WILL-AM | Illinois Public Media

A Southwest Airlines employee helps travelers search for bags at Midway International Airport in this file photo from December 28, 2022. — Erin Hooley/AP

The 21st Show

November 21, 2023

Wolters World on how to stay sane during holiday travel

With more than 55 million Americans expected to travel for Thanksfiving, we asked central Illinois-based travel YouTuber Mark Wolters for tips on how to avoid the worst headaches.

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Pastry chef Carla Jones loads a trio of sweet potato pies onto a tray destined for the oven on Nov. 15 at Ol’ Henry’s Restaurant in Berkeley, Missouri. Sweet potato pie is a significant touchstone of African American culture, especially around Thanksgiving. — Tristen Rouse / St. Louis Public Radio

The 217 Today Podcast

November 20, 2023

217 Today: The rich history behind pumpkin and sweet potato pies

In today's deep dive, we’ll look at the history and cultural ties that influence why Americans may prefer one Thanksgiving pie over another.

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Gene Siskel, left, and Roger Ebert photographed in Los Angeles in 1986. — AP/Douglas C. Pizac

The 21st Show

November 20, 2023

Matt Singer on how Illinois’ own Siskel & Ebert changed movies forever

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.”

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The exterior of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is pictured on Nov. 7. The congregation opened its doors to shelter nearly 120 migrants from cold weather earlier this month. — Esther Yoon-Ji Kang / WBEZ

The 217 Today Podcast

November 20, 2023

217 Today: As Chicago struggles to shelter migrants, neighboring Oak Park steps in

In today's deep dive, we’ll hear about a Western Chicago suburb trying to help with Chicago’s migrant crisis.

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Gettysburg address — Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

The 21st Show

November 17, 2023

Gettysburg Address on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

The fifth copy of the Gettysburg Address is on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.

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The 21st Show

November 17, 2023

Politics News Roundup - November 17, 2023

The federal government teetered on the brink of yet another possible shutdown.

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The 21st Show

November 17, 2023

Illinois News Roundup - November 17, 2023

An ownership change & layoffs at a Southern IL newspaper, the largest donation in SIU history and a Northern IL city's determination to better represent Latinos.

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While Illinois has moved to protect access to gender-affirming care and enshrined civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community overall, four of the five states that border Illinois have all seen a massive rise in bills that target the queer community, especially transgender youth. According to the ACLU's anti-LGBTQ legislation tracker, Missouri's state legislature has considered 48 bills in 2023 alone that would negatively impact the queer community in areas ranging from healthcare to education to free speech and expression. — Owen Henderson / IPM News

The 217 Today Podcast

November 17, 2023

217 Today: Trans Americans are fleeing to Illinois. Here’s why

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about Illinois’s efforts to protect trans rights.

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Iggy Ladden, a co-founder of Chicago Therapy Collective, stands in front of a mural in Andersonville honoring Elise Malary, a transgender activist who went missing and was found dead in Lake Michigan last year. — Pat Nabong/Chicago Sun-Times

The 21st Show

November 16, 2023

How does Illinois compare to other states on transgender rights?

According to the Movement Advancement Project, 21 states have banned gender-affirming medicine for trans youth. In response, Illinois passed a law this year protecting patients and providers who cross into the state for care.

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