WILL-AM

The 21st Show

January 08, 2026

How a unique and versatile plant could help Illinois farmers and the environment

Miscanthus is a type of grass that can grow to be particularly tall. According to a group of researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a form of this grass known has proven to be a good crop for farmers, with a lot of versatile uses. 

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 21st Show

January 08, 2026

Is Illinois’ drinking culture evolving?

Last month, the state Department of Public Health put out a comprehensive report on alcohol use in Illinois. A public health expert and an alcohol researcher discuss the findings and what they mean for our health. 

 

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

January 08, 2026

217 Today: WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jan. 8 – Jan. 11

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.

The 21st Show

January 07, 2026

How will the elimination of Illinois’ grocery tax impact communities and shoppers?

Illinois' grocery tax officially expired at the start of this year. But many Illinoisans are still paying that tax. The money from the grocery tax went to local governments and many of them have responded by re-imposing the tax through their village boards or city councils.

The 21st Show

January 07, 2026

Rundown of new laws in Illinois as 2026 begins

A new year means new laws are now in effect across Illinois from criminal justice and law enforcement, education and schools to gun control. An Illinois Public Radio reporter highlights several new laws that Illinoisans might see play out in their daily life.

 

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

January 07, 2026

217 Today: Five candidates seeking to represent central Illinois in Congress, including incumbent Nikki Budzinski

In today’s deep dive, five candidates are seeking to represent central Illinois in Congress, including incumbent Nikki Budzinski.

The 21st Show

January 06, 2026

Five years after January 6 Capitol riot, author explores creation of MAGA

Five years ago today, a mob stormed the United States Capitol committing many violent acts. Laura K. Field has been studying what led up to January 6th — not just the rally and the riot, but the ideas behind “stop the steal” in particular and the MAGA movement in general. She discusses her new book, "Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New Right."

 

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

January 06, 2026

217 Today: How a preservation project is saving wetlands in the Midwest

In today’s deep dive, a wetland preservation project continues, despite the shrinking number of wetlands in the Midwest.

The 21st Show

January 05, 2026

From nuclear war to AI, how to think about threats to humankind

Today, we begin a series of conversations on existential risks to humankind — such as nuclear war, global warming and artificial intelligence. Those dangers are regularly explored by the “Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists”, which was founded 80 years ago in Chicago. 

 

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 21st Show

January 02, 2026

Retired Ambassador Eric P. Whitaker, from Illinois to Niger

A conversation with retired U.S. Diplomat Eric P. Whitaker. Born in DeKalb and raised there and in North Aurora, Whitaker earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he was also in the Marching Illini. Before joining the Foreign Service, he spent time in the Peace Corps in the Philippines. His diplomatic postings include South Korea, Sudan, Iraq, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where he was ambassador from 2018 until his retirement in 2021.

 

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.