Illinois Public Media News

The 21st was joined by the author of a book exploring the myth of the model minority and the students who take extreme measures to cope, as well as a clinical social worker and a student who shared her own experiences with the pressure often placed on Asian American students.

As part of the April 6, 2022 celebration of WILL-AM's 100th anniversary, we hear from WILL alums Niala Boodhoo and Jeremy Hobson.

April 6, 2022 marks a century of broadcasting at Illinois Public Media. We looked back at the early years and WILL-AM's state and national impact on public media.

We discussed the duties of the Prison Review Board, its current state, and how its inability to function might be resolved with a civil rights attorney and the executive director of an independent criminal justice reform association.

Author Jimmy Soni joined The 21st to discuss the history of online payments, PayPal, and the company's connection to central Illinois.

Last year, the Peoria Board of Education decided to rename a primary school to honor a Peoria-born civil rights leader, and earlier this month, the board voted to rename five more schools in the district. The 21st was joined by the board's president to discuss the change.

Religious diversity in the Midwest is the subject of a new book by a professor of religious studies, who is a descendent of Syrian Midwesterners. 

In 2020, Illinois lawmakers extended healthcare coverage to undocumented seniors aged 65 and older, making Illinois the first state in the nation to do so. But should it go further?

Judy Woodruff, anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour, talks with Brian Mackey about her career, the changing news cycle, and more.