Illinois Public Media News

A panel of experts involved in the field of education across the state discuss why school start times are what they are, and whether they should, or even could, change. Some sleep experts weigh in as well. 

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.

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On Halloween, we’ll talk with an Illinois couple who’ve made a former funeral home into their home. The house was among the competitors on the new season of HGTV’s “Scariest House in America.” They share what drew them to the home, what it was like being on an HGTV show with Retta, and why they didn't actually want to win the $150,000 grand prize renovation.

The Illinois General Assembly wrapped up a brief but highly productive fall legislative session in which they tackled the financial problems of mass transit agencies, energy prices, immigration enforcement, and "medical aid in dying" for terminally ill patients.

We’ll talk with a reporter who was covering it well into the early hours of this morning.

On Wednesday, after more than 11 hours of deliberation, a Peoria jury found former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson guilty of second-degree murder in the killing of Sonya Massey in her home near Springfield last year. The jury, however, acquitted Grayson on the more serious charge of first-degree murder — which could have resulted in a lifetime prison sentence.

We'll talk with a reporter who covered the trial.

Founded in 1968, Red Lobster once had more than 600 locations across the U.S., Canada, and overseas franchises. But last year, the $2 billion revenue company went into bankruptcy, reorganized, and came out with new ownership and new leadership.

The company has sought to revamp operations, make changes to its menu, and close a few locations. According to USA Today, five Illinois Red Lobsters have closed — including in Bourbonnais, Danville, and Peoria. 

All these changes are being led by the company’s 36-year-old CEO: Damola Adamolekun. Born in Nigeria, Adamolekun immigrated to the U.S. when he was nine years old. His father was a neurosurgeon — and moved his family to Springfield, Illinois, in the late 1990's. And that is where Damola says he had his first experience of Red Lobster.