Illinois Public Media

Feature Story

Historic image of The Avon Theatre in Decatur, Illinois

Haunted Illinois: The Avon Theatre

 In 1916, the Avon Theatre opened its doors in Decatur, Illinois. However, it faced it’s share of early setbacks. The tumultuous journey of the Avon is not just a tale of business ventures but a narrative intertwined with the evolution of cinema and, according to some, the enduring presence of its former owner.
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Evening Concert

Los Angeles Philharmonic
Wednesday night October 29 at 7:00 on the “Evening Concert” on “Illinois Classical” you’ll hear the fourth program in a new season from the Los…
Prairie Performances

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Clef Notes

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The 21st Show
state troopers wear riot helmets and black gloves with padding on the knuckles, and brandish long wooden billy clubs face as they face off with demonstrators

Photographing immigration raids and demonstrations
Journalists have captured many striking images of ICE and Border Patrol operations in Illinois — and documented the people demonstrating against them. We’ll talk…
The 21st Show
a collage including a portrait of Rep. Hyunh wearing a dark suit and tie, and a screen-capture of a federal agent wearing camoflauge and a mask pointing his finger at the person holding the camera

State Rep. Hoan Huynh says federal agent pulled gun on him
Illinois state Rep. Hoan Huynh, D-Chicago, says a federal agent pointed a gun at him last week. The government says he was interfering in immigration enforcement; he says he…
The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: ‘National Math Stars’ wants to identify and support Illinois’ youngest math minds
In today’s deep dive, a group of Illinois students has joined a program to foster the nation's top math minds.
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.