WILL-AM

WILL AM 580 Live Stream

Emily Van Duyn is an assistant professor of communication at the University of Illinois and author of the book

The 21st Show

Why do some keep their political beliefs hidden?

Many feel that in their slice of America, they are not free to say whatever they want about politics. Yet, while the blue-city Republican and the red-state Democrat might feel isolated, they are not alone. We were joined by a University of Illinois professor who studied one such group of political outliers to talk about what she found. 

Former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan parks in the garage at his Southwest Side home, Wednesday afternoon, March 2, 2022
Ashlee Rezin / Chicago Sun-Times

The 21st Show

Unpacking the Madigan indictment

Michael Madigan was often considered the most powerful politician in Illinois; however, yesterday, he was indicted on federal corruption charges. The 21st was joined by two political reporters to walk through what he's accused of and what we know about the investigation so far.

The city of Rockford in northwestern Illinois had made great strides in its campaign against homelessness, but the pandemic slowed that progress.
Susan Stephens/WNIJ

The 21st Show

The fight to end homelessness in Rockford

By 2020, Rockford was on the verge of ending homelessness entirely, but then, the pandemic hit, amplifying existing housing needs and economic pressures and causing the city to have to adapt and continue its fight. The 21st was joined by the city's mayor and housing advocates to talk about what Rockford has done and what other cities can do to combat homelessness.