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The 21st Show

February 17, 2026

GOP Senate candidate Jeannie Evans talks Christian values, antitrust laws, and AI

Jeannie Evans is an antitrust enforcement lawyer and one of the Republicans running in next month’s U.S. Senate primary in Illinois. She talks about her Christian upbringing, advocating conservative viewpoints during her time at Harvard Law School, and AI and technology. 
 

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.

The 217 Today Podcast

February 17, 2026

217 Today: Farmers may lose a USDA program that helps them adapt to climate change

The federal government created regional climate hubs more than a decade ago, to help producers adapt to climate change. But now funding for the climate hubs is uncertain.

News Local/State

February 16, 2026

2026 IPM News Forum with Champaign County Executive candidates

The two Democrats running for Champaign County Executive in the 2026 primary shared their views on data centers, federal immigration enforcement and much more.

The 21st Show

February 16, 2026

NPR’s Steve Inskeep talks about Abraham Lincoln’s political savviness in newest book

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. 

The 217 Today Podcast

February 16, 2026

217 Today: Four Republican candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to challenge two-term Governor JB Pritzker in November

Four Republican candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to challenge two-term Governor JB Pritzker in November.

Weather Realness

February 14, 2026

How climate research shapes weather warnings at home and abroad

What happens when climate research is scaled back? From U.S. tornado warnings to flood alerts in Cambodia, we talk about how climate research shapes weather warnings and why we should take them seriously.

Weather Realness

February 14, 2026

Anxious about climate change? Experts discuss its impact on mental health

Stressed out over climate change and natural disasters? We talk about how climate issues affect our mental health and how to manage it. 

The 21st Show

February 13, 2026

Cairo, Illinois, loses its only grocery store — again

Cairo, Illinois, spent seven years as a “food desert” — until 2023, when residents banded together to open a co-op grocery store. But as of January, the store is closed. We’ll talk about what went wrong, and what lessons organizers are taking from the experience.
 

The 21st Show

February 13, 2026

Running (for office) while trans

Trans people have been much discussed in American politics — from sports to bathrooms to health care. But their representation in elected office has been minimal. We’ll talk with several Midwestern trans women looking to change that by running for office themselves.

Among our topics: how forward candidates should be about their identity, balancing trans politics with affordability and other kitchen table issues, and the divergent opinions about how U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Deleware) is approaching her role as the first openly trans member of Congress.

The 217 Today Podcast

February 13, 2026

217 Today: Visa delays, rising costs, tightening restrictions and fear are keeping international artists from visiting the Midwest

 Under the Trump administration, rising visa costs and fears at ports of entry are keeping more international artists and musicians away from the Midwest.