Illinois Public Media

Feature Story

State of Change logo featuring an outline of Illinois containing the words

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. Emmy winning host and producer Tinisha Spain hosted this year’s State of Change from the Loda Cemetery Prairie Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois. The land has not been cultivated and is one of the few places you can still find the original tallgrass prairie in Illinois. State of Change 2025 airs Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 pm on WILL-TV, the Illinois Public Media YouTube channel, and the PBS app.

Latest News

IPM Newsroom

The American Revolution Watch Trailer (11.3 - 11.16)

The American Revolution: A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, & David Schmidt. Premieres Sunday, November 16 at 7:00 PM Central Click here to watch the trailer.

WILL FM

Classics of the Phonograph

Classics of the Phonograph: Mistislav Rostropovich

This week on Classics of the Phonograph, we will hear some of Rostropovich's classic recordings of Prokofiev's Symphony-Concerto for Cello and Orchestra and…
Prairie Performances

Prairie Performances: “Weekend Jazz”

On this episode of Prairie Performances: Jazz. The weekend is right around the corner, I thought we’d start the night off with a little pick-me-up, something to get you…
Evening Concert

Heifetz On Air

Friday night November 14 at 7:00 on the “Evening Concert” on “Illinois Classical” it’s “Heifetz On Air”. You’ll hear…

WILL AM

The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Curious about astrophotography in C-U? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the craft

In today’s deep dive, astrophotographers in Champaign, Urbana share what’s so awe inspiring about their work. 
The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: U of I College of Media removes Illinois Public Media executive director, promotes from within to fill

In today’s deep dive, the College of Media at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is installing new leadership at Illinois Public Media. 
The 21st Show
Passengers board Amtrak’s Train 41 at Union Station in Chicago's West Loop.

The state of rail travel across Illinois

There's a lot of passenger rail projects underway across Illinois with some pushing full-steam ahead and some in railway limbo.    The 21st Show is Illinois'…

WILL TV

Prairie Fire

Prairie Fire: Season 3 - Episode 2 - October 2025

This month, we’re fossil hunting deep in southern Illinois, visiting a small but mighty farm helping to combat food insecurity, and helping a historic local…
Mid-American Gardener

Early Fall at The Delight Flower Farm

We take a trip back to Delight to learn about dahlia care, and how to properly dig up those tender bulbs to avoid any damage for winter storage. We also get crafty with…
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.