The 21st Show
@21st.show
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Illinois' statewide public radio talk show and podcast. Hosted by @BrianMackey.com. Stream live at 11 a.m. Monday-Friday on http://21stShow.org.
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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]
A purple graphic with red and blue wavy lines, and white text showing "The 21st Show" logo and the phrase "Connecting Illinois"
21st.show
"We fear that a lot of things we did simply aren't happening any longer, and the excuse that's always given is 'that's not America first.'"

We spend an hour with Illinoisan Eric P. Whitaker, who served for a few years as U.S. Ambassador to Niger.
Retired Ambassador Eric P. Whitaker, from Illinois to Niger
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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21st.show
Today, former American diplomat Eric Whitaker. Born and raised in Illinois, he went on to become U.S. Ambassador to Niger. We’ll talk about his background, what’s happening in Africa, and the future of American foreign policy.

We're live at 11:
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WILL AM 580 Live Stream | Illinois Public Media
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"These Jewish communities are all fading away, and there has to be some record about how Jewish people supported their communities in each of these towns across Central Illinois."

We talk with a longtime member of the Danville Jewish community about her experiences.
Challenges and triumphs of Jewish communities in central Illinois
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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21st.show
Today:
-After the holiest days on the Jewish calendar, a conversation reflecting on Jewish life and history in central Illinois. We’ll talk with an archivist for an oral history project, and a longtime member of the community.

We're live at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream | Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
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21st.show
"We shouldn't be afraid to admit that we could do better, and that we're doing the hard work of being better tomorrow than we are today."

The president of Northern Illinois University, Dr. Lisa Freeman, joins us to talk about the state of her school and the state of higher education.
Northern Illinois University President Lisa Freeman talks enrollment, football and funding
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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21st.show
"What we're seeing is, I think, over the past couple weeks ... is ICE really engaging and escalating sort of violent tactics." - Ed Yohnka of ACLU of Illinois

He and @jonseidel.bsky.social of @chicago.suntimes.com join us to talk about the latest National Guard and ICE news in Chicago.
Amid protests, Trump deploys National Guard to Illinois; Democratic leaders fight back with lawsuits
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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21st.show
Today:
-Court fights over President Trump ordering National Guard soldiers to Illinois, and the treatment of the media outside an ICE facility.
-Plus, a conversation with the president of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

It's all at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream | Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
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21st.show
Today, novelist Shelby Van Pelt. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she now makes her home in Illinois, in the suburbs of Chicago. Her debut novel, “Remarkably Bright Creatures," was a breakout success.

She's with us for the hour at 11 a.m. Central:
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WILL AM 580 Live Stream | Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
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Amid economic uncertainty and layoffs, job seekers are competing with thousands of applicants at times.
Why is the job market so tough right now?
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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21st.show
Today:
-Illinois Congressman @ericsorensen.bsky.social, as the government shutdown continues.
-The job market seems to be tightening. We'll talk with experts about what's happening, and where the market goes from here.

It's all at 11 a.m. Central. Join us:
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WILL AM 580 Live Stream | Illinois Public Media
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How will this move impact federal workers in Illinois and the many people in the state, who rely on federal benefits?
The federal government has officially shut down. What’s next?
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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The U.S. Government has shut down. We'll talk about it today on the show.
-We'll talk with @seancasten.bsky.social about how we got here, and what it could mean for Illinois.
-Plus, a look at the political and economic stakes of the shutdown.

It's all live at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream | Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
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21st.show
Today:
-We’ll find out how Illinois is responding to the latest in federal health policy from the director of @idph.bsky.social.
-Plus, the growing threat from ticks.

We'll talk about it all live at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream | Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
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Steve Vogel is turning his journalistic attention to his own life and has come out with a memoir called “Broadcast Live: 71 True Stories, Including Some I’d Just as Soon Forget.”
Radio broadcaster turned author reflects on humble beginnings, career, and today’s media landscap...
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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Bloomington-Normal's Nomad Theatre Company breaks out of the walls of a traditional theater-bringing its plays to places that fit the performances.
Off the stage and into the world: Mobile theater company provides out-of-the-box experience
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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21st.show
A group of researchers asked thousands of Illinois workers how they feel about their jobs as part of a study for the Project for Middle Class Renewal.
What makes a job good or bad? Researchers survey Illinoisans to find out
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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21st.show
Today:
-What President Trump's changes to immigration policy mean for Beardstown in Central IL.
-What makes a job good or bad? A group of researchers surveyed working Illinoisans to find out.
-Plus, Nomad Theatre Company in Bloomington-Normal.

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
21st.show
An agricultural law and policy expert discusses what’s happening in farming from a government and policy perspective.
As Farm Aid marks 40th anniversary, what is the status of American agriculture today?
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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