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First Listen for Monday Dec. 22, 2025

Front Row Classics is celebrating the holidays and Judy Garland with Vanessa O'Neil

For Disney fans, Xavier “X” Atencio is remembered for his many roles: animator, attraction designer, and lyricist. But most importantly, he was a good friend. This week on Beyond the Mouse we are joined by authors Bobbie Lucas, Kelsey McCullough, and Tori Atencio McCullough, who talk about their book “Xavier ‘X’ Atencio: The Legacy of An Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend.” We discuss X’s exceptional creativity and the legacy of kindness expressed by his family and friends.

Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly passed a new budget, but Republicans refused to get on board. There were also partisan disagreements on many other issues, such as ethics and redistricting.And despite a mad rush to finish their work, some items were left on the table. There's talk of a return to the statehouse this summer.Our panel breaks down the spring session. Mark Maxwell, Capitol Bureau Chief for WCIA-TV, joins the discussion.

After more than a year of the pandemic, Illinois has reached a milestone. On Friday, the state moved to Phase 5 of the reopening plan. That means most restrictions, like mask wearing and capacity limits, are lifted for those who are vaccinated. Illinois has seen a dramatic drop in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Also, lawmakers will return to the statehouse next week to address energy legislation and possibly more. And Republicans have filed suit over the newly drawn political maps. Jerry Nowicki, Bureau Chief for Capitol News Illinois, joins the panel.

On this week's episode, with the state moving to Phase 5 of the reopening plan, people are returning to regular activities. That includes going out to bars and restaurants, as well as returning to the workplace. But some are anxious about getting back to normal. And Illinois is working to create a system to better handle mental health and behavioral situations. Those stories and more on Statewide.