The 21st Show: Recent Episodes
Illinois Public Media - WILL
Recently, a nine-month investigation by the Illinois Answers Project, found that an alarming rate of Illinois jails place people on restraining chairs every day. The United Nations has called the use of these chairs “torture” and their use in Illinois jails many times violates their policies and procedures. Today, we are joined by the reporter behind the investigation, Grace Hauck. She'll tell us about how she uncovered this story. We are also joined by the director of the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab at the University of Texas, Austin to learn more about the use of restraint chairs.
The band American Football formed in Urbana in the late 1990s. Their debut album featured an artsy photo of a local house, which became a tourist destination for fans of emo music, and has now been made into an Airbnb.
Illinois politics has a deep culture of corruption. We’ll talk with one of the reporters behind a new Chicago Tribune series that tries to answer why.
This week we talk with reporters from Bloomington-Normal, Rockford, and DeKalb. Topics include police-community relations, funding for state universities, automotive news, and a new casino.
It’s been three years since Illinois State University grad student Jelani Day went missing. He was found dead 11 days later, but his family still doesn’t know what happened. We talked with Jelani's mom and sister about how they've coped and the latest on the case. Plus a broader conversation with the co-founder of the Black and Missing Foundation about how the authorities respond when the people who go missing are Black.
The Smithsonian Institution has a collection of political memorabilia dating back to America’s earliest elections. We’ll talk with one of the historians whose job includes collecting material from the present to preserve for future generations.
The 2024 Democratic National Convention is history. We’ll talk it over with Illinois reporters who covered it on the ground.
In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about the Democratic National Convention in Chicago that took place in 1968.
A new Northwestern study found that parents are less likely to be informed about the newest guidance from pediatrics on how to help their children avoid developing peanut allergies.
Many headlines about immigration involve government policies, the border, and interviewing the poor lived experience of immigration, but below those headlines are positive stories debunking the misinformation about immigration.
Discussions on the dangers and benefits that artificial intelligence has on our democracy.
The late film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert created a television show that made them household names, and made their “two thumbs up” a coveted endorsement. Author and film critic Matt Singer looks at their unique role in Hollywood history in his new book, “Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever.”
A new book, "Avenues of Transformation," looks at the persuasion and power that went into Illinois statehood and consequences of decisions made decades ago.
“The Bear” has catapulted the Italian beef sandwich — and also Chicago’s dining scene — into the national conversation.
Author Luis Alberto Urrea’s latest novel was inspired by his mother’s experiences in World War II. She operated a Red Cross Clubmobile.
NPR Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep talks about his new book on Abraham Lincoln and how he’s preparing to cover a fraught year in American politics.
We’ve spent the entire week talking about addiction with a focus on opioids and fentanyl. Today, our focus is on prevention especially what it takes to help young people avoid addiction. We started by talking about prevention efforts in schools. Followed by a focus on advice for parents and caregivers.
Today, we are focusing on solutions to the fentanyl crisis. Already, state and local governments across the country are making use of opioid settlement money. Lean how Illinois compares and what ways our state can better treat those suffering from addiction.
Our weeklong focus on opioid overdoses turns to the political conversations around fentanyl across America and Illinois.
All week we are focused on the opioid and fentanyl overdose crisis in Illinois. This segment is about harm reduction. What does it mean? Why is it important? And what do efforts at harm reduction look like in different parts of the state?
All this week we are focusing on fentanyl. We begin with the writer and journalist Sam Quinones, author of “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic” and “The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth.”
A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found cities themselves could take meaningful steps to combat the heat waves.
A survey conducted by The National Community Pharmacists Association found more than 70% of pharmacies were experiencing staff shortages. For rural communities, where pharmacists are the only outpost of health care in the town, these shortages can lead to clinics closing up, leaving towns to have no pharmacy within reach, known as pharmacy deserts.We focused the conversation on analyzing the big picture data of why pharmacy shortages matter, We heard about how a college program in Rockford is training pharmacy students to be equipped to work in rural towns, and we spoke with a local pharmacist-owner who serves her community of 700 people as their go-to health care expert.
Today we recognized Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day and celebrated the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps through a discussion of their history and legacy with the head of African American Studies at the University of Illinois and a current service member.
Tens of thousands of Americans who gave their lives in wars around the world have not yet received a proper burial. A team helping locate those missing in action came to Illinois to talk about their work and how technology is changing their searches. Two of them joined us.
We interview Toya Wolfe, author of ‘Last Summer on State Street,’ as we learn how she shaped her first fictional story, set in the historic torn-down landmark, The Robert Taylor Homes.
Illinois politicians are celebrating the upgraded train speeds of 110mph from Chicago to St. Louis, but why is the US behind Asia and Europe with 200 mph trains?
A new study suggests that people on the internet are not as angry as they seem. The 21st was joined by the professor who led the study.
Today we will be hearing the unique story of a Princess from Sierra Leone. who was born and adopted in West Virginia and searched for her birth family to find out she’s from a royal lineage and in fact, a Princess.
The author of Growing up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World shares how to manage a generation that operates online all the time.
In March 1956, Thurgood Marshall visited the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. A modern-day civil rights leader and Black Studies professor reacted to Marshall's speech.
The two particular broods of cicadas we're set to see this year only cross paths like this every 221 years.
In 1939, Dr. Bill Gingold was born in Warsaw. His family escaped the Nazis and lived in Siberia before making a new life in Illinois.
Tipping is everywhere. But for plenty of Americans, there's a fatigue that's set in around the practice.
The two particular broods of cicadas we're set to see this year only cross paths like this every 221 years.
There have been many attempts to help people deal with homelessness and the problems that come with it, but what will it take to reach as Governor Pritzker called it, "functional zero" homelessness?
Many people who are trans and also Christian have to live with conflicts between their identity and their faith.
The history and renovations of the Governor's Mansion, located in Springfield, are documented by Illinois' First Lady, MK Pritzker, in a new coffee-table book.
Evanston has had a reparations program in place for a few years now. We learned what people think of it and what keeps reparations from gaining greater traction nationwide.
Since Illinois started the Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act in 2017, the state has made progress in addressing disparities in educational funding, directing resources to the schools most in need, particularly in lower-income and minority areas.
The 21st was joined by the author of "The Shotgun Conservationist," who writes that he’s not trying to convert anyone into a hunter but says he wants to broaden perspectives.
Gun violence in Illinois goes beyond Chicago, Peoria made national headlines after a mass shooting last month and many small communities such as Carbondale and Champaign have significant records of gun violence.
We dive into the rising number of shootings in downstate Illinois and ask what can be done about it.
Illinois prisons can be dire for inmates, With more than $2.5 billion in deferred maintenance, many inmates and family members are at risk of being forgotten. WBEZ Chicago’s “Prisoncast,” interviews inmates and loved ones and what it's like in Illinois prisons.
The 21st spoke with writer Rainesford Stafford about her book "An Ordinary Age: Finding Your Way in a World That Expects Exceptional," a collection of stories from young people who have rejected the pressure to be perfect.
An Illinois-based professor will be leading research into the cultural history of chocolate and how it turned into the global force it remains today.
September 11, 2021 marks 20 years since the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. Today on The 21st, we talked about 9/11 with an Illinois native who lost his fiance during the attacks.
Malina Moye, singer-songwriter, one of the first black left-handed upside-down guitarists, shares her story from moving to Los Angeles with $20 and being homeless to releasing records that reached the top of Billboard charts. Kimberly Schofield interviews Moye before opening Ellnora, The Guitar Festival at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana.
In our weekly roundup of political news, we discuss the ticking deadline to approve the Federal Congressional Budget to avert a government shutdown, as well as a Republican senator preventing the routine of promotions for military members, as a way to end the military’s abortion policy, and we discuss a big story on organized labor.Listen for these headlines and more in-depth stories to catch you up with the politics you may have missed this week.
Each Friday, we end the week with a statewide news roundup. We checked in with reporters from Peoria and Springfield to bring the latest updates about how Peoria has responded to the string of shootings within the span of 13 hours, and how the HSHS medical group in Springfield was affected by last week's computer outage. Listen to these stories and more to catch up on the news with Brian Mackey.
A 17-year-old from Byron Illinois inventor of Etana, a device to provide secure IDs for those who have no form of identification, many of whom were born without a birth certificate, affecting over a billion people, the majority of them women of color in lower-income countries.
The host of the PBS Nature podcast “Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant,” who studies wild animals in their natural habitat joins the show to talk about the premiere of their third season that has listeners asking how can humans look at our relationship with nature differently.
New research suggests many people who were not able to get tested early in the COVID pandemic — or even tested negative for the disease — may still be dealing with long COVID symptoms. We’ll talk about what we’re still learning with Dr. Igor Koralnik, co-director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive COVID-19 Center.
We discuss what you need to know about the latest COVID-19 variant, BA.2.86, also known as the "Pirola" variant.
As photography keeps evolving, so does the way Presidents are captured on camera, from Presidential portraits to selfies. The latest historical moment is President Trump’s mugshot, from Fulton County jail in Georgia.
We discuss the promise and peril of AI and how the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence will transform our economy, workforce, and job market.
In honor of May the Fourth, The 21st was joined by the author of a book that draws parallels between Star Wars and America's politics. Author Stephen Kent says that by looking at the core values of the Star Wars stories, readers can find lessons on life, liberty and happiness from a galaxy far, far away.
The Champaign Clippers in Illinois, a club founded a year ago keeps the mid-19th century iteration of baseball, known as 'base ball' alive and well.
A retired Army veteran opened up, Selfie Space in Peoria, and there’s more to the place than just taking selfies. We speak with the owner and hear their founding story and upcoming events you want to know about.
In our weekly roundup of political news, we catch up on what made state political news at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur. For that, we’re joined by our in-house Agriculture Reporter who was there when Governor J.B. Pritzker announced grants for mental health awareness programs.
Each Friday, we end the week with a statewide news roundup, and this week, a former Belleville resident was one of three Marines killed in the Osprey crash; we are joined by Metro East Reporter for St. Louis Public Radio to share more information.
There have been many attempts to help people deal with homelessness and the problems that come with it, but what will it take to reach as Governor Pritzker called it, "functional zero" homelessness?
A new Northwestern study found that parents are less likely to be informed about the newest guidance from pediatrics on how to help their children avoid developing peanut allergies.
Many headlines about immigration involve government policies, the border, and interviewing the poor lived experience of immigration, but below those headlines are positive stories debunking the misinformation about immigration.
We explore how plastic, which was once seen as a miracle product, now used in nearly every product we consume, has been hurting our waters in Illinois.
The state of the economy has been at a tailspin since the pandemic, with inflation at an all-time high, The American dream of owning a home has become more out of reach than ever. Today, we ask what the future holds for our economy’s recovery.
A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found cities themselves could take meaningful steps to combat the heat waves.
A survey conducted by The National Community Pharmacists Association found more than 70% of pharmacies were experiencing staff shortages. For rural communities, where pharmacists are the only outpost of health care in the town, these shortages can lead to clinics closing up, leaving towns to have no pharmacy within reach, known as pharmacy deserts.
We focused the conversation on analyzing the big picture data of why pharmacy shortages matter, We heard about how a college program in Rockford is training pharmacy students to be equipped to work in rural towns, and we spoke with a local pharmacist-owner who serves her community of 700 people as their go-to health care expert.
This week’s artist spotlight is Hollow Down, a band based out of Peoria that specializes in darker-sounding folk music. We learn about the band’s origins and the creative process of creating their sound.
In our weekly roundup of political news, we hear the latest updates of the perjury and obstruction-of-justice trial of a top aide to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, and what Illinois thinks about former President Trump’s absence from the first Republican debate and arriving at the Georgia courthouse for his fourth indictment.
In our weekly roundup of political news, today’s show focuses on The Quad Cities and Bloomington-Normal, our conversation ranges from infrastructure, sports, and the arts.
The Big Ten Conference is adding the University of Oregon and the University of Washington into its ranks, expanding its membership to 18 schools. The expansion, characterized by mixed reactions, raises questions about its impact on existing dynamics and athletics. We dove into the motivations and complexities behind this move,
Illinois's new law mandating equitable compensation for children featured in monetized videos is the first in of the country's kind. We dive into the significance of fair compensation for minors on social media.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), allows the public to access certain government records, which helps keep government agencies accountable and transparent. However, the Judicial branch in Illinois is allowed to exempt itself from FOIA requests, which has led agencies under its branch, such as the Juvenile Detention Centers to stay hidden and remain unchecked.
Illinois will enforce full-day kindergarten by the end of the decade, we'll explore the arguments for and against this new policy, and its implications for districts, parents, and students.
As the nation prepares for the first Republican presidential primary debate, we delve into the topic of the party's rebuilding phase here in Illinois. We hear from a representative from the Illinois Freedom Caucus, an organization that is a symbol of the modern-day Republican Party in Illinois.
We explore the Republican party's journey from once being a red state to its current super-minority holding. We hear from political observers and former Republican figures who analyze how the impact of national politics influences the future of shaping the state's political landscape.
The Illinois National Guard is addressing harmful behavior among its members, by focusing on sexual violence, self-directed harm, and workplace harassment. We are joined by the leader of the new program to combat these societal issues and why it's important to install these preventative measures.
A small local family-owned paper in Kansas is in the national spotlight after its newsroom was raided by police due to accusations of identity theft linked to an unpublished story. We are joined by the paper's owner, a former Illinois professor, and reporter who discusses how the raid spotlights the challenges faced by local newsrooms.
The Illinois man behind the dance performed at many weddings passed away. We're talking about DJ Casper, who created the "Cha Cha Slide."
This week: Former president Donald J. Trump's latest indictment and Democratic and Republican Days at the 2023 Illinois State Fair.
Each Friday, we end the week with a statewide news roundup. We checked in Northern Illinois and the Metro East regions.
Fifteen years after the state effectively banned indoor public smoking, has Illinois curbed the health effects of smoking?
The new Miss Illinois joined The 21st Show to talk about her research, competing in pageants, her charitable cause, and more.
Illinois politicians are celebrating the upgraded train speeds of 110mph from Chicago to St. Louis, but why is the US behind Asia and Europe with 200 mph trains?
We interview Toya Wolfe, author of ‘Last Summer on State Street,’ as we learn how she shaped her first fictional story, set in the historic torn-down landmark, The Robert Taylor Homes.
To talk about this discovery, we were joined by one of the scientists who helped study the fertile crocodile egg.
What does it take to be an auctioneer at the Illinois State Fair? We got an inside look and listen from an expert.
Gov. Pritzker talks with us at The Governor's Mansion as we discuss global warming, prisons, development centers, and more.
We are back live at The Illinois State Fair and before we leave, we wanted to highlight some of the people and activities that make the fair special, interesting, and weird.
