Podcasts about illinoisans

Episode 1011 argues that the Fauci witch hunt and the White House Correspondents' Dinner were the same show: theater staged to give a cult desperate for a villain someone new to hate. Driftglass and Blue Gal use Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death" to describe legacy media pundits partying safely behind castle walls while the plague of modern Republican fascism finally breaks through the door. The episode names the psychological trap keeping disengaged voters stuck in "Yeah, but Democrats..." thinking, and exposes how devastating SNAP cuts are quietly starving hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans while being sold as "reform." It's about who the real cavalry is, why nobody's coming to save us but us, and why the midterms are the only thing that can pull the brakes on a car that no longer has any.Links for this Episode:Driftglass on The BradCast  https://bradblog.com/?p=18314Driftglass on the Nicole Sandler Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozwmgb421eI Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.com Website: proleftpod.com Support via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpod or Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

​The newly-launched Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger program ("FRESH") will provide a one-time, $400 benefit per household to an estimated 100,000 people in Illinois who were deemed ineligible for SNAP, as of May 1st, due to the federal government expanding required work rules. ​The money will be distributed through LINK cards, which is how SNAP recipients receive funds to buy groceries. The Illinois Department of Human Services says that since Congress expanded the work rules for the SNAP program,... about 148,000 people in the state have lost federal food assistance.

​The newly-launched Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger program ("FRESH") will provide a one-time, $400 benefit per household to an estimated 100,000 people in Illinois who were deemed ineligible for SNAP, as of May 1st, due to the federal government expanding required work rules. ​The money will be distributed through LINK cards, which is how SNAP recipients receive funds to buy groceries. The Illinois Department of Human Services says that since Congress expanded the work rules for the SNAP program,... about 148,000 people in the state have lost federal food assistance.

​The newly-launched Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger program ("FRESH") will provide a one-time, $400 benefit per household to an estimated 100,000 people in Illinois who were deemed ineligible for SNAP, as of May 1st, due to the federal government expanding required work rules. ​The money will be distributed through LINK cards, which is how SNAP recipients receive funds to buy groceries. The Illinois Department of Human Services says that since Congress expanded the work rules for the SNAP program,... about 148,000 people in the state have lost federal food assistance.

Hundreds of Illinoisans have gotten sick this summer from the gastrointestinal disease cyclosporiasis. Two infectious disease specialists discuss what's happening, who's at risk, and what the role is of government in food safety. 

David Olsen, Government Relations Director for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Illinois chapter, joins Lisa Dent to discuss Governor J.B. Pritzker’s signing of Senate Bill 2886 which protects Illinois residents against Alzheimer’s biomarker discrimination. The bill ensures that Illinoisans who have taken, or who will take, an Alzheimer’s biomarker test cannot be discriminated against by their health […]

Republican nominee for Illinois Secretary of State Diane Harris joined Wake Up Tri-Counties with Ken Peel to discuss her campaign priorities. Harris, a Joliet native, retired ComEd employee, small business owner, library trustee, substitute teacher, and Joliet Junior College trustee, says DMV access is a major concern. She criticized appointment-only systems and called for walk-in service, kiosks in libraries or grocery stores, and expanded mobile options. Harris also emphasized election integrity, saying voter registration tied to driver's licenses should include stronger cross-checks with government agencies. She also pledged cooperation with federal officials on CDL licensing records. Her campaign website is www.harrisforsos.com. Diane Harris is a conservative Republican candidate for Illinois Secretary of State who says her Midwestern upbringing instilled values of integrity, hard work, and public service. A retired ComEd employee with 32 years in the electric utility industry, Harris has also worked as an entrepreneur, insurance agent, notary signing agent, and substitute teacher. Harris has held several public service and Republican leadership roles, including Joliet Junior College Trustee, Joliet Public Library Trustee, Precinct Committeeman, and Secretary of the Joliet Township Republicans. She is also active in community, business, and faith-based organizations. If elected, Harris says she would modernize Secretary of State services by expanding DMV kiosks into underserved areas, improving online and in-person customer service, strengthening cybersecurity, and updating outdated technology. She also supports reducing vehicle registration fees for seniors and veterans, promoting election integrity, advocating for safer roads, and creating a more efficient, customer-focused Secretary of State's office. Harris is asking voters for their support in the November 3, 2026, election, pledging "faster, fairer" government for all Illinoisans.

Tenacity and resilience are two very meaningful words in the journey of Lou Sandoval. As one of our region's most revered business leaders, Lou has insights that have guided many ledgers through troubled waters. In this episode, Lissa Druss gets Lou to share his insights on business turnarounds, drawing from his diverse experiences in crisis management, nonprofit leadership, and sailing. Discover practical strategies for navigating organizational change, and fostering tenacity.   Plus, Lou has some critical advice for Illinoisans that seeks to bring down state residents into harmony with the Chicago region.

