The 21st—a production of Illinois Public Media airing on four public media stations across state—is excited to announce a partnership with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Beginning in May, Host and Executive Producer Niala Boodhoo will be hosting live broadcasts of the show from Medill’s downtown newsroom. 

With the Super Bowl on Sunday, all eyes are on football. The sport also happens to be Kevin Jackson’s area of scientific expertise. He came to the University of Illinois to play football while pursuing a career in science, and now he’s developing a cooling helmet that may help with athletes’ head injuries. Through his research with the University’s Beckman Institute and the Athletics Department, Jackson wants to reduce the side effects of concussions and other brain injuries for athletes.

Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson says that while the lack of a state budget hasn't yet affected the University of Illinois' recruitment efforts, if the budget stalemate were to drag on until the fall it could be "devastating."

The 21st, a new hour-long talk show, will launch March 14, 2016. Veteran journalist and public radio host Niala Boodhoo will host and executive produce the show.

The 21st — 21st-century radio for the 21st state — will combine relevant news and conversation with audience engagement through phone calls, social media and other digital channels.