Illinois Congressmen on Biden’s Cabinet, transition and COVID-19 relief. How hospitals are holding up. A plea from a Chicagoan who lost his trailblazing mother. One-on-one with music star Andrew Bird.

• ‘America Is Back’: Biden Pushes Past Trump Era With Nominees
• Rural Hospitals Facing Unique Challenges as COVID-19 Surges
• Maria Cerda, a Trailblazer Who Inspired Latino Leaders, Dies at 86
• Chicago Artist Aims to Bring Attention to Homelessness
• ‘The Doctors’ Host on Pandemic, Production Protocols and Vaccine Hopes
• Andrew Bird on New Holiday Album, Acting Debut on ‘Fargo’