Today is Ag Day, we are Live at the Illinois State Fair, and we hear from reporters who discuss the debate of the upcoming federal farm bill renewal and what to expect from Republican Day next Thursday.
The 21st broadcast live from the 2023 Illinois State Fair. Our first guest was Natalie Phelps Finnie, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Peoria has had 107 homicides since 2019, many of these crimes involved gun violence and the city is investing $100 million in community programs to help provide opportunities for at-risk youth and lower the number of crimes.
Susana Mendoza, Illinois Comptroller, joins the show to discuss the state's finances from the growing rainy day fund, and its unfunded pension liability, to the 2024 state budget and unpaid bills.
Garry Moore spent 30 years as the former morning anchor of WEEK-TV in Peoria, and he discusses his new book to give journalists a guide to understand and process race in the newsroom.
Illinois' newest law to allow non-citizens who meet specific requirements to be police officers. However, many people and lawmakers took to social media to share misinformation regarding the policies of the law.
Illinois is experiencing a shortage in peaches, not from imports but from a harsh winter back in December 2022 that has prevented the fruit from having a healthy harvest across Illinois farms.
Hip-hop is just a few decades old, but its cultural impact in Illinois and America at large is unquestionable.
David Lipsky’s new book, ‘The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial’, tells the story of how American people have lost their trust in science.
Before the movie “Oppenheimer” made history-breaking records at the box office, physicists from Illinois had a historic role in the events leading up to making the atomic bomb.
Our weekly political roundtable focuses on Illinois's latest measures to protect reproductive access, making non-citizens eligible for law enforcement, and seeing how lawmakers respond to Trump's latest indictment.
Our weekly reporter roundtables focus on what’s happening in downstate Illinois communities, and today it’s Peoria.
A community coalition is building tiny homes, known as Hope Village, to help the adults at most risk of experiencing homelessness, by offering health and social services that will build more stability in their lives.
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton joins the show after being a part of the Presidental signing of the new national monument of Emmett Till and his mother, and we discuss a range of topics from the Lt. Governor's thoughts on the SAFE-T-ACT to the ruling of affirmative action.
Pete Buttigieg visits Champaign County to announce infrastructure funding to Savoy, and talks with The 21st Show about the importance of investing in the future along the way.
In 1995, Illinois and the Midwest were in the stifling grip of a heatwave that killed hundreds. The 21st speaks to an NYU sociologist about the government's response and the potential parallels between the heatwave of 1995 and COVID-19 pandemic 25 years later.
We discuss Illinois State Museum's decision to return sacred artifacts to Kenya, and how many museums across the country are doing the same in the process known as "repatriations".
“The Bear” has catapulted the Italian beef sandwich — and also Chicago’s dining scene — into the national conversation.
To talk about his "self-help book that won't help," how he thinks about the concept of mastery and more, The 21st Show was joined by author Adam Gopnik.
A new Northwestern study found that parents are less likely to be informed about the newest guidance from pediatrics on how to help their children avoid developing peanut allergies.
Many headlines about immigration involve government policies, the border, and interviewing the poor lived experience of immigration, but below those headlines are positive stories debunking the misinformation about immigration.
After years of abuse allegations, the closing and repurposing of The Choate Mental Health and Development Center in Anna Illinois is a re-occurring pattern of abuse problems at statewide supported mental health centers.
Last week, El Milagro workers settled a labor dispute with the company and now we discuss how this will affect both workers and the Latino community.
NPR's Aisha Harris joined The 21st to talk about the culture that shaped her, the intersection of her identities as a Black person and a critic, and more
The 21st Show was joined by lawmakers who supported and opposed the bill, as well as the CEO of an organization advocating against sexual assault and two LGBTQ advocates.
On our second artist spotlight of the week, Zacari Moore from Springfield shares a song behind her album, “Do Not Disturb,” and we ask Moore about her musical journey and listen to her poetry.
Today’s reporter’s roundtable covers a range of stories in the Bloomington and Normal area, along with updates to Iowa’s request for help from the federal government and the John Deere Classic tournament.
On our second political roundtable, we hear about Congress’s proposed bills, the Illinois Supreme Court’s recent decisions, and the rise of anti-domestic violence activism as a response to the murder of a Springfield woman, Emma Shaffer.
The authors of ‘Nobody’s Fool,’ explores the human psychology that makes us vulnerable to being tricked into scams, and provide practical tips to help us stay in check to avoid these costly and emotional traps.
Northwestern is not the first school to make the headlines for a hazing scandal, today we look back at the history of hazing among universities.
Illinois became the first state to eliminate cash bail, and politicians across both sides of the aisle fear crime will rise as a result. Today, we ask what it really means to eliminate cash bail in Illinois.
Many Americans are drowning in medical debt and Rip Medical Debt is a charity that has erased more than $9.5 billion of medical debt for over 6.5 million families. We talk with the CEO of Rip Medical Debt among other experts to see why debt collection is a prevalent problem in America.
Illinois is set to see classes start at its first folk school this fall at Allerton Park & Retreat Center. We were joined by the center's senior program coordinator to talk about the goals of the school, what programs the school will offer, and more.
Illinois is the first anti-book ban state and today we ask a panel of guests who will be most affected by this bill, librarians and teachers to see if this newest law will affect their work.
As part of our Friday shows, we'll check in on Illinois Statehouse and the state congressional delegation.
As part of Friday shows, we’re featuring an Illinois artist for our Arts and Culture Spotlight, today we hear from Emily the Band in Peoria.
We interview Toya Wolfe, author of ‘Last Summer on State Street,’ as we learn how she shaped her first fictional story, set in the historic torn-down landmark, The Robert Taylor Homes
Illinois politicians are celebrating the upgraded train speeds of 110mph from Chicago to St. Louis, but compared to Europe’s High-speed trains of over 200mph, why is the US far behind in modernizing its rail system?
Three years ago, Black Lives Matter was in the forefront in reaction to many deaths, such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, but what has changed since their deaths?
A new book shares the history of public media and how the National Association of Educational Broadcasters helped shaped NPR and PBS.
Josh Shepard, author of “Shadow of The New Deal,” joins The 21st Show to explain the history of public media and how it continues to change today.
Many women with complex high-risk pregnancies, who live in abortion-restricted states flee to Illinois hospitals. WBEZ reporter Kristen Schorsch joins The 21st Show to explain the rise in high-risk patients.
The 21st Show asks what caused the dust storm on May 1st that resulted in over 70 vehicle crashes on the I-55 highway in Illinois, and we ask what can be done to prevent this tragedy from happening in the future.
Professors from Illinois State and Northwestern discuss the long-term effects of SCOTUS decision on affirmative action.
On The 21st Show, we're joined by Dan Libman, a Professor of English at Northern Illinois University, to talk about his new book, "Book of Grudges, featuring a collection of short stories about what grudges mean to different people.
On July 29th, many areas in Illinois experienced chaotic storms, officially classified as derechos, that left communities still recovering from the damages a week later. In today’s episode, we’re joined by a meteorologist to help explain these derechos storms and by a farmer who was affected by these storms.
At ground level, Hicks Dome looks like one of the many other bluffs in southern Illinois, but under the surface it's a dormant volcano with unusual minerals and elements. The 21st was joined by a geologist that's been studying the dome.
The mayor and a citizen of Highland Park reflect on the mass shooting from one year ago during the town’s Fourth of July parade.
Author Jedediah Purdy joined The 21st to talk about the discontent Americans across the political spectrum have been feeling with our system of government and what can be done to revitalize faith in democracy.
The co-host of NPR's All Things Considered joined us to discuss her new book, parenting, and more.
To talk about maternal health disparities and how to end them, The 21st was joined by the leader of a maternal health organization and a health disparities researcher.
Americans have a growing tendency to fight against their political opponents instead of persuading them to change their position, and The 21st was joined by an author who has a new book on the subject to talk about it.
Today, for the entire program, we unpacked gender-affirming care for trans adults– what it is, and what it isn’t.
The 21st Show is joined by Daresha Kyi, the director, and producer of the documentary “Mama Bears,” a film focused on evangelical Christian mothers who risk losing their communities to protect and champion their LGBTQ kids.
The 21st show was joined by Clare Killman to talk about her election, her life, and what she hopes to accomplish moving forward.
To talk about this reptilian "immaculate conception," we were joined by one of the scientists who helped study the fertile crocodile egg.
The new Miss Illinois joined The 21st Show to talk about her research, competing in pageants, her charitable cause, and more.
Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park joined The 21st Show to talk about what got done and what didn't get done during the legislative session.
Today, for the entire program, we unpacked gender-affirming care for trans youth – what it is, and what it isn’t.
The 21st Show was joined by the author of a book seeking to give advice to those students: what their options are, what his own journey was, and more.
The 21st Show was joined by a panel to talk about the role of hospitals in rural Illinois and what happens when they leave communities behind.
The 21st was joined by a panel of historical researchers to discuss impact of votes to allow slavery in Illinois, the debate surrounding them, and the region’s long history of slavery still resonates two centuries later.
To talk about his "self-help book that won't help," how he thinks about the concept of mastery and more, The 21st Show was joined by author Adam Gopnik.
The 21st Show was joined by two advocacy managers from Landmarks Illinois and two people working to preserve locations on this year's list.
Illinois Speaker of the House of Representatives Chris Welch joined The 21st to talk about the recently signed state budget: what was in it, what didn't make it in, and more.
NPR's Aisha Harris joined The 21st to talk about the culture that shaped her, the intersection of her identities as a Black person and a critic, and more
The 21st Show was joined by lawmakers who supported and opposed the bill, as well as the CEO of an organization advocating against sexual assault and two LGBTQ advocates.
The 21st was joined by two journalists who have been following the story of a building collapse and an attorney in one of the lawsuits against the city and apartment building.
To help us unpack the examples of blowback to Pride campaigns and how it fits into the history of corporate Pride, we were joined by an LGBTQ advocate, the owner of an LGBTQ newspaper and an Illinois state lawmaker.
To continue our conversation about Generation X and the culture they grew up with, host Brian Mackey took a trip to the Illinois State Museum in Springfield to visit its exhibit "Growing Up X."
Today's whole show was devoted to a group that's used to not getting much attention: Generation X. We started with a conversation with an author who examined American culture and how it all shifted and fractured over the course of a decade.
A documentary that examines the life and career of poet Ruth Stone will be airing tonight on WILL-TV, and The 21st was joined by the documentary's filmmaker.
The 21st was joined by the two reporters behind the investigation to talk about Illinois' program for children in mental health crises, where it's failing, and what could be done about it.
Hip hop is only 50 years old, but its cultural impact in Illinois and America at large is unquestionable. To discuss the history of the genre, we were joined by a professor of History and African American Studies.
As Illinois' minimum wage continues its slow rise to $15, many questions still linger about the state of the minimum wage here.
Today on The 21st, we were spent the whole hour with Will Leitch, a writer who was born, raised, and educated here in central Illinois before making it big in the world of sports journalism in New York City as the creator of Deadspin.
In late 2022, the first town in Illinois to be legally founded by a formerly enslaved person became a national park. The 21st was joined by a professor descended from the town's founder and the director of research at the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
To talk about the area's history, connection to the civil rights movement and legacy, The 21st was joined by the assistant superintendent of the park and a regional director of the National Parks Conservation Association.
In her book, former newspaper editor Margaret Sullivan says the rise of Donald Trump’s brand of politics ought to change the way reporters do their jobs.
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.
Today we recognized Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day and celebrated the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps through a discussion of their history and legacy with the head of African American Studies at the University of Illinois and a current service member.
Tens of thousands of Americans who gave their lives in wars around the world have not yet received a proper burial. A team helping locate those missing in action came to Illinois to talk about their work and how technology is changing their searches. Two of them joined us.
We were joined by a professor of law to discuss the foundations of our justice system and how children and marginalized communities are affected by the operations of that system.
To talk about what's in the FDA's new guidelines for men who have sex with men, the science behind them, and the stigma they have caused, we were joined by a doctor, an LGBTQ advocate, and a representative from a blood bank.
The 21st was joined by the state superintendent to talk about the funding and how to apply for it, as well as the importance of preschool in early childhood education.
To talk about what's actually in the legislation, what its effects might be, and the potential legal challenges, The 21st was joined by a reporter who's been following the story, the director of strategic partnerships for an abortion access fund, and a professor of law.
The 21st was joined by two former Ninja Warriors and a Ninja gym owner to talk about the sport's growing popularity.
Durbin joined The 21st to talk about his work on the judiciary committee, slow confirmations of judicial nominees, Supreme Court ethics, and more.
To talk more about REAL IDs, what they are, and what purpose they’re meant to serve, The 21st was joined by a professor of computer science who's won awards for his research on airport security.
To talk about what lawmakers got done this spring and what is still left on the table, The 21st was joined by two Illinois statehouse reporters.
The 21st was joined by a senior director and producer from WILL-TV to talk about the new Prairie Fire.
To talk about what role AI can and should play in higher education, The 21st was joined by two professors of information sciences and computer science.
At ground level, Hicks Dome looks like one of the many other bluffs in southern Illinois, but under the surface it's a dormant volcano with unusual minerals and elements. The 21st was joined by a geologist that's been studying the dome.
To give an update on where the war stands and what it means for the United States, The 21st was joined again by Ambassador Ian Kelly.
Today we explored the question of whether it makes sense to have a single marker of identity for that broad group of people hailing from a huge portion of the Earth’s landmass and how they fit into a nation that has a longstanding binary of Black and white. We talked about it Jay Caspian Kang, who explores the topic in his new book, “The Loneliest Americans."
County governments are often overlooked but no less relevant to daily life than state, local, and federal bodies. The 21st was joined by the president of the National Association of Counties, who also serves on the Will County Board.
This past Friday night, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came to Peoria as the keynote speaker for the Peoria and Tazewell County Lincoln Day Dinner. The 21st was joined by two reporters who covered the event.
To talk about what to expect in the state Supreme Court hearing on Illinois' assault weapons ban, The 21st was joined by a journalist who's following the story and a pair of constitutional law professors.
The 21st was joined by the Illinois National Guard's public affairs director and command historian to talk about the group's history, from their inception in the 1700s all the way through the modern age.
The end of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency declarations will mean drastic changes in how we deal with the disease. To unpack all of it, The 21st was joined by a professor of infectious diseases, the Illinois state epidemiologist, and a journalist that's been following the story.
The 21st was joined by two writers that have documented their experiences and knowledge of the trails to talk about the rail trails across Illinois.
To reflect on the state of the marijuana industry in Illinois, we were joined by a panel of cannabis advocates.
In her book, Jessie Singer argues that accidental deaths aren't random. She joined The 21st to talk about it, as well as how we can deal with the aftermath of such incidents.
A journalist who has been following the story joined The 21st to talk about what they uncovered, and what’s happened since then.
Two reporters following Illinois government joined The 21st to talk about the legislative session and the ComEd Four.
