Illinois Public Media News

This week, as we ask "Who is in charge of the news?" we look at the new Local Journalism Task Force, signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker. To find out who’s on the task force, their goals, and whether it will save local, independent journalism, we were joined by the bill’s creator, the bill's co-sponsor, the news director at Northern Public Radio, and a journalism professor.

As part of our weeklong "Who's In Charge of The News?" special series, we're focusing on the few companies that own TV stations and newspapers in downstate Illinois.

As we ask Who’s in charge of news?, today, we're exploring non-profit news organizations focused on hard-hitting investigations and statehouse reporting. We're joined by representatives from Pro-Publica, the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, and Capitol News Illinois.

Some version of the newspaper known today as The State-Journal Register has been published in Springfield and Sangamon County since 1831, but today, The newspaper of today is a shadow of what it once was. Today on the program, we talk about what's lost when a community sees its newspaper shrinks.

We talked to leaders of Black and Latino-focused media organizations about the history and objectives of their organizations, access to news that isn't centered on White communities, and more.

Next week: The 21st is talking about news deserts, news ownership, and news literacy in Illinois. Share your concerns about local news by leaving us a voicemail at 217.300.2121 or emailing talk@21stshow.org

Bach to Black is a new project from a University of Illinois professor and pianist that pairs Johann Sebastian Bach's music with works written by Black composers. It's designed to bridge divides in the music community and increase diversity and inclusion in classical music. 

According to the latest report from AARP Illinois and SAGE, more than 60 percent of LGBTQ adults fear neglect, abuse or discrimination because of their identity when accessing long-term care. We spoke with older members of the LGBTQ community about where they’re finding support.

Fiona’s Guardians tells the story of Fiona, a 250-year old vampire who uses human guardians to procure her nightly requirement of 10 pints of human blood. The book is now also being turned into a podcast called “Mysterious Journey: Fiona’s Guardians” produced by Artists’ Ensemble Theater in Rockford. We were joined by the novel's author and the playwright who adapted the book into a podcast script.

As part of a 280 acre expansion of the Chicago Rockford International Airport, the prairie, which has gone undeveloped for thousands of years, could be bulldozed, despite concerns that only .01% of Illinois' natural prairie remains.