus Chair Kimberly Lightford, college students considering a "gap year," and a former Chicago Tribune sportswriter and central Illinois basketball player on the ESPN miniseries The Last Dance.

The Illinois Senate last week approved increased protections for those who use alternative electric and gas suppliers. 

Illinois Senators want to make sure everyone is counted in the 2020 Census. Legislation would give $25 million in grants to organizations serving hard-to-reach communities.

Illinois is one step closer to having a $15 minimum wage, after the state Senate approved the legislation by a 39-18 vote Thursday.