From Underground Railroad quilt codes to the Black Panther Heritage Trail, learn how Illinoisans are preserving Black history for future generations in this Illinois 250 episode in partnership with Illinois Humanities.

To close out the show ahead of the Fourth of July, we're featuring the first three voices in a new Illinois Public Media series, "America at 250: The Questions Before Us.” It asks Illinoisans what they think are the most important questions facing the country at the United States Semiquincentennial.

Gambling in Illinois used to mean a trip to a riverboat, a racetrack, or the lottery counter. Now it's in restaurants and gas stations — and on the phone in your pocket. Illinoisans lost more than $7.7 billion gambling last year, and a third of that money flows to state government. But a recent investigation — "Addicted to gambling in Illinois," a joint project of the Illinois Answers Project and Capitol News Illinois — found the state invests relatively little in helping the hundreds of thousands of residents estimated to have a gambling problem. Brian Mackey talks with reporters Casey Toner and Maggie Dougherty about what they found, from a Metropolis gas station that's taken in more than $223 million to the gap between gambling revenue and treatment funding. They're joined by Jimmy M., who has been in recovery from compulsive gambling for more than a decade and hosts the podcast “Gambling Recovery: Take Back Your Life.” If you or someone you know is struggling, Illinois' helpline is 1-800-GAMBLER.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a $55.9 billion state budget for fiscal year 2027, with tens of millions of dollars included for non-governmental organizations. The governor placed his signature on the new spending plan in Chicago on Tuesday, calling it his eighth straight balanced budget. “This budget lowers costs for everyday Illinoisans and protects our state's fiscal health and continues the economic progress we have worked so hard to build over the last seven-and-a-half years,” Pritzker said. The revenue plan imposes new taxes on digital advertising, digital assets, fantasy sports and prediction contests, places new limits on income tax carryover deductions, creates a social media platform fee and raises environmental filing fees and the retail tire tax. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Illinois, when someone is convicted of a crime they didn't commit and later cleared, the state makes it official with what's called a certificate of innocence. It allows people to seek monetary compensation from state government, and can help them wipe the case from their record. Lately, however, that system has been moving in two directions: a state appeals court has ruled some exonerated people should get these certificates automatically, and lawmakers in Springfield just voted to substantially raise the money that comes with them. But at the same time, the Cook County state's attorney has been fighting many of petitions for certificates of innocence in court. Dan Hinkel has been reporting on all of this for the nonprofit newsroom Injustice Watch.

The 2026 Warrior Games are currently underway in San Antonio, Texas. First started in 2010, the Warrior Games are designed to bring together wounded, ill or injured service members from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Special Operations Command. This year, there are nearly 200 people competing in 12 adaptive sports. Among them are Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Thomas Trosper, a native of Georgetown, Illinois; and retired Navy Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class James Shoemaker of Effingham, Illinois. Trosper will be competing in archery, cycling, field, swimming and wheelchair basketball. Shoemaker is competing in archery, sitting volleyball, swimming and track.

It's almost time for the World Cup. This year hosting duties are being shared among the U.S, Mexico and Canada. Illinois has fairly strong representation in this year's World Cup.

Mental health courts have expanded in Illinois. There are 31 of them in 25 counties. But a new report finds about two million Illinoisans are left out.

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.

The Iran war has caused a massive hike in gas prices across the nation.

(The Center Square) – New tax proposals being considered in Springfield could bring nearly $7 billion in revenue to the state, according to advocates. Critics say the proposals – which would change corporate tax rules, among other impactful tax changes – could drive capital and jobs out of the state. The Illinois Revenue Alliance and Democrat lawmakers on Wednesday discussed initiatives they want passed to increase revenue, which they say would address gaps in the state budget created in-part by federal funding cuts. Backers said new revenue could be raised without increasing taxes for everyday Illinoisans. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When the four astronauts of Artemis II orbited the moon, it was the culmination of work by countless thousands of people — including some based here in Illinois. We'll talk with an aerospace engineer who dreamed of space as a boy (and still does), and the head of a company whose work with NASA dates back to Apollo.

Cardinal Blaise Cupich discusses Pope Leo's first year at the Vatican, how it feels for Illinoisans and Americans to see a pope speaking their language in a familiar accent, as well as how the pope has handled political issues specifically in regard to war.

The United States is celebrating 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. There's an oral history project underway in connection with that milestone. It's meant to document the stories of Illinoisans and how they think about American values like life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Christine Nannicelli, Associate Field Organizer at Sierra Club, joins Lisa Dent to discuss a mid-March poll showing that a majority of Illinoisans support the POWER Act, legislation that would hold data centers accountable for their energy and water usage.

