Podcasts about illinoisans

A new program is helping Illinoisans of African descent reconnect and reclaim ancestral ties lost due to the transatlantic slave trade. In a period spanning over 400 years, more than 13 million men, women, and children were forcibly transported across the Atlantic Ocean to work in the Americas, devastating familial bonds. Now, the Illinois Family Roots Pilot program is offering free DNA testing so people can trace their roots into the past and connect with living relatives. Reset learns more about the state program and hears from two Chicago-area residents who connected after DNA testing showed they were related. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Trump administration is requesting voting data from numerous states across the country including Illinois.The head of an election research center and a politcal science professor weigh in. 

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joins Lisa Dent to advocate for a change in car insurance pricing in Illinois. Giannoulias, in an effort to combat auto insurance pricing, is asking for Illinoisans to report any instance of pricing discrimination based on factors other than driving record.

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL 8) joins Lisa Dent while on the road to share some stories from rural Illinoisans that will be affected by President Trump’s budget bill. Then, Rep. Krishnamoorthi addresses questions concerning the Epstein files. And he shares his thoughts on a potential presidential pardon for Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski shares her views on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it will impact her constituents.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is changing the country's vaccine policies- from childhood vaccinations to COVID immunizations. Many experts are raising concerns about what that could mean for public health.

The newly enacted Big Beautiful Bill Act will require states to cover some or all of the costs of providing SNAP benefits and Medicaid, tighten work requirements and essentially reshape who qualifies for help and for how long. So what does this all mean for Illinoisans who are at risk for losing critical support?  

10:05 – 10:22 (17mins) Weekly: Tim Jones @SpeakerTimJones “The Tim Jones and Chris Arps Show” weekdays 4p-6p on NewstalkSTL 10:41 – 10:56 (15mins) Dylan Sharkey, assistant editor, ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE Illinois gas tax hike, Chicago minimum wage increase among new laws effective July 1Illinois Policy Institute reveals the typical driver will pay $143 more in gas taxes this year than in 2019 CHICAGO (June 30, 2025) – Illinois’ second-highest in the nation gas taxes will rise again tomorrow as the state motor fuel tax hits 48.3 cents per gallon.That means the average driver in Illinois will pay $143 more in state gas taxes annually compared to before Gov. J.B. Pritzker doubled the tax in 2019, according to the Illinois Policy Institute.In total, when combined with existing federal, state and local fuel taxes, Illinois’ gas tax burden can reach up to 85 cents per gallon. Drivers in Chicago pay even more, with an additional 8 cents in city tax and 3 cents from Cook County, along with added sales taxes for each.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10:05 – 10:22 (17mins) Weekly: Tim Jones @SpeakerTimJones “The Tim Jones and Chris Arps Show” weekdays 4p-6p on NewstalkSTL 10:41 – 10:56 (15mins) Dylan Sharkey, assistant editor, ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE Illinois gas tax hike, Chicago minimum wage increase among new laws effective July 1Illinois Policy Institute reveals the typical driver will pay $143 more in gas taxes this year than in 2019 CHICAGO (June 30, 2025) – Illinois’ second-highest in the nation gas taxes will rise again tomorrow as the state motor fuel tax hits 48.3 cents per gallon.That means the average driver in Illinois will pay $143 more in state gas taxes annually compared to before Gov. J.B. Pritzker doubled the tax in 2019, according to the Illinois Policy Institute.In total, when combined with existing federal, state and local fuel taxes, Illinois’ gas tax burden can reach up to 85 cents per gallon. Drivers in Chicago pay even more, with an additional 8 cents in city tax and 3 cents from Cook County, along with added sales taxes for each.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Ferguson in the Morning - Where does Iran go from here? President Trump said that with their Nuclear capabilities devastated, he's not interested in any further involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. -The "Missouri Screw Job" that cost Sen. Brattin his spot in the Freedom Caucus may backfire, as it's likely the tax reduction deal will be blocked in court. -JB Pritzker has announced he is seeking a 3rd term as Illinois Governor - and clearly is setting up to launch his presidential campaign down the road. IL State Rep Adam Niemerg explains why Pritzker is a disaster not only for Illinoisans, but the United States in whole. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rich and Larry explain New Illinois, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with the mission of educating Illinoisans about their right, under the U.S. Constitution, to pursue the formation of a new state, plus an upcoming event in Warren County on Tuesday, June 24th on the WRAM Morning Show.

