First Listen

By Michelle Eccles

Start the day by adding NPR Illinois First Listen to your routine and hear the latest from the state capital (Springfield).... more

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FAQs about First Listen:

How many episodes does First Listen have?

The podcast currently has 546 episodes available.

First Listen episodes:

May 29, 2026 The Springfield Cultural Arts Festival is at Union Square Park in Springfield Saturday | First Listen
Monica Zanetti Reed with the Springfield Cultural Arts Foundation says this will be a free arts and entertainment event in Downtown Springfield
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7min
May 29, 2026 Bills intended to curtail excessive home and auto insurance rates move to the Governor | First Listen
Each bill prohibits insurers from imposing excessive or discriminatory rates as determined by the Illinois Department of Insurance
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4min
May 28, 2026 President Trump criticizes Illinois' governor and Chicago's mayor over safety | First Listen
The President says the city of Chicago should ask for his help in controlling the streets.
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4min
May 27, 2026 "Mamma Mia" opens Friday at The Muni | First Listen
Meredith Crifasi (Sophie) and Matthew Woodson (Sky) talk about the show that will have audience members dancing in their seats. Tickets and more information at themuni.org.
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7min
May 27, 2026 Illinois lawmakers still have several goals to reach before the spring session ends | First Listen
Governor Pritzker says the state budget is the top priority.
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4min
May 26, 2026 Illinois' spring legislative session is nearing an end | First Listen
Illinois lawmakers still have a few things to tackle in their final week.
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3min
May 22, 2026 Route 66 Centennial celebration already pulling in an increase in visitors to Springfield | First Listen
Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau's Amy Beadle discusses upcoming events and some of the impact of the Route 66 Centennial.
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7min
May 22, 2026 A bill to block the sale of some Glock pistols in Illinois is before the legislature | First Listen
Republican lawmakers say the bill infringes on second amendment rights.
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4min
May 21, 2026 "I Remember Mama" playing at Theatre in the Park at New Salem | First Listen
Cynthia Higginson (Mama) and Mike Schneider (Uncle Chris) discuss the play which plays at the outdoor theater in Petersburg. For tickets, go to thetheatreinthepark.net
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7min
May 21, 2026 Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth says the ongoing war in Iran should end immediately | First Listen
Duckworth has called on Congress to do everything in its power to stop the war.
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4min

FAQs about First Listen:

How many episodes does First Listen have?

The podcast currently has 546 episodes available.