News Local/State
From covering school districts, politics, campus news, and more, Illinois Public Media reporter Emily Hays is a versatile journalist who loves keeping it local.
News Local/State
Abigail Bottar joined Illinois Public Media in early March 2026 as our Agriculture/Environmental reporter after six years at Ideastream Public Media in Ohio.
News Local/State
Christine Herman initially joined IPM as a part-time producer. Now, she is the editor for the Illinois Student Newsroom, overseeing 15 to 20 U of I student reporters.
Weather Realness
During a tornado, most people take cover. Others drive straight towards it. We talk to storm chasers about what it’s like to be in the path of a storm.
Weather Realness
Storm chasing can be dangerous from tornadoes overtaking vehicles to hail destroying cars. Today we learn how storm chasers can be prepared and stay safe.
News Local/State
At Illinois Public Media, Arjun Thakkar helps reporters with story pitches, sources, and final editing, and sometimes reports stories himself.
The 21st Show
He's a Normal, Illinois native who went to U. of I. and ended up writing music for Sesame Street.
She's the puppeteer behind Abby Cadabby — and she just won an Emmy for it.
They also happen to be married.
Composer Paul Rudolph and puppeteer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph joined The 21st Show to talk about what makes Abby special, how to write music for Muppets, making instruments from found objects, and how puppetry can reach children who've been through tough times.
The 21st Show
Prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket allow people to bet on … pretty much anything … from the future of the Iran war to more offbeat topics, such as whether the government would confirm aliens exist. Today, we discuss their rising significance and the fight to regulate them in Illinois and beyond.
The 21st Show
Walter Braud had a long career in law spanning 50 years- most of it in Rock Island. Beyond his legal work, Braud's life also included teaching, a business proposition in Ghana, a cab ride with members of the Chicago mafia and singing in a doo-wop group. Today, he joins the 21st to discuss his memoir, Bessie's Prayer.
The 21st Show
Champaign's Ebertfest is coming to an end at least in its current form. The co-founder and the director of the famous local film festival discuss its history, this weekend’s festivities, and the future of the event.
These programs are partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
Campbell Hall
300 N. Goodwin
Urbana, IL 61801
217-333-7300
