WILL-AM

The 21st Show

A 19-year-old Central Illinois man accused of inciting a riot has been in jail for months. He has no prior criminal record and has not been convicted of a crime. We took a closer look at his case.

The 21st Show

Illinois is a leading producer of Christmas trees. The 21st spoke with two Illinois tree farmers about their experiences, including a farm where you can see reindeer.

The 217 Today Podcast

In today’s deep dive, the past eight months have taken a toll on Illinois’ teachers, who were already in short supply prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. A new report from the University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs highlights the challenges teachers are facing and recommends specific actions to hire and retain quality educators.  

The 217 Today Podcast

In today’s deep dive, more than 80% of all I-C-U beds are now occupied according to datafrom the state’s department of public health. That’s raising concerns about hospitals potentially filling up in the coming weeks.

The 21st Show

On December 3, 1818 Illinois became the 21st united state of America. From Cairo to Paris, we’ll explore some small Illinois towns with big names to commemorate two centuries and two years of Illinois Statehood

The 21st Show

The 21st explores the disproportionate economic toll the pandemic on women a panel of three guests and what policy changes they want to see coming out of this pandemic. 

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.