WILL-AM

The 217 Today Podcast

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about abandoned mines across Illinois and how federal money could help mitigate and redevelop these sites.

The 21st Show

A man driving from Cass to Tazewell County claims he spotted Bigfoot along Illinois 78 near Chandlerville. We were joined by the president of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization and a primatologist to discuss the legend, what it might take to prove the existence of a creature like Bigfoot, and more.

The 21st Show

Since recreational use became legal at the start of 2020, Illinoisans have spent more than $2 billion on cannabis. One aspect of the legalization effort in the state has programs aimed at reinvesting in communities disproportionately affected by the drug’s previous prohibition and the war on drugs.

The 217 Today Podcast

In today's deep dive, we'll learn how suicide companion programs in prisons can increase trauma.

The 21st Show

What have we learned from tornados like the one that struck Joplin, Missouiri? Could deaths, like those six people who were killed at an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville have been prevented? Some are saying yes, if the industry had allowed certain safeguards to be put in place. To discuss this, we were joined by a journalist who's been covering this issue and a professor of civil and environmental engineering.

The 21st Show

We are at the beginning of what’s expected to be an interesting year in Illinois politics, with expensive, rough political fights in both the primary and general elections. To discuss upcoming the new timeline for primaries, new legislative maps, the races for Statehouse and Congress and more, The 21st was joined by two political reporters.

The 217 Today Podcast

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn how to fight the “post-holiday blues,” which could be worse than usual because of the ongoing pandemic.

The 21st Show

With COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations spiking around the country, changing guidance on isolation and testing, and schools restarting for the spring semester, we decided to dive into the best ways to stay safe as the omicron variant spreads. To help us understand more about best testing practices, omicron transmission, and the CDC’s latest guidelines, we were joined by two virologists. 

The 21st Show

School districts are again having to make tough decisions on how to conduct school.  Last week, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced that they and the Illinois State Board of Education would align with the CDC’s updated guidance on quarantine times and isolation periods. To talk about it, we were joined by education reporters from around the state.

The 217 Today Podcast

In today's deep dive, a look back at the early days of WILL-AM, which turns 100 years old this year.