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
IPM News Election 2026 coverage
Prairie Performances
Maestro Ian Hobson at the piano.

Special Episode: Sinfonia da Camera
A special episode featuring Urbana-Champaign's very own Sinfonia da Camera.
Prairie Performances
a computer generated illustration of a black whole in space

Music Beyond Worlds
On tonight’s Prairie Performances, we bring the final frontier to the prairie frontier, exploring music inspired by the world beyond on own.
Evening Concert

The Evening Concert on Illinois Classical
ILLINOIS CLASSICAL: The Evening Concert: FEBRUARY 22 – 23 –24 – 25 – 26 – 27, 2026 
The 21st Show

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Steve Botsford discusses ‘broken system’ in politics, ICE reform, and AI regulation
Steve Botsford is seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate race. He’s worked in the world of finance and in government. Botsford shares his views on reforming…
The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Immigrants in McLean County seeking legal pathway face ‘a different kind of fear’
Immigrants with asylum cases are missing their court hearings in higher numbers - and that's leading to MORE deportation orders.
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. Senate 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…
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.