Illinois Public Media

Feature Story

State of Change: Small gestures to make a big difference in preserving our planet

 State of Change 2026 explores how Illinois residents are taking action for a more sustainable future. From a zero-waste general store to a community garden in a Chicago food desert, and practical tips for making homes more sustainable, this program highlights local solutions making a real environmental impact.
IPM Newsroom
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Prairie Performances
Cover page for the score to Verdi's Requiem.

The Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra Plays Giuseppe Verdi’s “Requiem Mass”
Clef Notes

Millikin Opera Theatre Presents Pauline Viardot’s “Cinderella”
Millikin Opera Theatre presents Pauline Viardot’s Cinderella on May 1–3, co-produced with the School of Theatre & Dance, School of Music, and…
Evening Concert

The Evening Concert on Illinois Classical
Music by Villa-Lobos, Franck, Lavista, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Salonen, Mozart, and others
The 21st Show

How balloon releases impact the environment
Balloon releases can be problematic for the environment. A Girl Scout in the Chicago Suburbs is looking to change that.  
The 21st Show
Left: Gas-masked marchers and a dragon labeled

Commemorating Earth Day amid battle to protect environmental regulations and policies
For a long time, protecting the environment was something Democrats and Republicans agreed upon. In the present age, the Trump administration has moved to dismantle many of…
The 21st Show
Zohran Mamdani reacts as he walks on stage to speak at a mayoral election night watch party, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in New York. Mamdani identifies as a Democratic Socialist and his election as mayor of New York City was a large win for the socialist movement.

The rise of socialism in Illinois and beyond
In recent years, the idea of “socialism” has been gaining ground in American politics. The most prominent and successful avatar of that is Zohran Mamdani, who became the…
Prairie Fire

Prairie Fire: Season 3 - Episode 6 - March 2026
We introduce you to the art of Brian Dettmer, get a special performance from hip-hop duo Mother Nature, and visit with quilter Millie Sorrells, who shows us creativity has no…
News Local/State
woman looking at camera

Behind The Mic: Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield sees being on-air as a theatrical performance
When Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield isn’t live over the airways, she reports and produces arts and entertainment news happening in Central Illinois.
State of Change

Small gestures to make a big difference in preserving our planet
We visit a zero-waste general store, a garden bringing a community together in a Chicago food desert, a program protecting pollinators, and advice to increase sustainability…