Best NPR Illinois Podcasts (2025)

1
State Week: Pritzker on the national stage 28:59

5d ago28:59

28:59

Illinois' governor takes his message to a wider audience.By Sean Crawford, Charles N. Wheeler III, Scott Reeder

1
Key to Labour Comeback in Britain and Advice for US Democrats: Listen to Working Class Voters 29:00

4d ago29:00

29:00

Patrick Maguire, political columnist for The Times and co-author of Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer, talks about the comebackof the Labour party from historic lows, the role of "The Irishman" in researching and analyzing working class voters, the rise of Keir Starmer, results from Starmer's landslide victory, advice for Democrats l…

1
Statewide: The child care cost burden 50:29

5d ago50:29

50:29

The cost of child care can sometimes top rent and mortgage payments.By Sean Crawford

1
State Week: Will ethics changes follow corruption convictions? 27:12

12d ago27:12

27:12

Despite high profile scandals, lawmakers seem to be in no hurry to pass new ethics reforms.By Sean Crawford, Charles N. Wheeler III, Ray Long

1
Statewide: How women shaped Lincoln and his legacy 50:29

11d ago50:29

50:29

We talk with the author of Loving Lincoln, who also treats the subject as a memoir of her time working in a male-dominated field.By Sean Crawford

1
Lessons From Across the Pond on How Democrats Can Recover? 29:00

12d ago29:00

29:00

Deborah Mattinson, British opinion research expert and author of two books on the Labour Party, talks about how the Labour Party rebounded after election losses, its challenges with "Red Wall" voters who aresimilar to the Midwest electorate, including the QC region, lessons for Democrats, and much more.…

1
State Week: Durbin bows out 28:07

19d ago28:07

28:07

The longtime U.S. Senator from Illinois has announced he won't seek another term.By Sean Crawford

1
John Mellencamp: Music That Explores the Complexities and Contractions of Human Life "Looking Out My Window" 29:00

19d ago29:00

29:00

David Masciotra, author of Mellencamp: American Troubadour, talks abouthow Mellencamp's roots in southern Indiana influenced his music, hissongs that most influenced American culture, the impact of his family onsome of his most famous hits, his politics ("blue guy in a red state")but how his music also challenges the left's disconnect from ordinary…

1
Statewide: A top Republican official talks about Trump's first 100 days 28:07

19d ago28:07

28:07

Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi joins us.By Sean Crawford

1
Erin Murphy: Governor Reynolds Surprise Decision Upends Iowa Political Landscape 29:00

24d ago29:00

29:00

Erin Murphy, Des Moines Bureau Chief for The Gazette, talks about Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds decision not to seek reelection, her future and legacy, the possible nominees from both parties, possible Democratic resurgence in 2025 special elections, and Sen. Chuck Grassley's seat which is up in 2028.By Robin Johnson

1
State Week: International college students face an uncertain future 28:07

26d ago28:07

28:07

From funding freezes to visa terminations, higher education is a focus of the Trump Administration.By Sean Crawford, Charles N. Wheeler III, Molly Parker, Jackson Brandhorst

1
Statewide: Concerns on campus 50:29

26d ago50:29

50:29

The Trump Administration has revoked the legal status of many international students. Colleges and universities are unsure what to do about it.By Sean Crawford

1
State Week: Pritzker makes his own trade agreements 28:59

1M ago28:59

28:59

The governor signed a trade memorandum with the U.K. this week, which follows on the heels of a visit to Mexico that also included an agreement.

1
Porter: Trump Tariff Policy Creates Leverage to Accomplish Other Administration Priorities 29:00

1M ago29:00

29:00

Richard Porter, a former Republican National Committee member fromIllinois, discusses President Trump's tariff policy, its connection toother administration economic initiatives, national securityimplications, the national conditions that led to the tariffs, and muchmore.By Robin Johnson

1
Statewide: The Trump Administration's impact on student loan borrowers 50:29

1M ago50:29

50:29

It has left those who owe in a tough spot as they seek to get questions answered.By Sean Crawford

1
Statewide: Alcohol and your health 50:29

1M ago50:29

50:29

Research supporting alcohol as a carcinogen is something that’s not well known by the public. We have a report.By Sean Crawford

1
State Week: Tariffs and election fallout 28:59

1M ago28:59

28:59

President Trump announced his long-awaited plan for foreign tariffs. The decision has been criticized by Democrats, businesses and economists. It comes on the heels of an election this week that raised concerns for Republicans.By Sean Crawford, Charles N. Wheeler III, Rick Pearson

1
Generational "Revolution" Coming on Capitol Hill 29:00

1M ago29:00

29:00

Abby Livingston, congressional correspondent for Puck News, talks about the Democrats' Identity Crisis, the Trump agenda, the GOP firewall in Congress, impacts of DOGE and tariffs, AOC, Texas politics, and much more.By Robin Johnson