Last week, Danville passed a city ordinance that banned the shipping of abortion medication and tools. The 21st was joined by an attorney from ACLU Illinois and two journalists that have been following the story.
The 21st was joined by the chairperson of Cairo's Magnolia Celebration to talk about the event and how it came to be.
In honor of May the Fourth, The 21st was joined by the author of a book that draws parallels between Star Wars and America's politics. Author Stephen Kent says that by looking at the core values of the Star Wars stories, readers can find lessons on life, liberty and happiness from "a galaxy far, far away."
The 21st was joined by a local historian and a TikTokker who made a viral video talking about the history behind Pekin’s name and former team nickname.
To talk about the recent dust storm in Central Illinois and flooding on the Mississipi River, The 21st was joined by a meteorologist and a hydrologist.
One generation's slang might be the next generation's everyday speech or it might have fallen completely out of fashion. A professor of linguistics joined The 21st to talk about how she thinks "bad" English is good.
Many grocery stores have closed their doors, especially in rural communities, and that can create a void that’s hard to fill. The 21st was joined by two people leading efforts to start grocery co-ops in their communities.
The ISBE 2023 Teacher of the Year joined The 21st to talk about her role at the school, the changing perceptions of the role of teachers, and more.
Bost joined The 21st to discuss topics ranging from the looming debt ceiling to the 2024 Republican primary.
We spent the entire hour with two doctors and an author to discuss two diabetes drugs that are being used for weight loss. To finish our conversation, we tackled the shame associated with weight.
A house is different from home. But what happens when our homes are no longer safe places?
Starting this school year, all public schools in Illinois will be required to teach a unit on Asian American history and culture as part of their social studies curriculum.
The 21st was joined by the author of "The Shotgun Conservationist," who writes that he’s not trying to convert anyone into a hunter but says he wants to broaden perspectives.
To unpack the recent federal court rulings and where the approvals of Mifepristone currently stand, The 21st was joined by two journalists that have been following the story and the author of When Abortion was a Crime.
A new study suggests that people on the internet are not as angry as they seem. The 21st was joined by the professor who led the study.
To speak more about reducing the amount of waste we produce on a daily basis, The 21st was joined by a waste and sustainability consultant.
Poet Nikki Finney's writing reckons with what it means to be a woman and Black in America and in the South, in the past and today. She joined The 21st before she gives a talk at the Spurlock Museum in Urbana this evening.
Now that life has settled into a new normal, we checked in to see what pandemic-era changes were permanent, and how Muslim Illinoisans are celebrating Eid al-Fitr this year. To discuss it, The 21st was joined by an imam and theology teacher.
Conflict over clear-cutting timber in the Shawnee National Forecast in the 1990s is the subject of a documentary being shown at festivals around the country. We were joined by environmental educators and one of the documentary's makers.
A Peoria commission has released a report, attempting to quantify how systemic racism affects Black populations in the city and county. To talk about what they found and what they’re doing, The 21st was joined by the co-chairs of the commission’s steering committee.
For this year's Ebertfest, the festival's leaders say they've decided to take inspiration from this quote to honor the tenth anniversary of Roger Ebert's passing with this year's line-up of films under the theme "Roger Ebert and Empathy." Chaz Ebert joined The 21st to talk about her work with the festival, film selection, and more.
Violins of Hope is a collection of 70 restored string instruments and attached to these instruments are the stories of Jewish musicians who played them before and during the Holocaust. The 21st was joined by the father and son who maintain the collection, a professor of musicology, and the director of community engagement for the group that helped bring this exhibit to fruition.
Starting college can be a daunting experience for millions of students across the country every year. It can be even more challenging if you’re a student with a condition like ADHD or autism. To talk about it, The 21st was joined by a panel of autism and disability advocates.
A group of Southern Illinois University students, staff and faculty are heading to Australia for a solar eclipse on April 20. The 21st was joined by one of the professors heading Down Under for this research.
To discuss how laws in Illinois and across the country are affecting transgender people, we were joined by a journalist and a panel of LGBTQ advocates.
The 21st was joined by an Illinois state representative who was a lead sponsor on the Reproductive Health Act, which, among other things, made abortion access a fundamental right in Illinois.
The co-host of NPR's All Things Considered joined us to discuss her new book, parenting, and more.
To talk about maternal health disparities and how to end them, The 21st was joined by the leader of a maternal health organization and a health disparities researcher.
Despite the face that many people menstruate at some point in their lives, the topic still carries a certain taboo, and many myths surround it — including in the science about it. The author of new book that tackles those topics joined The 21st to discuss menstruation, the evolving science around it, and the stigmas still associated with it.
Over the past month, three universities across Illinois have witnessed labor disputes that have resulted in strikes by their unionized members. The 21st was joined by two journalists that have been following the strikes.
A new book by author Timothy Egan looks at the second birth of the Ku Klux Klan, in the 1920s, and how it was particularly popular here in the Midwest. The book focuses on the KKK's Midwestern leader and how his depraved personal actions ultimately led to the downfall of the Klan.
United States Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi joined The 21st to discuss the relationship between Taiwan, China and the U.S.; questions around the 2020 census; and more.
To discuss quinceañeras and their history and significance, The 21st was joined by a professor of Latino/Latina Studies and two students who recently celebrated their own quinceañeras.
The researchers who are investigating that link say tornado season is getting longer. To talk about what this means for Illinois in the future, The 21st was joined by a meteorologist and a professor that's been researching this subject.
To explain the history of the case and what's been happening in court, The 21st was joined by a pair of journalists who have been following the story.
Voters across Illinois had their say in a host of municipal elections yesterday from mayoral races to city council seats. The 21st was joined by a panel of reporters to talk about who won, why it matters, and more.
A professor who's been studying school shootings for the past 20 years joined The 21st to talk about why they're so prevalent in America, how shootings are covered in the media, and more.
Starting this year, a course on wrongful convictions and awareness is mandatory for all new police recruits across the state. The 21st was joined by two people from the organization that help design the course and an exoneree.
The 21st was joined by the two journalists behind a series of reports on gun violence and police action.
As communities take stock of the damage and pick up the pieces from Friday's storms as best they can, The 21st was joined by journalists who have been following the story, an emergency management coordinator, and a climatologist.
To continue our series on Illinois mayoral races, we dove into an election coming up in Carbondale. A local business owner and the current mayor pro tempore are both vying for the seat, and both candidates joined us to discuss their policy platforms.
The 21st is starting a new series highlighting mayoral races happening across Illinois, starting with Springfield. Both candidates and a journalist who's been following the story joined us to discuss policy platforms, how people in Springfield are talking about the election, and more.
There’s an idea gaining popularity in urban planning circles that people should be able to live a short walk or bike ride’s distance from everything they need. To talk about 15-minute cities, The 21st was joined by a professor of urban planning and a city administrator.
As we reach the midpoint of the Illinois Legislature's session, we decided to check in with two political reporters to see what's been going on in both chambers of the statehouse.
To discuss the evolution of ways to break the fast of Ramadan, The 21st was joined by a reporter who followed the story and the director of the Middle Eastern and North African Cultural Center at the University of Illinois.
Since 2019, Illinois' attorney general has been Kwame Raoul. He joined The 21st to discuss issues ranging from Illinois' assault weapons ban to retail theft and cash bail.
The impact of votes to allow slavery in Illinois, the debate surrounding them, and the region’s long history of slavery still resonates two centuries later. The 21st spent the entire hour discussing it with a panel of historical researchers.
Our Midwestern past is far more diverse than many of us realize, particularly when it comes to religious diversity. It’s the subject of a new book by a professor of religious studies, who is a descendent of Syrian Midwesterners.
A married, Millennial, Muslim American couple traveled the length of Route 66 for a limited series on PBS.
In order to make way for an expansion of the Rockford Airport, last week, a bulldozer plowed its way through part of Bell Bowl Prairie in Rockford. The 21st was joined by two environmental advocates and a journalist who has been following the story.
To talk about Illinois' track record with train derailments and chemicals, what officials are doing to keep residents and the environment safe, and more, The 21st was joined by a journalist who's been following the story and two Illinois emergency management representatives.
A documentary that examines the life and career of poet Ruth Stone will be airing tonight on WILL-TV, and The 21st was joined by the documentary's filmmaker.
The 21st was joined by the two reporters behind the investigation to talk about Illinois' program for children in mental health crises, where it's failing, and what could be done about it.
Illinois is set to see classes start at its first folk school this fall at Allerton Park & Retreat Center. We were joined by the center's senior program coordinator to talk about the goals of the school, what programs the school will offer, and more.
We often ask listeners to send us questions and feedback. Today on The 21st, we wanted to share some of the comments we've received.
We continued our series looking at the issues and candidates in mayoral races across Illinois, and our next stop was Champaign.
There have been 2 official state flags of Illinois. A new Senate Bill would recreate the flag.
A state-run facility housing developmentally disabled residents will be restructured after media reports about resident abuse.
Former Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) talks lobbying, life after Congress, and the past, present, and future of the GOP.
The Illinois Supreme Court heard arguments with regard to what supporters called the Pretrial Fairness Act.
Some Illinois school board candidates are running to limit teaching about systemic racism to banning policies inclusive of LGBTQ students.
Fifteen years after the state effectively banned indoor public smoking, has Illinois curbed the health effects of smoking?
New ISBE superintendent Tony Sanders addresses mental health concerns, staff recruitment and retainment, criticism of the inclusion of diversity in lessons, and other public school issues.
Though a 40-hour workweek has been the standard for many years, many have been reconsidering their ideas around how work schedules should be set up, including reducing the workweek to four days.
Once again, federal lawmakers are considering a nationwide ban on TikTok. To discuss what potential bans on TikTok could look like and what the thinking behind the ban is, we were joined by a professor of information technology.
To talk about the area's history, connection to the civil rights movement and legacy, The 21st was joined by the assistant superintendent of the park and a regional director of the National Parks Conservation Association.
The 21st spoke with political journalist Jonathan Alter about a president he describes as the “un-Trump” and “perhaps the most misunderstood President.”
To discuss the opioid epidemic, overdose prevention drugs, and more, The 21st was joined by a panel of healthcare and addiction treatment workers.
County governments are often overlooked but no less relevant to daily life than state, local, and federal bodies. The 21st was joined by the president of the National Association of Counties, who also serves on the Will County Board.
In Illinois, there are two proposed carbon capture pipelines in the works. The 21st was joined by a climate change specialist and organizers who oppose the pipelines to talk about the cases for and against the proposals.
To continue our series on Illinois mayoral races, we dove into an election coming up in Carbondale. A local business owner and the current mayor pro tempore are both vying for the seat, and both candidates joined us to discuss their policy platforms.
Today on The 21st, we were spent the whole hour with Will Leitch, a writer who was born, raised, and educated here in central Illinois before making it big in the world of sports journalism in New York City as the creator of Deadspin.
For the final part of the show, The 21st was joined by the dean of the University of Illinois College of Law to discuss legal issues surrounding Illinois' assault weapons ban and the second amendment more broadly.
For the second part of the show, we were joined by opponents of the assault weapons ban to get their takes on its constitutionality and continue our discussion of the law.
We spent the entire hour discussing Illinois' new assault weapons ban. For the first part of the show, we were joined by three supporters of the ban to discuss why they back the law.
We spent the entire hour with two doctors and an author to discuss two diabetes drugs that are being used for weight loss. To finish our conversation, we tackled the shame associated with weight.
In late 2022, the first town in Illinois to be legally founded by an African American became a national park. The 21st was joined by a professor descended from the town's founder and the director of research at the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
We continue our new series highlighting mayoral races happening across Illinois and check in on the election in Chicago. The 21st was joined by two journalists who have been following the race.
Two women from central and southern Illinois opened up the Route History museum in Springfield and are working to tell the stories of the tragedy, resilience, and excellence of Black people along the Historic Route 66.
Last year, Poetry magazine got its first Black editor, Adrian Matejka. He joined The 21st to talk about his plans for the publication and his own relationship with poetry.
To discuss the gambling industry in Illinois, The 21st was joined by the associate director of an Illinois group fighting problem gambling and the editor of a publication focused on the gambling industry.
An investigative report shed light on deadly conditions within a special unit of the prison in Thomson, Illinois, and last week, the announcement came that the unit would close. The 21st was joined by one of the reporters who's been following the story.
As long as there have been presidents of the United States, there have been presidents complaining about their coverage in the press. We revisit a conversation with an author about the relationship between the free press and the west wing from the early years of American history.
We revisited a conversation about how a damaging hoax published by newspapers almost brought down the Union during the Civil War, and how hoaxes persist today with the author of "Lincoln's Lie."
Today's whole show was devoted to a group that's used to not getting much attention: Generation X. We started with a conversation with an author who examined American culture and how it all shifted and fractured over the course of a decade.
To continue our conversation about Generation X and the culture they grew up with, host Brian Mackey took a trip to the Illinois State Museum in Springfield to visit its exhibit "Growing Up X."
It’s been three years since the governor delivered his combined State of the State and budget address to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly. Now, he’s back with lawmakers, face-to-face in the Illinois House chamber.
Today on The 21st, we spent the hour discussing what to expect from the governor's State of the State address, as well as hearing from legislative leaders to get their perspectives on the coming term.
To discuss how laws in Illinois and across the country are affecting transgender people, we were joined by a journalist and a panel of LGBTQ advocates.
The 21st was joined by an Illinois state representative who was a lead sponsor on the Reproductive Health Act, which, among other things, made abortion access a fundamental right in Illinois.
Dating apps are more ubiquitous than ever. They gained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, but trying to actually land a date from the apps is a process full of contingencies. To discuss their new app, Sylly, and the problems they see with the current dating apps, The 21st was joined by Sylly's co-founders.
Since the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and its aftershocks, groups and organizations from around the world are springing to action to help in any way they can, including groups in Illinois. The 21st was joined by a member of a charity organization based in northern Illinois and a journalist who's been following the story.
Democrat Robin Kelly represents Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, which stretches from the south shore of Chicago 124 miles south to Danville. She joined us to discuss issues ranging from maternal health and COVID-19 to police brutality and hyper-partisanship.
We were joined by a professor of law to discuss the foundations of our justice system and how children and marginalized communities are affected by the operations of that system.
There’s been a 1,375% increase in pediatric edible cannabis exposure over the past five years. To talk about preventing children from accidentally ingesting edible cannabis, we were joined by the medical director of the Illinois Poison Center.
To talk about the role of Black police and the ongoing debate around police policies, we were joined by a Chicago police detective and a professor of criminal justice.
Businesses in Illinois are paying lots of money to settle class action lawsuits thanks to an Illinois law called the Biometric Information Privacy Act.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth joined The 21st for a discussion that ranged from policy issues like reproductive rights and the war in Ukraine to larger picture items like generational turnover in politics and how to get things done while Congress is divided.
