The 21st Show
@21st.show
Illinois' statewide public radio talk show and podcast. Hosted by
@BrianMackey.com. Stream live at 11 a.m. Monday-Friday on http://21stShow.org.
@BrianMackey.com. Stream live at 11 a.m. Monday-Friday on http://21stShow.org.
Pinned
The 21st Show
@21st.show
· Nov 21
Greetings from Illinois, U.S.A.!
Every weekday, we connect the people of the Greatest State in America with the news, politics, history, science, and culture that matters.
Join the conversation at 11 a.m. Monday–Friday on an NPR station near you — and please keep in touch!
→ [email protected] ←
Every weekday, we connect the people of the Greatest State in America with the news, politics, history, science, and culture that matters.
Join the conversation at 11 a.m. Monday–Friday on an NPR station near you — and please keep in touch!
→ [email protected] ←
When Illinois Governor JB Pritzker first took office in 2019, he mostly spoke with local, Illinois-based media. Slowly, this shifted, and in 2025, he mostly spoke with national and liberal-friendly outlets.
We speak with @benszalinski.bsky.social of @capitolnewsil.bsky.social about the shift.
We speak with @benszalinski.bsky.social of @capitolnewsil.bsky.social about the shift.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is building up his national profile
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
youtu.be
January 16, 2026 at 8:22 PM
When Illinois Governor JB Pritzker first took office in 2019, he mostly spoke with local, Illinois-based media. Slowly, this shifted, and in 2025, he mostly spoke with national and liberal-friendly outlets.
We speak with @benszalinski.bsky.social of @capitolnewsil.bsky.social about the shift.
We speak with @benszalinski.bsky.social of @capitolnewsil.bsky.social about the shift.
President Trump is trying to pause funding for child care programs in Illinois and other states led by Democrats.
We hear from a longtime daycare owner in Southern Illinois about what that means for parents and daycares.
We hear from a longtime daycare owner in Southern Illinois about what that means for parents and daycares.
Why is President Trump trying to stop child care support for 100,000 Illinois families?
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 16, 2026 at 7:52 PM
President Trump is trying to pause funding for child care programs in Illinois and other states led by Democrats.
We hear from a longtime daycare owner in Southern Illinois about what that means for parents and daycares.
We hear from a longtime daycare owner in Southern Illinois about what that means for parents and daycares.
"Our fight is not for what letter you have by your name, whether it's a D, a R or an I, it's for all of the American people."
@ilattygeneral.bsky.social joins The 21st Show to talk about some of the state's fights in court against the Trump administration.
@ilattygeneral.bsky.social joins The 21st Show to talk about some of the state's fights in court against the Trump administration.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul: Illinois has sued the Trump administration 51 times
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 16, 2026 at 7:51 PM
"Our fight is not for what letter you have by your name, whether it's a D, a R or an I, it's for all of the American people."
@ilattygeneral.bsky.social joins The 21st Show to talk about some of the state's fights in court against the Trump administration.
@ilattygeneral.bsky.social joins The 21st Show to talk about some of the state's fights in court against the Trump administration.
Today:
-Illinois Attorney General @ilattygeneral.bsky.social.
-What Trump administration attempts to freeze child care funds mean for day cares and parents across Illinois.
-And a deep dive on what outlets Governor Pritzker has done interviews with.
It's all at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
-Illinois Attorney General @ilattygeneral.bsky.social.
-What Trump administration attempts to freeze child care funds mean for day cares and parents across Illinois.
-And a deep dive on what outlets Governor Pritzker has done interviews with.
It's all at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream
| Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
will.illinois.edu
January 16, 2026 at 3:56 PM
Today:
-Illinois Attorney General @ilattygeneral.bsky.social.
-What Trump administration attempts to freeze child care funds mean for day cares and parents across Illinois.
-And a deep dive on what outlets Governor Pritzker has done interviews with.
It's all at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
-Illinois Attorney General @ilattygeneral.bsky.social.
-What Trump administration attempts to freeze child care funds mean for day cares and parents across Illinois.
-And a deep dive on what outlets Governor Pritzker has done interviews with.
It's all at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
President Trump wants to allow Kei cars to be built and sold in the U.S.
Can these tiny Japanese cars become a hit in the U.S.?
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:38 AM
President Trump wants to allow Kei cars to be built and sold in the U.S.
An official from @idph.bsky.social discusses what causes a more severe year for respiratory diseases, and how we can keep ourselves safe.
The latest on the rise of winter respiratory diseases in Illinois
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:36 AM
An official from @idph.bsky.social discusses what causes a more severe year for respiratory diseases, and how we can keep ourselves safe.
Today:
-Flu, COVID, RSV, and the Trump administration's changing vaccine schedules. We'll talk with @idph.bsky.social.
-President Trump wants to allow a class of tiny Japanese vehicles to be built and sold in the U-S. We’ll talk about the proposal.
It's all at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
-Flu, COVID, RSV, and the Trump administration's changing vaccine schedules. We'll talk with @idph.bsky.social.
