Illinois Public Media News

In-depth reporting from WILL, NPR, the Associated Press, and other sources

Contact WILL News at willnewsroom@illinois.edu

Play

WILL Newscast

Jason Chambers' alongside his new biography of Tom Burell.

How Tom Burell made advertising with Black people, for Black people

Tom Burrell revolutionized advertising in the 1970s, shifting the industry from racist depictions of African Americans to positive and realistic portrayals. Jason Chambers' new biography, Advertising Revolutionary: The Life and Work of Tom Burrell, highlights Burrell's significant contributions to advertising, emphasizing his role in integrating African American culture into mainstream media​​.

Christine Hatfield/Illinois Public Media

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Awisi Bustos on her government experience, ‘militarization’ of ICE, and affordability

As we continue our series of U.S. Senate candidate interviews, we sit down with Awisi Quartey Bustos, who has extensive experience working in government as well as private sector. She discusses the economy, the need for reforming ICE, and why her past roles working for the state are valuable. 


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.

An advertising sign for building land stands in front of a new home construction site in Northbrook, Illinois in this file photo from December 2021.
Nam Y. Huh/AP

Housing shortage, rising prices, and income requirements: Why buying or renting a home is so difficult in 2026

The Trump Administration says it wants to rein in corporations and private equity buying up single-family homes — aimed at alleviating a tight housing market that has seen significant price increases. What does this mean for homebuyers in Illinois? 


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.

More articles →