Illinois Public Media

Agriculture

Heavy rain reaches Illinois, but drought is far from over

 This week, Illinois has finally experienced rainfall, but it’s not enough to alleviate the ongoing drought. Since August of last year, Central Illinois has experienced a severe drought with precipitation deficits of 15–20 inches. This has led to mandatory water restrictions in places like Bloomington and Decatur. What does it means for Illinois to still be in a drought? What are the agricultural impacts and what kinds of conditions are necessary to get out of this drought?
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Prairie Performances
The Danville Symphony Orchestra in performance.

Celebrating Vermilion County
Music for the 200th anniversary of Vermilion County.
Clef Notes
Clef Notes logotype

Sorry, Timothée, We Do Care
“I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore.’" This soundbite from…
Evening Concert

The Evening Concert on Illinois Classical
ILLINOIS CLASSICAL: The Evening Concert: MARCH 8 – 9 –10 – 11 – 12 – 13, 2026  
The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Knox College professor turns prairie, loss into poems in “Broken Hallelujah”
In western Illinois, there are gravel roads cut through open prairie, writer and Knox College professor Cyn Kitchen has been paying attention to seasons, to loss, and to…
The 21st Show

U.S. Senate candidate recap: Part 1
Illinois’ Primary Election Day is one week away. In the first of a two-part series, we bring you recaps of our interviews with the candidates.The 21st Show is Illinois'…
The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Protein is everywhere right now. We asked experts: Do we really need more?
Protein is everywhere, from Starbucks lattes to new dietary guidelines, which ask Americans to prioritize protein. But nutrition experts are wondering whether or not the…
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. 
Illinois Soul Blog

WATCH LIVE: Homegoing service will celebrate civil rights leader Jesse Jackson in Chicago
Three former U.S. presidents, Grammy-winning artists, clergy and elected officials are expected to attend a Chicago celebration of life Friday for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson…
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.