Weather Realness
How does the weather affect autumn leaf colors?
Today on Weather Realness, we are talking autumn, from the cooler weather to the changing leaves. If you have a question about climate or weather, leave a voicemail at 217.333.2141.
WILL-AM
WILL AM 580 Live Stream
The 21st Show
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 Phillipines. His diplomatic postings include South Korea, Sudan, Iraq, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where he was ambassador from 2018 until his retirement in 2021.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Oct. 9 – Oct. 12
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
Challenges and triumphs of Jewish communities in central Illinois
We spoke with an archivist for an oral history project and a longtime member of Danville's Jewish community.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Americans are drinking less. What does that mean for winemakers in the Heartland?
In today’s deep dive, the grape harvest for wine is in full swing. But in some regions, the last few years have been tough.
The 21st Show
Northern Illinois University President Lisa Freeman talks enrollment, football and funding
The president of Northern Illinois University discusses how her school is responding to challenges in higher education.
The 21st Show
Amid protests, Trump deploys National Guard to Illinois; Democratic leaders fight back with lawsuits
We talked with people on the ground after President Trump deployed National Guard troops to Illinois.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: What happens if new data centers come to C-U? A look at the environmental costs
In today’s deep dive, still to come data centers use a lot of energy and water. And with the rise in AI some worry about the possibility of more facilities coming to downstate Illinois.
The 21st Show
Best of: Oscar-nominated filmmaker on the decline of newspapers
Rick Goldsmith is an Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker. His newest film, "Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink," examines how hedge funds and private equity firms are hollowing out America's newspapers. He stopped by our studios to talk about the film and the struggles of American journalism.
A version of this interview was originally broadcast April 1, 2025.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: When will beef prices drop? We asked a rancher, a butcher and an economist
In today’s deep dive, beef is as expensive as it’s ever been, thanks to the high cost of cattle. Retailers of all sizes have upped their prices on steak and hamburger.