Around 285,000 households in Illinois had their utilities shut off in the first 10 months of last year. To discuss the impact of those shutoffs and who is most affected, The 21st was joined by some of the authors of a report on energy injustice.
The 21st is starting a new series highlighting mayoral races happening across Illinois, starting with Springfield. Both candidates and a journalist who's been following the story joined us to discuss policy platforms, how people in Springfield are talking about the election, and more.
Author Jedediah Purdy joined The 21st to talk about the discontent Americans across the political spectrum have been feeling with our system of government and what can be done to revitalize faith in democracy.
Once again, federal lawmakers are considering a nationwide ban on TikTok. To discuss what potential bans on TikTok could look like and what the thinking behind the ban is, we were joined by a professor of information technology.
The 21st was joined by a panel of educators to discuss Illinois' new media literacy education requirement and why it's important.
As the national conversation around policing reignites over the death of Tyre Nichols, Democrats and Republicans seem to work together on live entertainment prices, and Illinois faces legal battles over its new assault weapons ban, we spoke with one of Illinois' U.S. senators, Dick Durbin.
Hip hop is only 50 years old, but its cultural impact in Illinois and America at large is unquestionable. To discuss the history of the genre, we were joined by a professor of History and African American Studies.
As Illinois' minimum wage continues its slow rise to $15, many questions still linger about the state of the minimum wage here.
After the fire bombing of a Peoria Planned Parenthood, Tyler Massengill of Chillicothe, Ill., was charged in federal court. To discuss the case, we were joined by a Peoria journalist who's been following the story.
As the war between Russia and Ukraine enters it's twelfth month and many fear a renewed Russian offensive in the spring, the United States and other NATO allies have promised more military aid to Ukraine. A Northwestern University professor joined The 21st to discuss where the war in Ukraine stands.
In 1939, Dr. Bill Gingold was born in Warsaw. His family escaped the Nazis and lived in Siberia before making a new life in Illinois.
For the final part of the show, The 21st was joined by the dean of the University of Illinois College of Law to discuss legal issues surrounding Illinois' assault weapons ban and the second amendment more broadly.
For the second part of the show, we were joined by opponents of the assault weapons ban to get their takes on its constitutionality and continue our discussion of the law.
Today, we spent the entire hour discussing Illinois' new assault weapons ban. For the first part of the show, we were joined by three supporters of the ban to discuss why they back the law.
Valerie Hoffman recently retired from her position teaching Islamic Studies and joined The 21st to discuss her career, her interactions with students who felt she shouldn't be teaching the subject, and more.
Two EMTs in Springfield are being charged with the death of a 35-year-old while he was in their care. To discuss the case, The 21st was joined by a journalist who's been following the story, the president of the Springfield NAACP, and an EMS program director.
Thousands of families across Illinois celebrated the start of the Lunar New Year this weekend. To discuss the Lunar New Year tradition of lion dancing, its history, and what goes into a performance, The 21st was joined by a member of a Chicago-area troupe.
Shoppers might have gotten used to seeing higher prices at supermarkets this past year, but one item has seen a larger jump in prices than others: eggs. The 21st was joined by two reporters to talk about the combination of factors causing this increase.
Before Roe v. Wade recognized a constitutional right to abortion, Illinois women still found ways to end their pregnancies.
Chicago Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg joined The 21st to discuss some memorable moments of the windy city's history, his writing process, and more.
Security camera footage shows a school resource officer body-slamming a Rockford student, slamming his head into the ground, which knocked the boy unconscious and fractured his skull. To discuss the incident, the community's reactions, and what's happened since, we were joined by a reporter that's been following the story.
To discuss the debate over gas stoves and their underlying health concerns, we were joined by an assistant professor of applied health science, the executive director of the Illinois Petroleum Resources Board, and the owner of an Illinois culinary school.
There are various health tracking apps that log your runs, and your calories burned, and even predict your next menstruation cycle. But how private is all that data?
Tonight, the Independent Lens documentary series on PBS premieres “The Big Payback: Fear and Reparations in the American Suburb.” The 21st was joined by the film’s co-directors who also co-hosted a podcast of the same name to discuss their work.
Back in 1963, Don Rose was an organizer for Midwest states at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. He’s made plenty of other marks in Chicago politics, but today we wanted to talk with him mostly about 1966, when Martin Luther King brought his civil rights work to Chicago, and Rose worked as his press secretary.
Battery techonology has changed in the years since a center for energy research opened in Illinois, so The 21st invited two of the researchers to update us on where the we stand in the efforts.
To get a sense of where Illinois stands with COVID-19, RSV, and the flu and to learn more about the new COVID variant, The 21st was joined by a public health medical advisor and professor of infectious diseases.
What happens when Illinois' judicial branch declares itself exempt from the 'freedom of information' law? And what's being done about it?
As the 118th Congress gets underway, Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL16) talks about being in the majority party and the House Speaker fight.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Democratic legislative leaders reached a deal on a landmark assault weapons ban.
An Illinois-based professor will be leading research into the cultural history of chocolate and how it turned into the global force it remains today. She joined us to discuss the surprisingly complicated history of the sweet treat.
What is the status of Illinoisans charged in the Capitol insurrection? Where does our country stand on this dark day in US history?
Winnebago County State's Atty., Cook Cty Chief Public Defender and Exec. Dir. of the Illinois Justice Project talked about the SAFE-T Act injunction.
We spent the first part of our show with reporters from around the state to discuss the SAFE-T Act, what might happen next in its legal battles, and what will change if the act ends up being enforced.
Americans have a growing tendency to fight against their political opponents instead of persuading them to change their position, and The 21st was joined by an author who has a new book on the subject to talk about it.
A new book, "Avenues of Transformation," looks at the persuasion and power that went into Illinois statehood and consequences of decisions made decades ago.
Judy Woodruff, anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour, talks with Brian Mackey about her career, the changing news cycle, and more.
The Champaign band Mermaid Heaven discusses their inspiration and relationship to the music they make.
This year, more Illinois libraries are being scrutinized for carrying books that are LGBTQ-friendly as well as books about racism.
Life in North Korea has been documented as difficult and three defectors are telling their stories in Illinois.
A group is aiming to bring lawyers to rural parts of Illinois, where people can struggle to find help in court.
The 21st was joined by a south side native better known as "Chicago’s Neighborhood historian" who wanted to share all of Chicago’s riches and history with his 81,000 followers on TikTok.
John Hibbing's latest book explores what motivates Donald Trump’s base and why those forces are likely to outlast Trump himself.
People from across the state are descending on Springfield. We took in some of the food, fun and more at the 2022 Illinois State Fair.
The decision to bring two California schools into the Big Ten conference is prompting questions about the future of college athletics and the impact on Illinois teams.
In her new book, former newspaper editor Margaret Sullivan says the rise of Donald Trump’s brand of politics ought to change the way reporters do their jobs.
With states like Texas calling gender-affirming care for children "child abuse," we looked into effects on states like Illinois.
People want laws that would guarantee our “right to repair” products we buy, from iPhones to John Deere tractors.
Author Jimmy Soni joined The 21st to discuss the history of online payments, PayPal, and the company's connection to central Illinois.
From studying engineering to a music career that had him touring the world to now being a vice president at Microsoft — Ashley Llorens contains multitudes. He joined The 21st to talk about his expertise in AI, as well as the benefits and risks of a future with smarter machines.
Author Sonali Dev joined The 21st to discuss her literary endeavors, the obstacles she's encountered in the largely white world of publishing, balancing work with familial expectations, and more.
To talk about this year's market for Christmas trees and how inflation has affected it, The 21st was joined by the owners of two Illinois Christmas tree farms.
The 21st was joined by a professor of history and a columnist to discuss how “Merry Christmas,” a once very common phrase, has resulted in a political divide due to ideology, age and even gender.
Earlier this year, Poetry magazine got its first Black editor, Adrian Matejka. He joined The 21st today to talk about his plans for the publication and his own relationship with poetry.
R. Buckminster Fuller was a visionary designer, inventor, and futurist who is now the subject of a new biography, Inventor of the Future: The Visionary Life of Buckminster Fuller, by an Illinois-based writer.
In the coming term, the members of the Illlinois Asian American Legislative Caucus will more than double. The 21st was joined by its leader and one of the incoming members to discuss their elections, representation, and where the caucus goes from here.
A Ukrainian doctoral student at Illinois State University updates us on her family's fleeing of Russian invaded Ukraine.
Colleagues and constituents are remembering Sen. Bennett, 45, who succumbed to a brain tumor in early December.
“Freedom” — and how we live our best lives with that idea at its core — is one of the many subjects addressed in the new book, Choosing Freedom: A Kantian Guide to Life.
A recent report outlines how deeply intertwined income inequality is with the lack of internet access.
A man claims he spotted Bigfoot along Illinois 78 near Chandlerville. We were joined by the president of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization and a primatologist to discuss the legend, what it might take to prove the existence of a creature like Bigfoot, and more.
Ten years ago, people began taking medication to prevent HIV infection. However, some communities in Illinois lag in usage of PrEP.
For the first time, over-the-counter hearing aids have become available across America, but potential purchasers should be cautious.
We remembered Zeigler native Nick Holonyak, Jr., who is credited with the development of the LED and many more inventions.
Reports of the death of independent bookstores seem to be an exaggeration. The 21st spoke to three independent bookstore owners and the Program Coordinator for the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association to hear more.
23-year-old Nabeela Syed joined The 21st to discuss the intersection of politics and her identities as a member of Gen Z and an Indian-American, plus what it was like to win her seat and flip her House district.
To discuss quinceañeras and their history and significance, The 21st was joined by a professor of Latino/Latina Studies and two students who recently celebrated their own quinceañeras.
The 21st was joined by a Champaign-Urbana playwright to discuss her new show about radicalization and the Jan. 6 insurrection.
To talk about what’s happened in the Illinois Capitol this week, and continues today, two statehouse reporters joined The 21st.
To discuss how energy rates actually get calculated, how that affects your bills, and what you can do to keep bills lower, we were joined by the representatives of Citizens Utility Board Illinois and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Incoming Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis joined The 21st to talk about the struggle to keep the court out of partisan politics, plus some of her own judicial history.
Today, we pulled back the curtain here at The 21st and let you hear from the team that puts the show together day in and day out. Our team of producers shared some of our favorite segments from this past year.
To discuss why the rail workers' unions are unhappy, what a strike could mean for the supply chain, and how that strike might still be avoided, we were joined by an associate professor of operations management and a journalist from Trains Magazine.
As the start of his next term as Speaker approaches, Chris Welch joined The 21st to discuss cash bail, the recently passed Workers' Rights Amendment, the state budget, and more.
Illinois has several ongoing experiments with universal basic income, programs that give people money with no strings attached.
The 21st was joined by a ProPublica reporter who dug into the junk science known as known as 9-1-1 phone call analysis and its use in the Decatur case of a woman who allegedly killed her child.
We talked with the artists who created works for the “Black on Black on Black on Black" at the Krannert Art Museum.
For a conversation covering the history of rights for those marginalized within the U.S., the harassment of LGBTQ+ communities, and more, we were joined by representatives of organizations that fight for social justice and the founder of an Illinois LGBTQ newspaper.
The true story of Thanksgiving is the subject of a pair of books by author Denise Kiernan.
Post-pandemic airfare is more expensive, and troubles with staffing and scheduling created an avalanche of troubles for travelers in recent months.
We were joined by a wildlife biologist to talk about last month's unusual mountain lion sightings and the questions they raise.
As part of our ongoing series “Building a Better Democracy,” we were joined by coordinators from a non-profit that's trying to help those who disagree politically learn to talk to one another.
To discuss the drought facing rivers across Illinois, its causes and effects, and why it matters, we were joined by the senior vice president of Waterways Council and the senior manager of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s River Forecast Center.
United States Senator Tammy Duckworth joined us to talk about her plans for the upcoming year in Congress, protests in Iran, and more.
Members of the Illinois House and Senate are reconvening in Springfield this week for the fall veto session.
"Illinois voters rejected us," House Republican Leader Jim Durkin says. After his party's dismal showing in this year's election, he announced he would step down. And in a conversation taped Thursday afternoon, he came across as a man unburdened: "Donald Trump, I believe, is greatly responsible for the shrinking of the party."
Americans have a growing tendency to fight against their political opponents instead of persuading them to change their position, and The 21st was joined by an author who has a new book on the subject to talk about it.
We take a deep dive into the November 8, 2022 election results with a panel of political journalists and experts.
A new book looks at the persuasion and power that went into Illinois statehood and consequences of decisions made decades ago.
The 2022 midterm elections are upon us. The 21st was joined by Matt Dietrich, spokesman for the Illinois State Board of Elections to hear the latest on early voting in Illinois, and answer some last-minute questions.
Election Day is November 8. We talked with political reporters around Illinois about last-minute campaigning.
An Illinois couple that owns the Uline industrial supply company is the nation's top campaign donor to Republican candidates.
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) responds to the attack on Paul Pelosi, decisions around DACA, and more.
Two competing perspectives on the Workers' Rights Amendment, which Illinois voters are being asked to ratify at next week's General Election.
Polls say people despite negative TV political ads, but experts say they're also very effective.
Polls say people despite negative TV political ads, but experts say they're also very effective.
Members of several judicial and legal groups across Illinois submitted Illinois courts can only function if they’re viewed as doing their jobs in an impartial way.
Members of several judicial and legal groups across Illinois submitted Illinois courts can only function if they’re viewed as doing their jobs in an impartial way.
The 21st Show explores the history behind some of Illinois’ spookiest places, from mysterious sightings in Galena to the superstitions behind the very bizarre design of a house in Bull Valley.
The 21st Show explores the history behind some of Illinois’ spookiest places, from mysterious sightings in Galena to the superstitions behind the very bizarre design of a house in Bull Valley.
Health experts have seen a surge in two respiratory illnesses: flu and RSV. If there's a new COVID-19 variant, could we see a "tripledemic" this winter?
Health experts have seen a surge in two respiratory illnesses: flu and RSV. If there's a new COVID-19 variant, could we see a "tripledemic" this winter?
In her new book, former newspaper editor Margaret Sullivan says the rise of Donald Trump’s brand of politics ought to change the way reporters do their jobs.
In her new book, former newspaper editor Margaret Sullivan says the rise of Donald Trump’s brand of politics ought to change the way reporters do their jobs.
Are you hungry? Today we'll talk about Chicago Tavern Style and the history behind it as we take a look at pizza styles from Illinois.
Are you hungry? Today we'll talk about Chicago Tavern Style and the history behind it as we take a look at pizza styles from Illinois.
Many people are protesting around the world after the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran's morality police.
Many people are protesting around the world after the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran's morality police.
We remembered Zeigler native Nick Holonyak, Jr., who is credited with the development of the LED and many more inventions.
We remembered Zeigler native Nick Holonyak, Jr., who is credited with the development of the LED and many more inventions.