Tomorrow is primary election day in Illinois. Illinoisans have contested races for U-S Senate, Governor and some local U-S House seats. St. Louis Public Radio Metro East reporter Will Bauer breaks it all down.

- Chief Weitzel talks about how the current IL government seems to love their criminals, and what needs to change to keep Illinoisans safe. - The FCC wants to fight "fake news" outlets... despite these outlets not being beholden to the FCC. Mike and Jerome have some thoughts. - Don't get discouraged, get involved! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula neighbors Lake Superior. The U.S. Attorney's Office says that last July, four visitors from Illinois carved large letters into the rock faces at the park and tried to gather about 1-hundred pounds of rocks to take home. In December, a judge fined each visitor $500 and banned them from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for one year.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula neighbors Lake Superior. The U.S. Attorney's Office says that last July, four visitors from Illinois carved large letters into the rock faces at the park and tried to gather about 1-hundred pounds of rocks to take home. In December, a judge fined each visitor $500 and banned them from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for one year.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula neighbors Lake Superior. The U.S. Attorney's Office says that last July, four visitors from Illinois carved large letters into the rock faces at the park and tried to gather about 1-hundred pounds of rocks to take home. In December, a judge fined each visitor $500 and banned them from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for one year.

Illinois U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who holds a massive fundraising advantage, is among three leading Democrats in the primary to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. On this episode of Politically Speaking, St. Louis Public Radio's Will Bauer and Jason Rosenbaum ask Krishnamoorthi why Illinoisans should send him to the Senate.

The IRS, the AARP and the Illinois Department of Revenue all offer tax service for free to people based on their age and/or their annual income. Taxpayers can go to the I-D-O-R's offices in Chicago, Des Plaines, Fairview Heights, Marion, Rockford, and Springfield to receive assistance. Information about free tax filing preparation is at the Illinois Department of Revenue's website: "tax.illinois.gov".

The IRS, the AARP and the Illinois Department of Revenue all offer tax service for free to people based on their age and/or their annual income. Taxpayers can go to the I-D-O-R's offices in Chicago, Des Plaines, Fairview Heights, Marion, Rockford, and Springfield to receive assistance. Information about free tax filing preparation is at the Illinois Department of Revenue's website: "tax.illinois.gov".

The IRS, the AARP and the Illinois Department of Revenue all offer tax service for free to people based on their age and/or their annual income. Taxpayers can go to the I-D-O-R's offices in Chicago, Des Plaines, Fairview Heights, Marion, Rockford, and Springfield to receive assistance. Information about free tax filing preparation is at the Illinois Department of Revenue's website: "tax.illinois.gov".

In 2023, researchers from the Middle West Review asked 11,000 people from 22 states their perceptions of Midwestern identity. Almost 94 percent of Illinoisans who responded said yes, they live in the Midwest. But Midwestern identity stretches farther than that. For example, more than half of the people from Wyoming who responded said yes, they too live in the Midwest and consider themselves to be Midwesterners.

Operation Food Search COO Carlton Adams joins Megan Lynch as new rules are set to go in place for people who receive food benefits, commonly known as SNAP. Adams says that about 150,000 have already been impacted in Missouri.

15,000 Illinoisans are facing homelessness on any given day, according to a report released by the Illinois Department of Human Services. The scale of homelessness has grown in recent years even as states like Illinois embrace active efforts to bring it down. That increase in homelessness has also strained some of the organizations who are trying to help.The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0... Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Pamela Denise Long is seeking the Republican nomination in Illinois' U.S. Senate race. She discusses her nuanced perspectives on many topics including abortion rights, healthcare for transgender people, and high income taxes for Illinoisans. The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0... Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Marc and guests cover Missouri's state of the state address, focusing on Governor Kehoe's plans to phase out the state income tax and the implications for Illinoisans. Earlier in the hour, Derrick Ramert discusses local opposition to a massive data center in Troy, Illinois, highlighting community concerns about transparency, environmental impact, and infrastructure strain. Ryan Wiggins weighs in on ICE enforcement challenges, Minnesota fraud, and the limits of federal power under the 10th Amendment, providing context on how sanctuary policies affect law enforcement nationwide. #StateOfTheState #Missouri #IncomeTax #DataCenters #TroyIllinois #ICE #SanctuaryCities #MinnesotaFraud #10thAmendment #MarcCoxShow

Illinois' grocery tax officially expired at the start of this year. But many Illinoisans are still paying that tax. The money from the grocery tax went to local governments and many of them have responded by re-imposing the tax through their village boards or city councils.

A new year means new laws are now in effect across Illinois from criminal justice and law enforcement, education and schools to gun control. An Illinois Public Radio reporter highlights several new laws that Illinoisans might see play out in their daily life. The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0... Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs joins Karen Conti to discuss the unclaimed funds process and how you can find out if you have any. Michael also explains Operation Purple Heart and financial programs that benefit retirees.

