Politics
America @ 250: Philosopher Kevin Scharp says that in the age of AI there are no questions, only requests
University of Illinois philosophy professor Kevin Scharp studies artificial intelligence. He thinks America—and humanity—is at an unprecedented crossroads in our relationship with AI, and says the most consequential decisions have already been made.
Dennis Hastert, former US House speaker disgraced by sex abuse allegations, dies at 84
The man who was once second in line to the presidency couldn’t be prosecuted for sex abuse because the statute of limitation for those crimes had passed a decade earlier.
UPDATE: Champaign County clerk says 600 people need to watch mail for replacement ballots
A total of 28 people already voted with incorrect ballots in person and by mail.
Rep. Darin LaHood defends Iran war, discusses tariffs and immigration solutions on 21st Show
Congressman Darin LaHood joined the 21st Show last week to make his case for another term while discussing hot topics such as skyrocketing gas prices, the pros and cons of the Iran war, and pathways for legal immigration.
America @ 250: Bill Bozdech asks that Americans sustain faith and family for the next 250 years
Bill Bozdech, his wife and two sons farm 2,500 acres in Champaign, Douglas and Vermillion counties. His family immigrated to east-central Illinois from central Europe in 1890.
Sheriff Dustin Heuerman and Gregory Worrell discuss immigration enforcement, Flock cameras in candidate interviews
Democratic incumbent Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman and Republican Gregory Worrell, participated in candidate interviews at Illinois Public Media’s studios.
IPM’s 2026 Midterm Election candidate interviews
One-on-one in-depth conversations with congressional, gubernatorial, senate, and local government candidates from the 21st Show and IPM News ahead of the November mid-terms
America @ 250: Diane Lathrop asks what went wrong, and how we keep it from happening again.
Mattoon resident Diane Lathrop was born and raised in east-central Illinois. She was valedictorian of the Mattoon Senior High School class of 1971. She attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and, in 2023, retired after more than 40 years in the financial services industry.
GOP congressional candidate Jeff Wilson on tariffs, energy production, and healthcare
Jeff Wilson, a Republican and former member of the Champaign County Board, is making a bid to flip Illinois’ 13th congressional district. He makes his case on The 21st Show.
Champaign County Clerk candidates disagree on Trump’s SAVE Act, decline to discuss federal charges
Champaign County’s incumbent clerk, Democrat Aaron Ammons, faces a challenge from Republican Alan Anderson. During a candidate forum hosted by IPM, the two discussed election administration and local challenges. They declined to comment on allegations against Ammons in a federal indictment.
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski discusses her record, makes case for third term
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski sat down with the 21st Show’s Brian Mackey to discuss her accomplishments so far and her position on many current issues while seeking another tern.
America @ 250: Callie McFarland asks what America wants to be when it grows up
Callie McFarland has lived in Monticello since 2004. She’s a mother of two, a farmer’s wife and a small business owner. Since 2008, she’s been the director of community and economic development for the city of Monticello.