For the first time, over-the-counter hearing aids have become available across America. But potential purchasers should be cautious.
For the first time, over-the-counter hearing aids have become available across America. But potential purchasers should be cautious.
Life in North Korea has been documented as difficult and three defectors are telling their stories in Illinois.
Rep. Mary Miller (R), the incumbent in the 15th Congressional District race, is likely to win despite giving few interviews and participating in no debates.
Illinois is home to many different styles of pizza pies. In our first episode of our miniseries Exploring Illinois Pizzas, we're check out the history of Chicago Deep Dish pizza and how it has evolved over the years.
We talked with Champaign-Urbana born Jeremy Hobson about his new national call-in show The Middle, to elevate Midwest perspectives.
Champaign-Urbana-born Hua Hsu, author of Stay True: A Memoir, talked more about his experiences as a second-generation Taiwanese-American in the 1980s and 90s.
What constitutes place-based climate change adaptation and how can globally shared knowledge might inform adaptation strategies here in Illinois?
Several students shared their views on democracy and politics, and what has shaped those views from family members to TikTok.
This year, more Illinois libraries are being scrutinized for carrying books that are LGBTQ-friendly as well as books about racism.
Former Disney Studios executive Rich Frank and former TV news anchor/reporter Leslie Frank reflected on their careers and their generous gift to Illinois journalism students.
Abortion rights, crime, the economy, election deniers. Domenico Montanaro talked about how those topics will factor in the 2022 Midterms.
The city of Olney is proud of its multitude of albino squirrels. But are they on the verge of extinction?
This year, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer communities in Illinois have found themselves to be the targets of hatred.
We talked with the artists who created works for the “Black on Black on Black on Black" at the Krannert Art Museum.
Most of the nearly two million Illinoisans who identify as Hispanic or Latino residen in the Chicago metropolitan area. The second largest population — number 20,000 — is in the Quad Cities.
A group is aiming to bring lawyers to rural parts of Illinois, where people can struggle to find help in court.
An award-winning book explores Peoria’s music culture from the mid-90s — brimming with anger at authority, celebrating a do-it-yourself ethos, and embracing the strange.
To discuss what the ratification of the Workers' Rights Amendment would mean for Illinois and why support is mixed, we spoke to associate professor at Loyola University Chicago Dr. Elizabeth Tandy Shermer and the director of labor policy and a staff attorney at the Illinois Policy Institute, Mailee Smith.
The first televised debate of this year’s gubernatorial campaign will be held tonight on a one-hour live broadcast with Incumbent Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker facing Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey.
Starting this weekend, Midwesterner Brittany Luse becomes the new permanent host of the It’s Been a Minute podcast.
In August 2021, Illinois became the first state to officially adopt the new national sex education standards, but the law has been met with some controversy.
Illinois-based writer, scholar, and country music fan Francesca Royster talked about Black musicianship and listenership in country music.
“Mental health conditions” topped the list of leading underlying causes of pregnancy-related deaths. An Illinois Department of Human Services program has begun to take on that challenge.
When the US Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, the decision that allowed the right to abortion across America, some Christians said it was a victory for religious freedom. At the same time, many in the Jewish faith said stopping abortion rights takes away their religious freedom.
Brian Mackey talks with incumbent Gov. J.B. Pritzker about COVID, criminal justice, crime, climate change, college, and corruption.
The City of Chicago is reaching out to other cities across Illinois for help as it deals with an influx of migrants bused in by red state governors.
The City of Chicago is reaching out to other cities across Illinois for help as it deals with an influx of migrants bused in by red state governors.
Across the country, it can seem as if county clerks and other officials face more obstacles than ever in getting out the vote.
Across the country, it can seem as if county clerks and other officials face more obstacles than ever in getting out the vote.
An array of voices from across the state talked about past, current and future teacher shortages in Illinois.
An array of voices from across the state talked about past, current and future teacher shortages in Illinois.
There's a new effort to combat death by suicide among veterans and other people associated with the military.
There's a new effort to combat death by suicide among veterans and other people associated with the military.
Political ads disguised as local newspapers are showing up in mailboxes and inboxes across Illinois.
Political ads disguised as local newspapers are showing up in mailboxes and inboxes across Illinois.
Dr. Sameer Vohra, the new Illinois Department of Public Health Director, updated us on COVID and monkeypox cases in Illinois.
Dr. Sameer Vohra, the new Illinois Department of Public Health Director, updated us on COVID and monkeypox cases in Illinois.
Retro Via is one of several Illinois-based bands playing this weekend at Pygmalion, an annual art and culture festival in Urbana.
Retro Via is one of several Illinois-based bands playing this weekend at Pygmalion, an annual art and culture festival in Urbana.
2022 marks the festival’s 18th year, and in-person programming September 22-24. Pygmalion’s Director of Development, Patrick Singer, talked about the headliners this year and what the process of curating a diverse lineup entails.
2022 marks the festival’s 18th year, and in-person programming September 22-24. Pygmalion’s Director of Development, Patrick Singer, talked about the headliners this year and what the process of curating a diverse lineup entails.
Celebrate the "21st night of September" by learning about the Illinois origins of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Celebrate the "21st night of September" by learning about the Illinois origins of Earth, Wind & Fire.
John Hibbing's latest book explores what motivates Donald Trump’s base and why those forces are likely to outlast Trump himself.
John Hibbing's latest book explores what motivates Donald Trump’s base and why those forces are likely to outlast Trump himself.
Illinoisans are watching with concern as Hurricane Fiona causes massive flooding in Puerto Rico.
Illinoisans are watching with concern as Hurricane Fiona causes massive flooding in Puerto Rico.
The Safe-T Act was signed into law in 2021 by Governor JB Pritzker, featuring sweeping criminal justice reform.
The Safe-T Act was signed into law in 2021 by Governor JB Pritzker, featuring sweeping criminal justice reform.
The Chicago Bears may move their home venue from Soldier Field in downtown Chicago to the Northwest suburb of Arlington Heights.
The Chicago Bears may move their home venue from Soldier Field in downtown Chicago to the Northwest suburb of Arlington Heights.
Longtime Illinois State Representative Dan Brady is the 2022 Republican Secretary of State nominee.
Longtime Illinois State Representative Dan Brady is the 2022 Republican Secretary of State nominee.
In 1939, Dr. Bill Gingold was born in Warsaw. His family escaped the Nazis and lived in Siberia before making a new life in Illinois.
In 1939, Dr. Bill Gingold was born in Warsaw. His family escaped the Nazis and lived in Siberia before making a new life in Illinois.
Illinois has several ongoing experiments with universal basic income, programs that give people money, no strings attached.
Illinois has several ongoing experiments with universal basic income, programs that give people money, no strings attached.
With less than two months until the election, we’ll check in with Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson for the latest in state politics.
With less than two months until the election, we’ll check in with Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson for the latest in state politics.
Illinois native and investigative journalist Eli Murray won the Pulitzer Prize for reporting on severe lead poisoning among hundreds of workers in Florida.
Illinois native and investigative journalist Eli Murray won the Pulitzer Prize for reporting on severe lead poisoning among hundreds of workers in Florida.
Rental housing prices reached new records over the summer. We talked about the many reasons why rent is rising.
Rental housing prices reached new records over the summer. We talked about the many reasons why rent is rising.
A recent news investigation has brought attention to 1,500 reports of alleged patient abuse and dozens of arrests at the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in southern Illinois.
A recent news investigation has brought attention to 1,500 reports of alleged patient abuse and dozens of arrests at the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in southern Illinois.
A coalition of Missouri sex workers are starting an abortion fund to help sex workers pay for the costs of abortion in Illinois.
A coalition of Missouri sex workers are starting an abortion fund to help sex workers pay for the costs of abortion in Illinois.
The CDC says that 90 counties in Illinois are at high or medium levels for COVID-19 transmissions. Two medical experts talked about the new Omicron boosters.
The CDC says that 90 counties in Illinois are at high or medium levels for COVID-19 transmissions. Two medical experts talked about the new Omicron boosters.
Barnes and Noble and Amazon dominated the book market in recent years, but reports of the death of independent bookstores are an exaggeration.
Barnes and Noble and Amazon dominated the book market in recent years, but reports of the death of independent bookstores are an exaggeration.
Republicans are aiming to win elections for two open Supreme Court seats that cover big swathes of suburban Chicago.
Republicans are aiming to win elections for two open Supreme Court seats that cover big swathes of suburban Chicago.
Businesses in Illinois are paying lots of money to settle class action lawsuits thanks to an Illinois law called the Biometric Information Privacy Act.
Businesses in Illinois are paying lots of money to settle class action lawsuits thanks to an Illinois law called the Biometric Information Privacy Act.
The director of PBS' Frontline previews its newest documentary "Lies, Politics and Democracy" which includes Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL).
The director of PBS' Frontline previews its newest documentary "Lies, Politics and Democracy" which includes Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL).
We listened to the music of Jerry Douglas who is performing in central Illinois soon. He spoke about his life and music with Illinois Public Media's Brian Moline.
Hunger Action Month starts today — a program that Feeding America started it in 2008 with the hopes of raising awareness around hunger and food insecurity. According to Feeding America, more than a million people in Illinois face hunger. More than 300 thousand of those are children.
The 21st spoke to the Executive Director of Illinois Hunger Coalition, the Food Sourcing Manager for River Bend Food Bank, the Vice President of Development for Eastern Illinois Foodbank and a volunteer and board member of Daily Bread Soup Kitchen to talk about the effects of hunger and how society’s dealing with it.
It’s been over a year since the Student-Athlete Endorsement Rights Act was signed into law in Illinois. To discuss the growing number of NIL marketplaces, The 21st spoke to Sam Weber, the senior director of communications for Opendorse, a company that operates NIL marketplaces for several Illinois colleges and universities.
The new LIV Golf Invitational Series is set to host a tournament Sept.16-18 at the Rich Harvest Farms golf course and country club in the western suburb of Sugar Grove near Aurora, Ill. The tournament is surrounded by some controversies, however. To discuss the LIV golf tournament’s upcoming visit to Illinois and the controversy surrounding it is a senior reporter at the Chicago Tribune.
Earlier this month, University of Illinois professor Dr. Shahbaz Gill was arrested in Pakistan on charges of sedition. The 21st spoke to an expert in international relations and global studies to discuss his relationship to the University and how this complex situation fits into Pakistan’s current political climate.
It’s been more than a year since a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Haiti, killing more than 2,000 people. An Illinois agency is on the ground helping.
In light of President Biden's student loan debt relief, we discussed how debt forgiveness fits into frameworks for racial and gender justice.
A house is different from home. But what happens when our homes are no longer safe places?
Starting this school year, all public schools in Illinois will be required to teach a unit on Asian American history and culture as part of their social studies curriculum.
The book Long Days, Short Years traces how “parent” went from being a noun to a verb. We talked with author Andrew Bomback.
Sunday 2-4 pm, NPR stations across Illinois will air a program for people inside prisons and their families on the outside.
PFAS chemicals are in the products we use, from fast food wrappers to cleaning products and shampoo. How contaminated is Illinois water with PFAS?
One year to the day after the disappearance of Jelani Day, his mother Carmen talked with The 21st about the investigation and a foundation in her son's honor.
There are various health tracking apps that log your runs, and your calories burned, and even predict your next menstruation cycle. But how private is all that data?
According to a recently released report, you’re more likely to have a Muslim neighbor in Illinois than in any other state. We talked about what that means for downstate communities.
Aug. 30, 2022 will mark one year since the last US Air Force plane departed the tarmac at Kabul International Airport. To hear how that resettlement process is going in Illinois, we checked in with two experts.
On what would have been his 102nd birthday, The 21st discussed how Ray Bradbury shaped contemporary literature, space exploration, and his hometown of Waukegan.
During the Illinois State Fair, the state's top Democratic and Republican candidates campaigned for votes.
Ten years ago, people began taking medication to prevent HIV infection. However, some communities in Illinois lag in usage of PrEP.
What does it take to be an auctioneer at the Illinois State Fair? We got an inside look and listen from an expert.
What does it take to be an auctioneer at the Illinois State Fair? We got an inside look and listen from an expert. https://bit.ly/3dD0wmW Posted by The 21st on Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs told The 21st what will and will not be auctioned off at the unclaimed property auction at the Illinois State Fair.
Galesburg, IL recently hosted a rally for railroad workers threatening to strike if new labor demands are not met.
People from across the state are descending on Springfield. We took in some of the food, fun and more at the 2022 Illinois State Fair.
As we continue our coverage of ag day at the Illinois State Fair, we want to turn our focus to agribusiness in the state.
At Illinois State Fair, Dept. of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello talked about the impact of inflation, weather, and the COVID-19 pandemic on Illinois agriculture.
As of July 4, the United Nations reports more than 5.2 million Ukrainian refugees have fled across Europe because of Russia's invasion. The 21st spoke to Maryna Teplova, who is originally from the east-central Ukrainian city of Dnipro.
Early in the war between Russia and Ukraine, The 21st spoke with Ian Kelly who is currently ambassador in residence at Northwestern University. We touched back in with him to hear more about how the conflict has progressed and where we are now.
We spoke to the sculptor of the state fair butter cow, Sarah Pratt to hear more about how it's made.
Illinois-based Quaker Oats is ending its Aunt Jemima brand, saying it was based on a racial stereotype. Meanwhile, others are working to preserve the legacy of the real-life Chicago woman on whom the character was based.
Like all live performers, from actors to musicians, people who perform drag have had to adapt and change during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 21st was joined by two central Illinois drag performers to talk about different ways that drag artists have had to adjust to performing in the pandemic.
From school and work pressures to the distractions and anxiety that come with having access to social media and everything else on their phones, it can be hard to get sleep as a teenager. In a survey a few years back, 58% more teenagers were “severely sleep deprived” than in 1991.The 21st was joined by two psychotherapists who wrote a book on this sleepless generation and what can be done to help.
Despite the loss of millions of people, mask mandates, and more, neuroscientists say we will forget the pandemic.
Host Brian Mackey often cites a report from Moody’s Investors Service suggesting central and western Illinois will see the greatest rise in "extreme heat days" in the country. Today he dug into his archives to share, for the first time, an interview with the author of the report.
There’s been a renewed interest in the mental health benefits of mushrooms, and some states are working to decriminalize them.
DCFS is charged with investigating abuse and neglect. But charges of “neglect” can tear families apart, mostly for being poor.
There's a cultural heritage of "Illinois Country French," also known as "Missouri French," in our state. This Illinois Creole culture is fading, but today we were joined by one of the few speakers left in Illinois, who's been working to keep the heritage alive.
The Luna Blues Machine is a band from Chicago, Illinois. It’s fronted by sisters Belinda and Maritza Cervantes, with John “Hippie” Germinaro on bass and Barry Bennett on drums. We spoke to the artists themselves to hear more about the history of the band and the inspiration behind their music.
