Illinois Public Media

02/11/2024

This week on the That's What She Said Podcast, Linda Huck shares her story "There's No Just About It," which we think will resonate with many women who feel undervalued in their roles and despite her initial self-doubt, her journey of self-discovery and empowerment will serve as an inspiration to all. Stream it out now, wherever you podcast.

01/11/2024

SAVE THE DATE: Illinois Public Media is excited to invite you to our 4th annual Friendsgiving Open House on Nov. 20. We will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Friends of WILL, but all are welcome to come tour our facility, take a behind-the-scenes look at television and radio broadcasting, and meet members of our staff and on-air talent.

31/10/2024

Tis the season... and before it switches from pumpkin to peppermint, we wanted to make sure you knew Illinois is the nation’s largest pumpkin-producing state, producing nearly all the nation’s canned pumpkins. But why?

With fall in full swing, pumpkin sales are up. But in Illinois, the production of pumpkin products is a year-round effort. Illinois is the nation’s largest pumpkin-producing state, and produces nearly all the nation’s canned pumpkins. Mohammed Babadoost, a plant pathology professor at the Colleg...

30/10/2024

Early voting is well underway here in Illinois and IPM News has the information you need as you cast your vote. Visit our 2024 Election Guide to get more information on voting deadlines, candidate profiles, a sample ballot you can fill out, as well as local and regional election coverage from IPM News… all before you head to the polls. Find the local, regional, and national election coverage you need right now at ipmnewsroom.org.

30/10/2024

Have you taken our classical music listener survey yet? Illinois Public Media wants YOU to be directly involved in shaping the future of our classical music service, and in particular, WILL-FM 90.9.

Make sure to complete our classical survey before it closes on Thursday (Oct 31). Your honest and candid thoughts are invaluable to the whole IPM team!

Help shape the future of WILL Classical 90.9 FM

29/10/2024

In this episode of Prairie Fire, author, historian, and renowned ghost story expert Troy Taylor tells us the story of how a small town in southern Illinois came to be one of the most haunted small towns in America. And join us as we dare to venture into one of it's most haunted spots.

Author, historian and renowned ghost story expert Troy Taylor tells us the story of how a small town in southern Illinois came to be one of the most small towns in America, and will take you inside one of it's most haunted places.

29/10/2024

A fire caused by high winds and dry conditions closes I-74 between the Ogden and Fithian exits at the border of Champaign and Vermilion Counties.

OGDEN– A large grass fire has closed I-74 between the Ogden and Fithian exits at the border of Champaign and Vermilion Counties, according to Illinois State Police. Heavy smoke is causing low visibility on the highway. Traffic is being rerouted to U.S. Route 150.   ⚠️Traffic Advisory⚠️ Lo...

27/10/2024

How did we get to the point where even the weather and disaster response has become politicized and how can we get out of this? The 21st explored this question on a recent episode, streaming now wherever you get your podcasts.

27/10/2024

The Prairie Fire team nearly swept all their categories!! What a night for this amazing team at the Mid America Regional EMMYs. Congratulations all around!

26/10/2024

Have you been enjoying Anytime Classical with host John Nasukaluk Clare? The program — produced by our friends over at Classical Music Indy — features classical favorites, new music, and occasional interviews with composers and artists performing in cities across the Midwest... and is the newest addition to WILL-FM 90.9 weekday line up.

Clef Notes editor, Katie Buzard, recently sat down with Clare, and you can read more from that conversation below.

We are pleased to announce the addition of a new show to our weekday programming. Starting Monday, October 7, we will be carrying Anytime Classical with host John Nasukaluk Clare. Airing weekdays from noon to 1 p.m. on FM 90.9, the program comes to us from our partners at Classical Music Indianapoli...

25/10/2024

For part one of a new IPM News series exploring the prison education system, journalist Emily Hays spoke to a man who was taking higher education classes at Stateville Correctional Center but was transferred out of the center prior to its closure at the end of September.

Read about his story here: https://ipmnewsroom.org/state-breaks-up-classes-in-stateville-prison-closure/

19/10/2024

🌟 Don't miss out! 🌟 Get your limited-edition IPM swag as a special thank you for your donation! These exclusive items are only available until Monday, Oct. 21—so act fast!

✨ Show off your love for the golden age of hi-fi with our stylish Atomic Age Cocktail Party apparel.
🔥 Represent Prairie Fire - PBS with an amazing hoodie.
🌞 Stay sun-safe and fan out for MidAmericanGardener with our new hat.
🎶 Amplify Black voices with our Illinois Soul T-shirt.

Support our mission and grab your gear today!

