WILL-AM

The 217 Today Podcast

In today’s deep dive, a voice you hear on NPR has a new book reflecting what happens when you live in China and disagree with the government.

The 21st Show

Rural hospitals have been struggling for decades. Hundreds have closed. Now, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that President Trump signed into law last month will bring substantial changes to Medicare and Medicaid. How will this impact rural health care in Illinois? 

The 217 Today Podcast

In today’s deep dive, we’re revisiting a conversation with Charles Isbell and his top priorities for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as its new Chancellor.

The 21st Show

The new Weather Realness podcast debuted on August 1, 2025. The podcast is available on YouTube. The radio show airs Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. on WILL-AM 580. If you have a question for local meteorologists, leave a voicemail at 217.333.2141 or email weatherrealness@illinois.edu.

The 21st Show

After President Donald Trump placed tariffs on trade partners around the world, the stock market has rebounded. But what's next for the economy? How is the feeling of uncertainty and instability affect our economy and our mental health? 
 

The 217 Today Podcast

In today’s deep dive, Illinois Public Media is teaming up with Illinois’ top scientists to talk about climate and weather in a new podcast called “Weather Realness.”

The 21st Show

The Quad Cities' Niabi Zoo is part of a network of zoos providing care and shelter to displaced animals from around the world. A representative from the zoo discusses that work. 

The 21st Show

Nearly 29,000 people are currently incarcerated in Illinois' prison system. But being imprisoned -- or even just getting arrested -- can follow someone for decades after the experience is over. A new organization in Bloomington-Normal is trying to help former prisoners in their reentry journey as they face many barriers. 

The 217 Today Podcast

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment. 

Weather Realness

We answered some frequently asked questions about weather and climate The co-hosts are Maddie Stover, a doctoral student in Physics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Steve Nesbitt, professor of Climate, Meteorology, and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Illinois and Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford. The weekly podcast will air Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. on WILL-AM 580. If you have a question for local meteorologists, leave a voicemail at 217.333.2141 or email weatherrealness@illinois.edu.