WILL-AM

The 217 Today Podcast

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn about a program in Champaign County that helps young people get their high school diplomas while fixing public housing properties. 

The 21st Show

In their new book "Distraction: Girls, School, and Sexuality," two Illinois State University professors explore the way regulation and school practices sexualize school-age girls from pre-school through adulthood. They joined The 21st to talk about the value placed on the education of kids of different genders, as well as the burdens forced on young women in schools and the effect of labeling girls as a "distraction." 

The 21st Show

Large donors can put universities in potentially awkward positions when faculty conclusions conflict with the interests of those benefactors. Data collected by Harvest Public Media and Investigate Midwest show corporations have given at least $170 million to ag colleges in the past decade.

The 217 Today Podcast

In today's deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at court-ordered guardianship, or a conservatorship, and the possibility of less-restrictive options.

The 21st Show

Long pandemic lockdowns and lasting quarantines afforded some people free time to start new hobbies and creative pursuits, leading them to start small businesses of their own. We talked about running a small business during the pandemic with three central Illinois small business owners.

The 21st Show

An executive order from Gov. JB Pritzker's office created a task force and an advisory council to be shepherded by a new position in state government. Earlier this month, the administration announced the new state homelessness chief would be Christine Haley. She joined us today on The 21st to talk about the position and housing issues in Illinois.

The 217 Today Podcast

In today's deep dive, we'll take a look at the tension between environmentalists and farmers over what are designated as “Waters of the United States” by the federal government.

The 21st Show

The holiday season is beginning to kick into gear with Thanksgiving on Thursday, and the beginning of Hanukkah starting early next week. We received expert advice on having difficult conversations with family. 

The 21st Show

2021 has been the deadliest year on record for transgender and gender-variant people.  This year there have been at least 46 transgender people killed in the United States, and they are disproportionately people of color. 

The 217 Today Podcast

In today's deep dive, we’ll head to Columbia, Missouri to see how they are trying to counter the continuing rise in opioid overdose deaths.