Stelle, Illinois, is a small, unincorporated community in Ford County, Illinois that places a big significance on sustainable living, through the use of solar and wind energy, and permaculture among other interests. The 21st spoke to the cofounder of an organization that works the Stelle community discuss the history behind Stelle and how it all works together.
Buckminster Fuller was a visionary designer, inventor, and futurist, who thought we could make a better world through technology. Now he's the subject of a new biography, "Inventor of the Future: The Visionary Life of Buckminster Fuller," by Illinois-based writer Alec Nevala-Lee.
Illinois Wesleyan University Professor Edgar Lehr and a team of Peruvian scientists recently discovered a previously unknown species of lizard in the Andes Mountains. But his trip was cut short when the team realized drug traffickers were nearby and had begun following their movements.
Significant parts of Illinois were under flash flood warnings yesterday morning — some saw as much as 14 inches of rain in the space of 12 hours. The 21st spoke with an Illinois Public Media reporter who has following the aftermath of the central Illinois storms.
The world of esports has exploded over the past few years on college campuses, especially at Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois.
The 21st was joined by Illinois State Rep. Deb Conroy and the North Shore Editor for Patch to discuss efforts to prevent another similar tragedy.
Recent heatwaves and more power usage overall, have prompted questions about the stability of Illinois' power grid.
The Illinois Democratic Party chooses a new leader. The GOP gubernatorial candidate refuses to take questions about Jan. 6 committee member Adam Kinzinger.
We examined the economic and political ramifications of Google moving into the Thompson Center in Chicago.
The decision to bring two California schools into the Big Ten conference is prompting questions about the future of college athletics and the impact on Illinois teams.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature recently added the migratory monarch butterfly to its Red List of Endangered Species.
988 is the new national hotline for people in mental health crises. Today, we heard how this new number helps Illinois residents.
Ellen Jovin is a guru of grammar who's traveled the country, setting up a table to answer language questions from all kinds of people. Her new book is “Rebel with a Clause: Tales and Tips from a Roving Grammarian.”
After three years away, NASCAR is back in Illinois. We’ll talk about a June race at a track in Metro East and a first-of-its-kind street race set for downtown Chicago.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is running for re-election in Illinois, but he's also recently made trips to New Hampshire and Florida, prompting speculation about his political future.
There is high community transmission of COVID-19 across all but one Illinois county, while Chicago has been described as an “epicenter” of the monkeypox outbreak. We'll talk with a panel of reporters about the spread of both diseases.
The Champaign band Mermaid Heaven discusses their inspiration and relationship to the music they make.
Often when we think of someone with ADHD, a young white boy comes to mind, but while ADHD is more commonly diagnosed and treated in white boys, the disorder is found across genders and races. This interview originally aired September 14, 2021.
Judy Woodruff, anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour, talks with Brian Mackey about her career, the changing news cycle, and more.
The new podcast Hot Farm explores how agriculture, food, and climate change are interconnected.
Illinois is the first state in the nation to require training Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics to look out for signs of dementia.
The 21st was joined by travel writer Erica Zazo to hear more about the best places in Illinois to explore and how to book your first outdoor travel excursion.
There's a new state snake, state rock, and new name for an invasive fish in Illinois rivers.
US Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) speaks about the Highland Park deadly mass shooting and the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe V. Wade.
On July 7, 2022, Lisa Holder White was sworn in as the first Black woman justice to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court.
How will the US Supreme Court's ruling limiting the power of the Environmental Protection Agency affect Illinois?
A married, Millennial, Muslim American couple traveled the length of Route 66 for a limited series on PBS.
Illinois is the latest state to pass the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” Act — the CROWN Act.
The 21st discussed the intersection of business and politics with a political columnist at Crain’s Chicago Business.
Back in February, we talked about an overlooked aspect of the American presidency — the way the institution affected photography, and how America itself was influenced by the way presidents have been photographed. We were joined by a historian of photography and author of Photographic Presidents: Making History from Daguerreotype to Digital.
An organization that's helping families in Highland Park talks about helping families affected by the mass shooting.
A day before her retirement, IL Supreme Court Justice Rita B. Garman joined The 21st to discuss her extensive career.
A psychologist offered advice on how to help adults and children cope following the Highland Park parade shooting that killed 6 and injured at least 30 people.
Police say a gunman who attacked an Independence Day parade in Highland Park fired more than 70 rounds with an AR-15-style gun that killed at least six people.
Our guest for the second half of the show has represented workers going up against their employers, argued before the US Supreme Court, and is the author of half a dozen or so books on American politics, law, and labor — including his latest, The History of Democracy Has Yet to be Written: How we Have to Learn to Govern All Over Again. It’s about his long-shot campaign for Congress in the Obama era, and his ideas for fixing what’s wrong with American democracy.
With young people entering a time in which they have fewer reproductive health choices than their parents — and maybe even their grandparents — many want to fight back. The 21st spoke to two youth organizers doing that work.
JB Pritzker (D) will face Darren Bailey (R) in the gubernatorial race. Rep. Mary Miller defeated Rep. Rodney Davis, showing Illinois Republicans shift to the Trump wing of the party.
Two-time World Cup Championship coach Jill Ellis returns to the University of Illinois in May 2022 as commencement speaker.
Conflict over clear-cutting timber in the Shawnee National Forecast in the 1990s is the subject of a documentary being shown at festivals around the country. We were joined by environmental educators and one of the documentary's makers.
It's primary day and it’s your turn to make your voice heard and share your thoughts on the 2022 primaries.
Former President Donald J. Trump endorses two Republicans in the weekend before the 2022 primary.
Two state lawmakers who support abortion rights, and a University of Illinois historian respond to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.
Two abortion rights opponents cheer the 2022 US Supreme Court decision striking down the legal right to abortion in America and talk about what's next.
Many feel that in their slice of America, they are not free to say whatever they want about politics. Yet, while the blue-city Republican and the red-state Democrat might feel isolated, they are not alone. We were joined by a University of Illinois professor who studied one such group of political outliers to talk about what she found.
Host Brian Mackey often cites a report from Moody’s Investors Service suggesting central and western Illinois will see the greatest rise in "extreme heat days" in the country. Today he dug into his archives to share, for the first time, an interview with the author of the report.
Before Roe v. Wade recognized a constitutional right to abortion, Illinois women still found ways to end their pregnancies.
One hundred years ago, 23 union mineworkers, strikebreakers, and others were killed in what became known as the Herrin Massacre in southern Illinois’ Williamson County.
With one week to go until the June 28, 2022 primary election, we're talking with politics reporters abuut the status of campaigning and early voting.
Robert Allerton and John Gregg were gay men and partners but they could not be accepted that way in mid-century America. So they told people they were father and son. Their relationship is the subject of the book, An Open Secret: The Family Story of Robert and John Gregg Allerton.
We talked about why Caterpillar and Boeing are moving their headquarters out of Illinois.
The author of "Last Call at the Hotel Imperial" joined us to talk about the achievements, missteps, and legacies of the American journalists who birthed the modern foreign correspondent.
In his book America’s First Black Town: Brooklyn, Illinois, 1830-1915, University of Illinois professor Dr. Sundiata Cha-Jua chronicles the Illinois town founded by people fleeing slavery in Missouri.
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.
Congressional hearings about the January 6, 2021 insurrection are underway. Will they change American discourse?
At least 30 Illinoisans have been charged with crimes related to the January 6, 2021 breach of the US Capitol.
We were joined by a University of Illinois Journalism alum who's been covering the war between Russia and Ukraine from the front lines.
The Champaign band Mermaid Heaven discusses their inspiration and relationship to the music they make.
With a $29.3 billion fortune, Ken Griffin is the wealthiest man in Illinois and using his money to influence politics.
We talk with Cynthia Clampitt, author of the new book: Destination Heartland: A Guide to Discovering the Midwest's Remarkable Past.
Following the deaths of 7 incarcerated people, the Marshall Project' and Thompson co-published an investigation of the US penitentiary in Thomson.
“Freedom” — and how we live our best lives with that idea at its core — is one of the many subjects addressed in the new book, Choosing Freedom: A Kantian Guide to Live.
A recent report outlines how deeply intertwined income inequality is with the lack of internet access.
Dawn Turner grew up on the south side of Chicago and went on to have a successful career as a columnist at the Chicago Tribune, but her sister and best friend were not so fortunate. Turner recounts the different paths their lives took in her new memoir, Three Girls from Bronzeville. This segment originally aired September 16, 2021.
This weekend marked 100 days since Russia invaded Ukraine. The 21st was joined by a freelance journalist who’s been working with an NPR team in Ukraine as a producer, fixer, reporter, and translator.
The story of Beanie Babies is the subject of a new documentary called “Beanie Mania.” The craze has ties to a group of northern Illinois moms, who helped Beanie Babies become the must-have collectors item of the late 1990s. We were joined by the documentary's director to talk about the craze, its Illinois connection, and more.
We talk with two authors about helping children grow into independent, confident, and self-sufficient adults. Lenore Skenazy is the author of Free-Range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow, and Christina Hillsberg is the author of License to Parent: How My Career as a Spy Helped Me Raise Resourceful, Self-Sufficient Kids.
Secretary of State Jesse White is retiring after a record-breaking six terms in office. Two Republican and four Democratic candidates are campaigning to succeed him.
Novelist Jennifer Close was born and raised here in Illinois. She joined us to discuss her fourth novel, Marrying the Ketchups.
Fuel retailers are suing to keep a sticker giving credit to the IL General Assembly from appearing on fuel pumps statewide.
While most Americans support background checks and an assault weapons ban, no amount of votes, phone calls to senators, protests, or lives taken have led to meaningful policy changes.
We discussed the reasons why popular support for certain gun control measures has not led to substantive policy change.
COVID-19 has killed more than a million Americans so far. Two experts discussed the current state of the pandemic, and what the future hold.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) talked about the deadly shooting in Uvalde, Texas; inflation; abortion and other topics in the news.
Nineteen children and two adults were killed in a shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, 2022. A licensed clinical psychologist talked about processing trauma after events like these.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL8) reacted to the deadly shooting at a Texas elementary school, and his work on the Oversight and Reform Committee which has focused on gun violence and the lack of gun control laws.
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.
A conservation biologist and member of the Prairie Rivers Network discuss the rising rates of armadillo sightings in Illinois, and how they're migrating north.
A closer look at an Illinois white supremacist group that bombed a Minnesota mosque and the growing threat from white nationalists.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community share perspectives as Springfield's 2022 pride fest get underway.
The 21st caught up with Illinois native Sarah Beth Tomberlin, who is on tour to promote her new album, "i don't know who needs to hear this."
Two reporters talk more about the upcoming Illinois primary, and about how our state actually gained population in the last decade.
Siblings of special needs children often get less attention, face more parental expectations, and may struggle with their mental health. The 21st was joined by three guests who have navigated these dynamics to talk about the different aspects of these unique relationships.
Generation X sometimes known as the "Forgotten Generation," but the Illinois State Musuem is planning to give Gen X their day in the sun with an exhibit that opens this fall. The 21st was joined by the museum's curator of history to talk about growing up in the '70s, '80s and '90s, designing the exhibit, and more.
On May 18, 2022, Gov. Pritzker signed into law the ban of sale and possession of 'ghost guns.'
We asked experts about new rules voters need to be aware of for the 2022 primary election.
A conversation about the Republican primary in the 15th Congressional District, pitting incumbents Rodney Davis and Mary Miller against each other.
Learn how legit COVID-19 information on Facebook led to misinformation and death threats against health officials.
Abortion rights opponents in Illinois share their very personal reasons why they hope Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Stephen Feder is a movie producer who’s worked with some of the biggest names in the industry,
Parents across the U.S. are scrambling to find baby formula because of supply disruptions and a massive safety recall by manufacturer Abbott.
There’s been a renewed interest in the mental health benefits of mushrooms, and some states are working to decriminalize them.
We talked with a reporter who covered President Joe Biden's visit to a farm in Kankakee.
If it seems like this has been a particularly gray and gloomy spring, it may not be your imagination.
Two-time World Cup Championship coach Jill Ellis returns to the University of Illinois in May 2022 as commencement speaker.
DCFS is charged with investigating abuse and neglect. But charges of “neglect” can tear families apart, mostly for being poor.
We talk with Cynthia Clampitt, author of the new book: Destination Heartland: A Guide to Discovering the Midwest's Remarkable Past.
In April 2022, the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation that would ban the sale of “ghost gun” assembly kits.
Before Roe v. Wade recognized a constitutional right to abortion, Illinois women still found ways to end their pregnancies.
A leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion throughout the country.
A new book explores another side of Peoria’s history that's less well known: It’s music culture from the mid-90s — brimming with anger at authority, celebrating a do-it-yourself ethos, and embracing the strange. One of the books co-authors joined us to talk about it.
For a discussion of a costly ticketing practice in schools, the fallout from the investigation, and the effect this has on students, The 21st was joined by the journalists who spearheaded this investigation and a staff attorney for Loyola University Chicago School of Law's Civitas ChildLaw Clinic.
Author Jimmy Soni joined The 21st to discuss the history of online payments, PayPal, and the company's connection to central Illinois.
From studying engineering at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, to a music career that had him touring the U.S., Japan, and Europe to now being a vice president at Microsoft — Ashley Llorens contains multitudes. He joined The 21st to talk about his expertise in AI, as well as the benefits and risks of a future with smarter machines.
Can anyone get their photo or design on an official US Postal Service stamp? We were joined by the director of Stamp Services at USPS Headquarters and an Illinois resident who took a picture that will be featured on the upcoming "Mighty Mississippi" USPS stamp series.
Now until July, the Spurlock Museum in Urbana is exhibiting of local AIDS quilt panels made during the midst of the AIDS pandemic. University of Illinois journalism students teamed up with Illinois Public Media to create short videos about the panels and the men they memorialize.
The author of "Last Call at the Hotel Imperial" joined us this morning to talk about the achievements, missteps, and legacies of the American journalists who birthed the modern foreign correspondent.
We were joined by the State Veterinarian and the director of the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors to talk about the outbreak of Avian Flu and its impact on Illinois.
To talk about buildings that made the list "The Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois" this year and historic preservation efforts around the state, we were joined by a panel of advocates and historic preservationists.
Today on The 21st, we got an update on the situation in Ukraine and the context surrounding Russia's invasion from former ambassador, State Department official, and Russia expert Ian Kelly.
To talk about the marijuana record expungement process and whether this initiative is living up to its promise of righting the wrongs of the war on drugs, we were joined by the co-founder of the Cannabis Equity Coalition and an attorney from a legal aid organization.
To talk about navigating graduate school prospects in light of the complications of the pandemic, we were joined by admissions officials and a graduating senior from the University of Illinois.
