Illinois Public Media News

The small town of Beardstown in west-central Illinois has been revived in the past few decades because so many immigrants have come there to work, but now the city faces an uncertain future as the Trump administration makes changes to immigration policies. 

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.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org. 

Today marks 40 years since the first Farm Aid concert took place in Champaign in 1985. The Spurlock Musuem of World Cultures in Urbana is presenting an exhibit on both the event and the ongoing Farm Aid organization.

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.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0

Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org. 

The 21st took a look back at one of the biggest concerts in Illinois history. September 22, 2020 marked the 35 year anniversary of the first annual Farm Aid concert which happened in Champaign. It was organized by musicians Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young, and featured some of the biggest names in music of the day. 

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.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0

Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org. 

Today is the 40th anniversary of Farm Aid, the mega-concert that took over Champaign, Illinois’ Memorial Stadium in 1985. 
Farm Aid was prompted by a crisis in American farming, in the 1980's. There are some who say our agricultural economy today could be heading for similar trouble as farmers faced back in the day.

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.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org. 

John McShane is an engineer who grew up in Illinois. He’s also an outdoor enthusiast. Now he’s working to merge his knowledge with his passion … inventing a device aimed at making it easier to clean up trash in natural areas.

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.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0

Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.