Illinois Public Media

Documentary

A tornado in a farm field with State of Change logo on top

State of Change: Illinois’ record tornado season

 This past year, Illinois recorded 200 tornadoes: the highest count of any state in the nation, surpassing Tornado Alley states like Texas and Oklahoma. Illinois Public Media will explore this unprecedented wave of storms in a new "State of Change" special premiering at 7:30 pm Thursday, Nov. 12, on WILL-TV, the PBS app, and on our YouTube channel. Hosted by Emmy-winning producer Tinisha Spain, the show delivers a gripping look at the devastating storm season from multiple perspectives, as well as the science behind the shift. 
IPM Newsroom
Crime and Punishment in America, from Executive Producers Ken Burns and Sam Pollard and directed by Lynn Novick, premieres Monday, November 16 at 7:00 PM Central
Illinois Classical
Illinois Classical 90.9

Your home for Classical and more in Central Illinois.
Prairie Performances
The painting

Revisiting Music for Autumn
This week on Prairie Performances, we are revisiting our autumn classical episode. Enjoy the brisk air and bountiful harvests of autumn with seasonal music from Leo Sowerby,…
Dialogue
man smiling

Meet new IPM Morning Edition local host Alex Barton
Alex Barton is the new local host for Morning Edition. IPM News.’ Reginald Hardwick spent a few minutes getting to know him. 
The 21st Show
a collage including a map of the U.S. showing an expansion of tornado alley to the east; a tornado in Illinois; and a tree felled by a storm — with much of its roots and the surrounding dirt still attached

213 tornadoes and counting: Inside Illinois’ record year
Illinois set a dubious record this year: 213 tornadoes so far, according to the National Weather Service office in Lincoln. That's the most ever recorded in the state. The…
The 21st Show
a maze of silver pipes and ductwork are seen in front of several large, gray buildings. White smoke from an exhaust stack is set against a clear blue sky; a large body of water can be seen in the foreground.

Two explosions, one plant: Inside ADM’s 2023 safety failures
In 2023, two explosions rocked Archer Daniels Midland's Decatur plant — one in April, another in September. The second left eight workers severely injured. Several were…
The 21st Show
a graphic including the book cover and an author photograph; the cover of

When the person you love votes the other way
Millions of Americans are in relationships with people who have different political views. University of Illinois researcher Emily Van Duyn has spent years exploring how…
Prairie Fire

“Prairie Fire” wins two Mid-America Regional Emmy® Awards
Season three of WILL-TV's popular magazine show won two Mid-America Regional Emmy® Awards at the 2026 Mid-America EMMY Awards in Kansas City, MO.
Illinois Soul Blog

Illinois Soul, part of Illinois Public Media, Launches Dialogue: Next Gen, a New Video Podcast Made by Teens, for Teens
Eight local high school students co-host and help produce series on the issues shaping their lives.
State of Change

Illinois experienced more than 200 tornadoes in 2026. Is this our new normal?
State of Change airs Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. on WILL-TV. The Backlund Charitable Trust provides production funding for this program.