WILL-AM | Illinois Public Media

Nick Holonyak Jr., the inventor of the first visible-light LED among other illuminating innovations, has died at aged 93. — University of Illinois Archives

The 21st Show

December 06, 2022

Best of: Remembering Nick Holonyak, Jr., Inventor of LED Lights

We remembered Zeigler native Nick Holonyak, Jr., who is credited with the development of the LED and many more inventions.

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The City of Champaign Township recently bought the C-U at Home shelter at 70 E. Washington St. in downtown Champaign. The facility will become a no barrier shelter when it reopens on December 12. — Emily Richie/Illinois Student Newsroom

The 217 Today Podcast

December 06, 2022

217 Today: As Champaign prepares to open new homeless shelter, officials ask what else can be done

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn about a new shelter for people dealing with homelessness in Champaign-Urbana.

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Independent bookstores, such as The Artsy Bookworm, seem to be faring better than predicted, even in the age of giants like Amazon. — Photo via VisitQuadCities.com

The 21st Show

December 05, 2022

Best of: Independent Bookstores in Illinois

Reports of the death of independent bookstores seem to be an exaggeration. The 21st spoke to three independent bookstore owners and the Program Coordinator for the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association to hear more.

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When she takes office in January, Rep-elect. Nabeela Syed will be one of the youngest members of the Illinois House, along with Republican Brad Fritts, Rep.-elect in the 74th district, who’s 22. — Photo via Nabeela Syed for IL-51

The 21st Show

December 05, 2022

Rep.-Elect Nabeela Syed talks identity, generational change, and more

23-year-old Nabeela Syed joined The 21st to discuss the intersection of politics and her identities as a member of Gen Z and an Indian-American, plus what it was like to win her seat and flip her House district.

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Seasonal Affective Disorder can have an impact on many people as the days grow shorter each year. — Robert Couse-Baker/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

The 217 Today Podcast

December 05, 2022

217 Today: As days get shorter, Seasonal Affective Disorder worsens in Northern states

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder, which can impact many people as the days get shorter each year.

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The rotunda at the State Capitol in Springfield, where Illinois lawmakers wrapped up their fall veto session on Thursday. — Reginald Hardwick/Illinois Newsroom

The 217 Today Podcast

December 02, 2022

217 Today: Illinois General Assembly approves changes to SAFE-T Act

In today's deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at changes to the SAFE-T Act that the Illinois General Assembly approved Thursday.

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A shopper looks at Quinceañera dresses at a shop on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, in Los Angeles. Quinceañera is a Latin American tradition to celebrate a girl's 15th birthday. — AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

The 21st Show

December 01, 2022

Coming of age with a quinceañera

To discuss quinceañeras and their history and significance, The 21st was joined by a professor of Latino/Latina Studies and two students who recently celebrated their own quinceañeras.

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