WILL-AM

The 21st Show

August 11, 2025

Texas Democrats have fled to Illinois over redistricting battle. What happens next?

Last week, more than 50 Texas House Democrats left that state in an attempt to deny the Republican-controlled legislature a quorum for its special session. Republicans may get another five seats in the U.S. House. Some Democrats from the state have left and made their way to Illinois to avoid this. 

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/the-21st-show/id1084405213
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The 217 Today Podcast

August 11, 2025

217 Today: Monmouth College phasing out ten majors, enhancing other programs following academic prioritization process

In today’s deep dive, students across Illinois will soon head back to class. But one college in our state is phasing out ten majors.

The 21st Show

August 08, 2025

What does it take to thrive in early adulthood? A conversation with the author of “Quarterlife”

Quarterlife is the time where you’re no longer a child but still very much in the early stages of learning about the world and yourself. A psychotherapist joins us to explain why we should not overlook this stage of life.

The 217 Today Podcast

August 08, 2025

217 Today: Meteorologist breaks down Texas flood tragedy and how to stay prepared for flooding in Illinois

In today’s deep dive, the weather story that dominated the news this summer was the Texas flood tragedy. An Illinois meteorologist breaks down what happened and why you should never risk driving through a flash flood.

The 21st Show

August 07, 2025

Why is Illinois’ transfer of Shabbona Lake State Park to the Prairie Band Potawatomi tribe significant?

Earlier this year, Governor JB Pritzker signed a law to transfer ownership of Shabbona Lake State Park to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. A member of the Prairie Band tribal council discusses the history of the tribe, its connection to Illinois and what this move means for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

The 21st Show

August 07, 2025

Trump administration’s request for voting data raises questions among Illinoisans

The Trump administration is requesting voting data from numerous states across the country including Illinois.The head of an election research center and a politcal science professor weigh in. 

Weather Realness

August 07, 2025

How you can stay prepared for flooding in Illinois and what does ‘500-year flood’ really mean?

Learn how flash flooding in Central Illinois is different from Central Texas. If you have a question for local scientists, leave a voicemail at 217.333.2141 or email weatherrealness@illinois.edu.

Weather Realness

August 07, 2025

Understanding the Texas flood tragedy

We talked about a catastrophic flood that came barreling through the Texas Hill Country region, causing widespread destruction and killing more than 130 people. If you have a question for local meteorologists, leave a voicemail at 217.333.2141 or email weatherrealness@illinois.edu.

The 217 Today Podcast

August 07, 2025

217 Today: Illinois Gov. Pritzker on why his state is hosting Texas state lawmakers

In today’s deep dive, governor JB Pritzker speaks to NPR about why Illinois is hosting a group of Texas state lawmakers as they protest a partisan redistricting effort in their state.

The 21st Show

August 06, 2025

From music to contests to carnival rides: a preview of 2025 Illinois State Fair

The annual Illinois State Fair opens Thursday at noon and runs through August 17.The main organizer behind the fair gives a rundown of what visitors can expect this year.