Illinois Public Media

Meet Chyna Figueroa-Dixon & Ryan Musgrove, Democratic candidates for Champaign County Board District 6 - IPM Newsroom This year’s primary election for the Champaign County Board has only one contested race: for the 6th District. The winner of the Democratic primary is presumed to be the representative for the distric...

This year’s primary election for the Champaign County Board has only one contested race. The seat for District 6, a neighborhood in northern Champaign County, has two candidates on the Democratic ballot, both first-time candidates for local government: Chyna Figueroa-Dixon and Ryan Musgrove.

Flyover Film Studios in Rantoul brings new growth to central Illinois’ film industry - IPM Newsroom Flyover Film Studios, a company that launched in late 2022, has already been recognized by state leaders for bringing notable economic growth to Illinois.

In 2025 alone, the film industry generated $12.3 million in economic activity in the Champaign County region.

Capitol Briefs: U of I still concerned about higher ed funding overhaul proposal - IPM Newsroom The president of the University of Illinois System said Wednesday that negotiations are continuing over legislation to overhaul the way the state funds higher education, but the state’s flagship unive...

“Our calculations have demonstrated that the bill, as it stands, would disfavor us, and it would lead to rises in tuition for Illinois families that we don’t think is the right answer to the kind of problem sets that are being looked at,” Tim Killeen said in an interview with Capitol News Illinois.

New legislation could bring hourly train service to Champaign-Urbana - IPM Newsroom Advocates say Champaign-Urbana is especially well-positioned to benefit from more frequent rail service because of its growing role in research, higher education and advanced technology.

“This is about planning for the service people actually need,” said Rick Harnish, executive director of the High Speed Rail Alliance. “If trains only run a few times a day, people don’t have freedom. Frequency is what makes rail usable.”

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media IPM News - IL13 District 2026 GOP Candidate Forum

An extended version of today's show is available to watch now on the @ilpublicmedia.bsky.social YouTube page:

We’ve sought interviews with all 16 candidates for U.S. senator from Illinois — listen to them here | Illinois Public Media The decision by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin not to seek reelection has created a once-in-a-generation opportunity in Illinois politics. Sixteen men and women are seeking their party nomination to succeed...

@21st.show has created a one-stop shop for learning about where US Senate candidates stand on the issues. Brian Mackey and The 21st team have sought interviews with all 16 candidates for U.S. senator from Illinois, which you can find easily linked below.

Preview of Governor Pritzker’s 2026 Budget Address | Illinois Public Media Governor JB Pritzker is delivering his annual State of the State address in which he plans to share his vision for taxes and spending in government. It comes after an intense year in which Illinois sa...

Enjoyed the wide-ranging, LIVE radio conversation this past week with @brianmackey.com for @ilpublicmedia.bsky.social @21st.show. Give it a listen.

A new task force in Champaign County will set parameters for large-scale data center development - IPM Newsroom The Champaign County board voted unanimously Thursday night to create a data center task force. In parallel, Champaign County is working to implement a 12-month ban on the construction of new large-sc...

The County Board voted unanimously Thursday night to create a data center task force. In parallel, Champaign County is working to implement a 12-month ban on the construction of new large-scale facilities.

Pritzker calls for small increase to Illinois higher education funding. Some advocates say it's a cut - IPM Newsroom When Gov. JB Pritzker delivered his annual budget address on Wednesday, he recommended Illinois lawmakers increase funding for higher education by 1% and hold funding steady for the need-based Monetar...

University Professionals of Illinois President John Miller said Pritzker “should be embarrassed” at the proposal, given the rate of inflation.

IPM News Voter Guide: Who is on the ballot for Illinois' March 17 primary? - IPM Newsroom From Champaign County Executive to U.S. Senate and congressional races, several local and statewide competitions are on the March 17 ballot for voters in Central Illinois.

From Champaign County Executive to U.S. Senate and House seats, several local and statewide races are on the ballot in Illinois’ March 17 primary election.

