The 21st Show
How balloon releases impact the environment
Balloon releases can be problematic for the environment. A Girl Scout in the Chicago Suburbs is looking to change that.
WILL-AM
WILL AM 580 Live Stream
The 21st Show
Commemorating Earth Day amid battle to protect environmental regulations and policies
For a long time, protecting the environment was something Democrats and Republicans agreed upon. In the present age, the Trump administration has moved to dismantle many of those foundational protections — including an attempt to revoke the legal underpinning for all federal greenhouse gas regulation. Meanwhile, here in Illinois, Democratic leaders are pursuing their own clean energy policies — and fighting the federal government in court to do it.
The 21st Show
The rise of socialism in Illinois and beyond
In recent years, the idea of “socialism” has been gaining ground in American politics. The most prominent and successful avatar of that is Zohran Mamdani, who became the mayor of New York City in January. What does It mean to be a socialist and why do many young people have a more favorable view of socialism than capitalism?
The 21st Show
A look into the debate surrounding Data Centers in Illinois
Where does your municipality fall on the data center debate? Is it interested in adding one or is it looking to ban them all together?
The 21st Show
Meet Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Aaron Del Mar
Aaron Del Mar chairs the Cook County Republican Party. Now, he’s Darren Bailey’s running mate in the November election. He gives his take on taxes, criminal justice, and Republicans’ ability to win statewide elections in Illinois.
News Local/State
Behind The Mic: Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield sees being on-air as a theatrical performance
When Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield isn’t live over the airways, she reports and produces arts and entertainment news happening in Central Illinois.
News Local/State
Behind The Mic: Education reporter Emily Hays loves connecting people through her stories
From covering school districts, politics, campus news, and more, Illinois Public Media reporter Emily Hays is a versatile journalist who loves keeping it local.
News Local/State
Behind The Mic: Agriculture/Environmental reporter Abigail Bottar views her work as public service
Abigail Bottar joined Illinois Public Media in early March 2026 as our Agriculture/Environmental reporter after six years at Ideastream Public Media in Ohio.
News Local/State
Behind The Mic: Illinois Student Newsroom editor Christine Herman leads the newest generation of public media reporters
Christine Herman initially joined IPM as a part-time producer. Now, she is the editor for the Illinois Student Newsroom, overseeing 15 to 20 U of I student reporters.
Weather Realness
Storm chasers on the reality behind the chase
During a tornado, most people take cover. Others drive straight towards it. We talk to storm chasers about what it’s like to be in the path of a storm.
These programs are partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
