The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Few Midwest states regularly test for toxic algae blooms despite tragic consequences for families
In today's deep dive, we’ll learn about the tragic effects of toxic algae for one Midwestern family.
WILL-AM
WILL AM 580 Live Stream
The 21st Show
Illinois winemakers push to change distribution laws
The Illinois wine industry is pushing to change a prohibition-era law to raise the maximum number of gallons of wine that Illinois wineries could sell themselves directly to restaurants. To talk about it, we were joined by the general manager of an Illinois winery and the executive director of a non-profit for vintners.
The 21st Show
How much should parents be involved in school curricula?
A trio of bills in Illinois would increase parental access to what’s being taught in Illinois schools by requiring teachers to do things like post their lesson plans online. This is just one of many rallying cries on the right to exert more control over — or make “transparent” — what’s happening in the classroom. The 21st was joined by a two journalists who've been following the story and a professor of information science.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Looking back at Focus 580, WILL-AM’s local call-in show that ran for 30+ years
In today's deep dive, we'll take a look back at a talk show that ran on WILL-AM for more than thirty years as WILL celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
The 21st Show
Reporter Roundtable: Agriculture and the environment
Today we talked about why the number of Black farm owners and operators has plummeted in Illinois and around the country since the 1920s. Plus how a warming climate is changing how we farm and the effect of biofuels on the environment.
The 21st Show
Filing for the 2022 Illinois primary
On March 7, 2022, candidates lined up outside the State Board of Elections office for hours to file to run in this year's primaries. We visited the line to hear some of their stories. Plus, we were joined by two veteran statehouse reporters to talk about the state of some of the races.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: University of Illinois expert discusses how war in Ukraine could cause a global food crisis
In today's deep dive, we'll learn how the Russian invasion of Ukraine could have a big effect on the world’s supply of wheat and corn from a University of Illinois expert.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Danville mayor hopes new economic development will revitalize city
In today's deep dive, we’ll hear from Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr about economic development plans for the struggling city.
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.
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.