1
State Week: Durbin's decision 28:59

2M ago28:59

28:59

Durbin, 80, was already facing calls to step aside when his term ends. Now many progressives are turning up the heat. As for his plans, Durbin has only said he will make a decision "soon."By Sean Crawford, Charles N. Wheeler III, Alex Degman

1
Democratic Focus on Cultural Issues Instead of the Economy Led to Shift of Key Voting Groups and Defeat in '24 29:00

2M ago29:00

29:00

Democratic Focus on Cultural Issues Instead of the Economy Led toShift of Key Voting Groups and Defeat in '24By Robin Johnson

1
Statewide: A mother turns grief into activism 50:29

2M ago50:29

50:29

Sheila Lockwood of McHenry lost her son Austin in a 2018 car crash. The person at the wheel was drunk.By Sean Crawford

1
State Week: Education under Trump 28:59

2M ago28:59

28:59

Education at all levels is facing more scrutiny from the Trump Administration. We discuss what it could mean.By Sean Crawford, Charles N. Wheeler III, Peter Medlin

1
H.W. Brands' New Book Offers an Objective and Timely Look at the Debate on 'America First' and Our Role in the World 29:00

2M ago29:00

29:00

H.W. Brands, noted historian and author of more than 30 books, talks about his newest work, America First: Roosevelt Vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War.By Robin Johnson

1
Statewide: The rise of religious vaccine exemptions 50:34

2M ago50:34

50:34

The increase comes amid more skepticism of science and government, fueled by the evangelical far right.By Sean Crawford

1
State Week: Donald Trump's GOP appeal 29:01

2M ago29:01

29:01

Trump's support among Republicans remains strong.By Sean Crawford, Charles N. Wheeler III, Patrick Pfingsten

1
Iowa Ag Secretary Naig Talks Key Issues as Farmers Gear Up for Planting Season 29:00

2M ago29:00

29:00

Iowa Ag Secretary Naig Talks Key Issues as Farmers Gear Up for Planting SeasonBy Robin Johnson

1
Statewide: The 100th anniversary of the Tri-State Tornado 50:29

2M ago50:29

50:29

The deadliest tornado in U.S. history killed nearly 700 people across parts of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois and southern Indiana.By Sean Crawford

1
State Week: A lack of clarity 28:59

2M ago28:59

28:59

The threat of tariffs and federal spending cuts is shaking governments, businesses and the economy.By Sean Crawford, Charles N. Wheeler III, Greg Hinz

1
What Makes Illinois So Corrupt? 29:00

2M ago29:00

29:00

Rick Pearson, chief political correspondent for the Chicago Tribune,discusses the Trib's recent nine-part series on corruption in Illinoisgovernment and politics.By Robin Johnson

1
Statewide: Punishing the abused 50:15

2M ago50:15

50:15

An Illinois law puts domestic violence survivors in prison if they assist in crimes with their abusers. Even when the action was done under threat of physical harm.By Sean Crawford

1
State Week: Uncertainty going forward 28:59

3M ago28:59

28:59

It's difficult to budget for another year when there is little clarity on what the Trump Administration will do.By Sean Crawford, Charles N. Wheeler III, Dan Petrella

1
Democratic State Senator Mike Zimmer's Success and Agenda 29:00

3M ago29:00

29:00

Democratic State Senator Mike Zimmer, newly elected from Iowa's 35th District, which includes Clinton and parts of Jackson and Scott Counties, discusses his campaign that attracted national attention, the keys to his success in a district where Trump won with 61%, lessons for national Democrats, and his agenda in Des Moines.…

1
Statewide: DEI and higher education 50:34

3M ago50:34

50:34

President Donald Trump has put colleges and universities in a bind as they seek to maintain inclusiveness on campuses at the risk of federal moeny.By Sean Crawford

1
State Week: Pritzker lays out budget, slams Trump 28:59

3M ago28:59

28:59

The Governor's budget plan would raise spending amid concerns over the future of federal funds.By Sean Crawford, Charles N. Wheeler III, Ben Szalinski

1
The Madigan Guilty Verdict: What Happened and What Does it Mean for Illinois Government and Politics 29:00

3M ago29:00

29:00

Ray Long, investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune, discusses the historic corruption trial of former House Speaker and Democratic Party Chair Michael Madigan.By Robin Johnson

1
Statewide: EV's and the Trump Administration 50:29

3M ago50:29

50:29

The demand for electric vehicles has been growing. But the Trump Administration is slowing down money for charging stations, which is key to bringing more widespread adoption.By Sean Crawford

1
State Week: Madigan convicted, Blagojevich pardoned 28:59

3M ago28:59

28:59

We discuss the federal trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan wrapping up and President Trump's decision to issue a pardon to Rod Blagojevich.By Sean Crawford, Charles N. Wheeler III, Ray Long

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