Subsidies for the ACA are set to expire at the end of the year. Today, Congress is voting on a Democratic bill that would extend subsidies for three years and a Republican bill that would give those eligible up to $1,500 in health savings accounts. If a decision isn't made, monthly premiums for many people could double next year. In the Loop hears from Volumes Bookcafe owner Rebecca George and Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans executive director Krystle Able who both rely on ACA Marketplace for their coverage and how expiring subsidies could mean the difference between taking control of their health or not. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

With the cold weather hitting the St. Louis region in the past two weeks, Illinoisans have been using more natural gas to heat their homes. In the last six years, Ameren has been working to renovate its natural gas storage fields to make them more efficient for the company — and, they say, save customers money. St. Louis Public Radio's Will Bauer recently toured one of the fields near Freeburg and has this report.

Starting in January, the amount of federal money states use to provide permanent supportive housing for disabled residents who have experienced homelessness is decreasing by two-thirds. This is part of the Trump administration's shift away from the housing first model in favor of transitional housing with work and treatment requirements. In the Loop makes sense of how this major shift could affect Illinoisans with Thresholds CEO Mark Ishaug and Illinois Chief Homelessness Officer Christine Haley. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Angel Studios https://Angel.com/HermanJoin the Angel Guild today where you can stream Thank You, Dr. Fauci and be part of the conversation demanding truth and accountability.  Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comBe confident in your portfolio with Bulwark! Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. Go to KnowYourRiskPodcast.com today. Alan's Soaps https://www.AlansArtisanSoaps.comUse coupon code TODD to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/ToddThe new GOLDEN AGE is here!  Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeThe nation has a gift for you. Starting in Illinois, Apple is rolling out a more “convenient”, “portable”, “accessible” form of digital ID. Here's why I call it a “Fauci Phone”...Episode Links:The View Tells Service Members ‘Following Orders' Won't Save ThemRemember when Dr. Fauci told Americans to prohibit unvaccinated family members from Thanksgiving dinner? I do. We can never allow this tyranny again.Illinoisans can now add digital ID to their Apple Wallet - KSDK, ChicagoHow to add a digital Illinois driver's license to your Apple Wallet - NBC ChicagoIL Sec of State announces IDs for Apple WalletWill humanoid robots become superhuman soldiers?Capehart Bristles At The Idea That Calling Trump An Authoritarian Is Bad

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history came to an end Wednesday. The bill signed by President Trump provides back pay for federal employees and funds some federal agencies until September 2026. What it doesn't do is extend subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, which are set to expire at the end of the year. Some can expect to see their insurance premiums rise to the point it's unaffordable to have health insurance. In the Loop sits down with Community Health CEO Stephanie Willding and UIC health policy professor Justin Markowski to hear how skyrocketing insurance premiums could impact the work of people providing healthcare. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

SNAP benefits are set to end for millions in Illinois this Saturday, leaving families in Springfield's 16th District vulnerable to hunger. State Senator Willie Preston called attention to the crisis at a recent press conference, stressing that 1.9 million Illinoisans—including children, seniors, and veterans—will lose critical food assistance. Preston urged community members to support local food pantries, reminding listeners that pantries alone can't fill the gap left by the federal program. He praised Governor Pritzker for dedicating $20 million to state food banks and coordinating ongoing efforts to support residents in the face of escalating food insecurity.

The loss of federal food assistance due to the government shutdown will affect nearly 2 million Illinoisans. Gov. JB Pritzker is directing $20 million to help close the gap, but Sun-Times reporter Tina Sfondeles explains that's only a fraction of the need. She talks with executive producer Simone Alicea and Alex Nitkin with the Illinois Answers Project about what's next. Plus, they discuss the charges facing local political candidates, transit funding, suburban tax loopholes, and a couple of architectural projects worth taking a look at.  UPDATE: Early Friday, about an hour after this episode came out, state lawmakers passed a $1.5 billion transit bailout. Instead of some of the more controversial statewide taxes, money will come from the Road Fund and a localized sales tax increase. We'll have more next week. An earlier version of this episode's title has been changed to reflect the news. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 31 episode:  Broadway in Chicago Deborah's Place Window Nation MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mayor Brandon Johnson's $16.6 billion budget revives the head tax and tests the limits of his support in the City Council. Crain's reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: Cboe looks to extend options hours in overnight trading push, nearly 2 million Illinoisans set to lose SNAP benefits amid congressional stalemate, BDO faces a reputational test after the First Brands bankruptcy, Medline net sales in first half reach $13.5 billion ahead of IPO and Spirit Halloween to open Christmas-themed stores in Illinois this season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the government officially shuts down, Congressman Sean Casten shares his thoughts on what could have been done to prevent this situation and what this means for Illinoisans.   The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0 Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

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.