The 21st Show
Speaker of the Illinois House reflects on ‘responsible and compassionate and balanced’ budget
Chris Welch, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives shares his thoughts on the budget.
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The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Farmers are taking on more debt. Some worry more financial stress could be ahead
In today’s deep dive, a look at why farmers are taking on more debt and why some ag economists believe it could be a sign of better things to come.
The 21st Show
Big takeaways from Illinois state budget
Two statehouse reporters discuss the big takeaways from the recently passed Illinois budget.
The 21st Show
Illinois House Minority Leader reacts to budget
The Illinois General Assembly session wrapped up over the weekend with the passage of a state budget. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie shares the Republican perspective on the session.
The 21st Show
Illinois Senate President discusses transit funding, Medicaid cuts, and federal policies’ impact on state budget
One of Illinois’ top Democrats gives his take on the recently passed budget.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: How Illinois researchers are turning prairie grass into sustainable fuel
In today’s deep dive, researchers at the University of Illinois are investigating how to turn prairie grass into sustainable aviation fuel.
The 21st Show
Preview of summer concert season in Illinois
Summertime means music. We outline the biggest shows and music festivals coming to Chicagoland and downstate this summer and advice for how to get tickets for big shows and concerts that can be costly. A music journalist fills us in.
The 21st Show
May 30, 2025: Illinois lawmakers move closer to finalizing budget, Elon Musk leaves DOGE, and more restrictions on international students
This week in our Politics Roundup, the Illinois General Assembly closes in on a state spending plan as the spring legislative session is scheduled to end this weekend. In national politics, we discuss what's next for the Department of Government Efficiency as Elon Musk announces his departure, and the State Department's threat to revoke visas for some Chinese students.
The 21st Show
May 30, 2025: Federal cuts, business slumps and expansion in the Quad Cities
In this week's Reporter Roundtable segment, we discuss how federal funding cuts will impact the Quad Cities and what's going on with big businesses in the area such as John Deere and Amazon. A local newspaper reporter has the latest.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Former U of I professor discusses Chinese and American history, how it connects with his own story
In today's deep dive, we bring you a conversation with a former professor at the U of I about his experiences in North America as what he calls "an accidental immigrant" from China.