Illinois Public Media

Politics

Photograph of Illinois lawmakers listen to debate on the House floor during a session at the Illinois State Capitol.

Rundown of new laws in Illinois as 2026 begins

A new year means new laws are now in effect across Illinois from criminal justice and law enforcement, education and schools to gun control. This episode of “The 21st Show” highlights several new laws that Illinoisans might see play out in their daily life.

Latest News

IPM Newsroom

WILL FM

Atomic Age Cocktail Party
Atomic Age logo with an illustration of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart at a piano. Text reads

Rodgers & Hart (152)

On this edition of The Atomic Age Cocktail Party, we feature the songwriting team of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, the pair behind such classic songs as My Funny Valentine,…
Prairie Performances
a logo with a flower over a yellow circle with the words Prairie and Performances

Revisiting Our Summer 2025 Special

Happy New Year! Enjoy an episode of Prairie Performances from a time of warmer weather.
Evening Concert

The Evening Concert on Illinois Classical

ILLINOIS CLASSICAL: The Evening Concert: JANUARY 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9, 2026 

WILL AM

The 21st Show

How a unique and versatile plant could help Illinois farmers and the environment

Miscanthus is a type of grass that can grow to be particularly tall. According to a group of researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a form of this grass…
The 21st Show

Is Illinois’ drinking culture evolving?

Last month, the state Department of Public Health put out a comprehensive report on alcohol use in Illinois. A public health expert and an alcohol researcher discuss the…
The 217 Today Podcast
Large statues of prehistoric creatures in a hallway.

217 Today: WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jan. 8 – Jan. 11

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.

WILL TV

Prairie Fire

Prairie Fire: Season 3 - Episode 4 - December 2025

We introduce you to Bloomington artist Herb Eaton, learn the important role the “Illinois Country” played in the American Revolution, and get a special holiday performance…
Mid-American Gardener

A Visit to Prairie Fruits Farms for our December Shows

This week, Karen, Ella, and Jim come along to Prairie Fruits Farms in Urbana to wrap up the year in style!
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.