Summer 2023 had extreme heat with temperatures reaching more than 98 degrees in Illinois, we explore what factors caused us to have the hottest summer on record.

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting exceptional people in the community, starting with the first Hispanic Chief of Police at Eastern Illinois University, Marisol Gamboa.

Jeremy Hobson returns to WILL to share the renewal of his show, “The Middle.” which gives the average American the voice to share their political, and philosophical, that are often overlooked in today’s media.

The weekend of September 24th was the celebration of the holiest day in Judaism, Yom Kippur or the Jewish Day of Atonement, is when Jews repent for their sins and reconcile with God.

Today’s conversation explores the variety of ways Yom Kippur is celebrated amongst the different sects of Judaism.

Marin Cogan, a senior correspondent at Vox, joins the show to share the harmful effects of the U.S. automotive industry, from the flaws with traffic enforcement to how SUVS can be more dangerous on the road.

We discuss all of these topics and more in today’s episode of the 21st, with your host, Brian Mackey.

After 20 years of teaching children, Karen Lauritzen was named Idaho’s 2023 teacher of the year, and with that achievement came celebration and harassment that drove her to leave Idaho and teach in Illinois.

We spoke with Dr. Laurentzen about her passion for teaching, how she has seen the profession change over the generations, and what’s at stake for teachers and children in the classroom.

Decatur Public School recently closed two school buildings that were over 100 years old, potentially costing millions for the relocation of 500 students elsewhere while repairs are underway.

We explore the cause of the structural problems in the closed-down Dennis Lab School. We also investigate whether the last building inspection in 2013 raised any concerns about these structural liabilities. Additionally, we examine nationwide school data to understand how students, parents, and faculty are responding to deteriorating facilities.

The lack of a budget agreement in Washington and politics entering into the prisoner review board process topped this week's politics roundup.

Mountainfilm is a film festival that takes place in Telluride, Colorado, but it will soon tour in Carbondale.

 

In our state newsroom roundup, we checked in with journalists in Bloomington-Normal and The Quad Cities.