MO Attorney General Andrew Bailey gives us an invitation to see the way Missouri handles things vs. Illinois! And we end the hour talking VIPness, and other misstatements.

President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" calls for big cuts to social welfare programs including Medicaid. How will this impact Illinoisans? 

From renters facing hidden housing costs to families looking for afforadble libary access and diners unknowingly paying inflated reservation fees, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are taking action to protect everyday Illinoisans. In this edition of the News Brief, learn more about legislative efforts from State Senators Mike Simmons, Laura Ellman, and Sara Feigenholtz.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans to keep on the lookout for text message scams claiming to be from the “Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles”.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans to keep on the lookout for text message scams claiming to be from the “Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles”.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans to keep on the lookout for text message scams claiming to be from the “Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles”.

On Memorial Day, we learn about the ongoing work to identify missing soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines from America's past wars. That includes Illinoisans who've finally been accounted for, like Marine Sgt. Robert F. Van Heck of Chicago, killed at age 25 during the Battle of Tarawa in World War II. Plus, we'll talk about the enduring symbolism and mythology of soldiers thought left behind in Vietnam.

Illinois continues to see a troubling trend: a significant population decline, especially among young adults and families. Since April 2020, the state's population under 18 has dropped by 6.1%, outpacing the national decline. Wealthy millennials and young professionals are also leaving, citing difficult public policies. State Representative Dan Swanson is proposing HB1501, a bill targeting one major barrier for young Illinoisans: access to farmland. The legislation would offer tax credits to those selling or renting agricultural assets to beginner farmers. Swanson says soaring land prices—now exceeding $20,000 an acre—make farming unattainable without family inheritance.

Illinois Senate Democrats are advancing legislative efforts to support youth, families, and educators across the state, creating healthier, safer, and more equitable futures for all Illinoisans. Learn more about measures from State Senators Adriane Johnson, Mike Porfirio, and Robert Peters in this edition of the News Brief.

President Trump signed an executive order barring birthright citizenship for children whose parents lack legal status in the U.S. and for some visa holders. Three judges have filed national injunctions to block this order, and the Supreme Court is deliberating the case. If the court sides with the Trump administration, automatic citizenship could be denied to kids in 28 states. Reset learns what's at stake for Illinoisans from UIC law professor Steve Schwinn, Dulce Ortiz of the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights and the Mano a Mano Family Resource Center and Ana Gil Garcia the Illinois Venezuelan Alliance. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Because of crime-free housing ordinances, 1 in 4 Illinoisans live in rental properties that require them to sign a lease that says they could be evicted if accused of a crime – even a minor offense that isn't prosecuted. A year-long investigation by the New York Times combed through police data and interviewed dozens of landlords and tenants to learn the effects of these laws. Reset learns more about these ordinances and hears about potential solutions with Illinois Answers Project reporter Sidnee King Pineda, and journalist Ben Austen. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

(The Center Square) – A visit to Springfield Wednesday by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is sparking debate over Illinois' migrant sanctuary policies. Noem flew into Springfield's airport and then went to a Springfield DHS processing center to talk with federal agents and two non-citizens being processed. The motorcade then stopped in a residential area of Springfield near downtown, where she stood with family of Illinoisans who lost lives allegedly at the hands of illegal immigrants or by fentanyl overdose. Noem urged Gov. J.B. Pritzker to cooperate with federal officials.

Habemus papem — we have a new pope, and he is from Illinois! Pope Leo XIV — born Robert Francis Prevost — was raised in Dolton, in the south suburbs of Chicago. We'll talk about what his selection means for Catholics around the world, and back home in the 21st state.

