In this second episode of 800 Miles from Ground Zero: 9/11's Impact on Central Illinois, we learn that one of the direct results of 9/11 was America intervening in the Middle East through the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Despite having strong support when they first started, the wars resulted in intense controversies throughout the United States.. This episode features multiple veterans, anti-war activists, and experts to understand the different perspectives on the post-9/11 wars.

Many people are protesting around the world after the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran's morality police.

Today on the 21st, we check in with reporters around the state for the latest on COVID-19 and protests over police violence from across the state, we have a conversation about pride and rebellion and we see what a year without corn dogs and state fairs looks like.

To look at how COVID-19 and ongoing protests are affecting Illinois, The 21st speaks with reporters in DeKalb and Bloomington-Normal.

On today's 21st, reporters from around the state give an update on protests in smaller, largely white communities and we talk with Professor Joseph Flynn about his book White Fatigue.