Illinois Public Media News

What does it mean to be Midwestern, and what makes this state and this region so special? We talk to some of our favorite Midwesterners about all things Illinois and the Midwest including the food, the history, the culture and the landscape around us. Plus, Gov. Pritzker recently signed a bill which creates a Restaurant Meals Program for SNAP recipients. We learn why its proponents think it can help fix the issue of food deserts and make people healthier.

After years of trying, the city of Danville now has the state’s permission to host a casino, thanks to Illinois’ new gambling expansion law. Jim Meadows talks with Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr., about what's ahead.

Temperatures are soaring, and that means Midwesterners are headed to summer fairs and festivals. They’ll eat plenty of high calorie foods ⁠—from corn dogs to fried ice cream sandwiches ⁠— but some festivals are trying to include healthier foods.

New legislation in the U-S House of Representatives would create a low-interest loan program to fund mitigation projects to reduce the risks and damage caused by natural disasters. Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis says such projects could make future flooding in his state less of a catastrophe.

The town of Quincy, Illinois is enjoying the spotlight after being featured in the popular Netflix makeover show Queer Eye. We talk to the band teacher who brought the Fab Five to Illinois. Also, it’s finally beach season. Even though we don’t live by the ocean, Lake Michigan is always a drive away. But it turns out the water is sometimes too dirty for swimmers. Plus, Chicago officials made it clear they won’t cooperate with the Trump administration’s current immigration deportation policy. That resistance harkens back to another era more than a century ago. And, we hear tips for making classic Chicago deep dish pizza at home.