IPM has been covering those races to give voters accurate information and context before heading to the polls. Here is what you need to know:

Republican U.S. Senate Candidate R. Cary Capparelli on Trump, ICE, and persistence in Illinois politics - IPM Newsroom Seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate race, R. Cary Capparelli shared his views on immigration, Illinois farmers, and the outsourcing of jobs.

R. Cary Capparelli is seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate race in Illinois. He works in marketing, teaches geography, and is the son of a longtime Illinois Democratic state legislator.

Severe storms then snow possible for parts of central Illinois today - IPM Newsroom Severe thunderstorms remain on track for today. Locally damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes are the primary concerns

Severe thunderstorms remain on track for today, mainly from the afternoon to early evening. Read more:

Immigration officials need warrant to enter Champaign County buildings - IPM Newsroom The order comes as the Trump administration says it is wrapping up its immigration campaign in Minneapolis and claims it has made the community safer.

If immigration agents do have a warrant, the order requires them to take off any face coverings and display their official badges. Matt Sullard said that was a commonsense requirement to ensure they can be held accountable if they do not follow the law.

Pritzker proposes $56B budget with minimal new spending, tax on social media companies  - IPM Newsroom The budget proposed by Pritzker on Wednesday largely maintains the status quo, and forgoes significant broad-based tax increases.

As Illinois awaits federal court decisions about federal funding and braces for more federal cuts and rising costs, Gov. JB Pritzker is proposing limited new spending.

The budget proposed by Pritzker on Wednesday largely maintains the status quo, and forgoes significant broad-based tax increases.

Illinois Democrats and Republicans introduce competing packages to regulate data centers amid concerns over power and water usage - IPM Newsroom Lawmakers from both parties argue the centers pose a significant threat to Illinois’ power grid and freshwater sources like the Mahomet Aquifer, but they are offering different visions for how to regu...

At a press conference in Champaign, State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) joined the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, a group of environmental advocacy organizations, to sound the alarm on data centers.

WATCH LIVE: Governor Pritzker to give annual budget address - IPM Newsroom Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will deliver his state of the state address and share his vision for taxes and spending in government.

IPM will provide a livestream video of the speech at 12 PM. @21st.show will have a preview and live coverage of the address.

PBS Kids Isn't Going Anywhere—Why That Matters For Families PBS Kids head Sara DeWitt discusses the vital role of public media for children and families.

In a digital world designed to maximize "watch time" at any cost, Sara DeWitt sees PBS Kids as the essential alternative for parents navigating a chaotic media landscape.

At IPM News forum, Champaign County Executive candidates discuss data centers, ICE and local finances - IPM Newsroom Democrats Sanford Hess and Michelle Jett took part in an IPM News candidate forum ahead of the primary election for Champaign County Executive.. With no Republican in the race, whoever wins the race w...

Primaries are just around the corner! 🗳️ Ahead of the March 17 primary, the two Democrats running for Champaign County Executive shared their views on federal immigration enforcement and whether the position of county executive should be appointed or elected at a candidate forum hosted by IPM News.

Penny shortage causes headaches for retailers in the Land of Lincoln - IPM Newsroom For many Illinoisans, it’s a sentimental ending to see “Honest Abe’s” coin disappear.

At the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, visitors can shop for sweatshirts, pillows, jewelry and chocolates using coins bearing the face of perhaps the most-famous Illinoisian, Abraham Lincoln.

But even here, pennies are growing scarce at the cash register.

How climate research shapes weather warnings at home and abroad | Illinois Public Media What happens when climate research is scaled back? From U.S. tornado warnings to flood alerts in Cambodia, we talk about how climate research shapes weather warnings and why we should take them seriou...

Maddie Stover and Andrew Pritchard talk about the impact of the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to federal climate research funding and how it has targeted the National Center for Atmospheric Research, which aims to improve weather forecasting, safety, agriculture and disaster preparedness.

Illinois Public Media, College of Education Create New Media Initiative for Teens The initiative, led by Malaika McKee, assistant professor of Education Policy, Organization & Leadership, builds on the Teen Summit of the 1990s, created by Illinois alumna and Black Entertainment Tel...

