WILL-AM

The 21st Show

January 13, 2026

Former marine Kevin Ryan talks economy, border control, ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Gaza while vying for Democratic nomination in Illinois Senate race

Kevin Ryan is a former teacher and United States Marine from the south suburbs of Chicago. He is now running in as a Democratic in the Primary race for U.S. Senate in Illinois. He talks one-on-one with Brian Mackey about ICE, the U.S. struggling economy, and his military background.

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... 
Spotfy: 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 13, 2026

217 Today: Judge grants temporary restraining order to block the Trump Administration’s freeze on federal funding

In today’s deep dive, Illinois and four other Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration to block a freeze on federal funding for childcare and family services. A judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking immediate implementation of the freeze.

The 21st Show

January 12, 2026

A deep look into the past and future of Native American mascots

Joseph Gone has spent decades studying Native American moscots — as a psychologist, as a member of the Aaniiih-Gros Ventre Tribal Nation, and as a University of Illinois graduate student who campaigned against Chief Illiniwek in the 1990's. He shares his perspective today.

The 217 Today Podcast

January 12, 2026

217 Today: A conversation with the president of the University of Illinois System about why he is stepping down next year

In today’s deep dive, the president of the University of Illinois System is stepping down once his contract expires next year. We'll bring you a conversation with Tim Killeen about why he's leaving and his plans for the future.

The 21st Show

January 09, 2026

Chicago Bears in the playoffs

The Chicago Bears are in the playoffs for the first time since 2020. We’ll talk about their post-season prospects, and how GM Ryan Poles, Head Coach Ben Johnson, and Quarterback Caleb Williams made it happen.

The 21st Show

January 09, 2026

What’s next for Venezuela?

Months of U.S. military pressure on Venezuela culminated in the capture of the country’s president, Nicolas Maduro. We’ll talk with about how we got here and what comes next.

The 217 Today Podcast

January 09, 2026

217 Today: What made 2025 a hard time to be a farmer and what’s ahead for some farmers in the central US

In today’s deep dive, some farmers ended 2025 unsure how they'll pay their bills. We'll hear from farmers around the central US about what made 2025 such a tough year and what's ahead.

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.