Illinois Public Media
@ilpublicmedia.bsky.social
Educating, informing, and inspiring communities through the power of public media. Heard, seen, and experienced on WILL-AM, FM, TV, Illinois Soul, and beyond!
📍 Based at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
🌍 Serving central Illinois and more!
📍 Based at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
🌍 Serving central Illinois and more!
“There are a lot of people who have drug addictions because of their past,” Thompson said. “PTSD, military service, trauma, psychological problems, they’ve got all kinds of disorders, and a lot of places won’t take them because of that.”
Champaign's only low-barrier shelter is at risk of closing. Some guests are worried - IPM Newsroom
Strides first opened in 2022, with funding from the American Rescue Plan, a federal COVID-19 relief fund. But funding is set to run out as early as February.
ipmnewsroom.org
December 8, 2025 at 9:25 PM
“There are a lot of people who have drug addictions because of their past,” Thompson said. “PTSD, military service, trauma, psychological problems, they’ve got all kinds of disorders, and a lot of places won’t take them because of that.”
Annette Douglas, coordinator of RIPPLE Effect, said digitizing the mail takes away the keepsake that means so much to those in prison. She said recipients of the cards have told her they are lifelines, that they carry them around, read them over and over, and even allow others to read them.
Holiday cards to those in prison will be digitized this year. A local group points out the importance of physical copies - IPM Newsroom
RIPPLE Effect brings together about two dozen strangers every holiday to write cards to incarcerated people from Champaign County.
ipmnewsroom.org
December 8, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Annette Douglas, coordinator of RIPPLE Effect, said digitizing the mail takes away the keepsake that means so much to those in prison. She said recipients of the cards have told her they are lifelines, that they carry them around, read them over and over, and even allow others to read them.
“So there were places in public settings where if somebody recognized me as being trans, it was putting me in danger, because they felt a need to throw me out of whatever public place I was in because I didn’t belong, because somehow I was a threat.”
Transgender people are looking for safer places to live. Some have found a home in central Illinois - IPM Newsroom
Amid increasingly hostile laws and rhetoric targeting transgender people in the United States, many of them seek to move to places they feel safer. Aaron Slayton is one of many who have made a new hom...
ipmnewsroom.org
December 4, 2025 at 8:54 PM
“So there were places in public settings where if somebody recognized me as being trans, it was putting me in danger, because they felt a need to throw me out of whatever public place I was in because I didn’t belong, because somehow I was a threat.”
The Champaign City Council reversed course Tuesday night and voted down a proposal that would have imposed fines on people living in public encampments.
Champaign City Council rejects public encampment ban - IPM Newsroom
The measure would've prohibited people from camping on public and city property while requiring city staff to make an effort to connect people with social services.
ipmnewsroom.org
December 4, 2025 at 3:18 PM
The Champaign City Council reversed course Tuesday night and voted down a proposal that would have imposed fines on people living in public encampments.
Thank you to the 170 Friends of WILL who contributed more than $40,000 in support of Illinois Public Media on Giving Tuesday. 🧡
We appreciate your investment in local journalism, cultural programming, and community connection. 🧡 www.willgive.org
We appreciate your investment in local journalism, cultural programming, and community connection. 🧡 www.willgive.org
December 3, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Thank you to the 170 Friends of WILL who contributed more than $40,000 in support of Illinois Public Media on Giving Tuesday. 🧡
We appreciate your investment in local journalism, cultural programming, and community connection. 🧡 www.willgive.org
We appreciate your investment in local journalism, cultural programming, and community connection. 🧡 www.willgive.org
On Wednesday night, forecasters expect temperatures will drop to dangerously low levels. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service said wind chills (the combined air temperature and winds) will range from zero to as low as 15 degrees below zero.
Dangerously cold wind chills tonight and tomorrow night in central Illinois - IPM Newsroom
Meteorologists said wind chills will range from zero to as low as 15 degrees below zero on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
ipmnewsroom.org
December 3, 2025 at 3:50 PM
On Wednesday night, forecasters expect temperatures will drop to dangerously low levels. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service said wind chills (the combined air temperature and winds) will range from zero to as low as 15 degrees below zero.
On this Giving Tuesday, hear why supporters have chosen to donate to Illinois Public Media.
We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of you for your continued support of local public media for the good of all! 💜
We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of you for your continued support of local public media for the good of all! 💜
December 2, 2025 at 11:07 PM
On this Giving Tuesday, hear why supporters have chosen to donate to Illinois Public Media.
