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

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about First Listen:

How many episodes does First Listen have?

The podcast currently has 627 episodes available.

First Listen episodes:

July 09, 2026 Active Creative Teen Theatre (ACTT) opens its production of Alice by Heart this weekend | First Listen
Director Hayden Thongsithavong and Assistant Director Jonathan Alamu discuss their work behind the scenes for Alice By Heart.
...more
8min
July 08, 2026 Dozens of states may be on the hook next year to pay SNAP benefits | First Listen
Illinois faced a significant payment error rate for SNAP benefits, but will receive a delay in its cost share requirement until at least the 2029 fiscal year.
...more
5min
July 07, 2026 Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signs AI oversight law | First Listen
The new law will make AI companies disclose safety practices and report significant safety incidents to the public.
...more
3min
July 06, 2026 A prisoner review board next month will hear a request for medical release for Sean Grayson | First Listen
Former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson has served less than six months of his 20 year sentence for the murder of Sonya Massey, but his legal team is seeking he be let go for medical reasons.
...more
4min
July 02, 2026 A new report suggest the arts are a strong economic driver in Illinois | First Listen
The Illinois Arts Council board chair Nora Daley says despite the impact the arts aren't always considered in investment talks.
...more
4min
July 01, 2026 More students could qualify for in-state tuition at Illinois colleges under a new law | First Listen
The law will loosen one of the requirements for paying in-state tuition by making it available to students who attended college in the state for at least three years
...more
3min
June 30, 2026 Illinois encouraging residents to avoid prolonged exposure to the extreme heat | First Listen
Cooling centers are available throughout the state. More at Keepcool.illinois.gov.
...more
4min
June 26, 2026 A new study finds air travel in Illinois increases significantly during the Fourth | First Listen
Researchers with Luxury Link analyzed data and found arriving flights to Illinois increase 18 % during the week surrounding Independence Day.
...more
4min
June 26, 2026 A new study finds air travel in Illinois increases significantly during the Fourth | First Listen
Researchers with Luxury Link analyzed data and found arriving flights to Illinois increase 18 % during the week surrounding Independence Day.
...more
4min
June 25, 2026 Illinois acts to protect abortion information | First Listen
First Listen for June 25, 2026
...more
4min

FAQs about First Listen:

How many episodes does First Listen have?

The podcast currently has 627 episodes available.