WILL-AM

The 21st Show

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Weather Realness

Storm chasing can be dangerous from tornadoes overtaking vehicles to hail destroying cars. Today we learn how storm chasers can be prepared and stay safe. 

The 21st Show

He's a Normal, Illinois native who went to U. of I. and ended up writing music for Sesame Street.

She's the puppeteer behind Abby Cadabby — and she just won an Emmy for it.

They also happen to be married.

Composer Paul Rudolph and puppeteer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph joined The 21st Show to talk about what makes Abby special, how to write music for Muppets, making instruments from found objects, and how puppetry can reach children who've been through tough times.