WILL-AM

The 217 Today Podcast

In today’s deep dive, drug manufacturers have released promising early results for their COVID-19 vaccines, but skepticism among Americans remains high -- especially for African Americans.

The 21st Show

Illinois poet Gwendolyn Brooks said ‘poetry is life distilled.’ Chicago poet, playwright, and novelist Angela Jackson joins Brooks and Carl Sandburg as the state’s fifth poet laureate. We’ll hear some of her work and about the life that inspires her words. 

The 21st Show

According to Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson, Black and Latino children make up nearly 90% of students in CPS, but half of the teachers are white. The 21st explored new initiatives to combat the lack of representation in classrooms.

The 21st Show

Democrats had a banner year across the Chicago suburbs in this year’s election, with one exception: candidates for the Illinois House of Representatives. We’ll talk to a House Republican lawmaker about what happened, the state’s COVID response, and where his party goes from here.

The 217 Today Podcast

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about the challenges that central Illinois hospitals are facing with COVID-19.

The 21st Show

Host Brian Mackey and producers Anna Casey and Ryan Wilde share some of their favorite and most memorable segments from The 21st.

The 21st Show

Many of us are experiencing what researchers and now calling “COVID-fatigue” this holiday season. The 21st spoke with experts about what is causing this phenomenon, and also hear how to combat it and remain vigilant as the pandemic continues on.

The 217 Today Podcast

In today’s deep dive, during the first three months of the pandemic, the number of Americans dying, not just from COVID-19, increased compared to previous years. 

The 21st Show

As President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office in January 2021, The 21st speaks to the author of Joe Biden: The Life, The Run, and What Matters Now.

The 21st Show

Testing for COVID-19 can help slow the spread of the virus and prevent outbreaks, yet many in the state are frustrated with how difficult accessing a test can be. We’ll talk about disparities to testing access across communities in Illinois.