We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of you for your continued support of local public media for the good of all! 💜
We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of you for your continued support of local public media for the good of all! 💜
It's Giving Tuesday! In honor of the spirit of caring for those around us, tonight we are re-airing the 2018 documentary "Mister Rogers: It's You I Like" at 7 PM on WILL-TV. 💜
December 2, 2025 at 5:35 PM
It's Giving Tuesday! In honor of the spirit of caring for those around us, tonight we are re-airing the 2018 documentary "Mister Rogers: It's You I Like" at 7 PM on WILL-TV. 💜
It’s Giving Tuesday! Kimberly and John are on the air this morning asking for your support of IPM News and the many locally focused services Illinois Public Media provides. And thanks to generous Friends of WILL, every gift will be matched! You can make a difference at willgive.org.
December 2, 2025 at 4:15 PM
It’s Giving Tuesday! Kimberly and John are on the air this morning asking for your support of IPM News and the many locally focused services Illinois Public Media provides. And thanks to generous Friends of WILL, every gift will be matched! You can make a difference at willgive.org.
Updated Tuesday at 6:00 a.m.
After several new inches of snow fell yesterday, the National Weather Service in Central Illinois has canceled a Winter Weather Advisory. Meteorologists warn that Tuesday morning’s commute could still be slick due to the new snow and some patchy freezing fog.
After several new inches of snow fell yesterday, the National Weather Service in Central Illinois has canceled a Winter Weather Advisory. Meteorologists warn that Tuesday morning’s commute could still be slick due to the new snow and some patchy freezing fog.
Snow ends in central Illinois, prepare now for dangerous cold - IPM Newsroom
From IPM meteorologist Andrew Pritchard: Another, weaker storm system will bring another coating of light, powdery snow to central Illinois on Monday.
ipmnewsroom.org
December 2, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Updated Tuesday at 6:00 a.m.
After several new inches of snow fell yesterday, the National Weather Service in Central Illinois has canceled a Winter Weather Advisory. Meteorologists warn that Tuesday morning’s commute could still be slick due to the new snow and some patchy freezing fog.
After several new inches of snow fell yesterday, the National Weather Service in Central Illinois has canceled a Winter Weather Advisory. Meteorologists warn that Tuesday morning’s commute could still be slick due to the new snow and some patchy freezing fog.
Natural wetlands have many environmental benefits, but in Illinois, many natural wetlands no longer receive federal protections due to a 2023 Supreme Court decision that narrowed protections offered in the U.S. Clean Water Act. Because of this, many have been filled in for development.
Floating wetlands in Lake Decatur aim to improve water quality while providing wildlife habitats - IPM Newsroom
As winter approaches, the durability of two new floating wetlands in Lake Decatur will be tested. These man-made structures were installed on the lake this summer with the goal of improving water qual...
ipmnewsroom.org
December 1, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Natural wetlands have many environmental benefits, but in Illinois, many natural wetlands no longer receive federal protections due to a 2023 Supreme Court decision that narrowed protections offered in the U.S. Clean Water Act. Because of this, many have been filled in for development.
Reposted by Illinois Public Media
We're back! Today:
-A one-off magazine is in the works called the “Chicago Review of Architecture.” We'll talk about it.
-Plus, we’ll check in on the college basketball season, and see which teams have a chance to join the Big Dance in March.
It's all live at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
-A one-off magazine is in the works called the “Chicago Review of Architecture.” We'll talk about it.
-Plus, we’ll check in on the college basketball season, and see which teams have a chance to join the Big Dance in March.
It's all live at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream
| Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
will.illinois.edu
December 1, 2025 at 3:05 PM
We're back! Today:
-A one-off magazine is in the works called the “Chicago Review of Architecture.” We'll talk about it.
-Plus, we’ll check in on the college basketball season, and see which teams have a chance to join the Big Dance in March.
It's all live at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
-A one-off magazine is in the works called the “Chicago Review of Architecture.” We'll talk about it.
-Plus, we’ll check in on the college basketball season, and see which teams have a chance to join the Big Dance in March.
It's all live at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
More snow is expected on top of what we already have. ❄️ The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of central and west central Illinois from today at noon until Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. Snow accumulations between 2-5 inches are expected.