Farmers across Illinois may soon see relief from increasing wildlife-related crop damage. Legislation sponsored by Senator Neil Anderson, Senate Bill 710, cleared the State Senate unanimously and now moves to the House for review. The bill aims to help manage deer overpopulation, a persistent issue causing both agricultural losses and vehicle accidents. Key measures include automatic issuance of extra hunting permits for qualifying landowners, expanded free permits for those with at least 40 acres, and new guest permit options. The initiative was developed with input from local farm bureaus and state officials, underscoring the push for practical, bipartisan solutions. “Agriculture is Illinois' leading industry, and when experts in the field raise concerns, it's our responsibility as lawmakers to find real solutions,” said Senator Anderson. “This is a bipartisan issue, and I'm grateful my colleagues recognized the significant impact deer overpopulation has on both agriculture and public safety.” “This bill is a result of collaboration with local farm bureaus, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the Illinois Farm Bureau,” Senator Anderson added. “It's a strong first step, and I'm committed to continuing our conversations further based on continued feedback from our agricultural community.” Anderson also stressed the public safety benefits of the legislation regarding deer-related vehicle accidents. Reducing deer populations near roadways is a crucial part of protecting drivers, especially in rural areas where these collisions are most frequent. “This bill supports our farmers, but it also looks out for everyday Illinoisans who drive our roads,” said Senator Anderson. “It's about protecting crops, ensuring road safety, and managing wildlife in a responsible, effective way.”

Greg Bishop discusses the news of Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announcing he's not seeking reelection, which opens up the seat for voters to pick a new Senator in 2026.

Todd Shapiro, Vice Chancellor and incoming Chancellor of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. The academy bestows the Order of Lincoln Award to Illinoisans for their contributions to humanity. This year’s ceremony is open to the public, free of charge, on May 3rd.

Giordano's new CEO is eyeing an expansion and a digital overhaul. Crain's reporter Brandon Dupre talks with host Amy Guth about the pizza chief's company vision and about Michelin-starred Moody Tongue's new tasting menu.Plus: United Airlines makes a play for O'Hare's road warriors, Microsoft pulls back on data centers from Chicago to Jakarta, Illinoisans on Forbes' latest billionaires list and new Choose Chicago CEO embraces "challenge" of marketing the city.

The weekly news roundup turns this week to Champaign-Urbana, where we hear about a fired-and-rehired worker at the VA, the man expected to be Urbana's first Black mayor, and more.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) joins the show to talk about how he is fighting the Trump administration, the steps he is taking to make life better for Illinoisans, and how Democrats can do the same for all Americans.

May 7 is the deadline to acquire a Real ID before the new federal guidelines are enforced. DMVs all across the country are seeing unprecedented demand. Illinoisans are experiencing long lines and even longer wait times. Last year, the “Get Real, Illinois” campaign launched to encourage residents to “get real” well in advance of the deadline. However, only around 30% of Illinois residents have Real IDs. Despite the looming cutoff, state officials are reminding Illinoisans not to panic. Reset learns more about the Real ID mandate from Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