Building on the foundation of the popular Teen Summit of the 1990's, @ilpublicmedia.bsky.social and assistant professor Malaika McKee are creating a new version for today's teens.

The initiative is backed by BET co-founder and Illinois alum Sheila Johnson.

Illinois Mens basketball bounces back with a dominant win against Indiana - IPM Newsroom Illinois Mens basketball bounces back with a dominant win against Indiana.

After back-to-back losses, the Illinois men’s basketball team (21-5, 12–3) bounced back with a win against the University of Indiana (17-9, 8-7). The Illini beat the Hoosiers 71-51 in the Sunday afternoon matchup.

Fear, visa delays and costs are keeping international artists from the Midwest - IPM Newsroom Performance venues and cultural organizations are seeing a spike in artists from abroad canceling performances and demonstrations — and rethinking U.S. tours.

Performance venues and cultural organizations are seeing a spike in artists from abroad canceling performances and demonstrations — and rethinking U.S. tours.

Former Trump campaign advisor publishes film criticizing University of Illinois' Chinese international students - IPM Newsroom The documentary argues that Chinese students are taking Illinois student spots. Experts say that rhetoric is dangerous and wrong.

Steve Cortes supported President Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He has friends who went to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign whose kids, he said, were qualified but did not get admitted.

In his documentary, Cortes argues Chinese international students took their place.

A free speech group came to the Illini Republicans’ defense in the wake of a Title VI review - IPM Newsroom After the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announced it would review Title VI reports of a student organization, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression wrote a letter calling the r...

Members of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression visited the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s campus on Tuesday. Their visit followed a statement from the U of I announcing it would review Title VI reports of a controversial social media post made by the Illini Republicans.

Urbana Park District planning new playground, skate park, walking paths for Prairie and Weaver parks - IPM Newsroom In the coming years, the Urbana Park District is planning to install new sports facilities, paved walking trails, and a spray ground among other amenities in Prairie Park and Weaver Park.

The Urbana Park District is planning to build a wide variety of new amenities in Prairie Park and Weaver Park as part of a master plan for the area’s greenspace. The facilities will include a skate park, a water-based recreation area, a new playground and soccer fields.

Trump administration again rejects Illinois’ request for disaster aid from August storm - IPM Newsroom The agency said supplemental assistance from the federal government wasn’t warranted.

Based on past reporting, approvals and denials do seem to fall along political lines. Last year, Vermont, Maryland and Colorado also were denied major disaster declarations.

On Feb. 6, Tennessee and Mississippi were granted major disaster declarations for winter storms.

Wisconsin upsets shorthanded No. 8 Illinois in shocking comeback - IPM Newsroom The No. 8 University of Illinois men’s basketball team lost against the University of Wisconsin 92-90 in overtime after leading by 12 points in the second half.

The No. 8 University of Illinois men’s basketball team (20-5, 11-3) lost against the University of Wisconsin (17-7, 9-4) 92-90 in overtime after leading by 12 points in the second half.

Former Montana coach Bobby Hauck ends brief retirement to become defensive coordinator at Illinois - IPM Newsroom The 61-year-old Hauck is the Big Sky Conference’s all-times wins leader with a 151-43 record, leading to Grizzlies to four national championship games in 13 playoff appearances over 14 seasons.

Fighting Illini coach Bret Bielema announced the hiring Monday to replace Aaron Henry, who left to be co-defensive coordinator at Notre Dame.

Unit 4 announces Geovanny Ponce as next superintendent - IPM Newsroom Geovanny Ponce is a top administrator in Fairfax County Public Schools. He grew up in Honduras and has a doctorate in education from Texas A&M University.

Champaign Unit 4 is scooping its next superintendent from a school district in the suburbs of Washington, DC.

Geovanny Ponce is a top administrator in Fairfax County Public Schools. He grew up in Honduras and began his career as a bilingual teacher.