Winter Weather Advisory for central Illinois today noon-Tuesday 6am - IPM Newsroom
From IPM meteorologist Andrew Pritchard: Another, weaker storm system will bring another coating of light, powdery snow to central Illinois on Monday.
ipmnewsroom.org
December 1, 2025 at 4:08 PM
More snow is expected on top of what we already have. ❄️ The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of central and west central Illinois from today at noon until Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. Snow accumulations between 2-5 inches are expected.
Winter weather will arrive in Central Illinois over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend — first with a shot of arctic air and blustery winds, followed by a chance of some weekend snow, according to meteorologist Andrew Pritchard.
Read or listen in the link below. 🎧
Read or listen in the link below. 🎧
Cold front expected with chance of snow during Thanksgiving weekend in Central Illinois - IPM Newsroom
Central Illinois could see high wind gusts, low temperatures, and possibly snow this holiday weekend.
ipmnewsroom.org
November 26, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Winter weather will arrive in Central Illinois over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend — first with a shot of arctic air and blustery winds, followed by a chance of some weekend snow, according to meteorologist Andrew Pritchard.
Read or listen in the link below. 🎧
Read or listen in the link below. 🎧
The WE ❤️ PUBLIC TELEVISION! telethon is a live-recorded celebration in honor of 55 years of public television.
Join us for the WE PUBLIC TELEVISION! telethon at 8 PM on WILL-TV or on your PBS App.
Donate early and support the programming you love at www.willgive.org 💜
Join us for the WE PUBLIC TELEVISION! telethon at 8 PM on WILL-TV or on your PBS App.
Donate early and support the programming you love at www.willgive.org 💜
November 25, 2025 at 8:30 PM
The WE ❤️ PUBLIC TELEVISION! telethon is a live-recorded celebration in honor of 55 years of public television.
Join us for the WE PUBLIC TELEVISION! telethon at 8 PM on WILL-TV or on your PBS App.
Donate early and support the programming you love at www.willgive.org 💜
Join us for the WE PUBLIC TELEVISION! telethon at 8 PM on WILL-TV or on your PBS App.
Donate early and support the programming you love at www.willgive.org 💜
If advocates, stakeholders and members of the public were granted all their requests for public school funding next year, lawmakers would have to increase the state’s K-12 education budget by nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars.
Requests for new K-12 funding in Illinois likely to outstrip available resources - IPM Newsroom
If advocates, stakeholders and members of the public were granted all their requests for public school funding next year, lawmakers would have to increase the state’s K-12 education budget by nearly t...
ipmnewsroom.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:36 PM
If advocates, stakeholders and members of the public were granted all their requests for public school funding next year, lawmakers would have to increase the state’s K-12 education budget by nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars.
As of Nov. 1, there are 82 unsheltered adults and children in the area, and homelessness is on the rise in Champaign-Urbana, said Cunningham Township supervisor Danielle Chynoweth.
A new temporary emergency homeless shelter opens in Champaign - IPM Newsroom
As of Nov. 1, there are 82 unsheltered adults and children in the area, and homelessness is on the rise in Champaign-Urbana, said Cunningham Township supervisor Danielle Chynoweth.
ipmnewsroom.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:07 PM
As of Nov. 1, there are 82 unsheltered adults and children in the area, and homelessness is on the rise in Champaign-Urbana, said Cunningham Township supervisor Danielle Chynoweth.
A tower crew are surveying the WILL-TV and WILL-FM tower today. For their safety, there will be some disruption in service this afternoon for over-the-air WILL-TV and FM viewers and listeners. We apologize for the inconvenience and will be back up and running soon!
Online streams remain available.
Online streams remain available.
November 24, 2025 at 10:05 PM
A tower crew are surveying the WILL-TV and WILL-FM tower today. For their safety, there will be some disruption in service this afternoon for over-the-air WILL-TV and FM viewers and listeners. We apologize for the inconvenience and will be back up and running soon!
Online streams remain available.
Online streams remain available.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, through the Department of Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering, is in the process of applying for a license to construct and operate a new research nuclear microreactor on campus. Learn more on this episode of "Weather Realness." 🎧
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign proposes to build next generation nuclear microreactor | Illinois Public Media
The University of Illinois wants to construct and operate a new research nuclear microreactor on campus. What will it do and will it be safe?
will.illinois.edu
November 24, 2025 at 3:27 PM
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, through the Department of Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering, is in the process of applying for a license to construct and operate a new research nuclear microreactor on campus. Learn more on this episode of "Weather Realness." 🎧
We have a very special "Afternoon at the Opera" coming up TOMORROW!
