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

farm
Sophie Proe / St. Louis Public Radio

As Farm Aid marks 40th anniversary, what is the status of American agriculture today?

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. 

Courtesy of John McShane

Inventor combines love of hiking and mechanical engineering to create Clean Trek

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.

Photos courtesy of CIMA of Illinois and Book cover design by Steven Plummer

Educators’ book explores role of linguistics in teaching diverse student populations

Two educators from northern Illinois authored a book together called "Your Words are Fire: 10 culturally-responsive teaching strategies to speak the language of belonging and help students learn, express ideas, and solve problems." The books goes over ways teachers can implement certain methods to help students from diverse backgrounds learn. 

 

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 show's Brian Mackey speaks one-on-one to University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen.
Reginald Hardwick /Illinois Public Media

University of Illinois President Tim Killeen on international students, academic freedom, and federal challenges

University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen discusses working with the federal government including threats to revoke the visas of internation students and losing funding for research. He also gives his take on academic freedom and the value of a university education in this day and age. 

 

 

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.

Tuskola will play near Tuscola at Pygmalion Music Festival 2025

The Pygmalion Festival is back in Urbana. We spoke with artist Ryan Brewer, AKA Tuskola, about his origins in Tuscola, 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 →