The 21st Show
A look into the debate surrounding Data Centers in Illinois
Where does your municipality fall on the data center debate? Is it interested in adding one or is it looking to ban them all together?
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The 21st Show
Meet Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Aaron Del Mar
Aaron Del Mar chairs the Cook County Republican Party. Now, he’s Darren Bailey’s running mate in the November election. He gives his take on taxes, criminal justice, and Republicans’ ability to win statewide elections in Illinois.
News Local/State
Behind The Mic: Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield sees being on-air as a theatrical performance
When Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield isn’t live over the airways, she reports and produces arts and entertainment news happening in Central Illinois.
News Local/State
Behind The Mic: Education reporter Emily Hays loves connecting people through her stories
From covering school districts, politics, campus news, and more, Illinois Public Media reporter Emily Hays is a versatile journalist who loves keeping it local.
News Local/State
Behind The Mic: Agriculture/Environmental reporter Abigail Bottar views her work as public service
Abigail Bottar joined Illinois Public Media in early March 2026 as our Agriculture/Environmental reporter after six years at Ideastream Public Media in Ohio.
News Local/State
Behind The Mic: Illinois Student Newsroom editor Christine Herman leads the newest generation of public media reporters
Christine Herman initially joined IPM as a part-time producer. Now, she is the editor for the Illinois Student Newsroom, overseeing 15 to 20 U of I student reporters.
Weather Realness
Storm chasers on the reality behind the chase
During a tornado, most people take cover. Others drive straight towards it. We talk to storm chasers about what it’s like to be in the path of a storm.
Weather Realness
Storm chasing can be deadly, here’s how to stay safe
Storm chasing can be dangerous from tornadoes overtaking vehicles to hail destroying cars. Today we learn how storm chasers can be prepared and stay safe.
News Local/State
Behind The Mic: Newsroom editor Arjun Thakkar thinks public media is integral in combatting information overload
At Illinois Public Media, Arjun Thakkar helps reporters with story pitches, sources, and final editing, and sometimes reports stories himself.
The 21st Show
Abby Cadabby’s puppeteer is married to a guy from Normal, Illinois. Here’s how they got to Sesame Street.
He's a Normal, Illinois native who went to U. of I. and ended up writing music for Sesame Street.
She's the puppeteer behind Abby Cadabby — and she just won an Emmy for it.
They also happen to be married.
Composer Paul Rudolph and puppeteer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph joined The 21st Show to talk about what makes Abby special, how to write music for Muppets, making instruments from found objects, and how puppetry can reach children who've been through tough times.
These programs are partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
