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Passengers board Amtrak’s Train 41 at Union Station in Chicago's West Loop.
Pat Nabong/Chicago Sun-Times

The 21st Show

The state of rail travel across Illinois

There's a lot of passenger rail projects underway across Illinois with some pushing full-steam ahead and some in railway limbo. 

 

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.  

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Air Traffic Controllers stand outside distributing leaflets explaining how the federal government shutdown is impacting air travel at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, in Romulus, Mich.
AP Photo/Paul Sancya

The 21st Show

Government shutdown is over, but air travel for holidays could still be extra hectic

The historic government shut down just ended, but improvements in air travel are not expected right away. Air traffic controllers are increasingly calling in sick resulting in the cancellation of more than 10,000 flights in the last few days.

 

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.  

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Courtesy of Black Marshal Publishing

The 21st Show

‘Off My Neck’: Former U.S. Marshal for Central Illinois describes barrier-breaking career in new memoir

Robert Moore was the second Black U.S. Marshal for Central Illinois. He also served in many other roles in law enforcement at a time when opportunities for Black people were limited. Moore's self-published memoir expores his pioneering career.

 

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.  

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Courtesy of Louis Vasseur and Phil Bergman
Courtesy of Louis Vasseur and Phil Bergman

The 21st Show

Film documents life of Native American veteran, highlights service of his community

William Smith was a Native American, who relocated to Chicago. Some high school students in Illinois co-produced a film on his life, which is to be screened at Chicago's Goodman Theater this weekend. 

 

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.  

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

People wave U.S. flags during the Veterans Day parade, Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, in New York.
AP Photo/Julio Cortez

The 21st Show

Women veterans in Illinois reflect on military experience including some challenges

To mark Veterans Day, Illinois women who’ve served in the military speak about some of their experiences and reflect on some of their struggles.

 

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.   

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.