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The 21st Show

@21st.show

675 followers 186 following 917 posts

Illinois' statewide public radio talk show and podcast. Hosted by @BrianMackey.com. Stream live at 11 a.m. Monday-Thursday on 21stShow.org.

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 4h

And you can listen to the full conversation here: youtu.be/2TS2Vm81o2g

Why are we seeing more mountain lions in Illinois?

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 4h

Since 2002, there have been 11 confirmed sightings of mountain lions in Illinois, and 5 of those have occurred since 2022. Recent reports say there's sightings in Southern Illinois. We spoke with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources about the role of modern cameras and how they're helping.

The 21st Show @21st.show · 6h

Our full interview with Corbett can be found here: youtu.be/HTQMoZNiEnQ

Collin Corbett, independent candidate for Illinois governor

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 6h

Independent candidate for Illinois governor Collin Corbett joined The 21st Show to discuss what he thinks of the two-party system, and answers a listener question on ranked-choice voting.

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 9h

The full conversation can be found here: youtu.be/gvbJ4uWLdQI

NPR president Katherine Maher on a year without federal funding

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 9h

@npr.org's Katherine Maher on The 21st Show discussing navigating the first full year without federal funding for public media.

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 01/10/2026

How are Illinois' public media stations holding up one year after losing federal funding?

After federal funding, cuts and ‘rage giving’ at Illinois public media stations

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 01/10/2026

Since federal funding for public media was cut a year ago, NPR has had buyouts and layoffs and programming changes, but CEO Katherine Maher says as difficult as that's been, she hopes it's not led to noticeable differences for listeners.

NPR president Katherine Maher on a year without federal funding

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 01/10/2026

It's been one year since the Corporation for Public Broadcasting began winding down. One year later, we’re still here. We'll talk about how public media is adapting to the new reality ... with NPR's Katherine Maher ... and public media leaders across the state. Join us live at 11:

will.illinois.edu

WILL AM 580 Live Stream | Illinois Public Media

WILL AM 580 live stream.

The 21st Show @21st.show · 30/09/2026

The quinceañera is a rite of passage in Latina culture, marking the transition from girlhood to womanhood. It’s also the subject of a new book of essays about the tradition and its place in popular culture.

Illinois book examines quinceañeras in pop culture

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 30/09/2026

What's next as economic troubles plague both U.S. and Iran during war?

Illinois scholar Mateo Mohammad Farzaneh on America’s war with Iran

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 29/09/2026

Independent candidate for Illinois governor, Collin Corbett, talks about moving beyond the "two-party circus."

Collin Corbett, independent candidate for Illinois governor

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 28/09/2026

University of Illinois alumna and composer Juri Seo returns to Illinois this week for two premieres of her work.

From Korea to Illinois with composer Juri Seo

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 28/09/2026

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to report sightings of mountain lions.

Why are we seeing more mountain lions in Illinois?

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 24/09/2026

"When you get rapid social change that outpaces what your political system can handle, that's a recipe for violent populism."

Why political violence won't end with Trump

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 23/09/2026

The Pokémon craze faded, but the game and its most dedicated fans have kept on.

Pokemon Go continues to excite Illinois fans 10 years on

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 23/09/2026

Congressman Darin LaHood makes his case for a sixth term.

Rep. Darin LaHood defends Iran war, discusses tariffs and immigration solutions

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 23/09/2026

We are LIVE at 11 a.m. Central today with Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL-16). Share your questions by emailing talk@21stshow.org ... then listen: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

will.illinois.edu

WILL AM 580 Live Stream | Illinois Public Media

WILL AM 580 live stream.

The 21st Show @21st.show · 22/09/2026

At his peak, Archbishop Sheen reached millions and millions of Catholics through his radio and TV shows.

From Peoria to potential sainthood: The life and legacy of Fulton Sheen

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 22/09/2026

A new investigation from @illinoisanswers.bsky.social documents tens of thousands of incidents in county jails in recent years … from fires to escape attempts and deaths.

Investigation uncovers disturbing conditions in Illinois county jails

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 21/09/2026

After a defeat in 2024, Republican Jim Marter is challenging Rep. Lauren Underwood for the 14th district congressional seat again.

GOP congressional hopeful Jim Marter on ‘misuse’ of AI, immigration, and election integrity

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 18/09/2026

The tiny town of Brooklyn, Illinois played a pivotal role in African-American history.

Route 66 in Illinois: The history behind ‘America’s First Black Town’

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 18/09/2026

The Ace Sign Museum in Springfield restores and collects signs of all kinds from Route 66’s past.

Route 66 in Illinois: Springfield museum restores old road signs from Mother Road

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 16/09/2026

“Benld and the Booze Gang: Mafia, Murder and Mayhem on Route 66" explores mob activity in the Prohibition era along Route 66 specifically through the lens of Benld, Illinois.

Route 66 in Illinois: How a small town became a mob hub during Prohibition

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 16/09/2026

The American Giants Museum has collected and restored these statues over the years and set up the museum as a home for travelers to check out.

Route 66 in Illinois: American Giants Museum keeps Americana alive

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 16/09/2026

"Dark Soul River" will premiere this Saturday at The Virginia Theatre .