Comedian Lewis Black is currently on tour, and he joined us this morning to talk about his career, the way he mixes anger and comedy, and more.
To answer questions on best masking practices and the current state of the pandemic, The 21st was joined by a public health administrator and the managing editor of a public health-focused reporting collaborative.
We were joined by a University of Illinois Journalism alum who's been covering the war between Russia and Ukraine from the front lines.
DJ Burn One, a nationally known hip-hop artist is teaching Illinois students how to make mixtapes in the digital era and how to monetize them.
Siblings of special needs children often get less attention, face more parental expectations, and may struggle with their mental health. The 21st was joined by three guests who have navigated these dynamics to talk about the different aspects of these unique relationships.
To talk about the show "Hot Farm" and the ways in which agriculture, food, and climate change are interconnected, guest host Dana Cronin was joined by the podcast's host.
A bill passed this month in Illinois will require training Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics to look out for these signs of dementia, making Illinois the first state to require this kind of training. The 21st was joined by the leader of an Illinois Alzheimer's group, one of the bill's sponsors, and someone whose mother has been diagnosed with dementia.
The 21st was joined by one of the youngest creators of a premium liquor brand, whose idea with his best friend — through many long nights and challenges — became a successful millennial- and minority-owned company.
As cryptocurrency booms, consumer advocates are worried about the lack of federal regulations. In the absence of federal regulations, crypto companies and lobbyists have their sights set on state legislatures. The 21st was joined by a journalist who's been following the story.
After 157 years of educating students from around the world, Lincoln College will close its doors on May 13. To discuss what this will mean for students and the school's surrounding community, we were joined by the mayor of Lincoln, a former Lincoln College employee, and a reporter who's been following the story.
The 21st was joined by a south side native better known as "Chicago’s Neighborhood historian" who wanted to share all of Chicago’s riches and history with his 81,000 followers on TikTok.
Around the country, books about race, gender, and sexuality are facing challenges, so to what’s behind it, and how it impacts which lived experiences get shared in classrooms, we were joined by the editor of an independent editorial book site, as well as professors of library science and comparative literature.
The Illinois wine industry is pushing to change a prohibition-era law to raise the maximum number of gallons of wine that Illinois wineries could sell themselves directly to restaurants. To talk about it, we were joined by the general manager of an Illinois winery and the executive director of a non-profit for vintners.
A trio of bills in Illinois would increase parental access to what’s being taught in Illinois schools by requiring teachers to do things like post their lesson plans online. The 21st was joined by a two journalists who've been following the story and a professor of information science.
The Born Again Labor Museum in Carbondale features art focused on worker’s rights, and it’s also a community event space for local labor rights organizations. To tell us more about the history of labor organizing in Southern Illinois and about the Born Again Labor Museum, we were joined by the museum's co-founders.
Because of the "felony murder rule," hundreds of people in Illinois prisons are thought to be serving life sentences for murder even though they didn’t kill anyone. The 21st was joined by someone affected by the rule, as well as two reporters following the story and the co-director of the Center for Wrongful Convictions.
We revisit a conversation with someone who tried to change her personality in three months and one of the experts she consulted along the way.
Early Saturday morning, state lawmakers in Springfield wrapped the spring legislative session. We broke down the details with two statehouse reporters.
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.
The 21st Show is talking about the 100th anniversary of the station that brings you this program. WILL-AM, then going by the call letters W-R-M, signed on at the University of Illinois 100 years ago on April 6, 1922.
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.
Our Midwestern past is far more diverse than many of us realize, particularly when it comes to religious diversity. It’s the subject of a new book by a professor of religious studies, who is a descendent of Syrian Midwesterners.
Illinois will be expanding its healthcare program for seniors that don't qualify for Medicaid, but without increasing coverage for long-term care, advocates worry that the expansion won’t be enough to meet the growing need for affordable and accessible healthcare in Illinois.
Our host, Brian Mackey, spoke with Judy Woodruff last night about her career, PBS NewsHour, and more for a special virtual event, marking the 100th anniversary of our home station: WILL.
A program in Peoria though is working to bring yoga to the community as a tool to fight the cycle of violence and trauma in the city. The 21st was joined by its founder.
Continuing our conversation on Judge Brown Jackson’s nomination and confirmation hearings, we got a different Illinois perspective from the Executive director of the Commission on Professionalism for the Illinois Supreme Court: Erika Harold.
Today on The 21st, we got a couple of different perspectives from Illinois on Judge Brown Jackson’s nomination and confirmation hearings, starting with an assistant public defender from Cook County.
Conflict over clear-cutting timber in the Shawnee National Forecast in the 1990s is the subject of a documentary being shown at festivals around the country. We were joined by environmental educators and one of the documentary's makers.
An investigative podcast episode focuses on men in a Western Illinois prison who say they were beaten by guards away from security cameras. The 21st was joined by the podcast's host.
Many are trying to reconcile their own feelings of frustration at pandemic restrictions with the desire to protect those who are still vulnerable to the virus.To discuss it all, The 21st was joined by a professor of medical history and bioethics.
Two Illinois political reporters joined us to discuss what happened in the confirmation hearings for SCOTUS nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and what's coming up for the end of Illinois' legislative session.
Today we recognized Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day and celebrated the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps through a discussion of their history and legacy with the head of African American Studies at the University of Illinois and a current service member.
To talk about the difficulties students with special needs and their parents have faced during the pandemic, The 21st was joined by special education teachers, a school super intendent, and the parent of a child with special needs.
The Born Again Labor Museum in Carbondale features art focused on worker’s rights, and it’s also a community event space for local labor rights organizations. To tell us more about the history of labor organizing in Southern Illinois and about the Born Again Labor Museum, we were joined by the museum's co-founders.
Because of the "felony murder rule," hundreds of people in Illinois prisons are thought to be serving life sentences for murder even though they didn’t kill anyone, according to a recent analysis from the nonprofit news outlet Injustice Watch. The 21st was joined by someone affected by the rule, as well as two reporters following the story and the co-director of the Center for Wrongful Convictions.
The 21st was joined by a south side native better known as "Chicago’s Neighborhood historian" who wanted to share all of Chicago’s riches and history with his 81,000 followers on TikTok.
Around the country, books about race, gender, and sexuality are facing challenges, so to what’s behind it, and how it impacts which lived experiences get shared in classrooms, we were joined by the editor of an independent editorial book site, as well as professors of library science and comparative literature.
To talk about the state of gender-affirming care and how Texas' directive could have effects elsewhere in the United States, we were joined by a Texas journalist and a doctor who works in the Lurie Children's Hospital's Gender Development Program.
Some are pushing legislation that would guarantee our “right to repair” the products we buy—from iPhones to John Deere tractors. The 21st was joined by the founder of MAKE Magazine and the chief operating officer of a Normal, Illinois, repair shop to discuss it.
A historic, 2,000 square-foot, mid-century home in Elgin is free. That is, if you can move it. We talked to a preservationist about saving historic places.
Lynsey Addario is a Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist whose striking images from nearly every theater of war in the 21st century tell the story of the people living in these conflict zones. This conversation originally aired November 18, 2021.
An English instructor from Eastern Illinois University is a Winnie-the-Pooh scholar, and he will be delivering a lecture on the character at Illinois State University Monday. He joined us on The 21st to talk about the character's history and adaptations.
To explain how a multi-state landlord continued evictions and rent raises during the pandemic, we were joined by one of the journalists who followed this story.
To discuss the significance of the new anti-lynching legislation and consider the historical and present impact of lynching and racial violence in Illinois, The 21st was joined by an associate professor of African American Studies and History, as well as the publisher of the 1857 project.
Despite the loss of millions of people, mask mandates, and more, neuroscientists say we will forget the pandemic. To discuss it, we were joined by a neuroscientist and a licensed clinical psychologist.
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined us to talk about Russia's attack on Ukraine, hearings for the first Black woman nominated to the Supreme Court, and more.
Some 2.8 million people have fled the Russian war in Ukraine. The daughter and granddaughter of an Illinois State University student are among them. She joined The 21st to talk about what her family has been through.
Russia’s war against Ukraine continues unabated. We talked with an Illinois journalist who is on the ground in Lviv, Ukraine.
Today on The 21st, we asked, "How exactly does the process of designing a stamp work?" Who chooses the photos or artwork? Can anyone get their photo or design on an official U.S. Postal Service stamp? To talk about it, we were joined by the director of Stamp Services at USPS Headquarters and an Illinois resident who took a picture that will be featured on the upcoming "Mighty Mississippi" USPS stamp series.
From school and work pressures to the distractions and anxiety that come with having access to social media and everything else on their phones, it can be hard to get sleep as a teenager. In a survey a few years back, 58% more teenagers were “severely sleep deprived” than in 1991.The 21st was joined by two psychotherapists who wrote a book on this sleepless generation and what can be done to help.
Today on The 21st, we talked about the latest in Ukraine with former ambassador, State Department official, and Russia expert Ian Kelly. He’s currently ambassador-in-residence at Northwestern University.
Rev. Kalie Hargrove was a distance learner at Lincoln Christian University until the school found out she was transgender. She withdrew under pressure and is now part of a lawsuit testing the limits of anti-discrimination laws as they apply to religious institutions. She and a member of the Religious Exemption Accountability Project joined us to talk about her case and how the freedom of religion and anti-discrimination laws intersect and conflict.
The Illinois wine industry is pushing to change a prohibition-era law to raise the maximum number of gallons of wine that Illinois wineries could sell themselves directly to restaurants. To talk about it, we were joined by the general manager of an Illinois winery and the executive director of a non-profit for vintners.
A trio of bills in Illinois would increase parental access to what’s being taught in Illinois schools by requiring teachers to do things like post their lesson plans online. This is just one of many rallying cries on the right to exert more control over — or make “transparent” — what’s happening in the classroom. The 21st was joined by a two journalists who've been following the story and a professor of information science.
We discussed two aspects of an industry that covers much of Illinois—farming. We dove into why the number of Black farm owners and operators has been plummeting in Illinois and around the country since the 1920s, plus how a warming climate is changing how we farm and the effect of biofuels on the environment. The 21st was joined by three reporters from around the Midwest.
Candidates typically line up outside the State Board of Elections office for hours before it opens on the first day to file to run in this year's primaries. We visited the line to hear some of their stories. Plus, we were joined by two veteran statehouse reporters to talk about the state of some of the races.
Michael Madigan was often considered the most powerful politician in Illinois; however, yesterday, he was indicted on federal corruption charges. The 21st was joined by two political reporters to walk through what he's accused of and what we know about the investigation so far.
Many feel that in their slice of America, they are not free to say whatever they want about politics. Yet, while the blue-city Republican and the red-state Democrat might feel isolated, they are not alone. We were joined by a University of Illinois professor who studied one such group of political outliers to talk about what she found.
By 2020, Rockford was on the verge of ending homelessness entirely, but then, the pandemic hit, amplifying existing housing needs and economic pressures and causing the city to have to adapt and continue its fight. The 21st was joined by the city's mayor and housing advocates to talk about what Rockford has done and what other cities can do to combat homelessness.
Beginning this weekend, visitors to the Vermillion County Museum can experience an exhibit on art that tells a much broader story than that of Danville and its people. It’s called “The Auschwitz Experience In the Art of Prisoners.” Our host, Brian Mackey, visited the museum to speak with the exhibit's organizers.
Every Fat Tuesday, thousands of people across Illinois line up at bakeries and grocery stores for the famous Polish pastries known as “paczki." In Illinois, the fourth most Polish state in the U.S. and Chicago, with the highest percentage of its population being Polish, the fluffy-cloud like pastries sometimes make a reappearance for Casimir Pulaski Day on the first Monday in March. We talked about the pastries and the traditions that come with them with two Illinois bakers.
Tens of thousands of Americans who gave their lives in wars around the world have not yet received a proper burial. This week, a team helping locate those missing in action is in Illinois to talk about their work and how technology is changing their searches. Two of them joined us to talk about the search for missing service members and the technology that's help them in their efforts.
The story of Beanie Babies is the subject of a new documentary called “Beanie Mania.” The craze has ties to a group of northern Illinois moms, who helped Beanie Babies become the must-have collectors item of the late 1990s. We were joined by the documentary's director to talk about the craze, its Illinois connection, and more.
We discussed the war in Ukraine and the response from the Ukrainian community here in Illinois to the reinvasion of the country by Russia, plus some of the economic effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and what that means here in Illinois. The 21st was joined by reporters from WBEZ and the Quad City Times, an assistant professor of political science, and the vice president of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Illinois Division.
The past month’s forecast has brought a series of weekly storms, snowfalls and snow squalls across the Midwest, and while winter brings with it the drudgery of shoveling, slippery ice and travel inconveniences, there are people who welcome winter and take full advantage of the snowfall. To talk about the trails and his passion for skiing, The 21st was joined by the man behind the volunteer-led efforts to groom the cross country ski trails in Peoria.
Our two guests today are friends on the frontlines — both pulmonologists who’ve treated some of the most critically ill COVID patients and supported each other along the way. They have a new podcast called "Get Better" in which they talk not only about their experiences during the pandemic, but also where they learn about other topics — ranging from mental health to gender-affirming care.
Today on The 21st, we talked about something we all have: Personality. One of our guests wanted to see if her personality could actually be changed, and she gave herself three months to do it through a series of activities. She joined us, along with one of the experts she consulted, to talk about how her experiment played out and what she learned along the way.
Years ago, lawmakers created a position in the General Assembly that’s supposed to have the responsibility for investigating allegations of wrongdoing among legislators and staff. It’s called the Legislative Inspector General. The 21st was joined by Illinois' new legislative inspector general to talk about how he plans to serve and what his goals are for his new position.
From studying engineering at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, to a music career that had him touring the U.S., Japan, and Europe to now being a vice president at Microsoft — Ashley Llorens contains multitudes. He joined The 21st to talk about his expertise in AI, as well as the benefits and risks of a future with smarter machines.
When schools shifted to remote learning in March 2020, former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos made the unprecedented decision to let states cancel standardized testing. Every state, including Illinois, did so, but that allowance did not extend to 2021. With a second round of pandemic-era standardized tests beginning this spring, we considered the current state assessment landscape in Illinois and how it may need to change going forward with an Illinois state senator and leaders from education groups.
To mark Presidents' Day, we talked about an overlooked aspect of the American presidency — the way the institution affected photography, and how America itself was influenced by the way presidents have been photographed. We were joined by a historian of photography and author of Photographic Presidents: Making History from Daguerreotype to Digital.
In the 1830s, the U.S. government illegally auctioned off more than 1,280 acres of land belonging to Chief Shab-eh-nay in southern DeKalb County. Now, 170 years later, lawmakers are trying to right that wrong. To talk about it, The 21st was joined by Chieg Shab-eh-nay's fourth generation great-grandson and current chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
Our guest for the second half of the show has represented workers going up against their employers, argued before the US Supreme Court, and is the author of half a dozen or so books on American politics, law, and labor — including his latest, The History of Democracy Has Yet to be Written: How we Have to Learn to Govern All Over Again. It’s about his long-shot campaign for Congress in the Obama era, and his ideas for fixing what’s wrong with American democracy.
