A project by the @chicago.suntimes.com takes a deep dive into the connection between Illinois and Lithuania.
From Illinois to Lithuania: Tracing a small Eastern European country’s deep local ties
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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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!
From Friday, Aug. 7, through Aug. 16 the state’s sales tax on school supplies will be reduced from 6.25% to 1.25%. Items with a lower sales tax will include traditional supplies such as markers and pencils, notebooks and folders and other classroom items, as well as many clothing purchases.
Illinois offers temporary sales tax reduction on back-to-school shopping - IPM Newsroom
From Friday, Aug. 7, through Aug. 16 the state’s sales tax on school supplies will be reduced from 6.25% to 1.25%.
ipmnewsroom.org
Around 100 years ago, broad floodplains were disconnected from the Illinois River by earthen levees, primarily for agriculture. Now, some of those floodplains have been returned to their natural state, including one in Brown County called Spunky Bottoms. Read more ⬇️
At Spunky Bottoms, an Illinois River wetland’s resilience is on display - IPM Newsroom
The Nature Conservancy acquired the roughly 1,300-acre Merwin Preserve at Spunky Bottoms in the late 1990's and allowed the site to return to being a floodplain wetland.
ipmnewsroom.org
Nearly every state has put in place added requirements for animals traveling from the areas around confirmed cases or the entire state of Texas. And that has complicated the work of animal rescue organizations that rely on transporting dogs and cats to places where they are more likely to be adopted
Screwworm restrictions are slowing transports of dogs and cats from crowded shelters - IPM Newsroom
Animal rescue leaders say new rules meant to prevent the spread of the livestock parasite make sense. But they are also costly for overcrowded shelters in Texas, which transfer many pets to other stat...
ipmnewsroom.org
This year, the Steffens expect to pay $32,000 for health insurance – more than double the about $13,000 they paid in 2025 after the premium tax credit. Steffen said they could get a different income-based tax credit, but at this point they’re unsure how much of their costs it will offset.
Healthcare costs have more than doubled for many farmers this year, on top of soaring expenses - IPM Newsroom
When Congress allowed Affordable Care Act tax credits to lapse, healthcare premiums spiked for millions of Americans — especially self-employed farmers and ranchers. That added cost is multiplying the...
ipmnewsroom.org
Don Tracy, Illinois' Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, sat down with IPM's Brian Mackey for a conversation on @21st.show to discuss his views on immigration enforcement, abortion, and the war in Iran. Link to full interview: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCSk...
Very honored to be a guest on the @ilpublicmedia.bsky.social program Prairie Fire and excited to see their segment on some of our state’s finest cemeteries when it airs this fall on PBS affiliates (and online).
In his hand-written application, Grayson did not show remorse in his description of the shooting, maintaining that Massey attacked him with a pot of boiling water. He also did not check a box stating his condition was likely to lead to his death in the next 18 months.
Sean Grayson, seeking medical release from his murder sentence, still maintains Sonya Massey ‘attacked’ him - IPM Newsroom
State’s attorney opposes release of former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy .
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At the turn of the 19th century, bicycling was a significant force in American life and the center of American cycling was arguably in Illinois. www.youtube.com/watch?v=9St5...
Book sheds light on unique history of bicycling in Illinois
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. announced he’s running for reelection as he plans to seek another term next year. Williams was named acting mayor of Danville in 2018. He was elected in 2019 and reelected in 2023.
Danville Mayor announces 2027 reelection bid with several challengers - IPM Newsroom
Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. is seeking a third full term in office. At least four others are challenging him for the position.
ipmnewsroom.org
Eric Sorensen is the only meteorologist serving in Congress. The former television weatherman is looking to use that experience to help shape federal policy to help keep Americans safe from weather disasters.
Weatherman-turned-congressman Eric Sorensen wants to guide weather preparedness from D.C. - IPM Newsroom
The former television weatherman is looking to use that experience to help shape federal policy to help keep Americans safe from weather disasters.
ipmnewsroom.org
Savoy is currently looking for new proposals for its long-time goal of constructing a new downtown after its original partners withdrew from the project.
Savoy searching for new developers to complete downtown plaza project - IPM Newsroom
The Village of Savoy has been working on constructing their downtown plaza for years. The original developers withdrew from the project due to issues that include fulfilling agreed-upon deadlines.
ipmnewsroom.org
Iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms was identified as a likely source. But there are other clusters that haven’t been linked to any particular products yet. Two infectious disease specialists discuss the latest updates, who’s at risk, and what the role is of government in food safety.
What to know about Cyclosporiasis outbreak | Illinois Public Media
Hundreds of Illinoisans have gotten sick this summer from the gastrointestinal disease cyclosporiasis. Two infectious disease specialists discuss what’s happening, who’s at risk, and what the role is ...
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From July 30-August 2, Champaign Urbana Theatre Company will perform the Tony-award winning production of "Ragtime: The Musical." Producer Monica Samii-Porter was joined by Alonza Lawrence and Kimberly Schofield, two performers of the 51-member cast.
Race and class on center stage at The Virginia Theatre as cast prepares to debut ‘Ragtime: The Musical’ | Illinois Public Media
The producer and two performers from ‘Ragtime: The Musical’ talked about performing the award-winning production at The Virginia Theatre.
will.illinois.edu
As the summer comes to an end, about 200 Champaign students are wrapping up jobs they found through Champaign Unit 4 School District’s Youth Employment Services (YES). The high schoolers in the program shared these five tips with IPM News for others applying to jobs.