-President Trump wants to allow a class of tiny Japanese vehicles to be built and sold in the U-S. We’ll talk about the proposal.
It's all at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream | Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
will.illinois.edu
January 15, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Today:
-Flu, COVID, RSV, and the Trump administration's changing vaccine schedules. We'll talk with @idph.bsky.social.
-President Trump wants to allow a class of tiny Japanese vehicles to be built and sold in the U-S. We’ll talk about the proposal.
It's all at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
-Flu, COVID, RSV, and the Trump administration's changing vaccine schedules. We'll talk with @idph.bsky.social.
-President Trump wants to allow a class of tiny Japanese vehicles to be built and sold in the U-S. We’ll talk about the proposal.
It's all at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
Former teacher and marine Kevin Ryan is vying for the Democratic nomination in the Illinois Senate race.
Former marine Kevin Ryan talks economy, border control, ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Gaza while vying fo...
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 13, 2026 at 11:12 PM
Former teacher and marine Kevin Ryan is vying for the Democratic nomination in the Illinois Senate race.
Today, we're live at 11 with U.S. Senate candidate @kevryanforillinois.bsky.social, who's running in the Democratic Party primary.
Share your questions by leaving us a voice mail at (217) 300-2121, then join us:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
Share your questions by leaving us a voice mail at (217) 300-2121, then join us:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream
| Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
will.illinois.edu
January 13, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Today, we're live at 11 with U.S. Senate candidate @kevryanforillinois.bsky.social, who's running in the Democratic Party primary.
Share your questions by leaving us a voice mail at (217) 300-2121, then join us:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
Share your questions by leaving us a voice mail at (217) 300-2121, then join us:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
Researcher Joseph Gone will be giving a talk at University of Illinois later this month on why he thinks Native American mascots are problematic.
A deep look into the past and future of Native American mascots
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:13 PM
Researcher Joseph Gone will be giving a talk at University of Illinois later this month on why he thinks Native American mascots are problematic.
This just in: the Chicago Bears are good?!?
We talk about the season gone by, and the upcoming playoffs, with WBEZ sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXbi...
We talk about the season gone by, and the upcoming playoffs, with WBEZ sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXbi...
Chicago Bears in the playoffs
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:17 PM
This just in: the Chicago Bears are good?!?
We talk about the season gone by, and the upcoming playoffs, with WBEZ sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXbi...
We talk about the season gone by, and the upcoming playoffs, with WBEZ sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXbi...
It's been less than a week since the U.S. captured Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro.
We hear from Illinois experts about how we got here, what people are feeling in the moment, and what comes next.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6BN...
We hear from Illinois experts about how we got here, what people are feeling in the moment, and what comes next.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6BN...
What’s next for Venezuela?
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:15 PM
It's been less than a week since the U.S. captured Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro.
We hear from Illinois experts about how we got here, what people are feeling in the moment, and what comes next.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6BN...
We hear from Illinois experts about how we got here, what people are feeling in the moment, and what comes next.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6BN...
Today:
-Months of U.S. military pressure on Venezuela culminated in the capture of the country’s president Nicolas Maduro. We’ll talk about how we got here, and what comes next.
-Plus, the Chicago Bears are in the playoffs.
It's all live at 11 Central:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
-Months of U.S. military pressure on Venezuela culminated in the capture of the country’s president Nicolas Maduro. We’ll talk about how we got here, and what comes next.
-Plus, the Chicago Bears are in the playoffs.
It's all live at 11 Central:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream
| Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
will.illinois.edu
January 9, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Today:
-Months of U.S. military pressure on Venezuela culminated in the capture of the country’s president Nicolas Maduro. We’ll talk about how we got here, and what comes next.
-Plus, the Chicago Bears are in the playoffs.
It's all live at 11 Central:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
-Months of U.S. military pressure on Venezuela culminated in the capture of the country’s president Nicolas Maduro. We’ll talk about how we got here, and what comes next.
-Plus, the Chicago Bears are in the playoffs.
It's all live at 11 Central:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
Researchers from University of Illinois hope miscanthus giganteus could help farmers across Illinois, especially in a time when commodity markets for corn and beans have been unpredictable at best.
How a unique and versatile plant could help Illinois farmers and the environment
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:06 PM
Researchers from University of Illinois hope miscanthus giganteus could help farmers across Illinois, especially in a time when commodity markets for corn and beans have been unpredictable at best.
Last month, @idph.bsky.social put out a comprehensive report on alcohol use in Illinois.
Is Illinois’ drinking culture evolving?
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:26 PM
Last month, @idph.bsky.social put out a comprehensive report on alcohol use in Illinois.
Today:
-A new report from the state Department of Public Health investigates Illinoisans’ relationship with alcohol. We’ll talk about the findings.
-And we’ll hear from Illinois researchers working to make energy from grass.
It's all live at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
-A new report from the state Department of Public Health investigates Illinoisans’ relationship with alcohol. We’ll talk about the findings.