Workers at one of the world’s largest coffee chains are leading an unprecedented effort to unionize their workplace, and one of the most recent to vote to unionize is here in Illinois at the Peoria campustown location. The 21st was joined by two baristas from that location to talk about the unionization efforts, as well as a history professor to give some context about the labor movement at large.
Gov. JB Pritzker has mostly lifted Illinois' indoor mask mandate, and though Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot won’t commit to eliminating the mask and vaccine mandate for indoor spaces at the end of the month, people all over Illinois are worried about an increased risk to their health, especially who are more vulnerable to COVID-19. To talk about it, The 21st was joined by the a medical doctor, an associate professor of community health, and a reporter who's been following the story.
An Illinois state legislator and her staff have been receiving death threats over a profound misreading of legislation she introduced at the behest of her county health department. The representative joined us to talk about what the bill is actually intended to do and the response to her legislation.
Research shows that 40% of deer in parts of the country are testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies. Though there is no evidence for it yet, it’s possible that the virus, using deer as a reservoir, could be transmitted from deer back to humans. To talk about the research and the potential future implications, we were joined by an associate professor of epidemiology and Illinois' state biologist.
Cash bail will end in Illinois beginning in January of next year, but advocates say much more needs to be done. The 21st was joined by the leader of a restorative justice organization, a project director from The Bail Project, and someone affected by the policy.
Congress allowed the expanded child tax credit to expire in January, and while parents can still get the remainder of that credit when they file their taxes, many middle and lower income families are feeling a financial squeeze without the extra cash flow that came monthly. Researchers and early childhood education advocates in Illinois joined The 21st to talk about what the credit meant for families.
With Illinois set to lift the statewide indoor mask mandate by the end of the month, questions remain about what’s next in the case of schools. We were joined by two reporters who've been following the story.
Chicago is known for many things: It's food, architecture, and culture, just to name a few. The 21st was joined by a south side native better known as "Chicago’s Neighborhood historian" who wanted to share all of Chicago’s riches and history with his 81 thousand followers on TikTok.
Around the country, at school board meetings, in state legislatures, and in some local libraries, books are facing challenges, and many of the books being challenged have to do with race. To talk about this rise in book censorship, what’s behind it, and how it impacts which lived experiences get shared in classrooms, we were joined by the editor of an independent editorial book site, as well as professors of library science and comparative literature.
Like all live performers, from actors to musicians, people who perform drag have had to adapt and change during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 21st was joined by two central Illinois drag performers to talk about different ways that drag artists have had to adjust to performing in the pandemic.
Why do we think the wife of Abraham Lincoln was crazy? Some historians are saying that maybe it’s time for a reprisal of the way talk about her. One such historian joined us to talk about her findings. This segment originally aired December 8, 2021.
There's a lot happening in Illinois politics. To talk about criminal justice reform, public health, last week's budget address, and more, we were joined by State Representative Sonya Harper, joint chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.
Because of the "felony murder rule," hundreds of people in Illinois prisons are thought to be serving life sentences for murder even though they didn’t kill anyone, according to a recent analysis from the nonprofit news outlet Injustice Watch. The 21st was joined by an inmate imprisoned under the rule, as well as two reporters following the story and the co-director of the Center for Wrongful Convictions.
Last month, there was a notice that the Illinois Department of Labor had adopted emergency rules regulating trampoline courts. To talk more about what these new rules will entail, we were joined by the chief ride inspector at IDOL.
The Born Again Labor Museum in Carbondale features art focused on worker’s rights, and it’s also a community event space for local labor rights organizations — which have seen a renewed interest in recent years as the pandemic highlights the plight of many essential workers across our economy. To tell us more about the history of labor organizing in Southern Illinois and about the Born Again Labor Museum, we were joined by the museum's co-founders.
Though the COVID-19 vaccine presents no risk of infertility, research has now confirmed that the shots can affect menstrual cycles, with one recent linking vaccination to a slight increase in menstrual-cycle length. The 21st was joined by two researchers who have documented such cases, as well as an OB/GYN, to clarify the findings and dispell misinformation about the research.
As we approach our third year of the pandemic, there’s no denying there’s been a drastic shift in the way we do, view and approach work. To talk about reimagining workplace culture and the "Great Resignation," we were joined by an author and speaker who helps leaders develop and maintain inclusive and supportive spaces.
Thanks to yesterday's winter storm, highways from Chicago to Carbondale were covered with snow according to IDOT, and driving proved treacherous. Today on the show, we checked in with reporters who have been following the storm at two of our member stations and heard updates from a meteorologist and a climatologist.
Today we brought you special live coverage of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s combined state of the state and budget address. After the speech, we were joined for reactions by the NPR Illinois Statehouse reporter and the associate director of the Government Finance Research Center at UIC, as well as two state lawmakers.
For another perspective on the state of the state, what we already know the governor will propose, and what else lawmakers want to hear, we were joined by the Illinois Senate Minority Leader.
To conclude our preview of Governor Pritzker's State of the State and budget address, we were joined by an Illinois Statehouse reporter and the associate director of the Government Finance Research Center at UIC to talk more about what we can expect and to put the governor’s remarks in context.
To preview Gov. Pritzker's State of the State and budget address, we dedicated the entire hour today to talking about the condition of Illinois and its finances — and how that affects all residents — beginning with the Speaker of Illinois House of Representatives.
After a slew of public messages in the early days of the pandemic instructing people to avoid trips to the doctor, many people have skipped routine visits or check-ins with their physicians. To discuss the pandemic’s impact on care beyond COVID, we were joined by an associate professor of clinical pediatrics and internal medicine and a reporter who's been following the story.
Today marks the biggest holiday of the year for thousands of families in Illinois: It's the start of the Lunar New Year. To talk about traditions and how celebrations have had to adapt because of COVID-19, we were joined by the leader of the Vietnamese Association of Illinois and the president of a Taiwanese student group at the University of Illinois.
After serving more than two decades on the Supreme Court, Justice Stephen Breyer announced that he would retire, which means President Biden has the rare opportunity to nominate a justice during his presidency. We were joined by legal experts from around Illinois to get some reactions to the news and discuss Justice Breyer's legacy on the high court.
Illinois went two years without a full budget. A new report from the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University suggests a correlation between that impasse and a spike in young people being murdered in 2016. We were joined by the study's author to talk about her research and its implications.
What if, actually, in some ways nature isn’t really as good at finding its way as we once thought? An Illinois research project is aiming to make photosynthesis more efficient. To talk about the project and its potential ramifications, we were joined by its director.
Located in the southeast region of Chicago and flowing through the suburbs, the Little Calumet River once played an important role as part of the Underground Railroad, and recently, conservation efforts have worked to establish a new, seven-mile African American Heritage Water trail where canoers and kayakers can learn about the history of the river. To talk about the water trail, environmental efforts in the area and more, we were joined by a board member of the Illinois Paddling Council, the education and community outreach coordinator of a conservation group and the owner of Chicago's Finest Marina.
After a judge overturned a conviction for a sexual assault case of a 16 year old girl by Drew Clinton, he’s been accused of making comments many classify as victim-blaming. Meanwhile, The Adams County state’s attorney’s office is trying to reinstate the original verdict against the perpetrator. Today, we were joined by a journalist covering the story, the executive director of an anti-domestic abuse organization and an associate professor of law to unpack the details of the case.
Today on The 21st, we began with a conversation about Illinois state government. The president of the Illinois state Senate, Don Harmon, joined us to talk about criminal justice, education, taxes, spending, and so much more that affects all of our lives.
Many are asking when this pandemic will really end, when we'll get back to normal, and what would “normal” even look like in a post-pandemic world. No one has answers to those questions, and for many, that uncertainty can take a toll on our mental health, which has already taken hits from the onset of the pandemic. The 21st was joined by a psychiatric professor to talk about ways the pandemic has been affecting our mental health and what we can do about it.
In order to curb carbon emissions, some are proposing that we capture carbon from ethanol plants in the Midwest and ship the gas via pipelines into the sandstone in Illinois, but not everyone is on board. The 21st was joined by a reporter covering this issue and a geologist to talk about how these pipelines would work and the possible concerns.
For longtime fans and friends of public broadcasting, Rick Steves needs very little introduction. On NPR stations, he’s host of Travel with Rick Steves, and on PBS, there’s "Rick Steves' Europe." Our host, Brian Mackey, talked with Steves for a member event for Illinois Public Media about practical tips for traveling in the pandemic, where in Europe to go with children, and more.
The Illinois governor’s race is heating up. We’re now five months away from the primaries which take place June 28th, and 10 months until the election on November 8th, and over the past week, money has begun to pour in. Today, The 21st was joined by two statehouse reporters from central Illinois to bring us up to speed on the latest developments.
The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games are two weeks and a day away, and there are several olympians from Illinois who will be competing in the games, including ski jumper Kevin Bickner from Wauconda, Illinois. He joined The 21st to talk about preparing for the games, how he got his start, and more.
Now until July, the Spurlock Museum in Urbana is exhibiting of local AIDS quilt panels made during the midst of the AIDS pandemic. University of Illinois journalism students teamed up with Illinois Public Media to create short videos about the panels and the men the memorialize.
Generation X sometimes known as the "Forgotten Generation," but the Illinois State Musuem is planning to give Gen X their day in the sun with an exhibit that opens this fall. The 21st was joined by the museum's curator of history to talk about growing up in the '70s, '80s and '90s, designing the exhibit, and more.
Though the coronavirus, like many other infectious diseases, will never be truly gone, it could one day be considered endemic like rhinovirus or other upper respiratory infections. Until then, the large majority of Americans are exercising some form of caution against the infection and many questions remain, especially regarding vaccines, long COVID and the future of the virus We invited back two virologists to update us on what scientists now know and help answer more of your COVID-19 questions.
For decades, archeologists have debated when humans first set foot in North America. Now, ancient footprints discovered in New Mexico are offering some clues to when people first inhabited the continent we call home, which could alter the widely accepted timeline for when humans first lived in North America by thousands of years. This segment originally aired September 30, 2021.
Lawmakers and social workers are asking what could have been done to prevent the deaths of DCFS workers in recent years, but the safety of the children in DCFS custody has also been questioned. For years, the agency has lacked an appropriate number of beds to house children, with reports of the kids even sleeping on the floor of offices. To discuss what the agency can do to change and improve its protection of children and workers, we were joined by a public guardian and a child protection supervisor. The leadership of DCFS did not respond to our request to join our conversation.
Back in 1963, Don Rose was an organizer for Midwest states at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. He’s made plenty of other marks in Chicago politics, but today we wanted to talk with him mostly about 1966, when Martin Luther King brought his civil rights work to Chicago, and Rose worked as his press secretary.
On February 4th, 1968, at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a sermon called the “Drum Major Instinct.” “Everybody can be great,” he said, “because everybody can serve.” As we continued to look back at his life and legacy on this Martin Luther King Day, The 21st was joined by the youngest Trustee serving on the Peoria Park District Board.
Today on The 21st, we dedicated the entire hour to Dr. King’s legacy, beginning someone who says King paved the way for her own groundbreaking role as the first Black woman elected to the United States Senate. Former Illinois US Senator Carol Moseley Braun joined us to talk about how King inspired her, voting rights, and more.
The omicron surge is continuing to put strain on hospitals and healthcare workers. States around the country are seeing the highest infection and hospitalization rates they've ever had through the entire pandemic. We were joined by three frontline healthcare workers to answer questions about COVID-19 and discuss morale and experiences among healthcare workers during the pandemic.
Here in Illinois, a man driving from Cass to Tazewell County claims he spotted Bigfoot along Illinois 78 near Chandlerville. He describes the creature as having looked back at him on the shoulder of the road — an encounter that ultimately lasted seconds, but has gained traction in local news outlets and by cryptid interest groups, though legends of a Sasquatch or Bigfoot have been around for centuries. We were joined by the president of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization and a primatologist to discuss the legend, what it might take to prove the existence of a creature like Bigfoot, and more.
Since recreational use became legal at the start of 2020, Illinoisans have spent more than $2 billion on cannabis. One aspect of the legalization effort in the state has programs aimed at reinvesting in communities disproportionately affected by the drug’s previous prohibition and the war on drugs, and Illinois has created a program to reinvest in communities affected by violence and excessive incarceration. To discuss this program and more, The 21st was joined by the president of an organization who received a grant from that program and a journalist who's been covering marijuana for the Chicago Sun Times.
What have we learned from tornados like the one that struck Joplin, Missouiri? Could deaths, like those six people who were killed at an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, been prevented with that knowledge? Some are saying yes, if the industry had allowed certain safeguards to be put in place.To discuss this, we were joined by a journalist who's been covering this issue and a professor of civil and environmental engineering.
We are at the beginning of what’s expected to be an interesting year in Illinois politics, with expensive, rough political fights in both the primary and general elections. To discuss upcoming the new timeline for primaries, new legislative maps, the races for Statehouse and Congress and more, The 21st was joined by two political reporters.
With COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations spiking around the country, changing guidance on isolation and testing, and schools restarting for the spring semester, we decided to dive into the best ways to stay safe as the omicron variant spreads. To help us understand more about best testing practices, omicron transmission and the CDC’s latest guidelines, we were joined by two virologists.
School districts are again having to make tough decisions on how to conduct school. Last week, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced that they and the Illinois State Board of Education would align with the CDC’s updated guidance on quarantine times and isolation periods. To talk about it, we were joined by education reporters from around the state.
One year ago today, our country was forever changed. A pro-Trump mob stormed the United States Capitol as a joint Congress session had assembled to count elector votes and formalize Joe Biden’s legitimate election as the next President. Last year, on January 7th, we had political analyst, historian, and author Jonathan Alter on the show, and he joined us again.
We spent our entire show talking about (not only) what happened one year ago today but also what’s happened in the year since and what the future holds for American democracy. We began with Illinois’ other U-S Senator, Tammy Duckworth. She was in the Capitol complex during the siege last year.
A year after the insurrection, a large majority of Republicans still believe the 2020 election was stolen. They’re seeing this as an opportunity to take control of America’s electoral systems. If Democrats fail to pass electoral reform, they face loss of control of Congress in 2022. We continued our discussion on the insurrection, its lasting impact and current threats to our democracy with a professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University.
As we asked "Who is in charge of the news?" we looked 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. This segment originally aired October 27, 2021.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign journalism professor Nikki Usher talked about her book, News for the Rich, White and Blue, How Place And Power Distort American Journalism, which argues that news is increasingly geared toward people who are rich, white, and lean Democratic. This segment originally aired October 27, 2021.