(6:05am) MORNING NEWS DUMP Former Fenton, MO mayor and current St. Louis County Councilman Dennis Hancock announced that he's not going to run for re-election. Instead, he'll run for STL County Executive and challenge Sam Page. St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones loses the support of her own party in her own city as the St. Louis Democratic Central Committee endorses Alderwoman Cara Spencer. The two are facing off on Tuesday, April 5 in the general election. Story here: https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/st-louis-democratic-party-endorses-cara-spencer-mayor/63-720ade14-d160-4ac1-9844-a8243d6a76f8 President Trump is hopeful that Congress can avert a government shutdown at the end of the week. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) comments on the antisemitism at Columbia University. A new report confirms that Illinoisans are paying a lot more in taxes than people in other states. Sec. of Transportation Sean Duffy comments on air traffic control technicians. In spring training action, the Cardinals beat the NY Yankees 6-5. Up next: the NY Mets this afternoon at 5:05pm. No game for the Blues (31-27-7) tonight. They're off until Thursday night when they face the Penguins (25-31-10) in Pittsburgh. (6:20am) St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones loses the support of her own party in her own city as the St. Louis Democratic Central Committee endorses Alderwoman Cara Spencer. The two are facing off on Tuesday, April 5 in the general election. Story here: https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/st-louis-democratic-party-endorses-cara-spencer-mayor/63-720ade14-d160-4ac1-9844-a8243d6a76f8 Former Fenton, MO mayor and current St. Louis County Councilman Dennis Hancock announced that he's not going to run for re-election. Instead, he'll run for STL County Executive and challenge Sam Page. (6:35am) Dr. Stanley Ridgely, Clinical Professor of Management at Drexel University's LeBow College of Business, talks about the big con of DEI and his newly released book "DEI Exposed." More info on the book here: https://www.amazon.com/DEI-Exposed-Biggest-Century-Education-ebook/dp/B0DY5JKBMF?ref_=ast_author_dp Check out his website here: https://brutalminds.com/ Dr. Ridgely on X: @StanleyRidgely (6:50am) MORNING NEWS DUMP Former Fenton, MO mayor and current St. Louis County Councilman Dennis Hancock announced that he's not going to run for re-election. Instead, he'll run for STL County Executive and challenge Sam Page. St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones loses the support of her own party in her own city as the St. Louis Democratic Central Committee endorses Alderwoman Cara Spencer. The two are facing off on Tuesday, April 5 in the general election. Story here: https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/st-louis-democratic-party-endorses-cara-spencer-mayor/63-720ade14-d160-4ac1-9844-a8243d6a76f8 President Trump is hopeful that Congress can avert a government shutdown at the end of the week. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) comments on the antisemitism at Columbia University. A new report confirms that Illinoisans are paying a lot more in taxes than people in other states. Sec. of Transportation Sean Duffy comments on air traffic control technicians. In spring training action, the Cardinals beat the NY Yankees 6-5. Up next: the NY Mets this afternoon at 5:05pm. No game for the Blues (31-27-7) tonight. They're off until Thursday night when they face the Penguins (25-31-10) in Pittsburgh. Download the NewsTalkSTL app from your app store and listen anytime, anywhere! NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(8:05am) MORNING NEWS DUMP Former Fenton, MO mayor and current St. Louis County Councilman Dennis Hancock announced that he's not going to run for re-election. Instead, he'll run for STL County Executive and challenge Sam Page. St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones loses the support of her own party in her own city as the St. Louis Democratic Central Committee endorses Alderwoman Cara Spencer. The two are facing off on Tuesday, April 5 in the general election. Story here: https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/st-louis-democratic-party-endorses-cara-spencer-mayor/63-720ade14-d160-4ac1-9844-a8243d6a76f8 President Trump is hopeful that Congress can avert a government shutdown at the end of the week. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) comments on the antisemitism at Columbia University. A new report confirms that Illinoisans are paying a lot more in taxes than people in other states. Sec. of Transportation Sean Duffy comments on air traffic control technicians. In spring training action, the Cardinals beat the NY Yankees 6-5. Up next: the NY Mets this afternoon at 5:05pm. No game for the Blues (31-27-7) tonight. They're off until Thursday night when they face the Penguins (25-31-10) in Pittsburgh. (8:20am) Radicals on the "tolerant" Left are now attacking Tesla dealerships, vehicles and charging stations to show their hatred for Elon Musk, whom they loved up until his switch to the Republican Party. Story here: https://www.foxnews.com/us/tesla-vehicles-charging-stations-targeted-protesters-denounce-doge-elon-musk (8:35am) We continue the discussion on Bongino, Musk and Tesla. (8:50am) Have you adjusted to Daylight Saving Time OK? Or are you draggin' because you lost that hour on Sunday morning? Download the NewsTalkSTL app from your app store and listen anytime, anywhere! NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(8:05am) MORNING NEWS DUMP Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks about the vote to censure Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) after he was thrown out of President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. Story here: https://redstate.com/terichristoph/2025/03/05/hfc-takes-action-to-censure-al-green-n2186299 President Trump postpones new tariffs for a month on most goods from Canada and Mexico. Sen. John Cornyn comments on USAID spending. California AG Rob Bonta comments on federal grants. Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) comments on pushback from the Left on spending cuts. Illinoisans vote to keep their state flag design. In spring training action, the Cardinals lost to the Washington Nationals 12-1. Up next: the Houston Astros this afternoon at 5:05pm. Blues play the Ducks in Anaheim tonight at 9pm. Also, defenseman Colton Parayko is likely out for the season due to a knee injury. (8:20am) More whining and complaining about the switch to Daylight Saving Time this weekend! Are you OK with the ritual of "Spring Forward/Fall Back," or would you like to see the nation go all-DST all the time? We discuss. (8:35am) Camellia Peterson from Americans For Prosperity joins us to discuss the Missouri GOP State Lincoln Days this Fri-Sun, March 7-9, at The Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel. We also look at some of the priority legislative issues in the state. (https://mo.americansforprosperity.org/) (https://americansforprosperity.org/) (@RareCamellia) Download the NewsTalkSTL app from your app store and listen anytime, anywhere! NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(6:05am) MORNING NEWS DUMP Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks about the vote to censure Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) after he was thrown out of President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. Story here: https://redstate.com/terichristoph/2025/03/05/hfc-takes-action-to-censure-al-green-n2186299 President Trump postpones new tariffs for a month on most goods from Canada and Mexico. Sen. John Cornyn comments on USAID spending. California AG Rob Bonta comments on federal grants. Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) comments on pushback from the Left on spending cuts. Illinoisans vote to keep their state flag design. In spring training action, the Cardinals lost to the Washington Nationals 12-1. Up next: the Houston Astros this afternoon at 5:05pm. Blues play the Ducks in Anaheim tonight at 9pm. Also, defenseman Colton Parayko is likely out for the season due to a knee injury. (6:20am) Daylight Saving Time...keep it or get rid of it? We spring forward into DST this Sunday morning at 2am. Many of us would like to stop the "spring forward/fall back" ritual every year and stay with DST year 'round. Does the loss of that hour in the spring actually make your life miserable for the next week, or do you enjoy the change and the later sunsets during the summer? Here are some habits that can help you handle the time change: https://geediting.com/8-morning-habits-of-people-who-will-never-truly-be-happy-according-to-psychology/ (6:35am) Bill Eigel joins us to review some of this week's top stories including DOGE and spending cuts, Missouri lawmakers dealing with a crime bill and bringing St. Louis City Police back under state oversight from Jefferson City, and results from the city primary last Tuesday. We also discuss Bill's candidacy for St. Charles County Executive. https://billeigel.com/ (@BillEigel) (6:50am) MORNING NEWS DUMP Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks about the vote to censure Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) after he was thrown out of President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. Story here: https://redstate.com/terichristoph/2025/03/05/hfc-takes-action-to-censure-al-green-n2186299 President Trump postpones new tariffs for a month on most goods from Canada and Mexico. Sen. John Cornyn comments on USAID spending. California AG Rob Bonta comments on federal grants. Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) comments on pushback from the Left on spending cuts. Illinoisans vote to keep their state flag design. In spring training action, the Cardinals lost to the Washington Nationals 12-1. Up next: the Houston Astros this afternoon at 5:05pm. Blues play the Ducks in Anaheim tonight at 9pm. Also, defenseman Colton Parayko is likely out for the season due to a knee injury. Download the NewsTalkSTL app from your app store and listen anytime, anywhere! NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 6 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Julie Gunlock discussed: DNI Tulsi Gabbard moves to terminate, revoke security clearances of NSA employees tied to explicit chatrooms Julie Gunlock’s Oped in RealClearHealth on RFK and restoring trust in public health JB Pritzker on X: "RFK Jr’s views are dangerous, misguided, and deeply disturbing. Frankly, his policies will hurt people. I will push back on any attempts to disrupt the health and safety of Illinoisans. Nicole Shanahan announces conversion to Christianity WMAL GUEST: 6:35 AM - INTERVIEW - CAL THOMAS - Syndicated columnist CAL THOMAS: Democrats cry ‘constitutional crisis,’ but they created itUS and Ukraine agree to terms on natural resources and reconstruction deal, Ukrainian official says Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc. Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 / 6 AM Hour See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indiana has looked at adding 33 counties from Illinois that signaled they want to leave the state - which could lead to whole new maps of the U.S.Indiana House Republicans have listed embracing the counties from neighboring Illinois as one of their top 2025 legislative session priorities. House Speaker Todd Huston said Thursday that Republicans are considering the proposal after roughly a third of counties in the Prairie state voted to break away.If successful, it will drastically alter the map for Illinoisans.“We just think this is a great opportunity for people that are interested in Illinois that want to secede, but we say, ‘join us.' Low taxes, low regulatory environment, a ton of economic development already taking place,” Huston told Fox32. “We're kinda raising our hand to say 'hey don't start a 51st state, we'd love to have you in Indiana.'”

