Today, the 40th anniversary of Farm Aid. -We’ll hear from people who were there, and learn about a new exhibit about the original event. -And we’ll consider whether government policy might be pushing more and more of today’s farmers into trouble. It's all at 11: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

Clean Trek is an innovative way to keep trails litter-free when hiking.

The book goes over ways teachers can implement certain methods to help students from diverse backgrounds learn.

Today: -Two northern Illinois teachers who've written a book about the role inclusive language plays in the classroom. -And we'll talk with an engineer who's invented a device aimed at making it easier to clean up trash in natural areas. We're live at 11: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

@extension.illinois.edu administers SNAP-Ed. Several staff members discuss what comes next after funding cuts.

Tim Killen, president of University of Illinois sits down with @brianmackey.com for a one-on-one. Listen to the whole conversation here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5mr...

Today: A conversation with University of Illinois System president Tim Killeen on the Trump administration’s challenges to higher education and the loss of trust among broad parts of the American public. We're with him for the hour at 11 Central: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

Ryan Brewer spent a lot of time in Tuscola, Illinois... Which is where his stage name Tuskola comes from. He will be playing at this year's Pygmalion Festival (Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Rose Bowl in Urbana), and we caught up with him before the performance and what drives his music.

SNAP-Ed programs have helped Americans on government food aid make the most of their grocery dollars, and make healthier choices. We talk about those programs being defunded, and what that means in Illinois communities that benefit from @extension.illinois.edu's work.

Today: -How the end of a program meant to help people make healthier choices and stretch grocery dollars might affect Illinois communities. -Plus, musical artist Tuskola -- AKA Ryan Brewer -- as the Pygmalion Festival gets underway in Urbana. Let's talk at 11: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

Fungi such as Tar Spot and Southern Rust are making appearances in corn crops this year.

A strategic coordinator from Organized Communities Against Deportations gives his take on the latest ICE raids.

Today: -An update on the federal immigration raids that have been sweeping across the Chicago suburbs. -Plus, Illinois farmers might say it’s been a decent year for corn, but a late-season fungal disease may affect crop yield. We'll talk about it, live at 11: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

Edgar was the last governor elected from outside the Chicago area.

From difficult conversations about topics like political violence to how government works to voting, author Lindsay Cormack says all these things should be taught to kids at home.

Civic education is an essential part of democracy. Teacher and writer Lindsey Cormack argues schools are not up to the task, which means parents have to take matters into their own hands. We'll talk about that live today at 11 a.m.: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA ,was a top podcaster, culture warrior and ally of President Donald Trump.

Today: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk grew up in Illinois. His message sparked both controversy and loyalty, from college campuses to the halls of power. We’ll talk about his life, and the normalization of political violence in America. That's live at 11: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

Did you know there's an entire sport that brings the process of navigating back to basics: just a map, a compass, and your own sense of place and direction?

@mizzouid.bsky.social researchers have found that 300 million years ago, Illinois was much more tropical than it is now.

Today: -Illinois is known as the prairie state, but that didn't always describe our landscape. New research into old fossils offers evidence of our tropical past. -Plus, a brief guide to finding your way through the sport of orienteering. It's all live at 11: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

Public health in America is undergoing dramatic changes from changing access to vaccines to defunding research into treatment and prevention of diseases.

We're LIVE talking about the major changes happening in the world of public health. They’re going to affect people both here in the US and around the world. Join us: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

Musician Conrad Tao will open the new season of the Nova Linea Musica series at Guarneri Hall in downtown Chicago.

Today: -Musician and composer Conrad Tao is based in New York. But he’s originally from Illinois, and will return for a concert this week. We'll hear from him. -And we'll revisit our conversation with composer Carlos Carillo. That's all today at 11: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

From gas station food to motels to unique landmarks, Journalist @rolandopujol.bsky.social discusses all aspects of road trips in new book.

Illinois Pride Connect is a new resource for LGBTQ people in Illinois.

Today: -Illinois recently launched a hotline providing legal advice to the state’s LGBTQ communities. We'll talk about it. -Plus, Rolando Pujol, known online as "The Retrologist." We'll talk about the best and weirdest of roadside Americana. That's live at 11: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

A journalist who covers college football for @espn.com shares his predictions for the season.

Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot talks redistricting on today's program.

Today: -We'll talk about the push to change how Illinois draws state legislative districts with former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. -College football season is underway. We’ll survey the football landscape across the 21st state. It's all live at 11: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

A food influencer is giving followers a taste of Peoria.

Today: -A debate over crime-free housing laws. Advocates say some people have been evicted for being victims of crime. -Plus, a man eating his way across Peoria’s dining scene, one TikTok at a time. Join us at 11: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

Illinois Public Media sits down with Arden Cho, who plays the role of Rumi in "KPop Demon Hunters."

Coming up: -Arden Cho, star of KPop Demon Hunters. She attended college at the University of Illinois. -Plus, we'll talk with Illinois veterinary researchers developing pet cancer treatments that could someday help humans. Let's talk at 11 a.m. Central: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

Cassandra Jenkins is an artist and musician, living in New York City. But one of our producers stumbled upon her track titled, “Aurora, IL.” He wondered about the origin of the song and what it means: will.illinois.edu/21stshow/sto...

While summer energy bills do tend to go up, this summer, we saw a higher-than-usual price hike. We speak with multiple individuals in Illinois' energy sector to understand why and what could be done about that. youtu.be/4jURoYPTl3Q

Lots of people have seen significant jumps in their electric bills this summer, especially in central Illinois. We’ll talk about what’s behind the price spike, and much more. Tune in at 11 am: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

@budzinski.house.gov stops by during Congress' August recess. www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrKx...

Journalists wonder about the potential for job loss, as well as plagiarism and copyright infringement with AI.

@brianmackey.com visits the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois.

AI is everywhere and many are scared, especially when it comes to journalism. Younger people going into the industry are worried whether journalism will cease to exist. But should journalists be worried about being replaced? We'll be talking about that in a bit: will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer

Kathleen Davis was always terribly scared of flying ever since she was a child. So how did she end up with a 35-year career as a flight attendant?

It’s been two weeks since President Trump ordered National Guard soldiers to Washington, D.C. — and two months since he did so in Los Angeles. Is Chicago next?

For decades, it was a routine for many Americans to wind down their day with late night television on one of the big three networks. Are these talk shows still relevant in 2025?

University of Illinois's new chancellor talks to Illinois Public Media as the fall semester begins.

The community of Stelle, Illinois, was founded by a man who prophesied a doomsday in the year 2000. But while he’s long since gone — as is the turn of the millennium — the people of Stelle continue to work together to make a more sustainable way of life. youtu.be/yyHiwZmVgh4

The Abraham Lincoln President Library and Museum took @brianmackey.com through three exhibits, previewing the museum's 20th anniversary celebration, a rare 21-star U.S. flag and special exhibit for people who are blind or have low vision. youtu.be/-HYUVf2m6e4

As part of our series of conversations with U.S. Senate candidates, Congresswoman @robinkelly.house.gov discusses gun control, immigration policies, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

We're LIVE for the hour today with Rep. Robin Kelly, who's seeking to succeed U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. You can share your questions with us throughout the hour at (800) 222-9455.