-And we’ll hear from Illinois researchers working to make energy from grass.
It's all live at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream | Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
will.illinois.edu
January 8, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Today:
-A new report from the state Department of Public Health investigates Illinoisans’ relationship with alcohol. We’ll talk about the findings.
-And we’ll hear from Illinois researchers working to make energy from grass.
It's all live at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
-A new report from the state Department of Public Health investigates Illinoisans’ relationship with alcohol. We’ll talk about the findings.
-And we’ll hear from Illinois researchers working to make energy from grass.
It's all live at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
Reposted by The 21st Show
Illinois' statewide grocery tax is no more, but the tax is still showing up on many receipts.
On @21st.show today, we hear from some policy experts about why, and how different areas across the state are handling replacing the funding they got from the statewide tax.
On @21st.show today, we hear from some policy experts about why, and how different areas across the state are handling replacing the funding they got from the statewide tax.
How will the elimination of Illinois’ grocery tax impact communities and shoppers?
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Illinois' statewide grocery tax is no more, but the tax is still showing up on many receipts.
On @21st.show today, we hear from some policy experts about why, and how different areas across the state are handling replacing the funding they got from the statewide tax.
On @21st.show today, we hear from some policy experts about why, and how different areas across the state are handling replacing the funding they got from the statewide tax.
A reporter from WGLT News highlights several new laws that Illinoisans might see play out in their daily life.
Rundown of new laws in Illinois as 2026 begins
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:37 PM
A reporter from WGLT News highlights several new laws that Illinoisans might see play out in their daily life.
Today:
-A dive into some of the new laws that took effect with the new year.
-Plus, Illinois’ one percent grocery tax is history — but you might still be paying it. We’ll talk about what the change means for cities and consumers.
It's all today at 11 Central:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
-A dive into some of the new laws that took effect with the new year.
-Plus, Illinois’ one percent grocery tax is history — but you might still be paying it. We’ll talk about what the change means for cities and consumers.
It's all today at 11 Central:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream | Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
will.illinois.edu
January 7, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Today:
-A dive into some of the new laws that took effect with the new year.
-Plus, Illinois’ one percent grocery tax is history — but you might still be paying it. We’ll talk about what the change means for cities and consumers.
It's all today at 11 Central:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
-A dive into some of the new laws that took effect with the new year.
-Plus, Illinois’ one percent grocery tax is history — but you might still be paying it. We’ll talk about what the change means for cities and consumers.
It's all today at 11 Central:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
@lkatfield.bsky.social has been studying what led up to January 6 and the birth of the MAGA movement.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiWX...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiWX...
Five years after January 6 Capitol riot, author explores creation of MAGA
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 6, 2026 at 9:18 PM
@lkatfield.bsky.social has been studying what led up to January 6 and the birth of the MAGA movement.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiWX...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiWX...
It’s been five years since a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol Building. We’ll talk about that today with scholar Laura K. Field. Her new book is “Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New Right.”
That's live at 11 Central:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
That's live at 11 Central:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream
| Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
will.illinois.edu
January 6, 2026 at 3:12 PM
It’s been five years since a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol Building. We’ll talk about that today with scholar Laura K. Field. Her new book is “Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New Right.”
That's live at 11 Central:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
That's live at 11 Central:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
The editor of @thebulletin.org joins the program for a conversation on existential risks.
From nuclear war to AI, how to think about threats to humankind
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:48 PM
The editor of @thebulletin.org joins the program for a conversation on existential risks.
We're back for 2026! Today:
Existential risks to humankind are regularly explored by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists ( @thebulletin.org ), which was founded 80 years ago in Chicago.
We’ll talk with the magazine’s editor, live at 11.
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
Existential risks to humankind are regularly explored by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists ( @thebulletin.org ), which was founded 80 years ago in Chicago.
We’ll talk with the magazine’s editor, live at 11.
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream
| Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
will.illinois.edu
January 5, 2026 at 2:59 PM
We're back for 2026! Today:
Existential risks to humankind are regularly explored by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists ( @thebulletin.org ), which was founded 80 years ago in Chicago.
We’ll talk with the magazine’s editor, live at 11.
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
Existential risks to humankind are regularly explored by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists ( @thebulletin.org ), which was founded 80 years ago in Chicago.
We’ll talk with the magazine’s editor, live at 11.
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
From President Trump's inauguration and first year back in office to conservative commentator Charlies Kirk's assassination- a look back at the news that marked 2025
A look back at the news that marked 2025
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
December 31, 2025 at 8:46 PM
From President Trump's inauguration and first year back in office to conservative commentator Charlies Kirk's assassination- a look back at the news that marked 2025
The filmmaker behind the @pbs.org American Masters documentary on the life of Dick Van Dyke as well as @npr.org Media critic Eric Deggans discuss Van Dyke's accomplishments.
From music to movies to comedy-celebrating 100 years of Dick Van Dyke
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:36 PM