This Saturday, tune into "Afternoon at the Opera" for Tchaikovsky’s “Iolanta” at noon, followed by “Adriana Mater” by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho at 2 PM.
This Saturday, tune into "Afternoon at the Opera" for Tchaikovsky’s “Iolanta” at noon, followed by “Adriana Mater” by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho at 2 PM.
November 21, 2025 at 10:32 PM
We have a very special "Afternoon at the Opera" coming up TOMORROW!
This Saturday, tune into "Afternoon at the Opera" for Tchaikovsky’s “Iolanta” at noon, followed by “Adriana Mater” by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho at 2 PM.
This Saturday, tune into "Afternoon at the Opera" for Tchaikovsky’s “Iolanta” at noon, followed by “Adriana Mater” by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho at 2 PM.
The city approved a five-year agreement with Arrow, a subsidiary of Carle Health, earlier this month. The measure took effect on Nov. 15, the same day Advanced Medical Transport (AMT) ended its ambulance services in Champaign.
Carle Arrow Ambulance is now Champaign's sole emergency medical services provider - IPM Newsroom
Arrow Ambulance is setting aside four trucks and staff to exclusively serve Champaign. Some paramedics are concerned the agency is not prepared for the task.
ipmnewsroom.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:19 PM
The city approved a five-year agreement with Arrow, a subsidiary of Carle Health, earlier this month. The measure took effect on Nov. 15, the same day Advanced Medical Transport (AMT) ended its ambulance services in Champaign.
Reposted by Illinois Public Media
Come join our team!
@ilpublicmedia.bsky.social is looking for an agriculture/environmental reporter. We are the NPR and PBS stations based at the Univ. of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Please note, this is a grant-funded reporting position for a maximum of 2 years.
Apply here: lnkd.in/gjKMAGSD
@ilpublicmedia.bsky.social is looking for an agriculture/environmental reporter. We are the NPR and PBS stations based at the Univ. of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Please note, this is a grant-funded reporting position for a maximum of 2 years.
Apply here: lnkd.in/gjKMAGSD
November 21, 2025 at 7:44 AM
Come join our team!
@ilpublicmedia.bsky.social is looking for an agriculture/environmental reporter. We are the NPR and PBS stations based at the Univ. of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Please note, this is a grant-funded reporting position for a maximum of 2 years.
Apply here: lnkd.in/gjKMAGSD
@ilpublicmedia.bsky.social is looking for an agriculture/environmental reporter. We are the NPR and PBS stations based at the Univ. of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Please note, this is a grant-funded reporting position for a maximum of 2 years.
Apply here: lnkd.in/gjKMAGSD
Ready to eat like it's 1775? Ken Burns sat down with Bennett Rea from Cookin with Congress and PBS SoCal to try some dishes from Revolutionary America. Can you guess what a Hearty Choke Pie is? 🤔
Ken Burns Tries “Yucky” Revolutionary War-Era Food | PBS SoCal
YouTube video by PBS SoCal
www.youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Ready to eat like it's 1775? Ken Burns sat down with Bennett Rea from Cookin with Congress and PBS SoCal to try some dishes from Revolutionary America. Can you guess what a Hearty Choke Pie is? 🤔
Those incarcerated at Danville Correctional Center have led the state in developing peer education programs, where those in prison teach and mentor their peers through group classes.
Illinois prisons are confining the incarcerated to their cells more often than during the pandemic. Can peer education help? - IPM Newsroom
Prison lockdowns cut incarcerated people off from educational opportunities, and they often occur due to staff shortages. Experts say peer mentorship could help fill the gap.
ipmnewsroom.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Those incarcerated at Danville Correctional Center have led the state in developing peer education programs, where those in prison teach and mentor their peers through group classes.
Reposted by Illinois Public Media
Today: Free speech is a fundamental right in America, but it’s facing many challenges this year. We’ll talk with a trio of Illinois reporters who’ve been covering free speech challenges across the Midwest.
Let's talk at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
Let's talk at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
WILL AM 580 Live Stream
| Illinois Public Media
WILL AM 580 live stream.
will.illinois.edu
November 20, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Today: Free speech is a fundamental right in America, but it’s facing many challenges this year. We’ll talk with a trio of Illinois reporters who’ve been covering free speech challenges across the Midwest.
Let's talk at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer
Let's talk at 11:
will.illinois.edu/am/willplayer