Illinois Public Media

Arts and Culture

Still from the interview with Dr. Ollie Watts Davis in a theatre with the red theatre seats surrounding Dr. Watts Davis

All new “Prairie Fire” episode available to watch now

 On February's all new “Prairie Fire,” the team you to the University of Illinois where for one intense week every summer, Dr. Ollie Watts Davis brings kids from Central Illinois to campus to learn the music of Black Americans. Tinisha Spain speaks with Dr. Jeanne Morris about her legacy as a top educator and Black activist in Bloomington Normal.  And finally, “Prairie Fire” will introduce you to the art of Josh Garber, a sculptor who uses industrial materials to make eye popping works of art. 
IPM Newsroom
Call the Midwife Season 15 - Stream Early with WILL Passport
Clef Notes

Celebrating Women’s History Through Music
To commemorate Women’s History Month, we’re introducing you to five pieces of contemporary classical music that tell women’s stories in some way, whether commemorating…
Clef Notes

Opera Goes to the Olympics
On Friday, February 13, Japanese skater Yuma Kagiyama took home silver in the Men’s Figure Skating Finals at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan. The music he chose for…
Evening Concert

The Evening Concert on Illinois Classical
ILLINOIS CLASSICAL: The Evening Concert: FEBRUARY 22 – 23 –24 – 25 – 26 – 27, 2026 
The 21st Show
the ornate pillars and dome of the U.S. Capitol Building glow white and amber as they are illuminated against an indigo night sky

We’ve sought interviews with all 16 candidates for U.S. senator from Illinois — listen to them here
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…
The 21st Show

Remembering the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson
Jesse Jackson was one of the last living connections to the Civil Rights era of the mid-20th century. He died last week at the age of 84 in Chicago. Despite his national…
The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Rev. Jesse Jackson looks back at some of his famous speeches
We’ll hear archival audio of Reverend Jesse Jackson looking back at some of his famous speeches.
Prairie Fire

Prairie Fire: Season 3 - Episode 5 - February 2026
We visit the U of I's Black Chorus Camp, sit down for a special Black History Month conversation, and introduce you to the art of sculptor Josh Garber. 
News Local/State
three people at podcast studio

2026 IPM News Forum with Champaign County Executive candidates
The two Democrats running for Champaign County Executive in the 2026 primary shared their views on data centers, federal immigration enforcement and much more.
State of Change

The state of the Illinois Prairie
State of Change 2025 looks at efforts to retain existing prairie in Illinois, as well as strategies to restore some areas to a more natural state.