Behind the scenes of a psychological thriller filmed in Central Illinois

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 16/09/2026

Route 66 goes well beyond the borders of Illinois passing through many other states.

Route 66 in Illinois: New film explores highway from coast-to-coast

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 16/09/2026

What is the history behind Route 66 in McLean County and the Bloomington-Normal area?

Route 66 in Illinois: A look into McLean County’s ties to the Mother Road

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 15/09/2026

Old Joliet Prison is now a tourist destination along a stretch of road that was briefly Route 66 when another part of the highway was still under construction.

Route 66 in Illinois: Exploring Old Joliet Prison

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 15/09/2026

Route 66, America’s most famous highway, is turning 100 this year, and Illinois is bound up in more than 300 miles of its stories. We kick off our week-long series by visiting the start of Route 66, in the heart of downtown Chicago.

Route 66 in Illinois: Starting out in Chicago

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 10/09/2026

Illinoisans share their memories of the day that changed the U.S. forever.

25 years later, Illinoisans remember where they were on 9/11

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 08/09/2026

“Pregnancy Interrupted: The Science and Stories of How Pregnancies Really End" makes the argument that miscarriages and stillbirths are more common than we think.

New book explores nuances surrounding pregnancy loss

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 03/09/2026

Chicago Public Media Journalist @lynnsweet.bsky.social is searching for President Obama's controversial suit.

Journalist in pursuit of Obama’s infamous tan suit

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 03/09/2026

What do cities like Peoria, Quincy, and Galena have to offer to visitors?

What does tourism look like in Illinois’ smaller cities?

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 02/09/2026

Seasoned journalist and founding host of the 21st Show, @nialaboodhoo.bsky.social is launching a new podcast in which she will interview religious scholars.

Journalist Niala Boodhoo on seeking spiritual wisdom

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 02/09/2026

Our founding host is back today! @nialaboodhoo.bsky.social is now hosting a podcast called “Oh God Now What?” We'll talk with her about that and more. Join us at 11 a.m. Central: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

will.illinois.edu

WILL AM 580 Live Stream | Illinois Public Media

WILL AM 580 live stream.

The 21st Show @21st.show · 01/09/2026

Illinois native Pokey LaFarge is performing at the Castle Theater in Bloomington and at DelMar Hall in St. Louis this month.

Singer Pokey LaFarge on new album, upcoming tour

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 01/09/2026

Illinois has deep economic ties to Canada. What does a trade war between the U.S. and Canada mean for the state?

Where does Illinois stand in U.S.-Canada trade war?

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 31/08/2026

Is the new law banning cell phones in Illinois schools a means to uphold education standards or government overreach? www.youtube.com/watch?v=drhn...

What to know about Illinois’ cell phone ban in schools

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 27/08/2026

For more than a century, Illinois' 13th congressional district was held by Republicans, but this decade it’s been gerrymandered to elect a Democrat. Challenging incumbent Nikki Budzinski, Republican Jeff Wilson wants to make the district red again.

GOP congressional candidate Jeff Wilson on tariffs, energy production, and immigration policy

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 26/08/2026

Congresswoman @budzinski.house.gov discusses what's been accomplished for the 13th district so far and what her future plans are if given the opportunity to serve a third term.

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) on Trump, ICE, and regulating AI

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 25/08/2026

Prairie Rivers Network and Illinois Sierra club joined the lawsuit against Sugar Camp Mine. A reporter from @capitolnewsil.bsky.social has the latest on the case.

What’s next in a federal case involving dangerous working conditions at a Southern Illinois coal ...

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 24/08/2026

Vying for the 16th district congressional seat, Paul Nolley talks Iran war, “chaotic tariffs”, and strengthening workers rights.

Democratic congressional hopeful Paul Nolley on Iran war, ‘chaotic’ tariffs, and workers’ rights

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 21/08/2026

"Octopolis,” a 20-foot-tall sculpture, will be featured at Burning Man in Nevada this summer. An Illinois woman and her sister came up with the idea from the project and created it.

Artist sisters to debut sculpture at Burning Man festival

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 21/08/2026

There are federal and state regulations in place for using pesticides, but it's not stopping the chemicals from drifting well beyond the areas where they’re applied.

How to handle pesticide drift

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 19/08/2026

A look into the history of women's baseball in Illinois

A new women’s pro baseball league is playing in Springfield. But Illinois has always been part of...

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 19/08/2026

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign say that a lack of diversity in the corn’s genetics could make it more difficult to breed new corn that can survive the difficulties of the future.

Why corn production could become a challenge

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

The 21st Show @21st.show · 18/08/2026

Vying for the 12th district congressional seat, Democrat Julie Fortier talks economy, gun laws, and Southern Illinois voters.

Democratic congressional candidate Julie Fortier on economy, gun laws, and Southern Illinois voters

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 17/08/2026

From musicians to carnival games to the Future Farmers of America,- a sonic postcard from some of the thousands of people who are part of making the Illinois State Fair

Sights and sounds from 2026 Illinois State Fair

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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The 21st Show @21st.show · 17/08/2026

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II discusses the state of agriculture in the 21st state from the state fair.

From the State Fair: Illinois Ag director on storms, tariffs, and Iran war

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

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