Donate Here: https://willpledge.org

18/10/2024

Illinois Public Media joins the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois Alumni celebrating the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium - WILL-TV’s first home when it launched in 1955. We are proud to have been Fighting Illini Football's first broadcaster, helping to spread the feats of the Illini and Red Grange 100 years ago. I-L-L!

Learn More: https://will.illinois.edu/will100/story/w-i-l-l-i-n-i

17/10/2024

📺 TONIGHT ON PRAIRIE FIRE! (7:30pm on WILL-TV)
Step into three fascinating Illinois stories:
🔧 Meet our state's rare typewriter whisperer - keeping vintage machines clicking and clacking
💈 Discover why barbershops are more than just haircuts - they're the heartbeat of Black community & conversation
🧶 Journey to Clinton's Leading Men Fiber Arts, where hand-dyed yarn becomes wearable art
Set your reminder for 7:30pm! You won't want to miss these unique local stories.

14/10/2024

A beautiful weekend topped off by a fascinating conversation with the host of NPR’ Weekend Edition, Scott Simon! Thanks to everyone who was there. If you missed out, no worries, you can hear portions of the discussion on The 21st Show.

12/10/2024

TOMORROW: In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Friends of WILL, Illinois Public Media is excited to welcome NPR Weekend Edition host Scott Simon to Urbana.

Please join us at the Beckman Institute auditorium tomorrow at 4 pm. The 21st show host Brian Mackey will interview Simon about growing up in Illinois, his long and storied career in journalism, and his thoughts on the upcoming November election.

This event is free and open to the public and a fantastic opportunity to meet accomplished reporter and writer Simon as well as IPM’s own on air hosts. Campus parking is free on Sunday so there will be ample parking nearby.

10/10/2024

That's What She Said podcast celebrates the premiere of its 10th season tomorrow. As always, the show is shining a light on the power of women's stories and the importance of sharing personal narratives from an ever expanding number of communities.

Getting us started for season 10 is Ellen Cleary, who co-produced and performed in the inaugural 2024 Naperville That's What She Said show. Ellen shares her deeply personal story about her only sister and the profound impact her sister has had on her. Don't miss new episodes, Fridays at 10 am on your favorite podcast platform or streaming at will.illinois.edu/shesaid.

05/10/2024

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Friends of WILL, Patterns introduced a new Friend- Atha W. of Rantoul, Illinois, and she shared a little about her commitment.

Every person is different, and we care about why they value our stations and why they give. Your support of Illinois Public Media helps us provide you with award-winning arts, news, information, and music programming. WILL stations are community-focused and we rely on local support.

Give now at the level that’s best for you. https://will.illinois.edu/support

04/10/2024

🗳️ Early voting is now underway in many parts of Illinois! Don't miss your chance to make your voice heard. Check out IPM News' election guide for the latest on the races, candidates, and crucial issues affecting Illinoisans.

Bookmark ipmnewsroom.org/election2024/ and stay informed and engaged!

04/10/2024

Chibu Asonye is challenging incumbent Democrat Niki Budzinski in Illinois’ 13th congressional district, stating largely for her approach to Israel’s war in Gaza. This includes Budzinski not calling for a ceasefire in Congress and supporting U.S. military aid to Israel.

Asonye, 27, grew up in Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois in 2018. She currently serves as a residence director at the university.

URBANA – A candidate for Illinois’ 13th congressional district is now running as a third-party write-in candidate. Chibu Asonye, 27 grew up in Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois in 2018. She currently serves as a residence director at the university. Hi , I'm ...

03/10/2024

JUST IN: Custodial and dining workers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have voted to accept the administration’s contract proposal instead of going back on strike.

The new contract will last three years.

Updated at 4 PM on Oct. 3, 2024 CHAMPAIGN — Custodial and dining workers at the University of Illinois have voted to accept the administration’s contract proposal instead of going back on strike. The new contract will last three years. Hourly wages will go up by one dollar the first year, 90 cen...

03/10/2024

October 17! Join us for an all new episode of Prairie Fire!

26/09/2024

How does WILL help you stay connected to home?

You can invest in the many ways Illinois Public Media keeps you informed, connected, entertained, and more at willgive.org.

26/09/2024

MidAmericanGardener fans! Snag some new apparel to show your love for your favorite gardening program today on the last day of our fall radio fund drive! 🧡💜💙

Your sustaining gift of $10/month will get you this new Mid American Gardener hat for those sunny days planting and mulching and pulling weeds. Not only will you look good, but your support will also help keep this and our other IPM original programs on the air for all to enjoy!

Make your gift TODAY at willgive.org