Making Cents of Money is proud to partner with the Office of the State Treasurer in its latest episode. Treasurer Michael Frerichs shared that 1 in 4 Illinoisans have unclaimed property waiting for them. Want to learn more? Tune in to learn more: link to podcast. Show Notes: Making Cents of Money: Ep. 11 – Saving for College with a 529 Savings Plan https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/2145536872 *I-Cash website: https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/

State Representative Travis Weaver, representing the 93rd District in Illinois, was sworn in for his second term today in Springfield. Weaver emphasized his commitment to education, fiscal responsibility, job growth, and agriculture. He aims to address significant budget deficits while reducing taxes and regulations. “It is the honor and privilege of a lifetime to represent the amazing people of the 93rd District in the Illinois House of Representatives,” said Rep. Weaver. “I look forward to continuing to bring effective, common-sense conservative reform to Springfield. My bipartisan legislative priorities continue to be Education, Fiscal Responsibility, Job Growth, and Agriculture. We are facing huge budget deficits this year, and in the future, if we don't start enacting common-sense reforms and impactful legislation. Illinoisans are tired of being over-taxed and over-regulated, and I'll continue to fight for the hard-working folks of the 93rd District.”

The state minimum wage is increasing, Gov. Pritzker's healthcare reforms are going into effect, and digital IDs are now legal for Illinoisans. Reset got a round up of some of the most notable laws of 2025 from WBEZ statehouse reporter Mawa Iqbal. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

 Jonathan Sebastian on  Loyal to a Man: The Civil War in our Backyards  For More Info: WWW.ChicagoCWRT.ORG  In the minds of many, including those who study history, there exists a divide. That is, while history happens everywhere, the real history happens somewhere else. The Civil War is thought of as having been fought in the South and, to an extent this is true. Most of the battles were fought in that region, however all parts of the country were directly impacted by this war. Illinois and even more specifically, the Chicago metropolitan area was no different. Just two hundred years ago, this area would have been unrecognizable to those familiar with all the Chicagoland area has to offer today. What was once an area of prairie with a handful of small towns was transformed dramatically during the 1860s. The people of the Prairie State played a significant role in the war and were themselves directly impacted by that war. So, how did Illinoisans, and more specifically those of Chicago and the DuPage County area, respond to such momentous issues as emancipation and the draft (among other issues) in the context of a national civil war? This presentation will explore this rich local history (some of it is still here in a tangible way!) and its connection to a most significant moment in the development of the United States. A former president of the Chicago CWRT, Jonathan Sebastian earned his B.A. in history from Judson College (now University) and his M.A. in Public History from Loyola University Chicago. He has been an adjunct professor of history at Judson University teaching World History 1500 to the Present and U.S. history. More recently, he was a social studies teacher at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart. He was a tour guide at Jubilee College State Historic site outside of Peoria, Illinois, a project-based researcher at the Pritzker Military Library, and was the curator of the Fischer Farm historic site in Bensenville, Illinois. Currently, he is an experience facilitator at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum and the education and programs assistant at the Elmhurst History Museum. He is also the author of Bensenville, a volume of the Arcadia Press Series, Images of America. 

State Senator Dave Koehler discusses his initiative to support small farmers producing specialty crops by establishing a new grant program, which has allowed local farmers to increase their product yield and made food grown in the state more accessible to Illinoisans.

Legislative efforts by State Senators Robert Peters, Mike Simmons, Cristina Castro, and Karina Villa to help Illinoisans receive unpaid wages, promote the educator and childcare provider workforce, strengthen our state's performing arts industry, and further language equity in interactions with state agencies are highlighted in this edition of The Majority Report.

Some Illinois residents checking the mail have been in for a big surprise: A letter confirming that their medical debt has been erased. Reset learns more about the program and looks at other recent efforts to erase medical debt in our area with Elizabeth Whitehorn, director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and Rev. Otis Moss III, senior pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

We say goodbye to a field campus that meant a lot to northern Illinoisans during its decades of serving students interested in the environment and the arts. And we revisit a deep dive we took into one of the works of art that made the Lorado Taft campus so special.

Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn continues to push for voters to approve a non-binding question on the Nov. 5 ballot to bring about a “millionaire surcharge.” Illinoisans pay the second highest property taxes in the United States, according to multiple nationwide surveys. The total amount paid annually by Illinois property tax payers is $23.2 billion, according to Quinn. With early voting ongoing, one of the advisory questions voters are being asked is whether those making more than $1 million should be taxed an additional 3% to pay for a fund for property tax relief. “The unfortunate thing is there's no money in the property tax relief trust fund,” Quinn told reporters at a news conference in Springfield on Wednesday. “It has never been appropriated any money to give out these annual rebates.”