Five tips for applying to jobs, according to Champaign high schoolers in Unit 4's Youth Employment Services program - IPM Newsroom
About 200 Champaign students are wrapping up jobs they found through Champaign Unit 4 School District's Youth Employment Services.
ipmnewsroom.org
The Illinois State Board of Education released new guidelines recently on how schools should and should not use artificial intelligence in K-12 education. One of the most notable aspects of the AI guidelines, however, is that it was written with help from popular AI programs.
Illinois State Board of Education issues AI guidance, written with help from AI - IPM Newsroom
A 2024 survey of Illinois educators conducted by Teach Plus and the Illinois Digital Educator Alliance, or IDEA, found a common concern that misuse of AI could threaten student learning.
ipmnewsroom.org
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve is Illinois’ first and only International Dark Sky Place. To achieve such a certification from DarkSky International, a site must have a visual-band zenith luminance of 21.2 magnitudes per square arcsecond.
‘Surreal’: Illinois’ only International Dark Sky Place attracts tourists worldwide - IPM Newsroom
The Middle Fork River Forest Preserve in Champaign County is Illinois’ only International Dark Sky Place as judged by Dark Sky International. The legislature in recent years has taken steps to limit l...
ipmnewsroom.org
“I maintain that these allegations are not true,” State Rep. Ammons said outside the courthouse surrounded by supporters, “and I look forward to responding to them through the legal process where the facts can be fully examined.”
State Rep. Carol Ammons, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons plead not guilty to federal charges - IPM Newsroom
State Rep. Carol Ammons and her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons, are facing counts of wire fraud and obstruction of justice.
ipmnewsroom.org
Ward 3 in Urbana has been without a grocery store for over four decades, according to Angela Bradley. Bradley has been fighting food insecurity in Champaign-Urbana for 20 years, first as a food pantry director and now as the CEO and owner of HeartStrong Grocery.
Urbana community grocery store location finalized on Lincoln Avenue - IPM Newsroom
HeartStrong Grocery CEO Angela Bradley has signed a lease with Urbana to build the grocery store at the intersection of Bradley and Lincoln avenues.
ipmnewsroom.org
To select the initial landmarks for the heritage trail, Chih and Tan considered long-established institutions in the area that represented different aspects of the local Asian-American experience. Read more ⬇️
A new heritage trail aims to honor Champaign-Urbana’s Asian community - IPM Newsroom
In Champaign County, 12.5% of the population identifies as Asian.
ipmnewsroom.org
Father Johndamaseni Zilimu is pastor of St. Matthew Parish in Champaign. Father John was born in Tanzania and moved to the U.S. in 2000. He received his doctorate in mathematics education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2014.
America @ 250: Father Johndamaseni Zilimu asks how we become peacemakers - IPM Newsroom
Father Johndamaseni Zilimu is pastor of St. Matthew Parish in Champaign. Father John was born in Tanzania and moved to the U.S. in 2000. He received his doctorate in mathematics education from the Uni...
ipmnewsroom.org
Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) and her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons, have released statements denying any wrongdoing after the two were indicted by a federal grand jury on counts of wire fraud and obstruction of justice. Read more.
UPDATE: Ammonses deny wrongdoing following indictment by federal grand jury for alleged wire fraud, obstruction of justice - IPM Newsroom
A federal grand jury alleges the Urbana state representative created a scheme to "defraud the State of Illinois" and enrich herself and her family members. The Ammonses reject the allegations and say ...
ipmnewsroom.org
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, “temporarily” booted Ammons from the House Democrats’ caucus but did not call on her to resign while her criminal proceedings play out — a process that could take months or even years.
Republicans call for more transparency, accountability after ‘disgraceful week’ for House Democrats - IPM Newsroom
After one House Democrat was indicted this week and another resigned amid an ethics investigation last week, House Republicans are calling for transparency and accountability.
ipmnewsroom.org
From "da Bears" in Chicago to "Hahvahd Yahd" in Boston, the way we talk shapes how the world hears us. Linguist Valerie Fridland dives into this in her new book "Why We Talk Funny: The Real Story Behind Our Accents." She's with us for the latest installment of our video interview series.
The secret science behind your accent
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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A federal grand jury has indicted State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) and her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons. The indictment charges the two with counts of wire fraud, obstruction of justice and false statements.
Rep. Carol Ammons, Clerk Aaron Ammons indicted by federal grand jury for alleged wire fraud, obstruction of justice - IPM Newsroom
A federal grand jury alleges the Urbana state representative created a scheme to "defraud the State of Illinois" and enrich herself and her family members.
ipmnewsroom.org
Former assistant superintendent Angela Ward and most members of the previous superintendent’s cabinet have all retired or been demoted, with the option to return to teaching. The new superintendent, Geovanny Ponce, appointed three from that group into leadership roles this week.
New Champaign Unit 4 superintendent brings back some former cabinet members into other leadership roles - IPM Newsroom
Angela Ward, Mike Lehr and Henry Walker will become an interim high school principal, a secondary director and a principal supervisor.
ipmnewsroom.org
Kay Weidner grew up near Crystal Lake Park in north Urbana and still lives in the area. Members of her family have served in the military since at least World War II, and she loves a good Fourth of July Parade.
America @ 250: Kay Weidner asks Americans to ask themselves, ‘Who am I?’ - IPM Newsroom
Kay Weidner grew up near Crystal Lake Park in north Urbana and still lives in the area. Members of her family have served in the military since at least World War II, and she loves a good Fourth of Ju...
ipmnewsroom.org
More than 50 people from over 20 countries became citizens at the event.
As America turned 250 years old, more than 50 people in Urbana became U.S. citizens - IPM Newsroom
Senator Dick Durbin attended the naturalization ceremony in Urbana on Thursday.
ipmnewsroom.org
Less than six months into his 20-year prison sentence, the former sheriff’s deputy convicted of second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of an unarmed Sangamon County woman is asking the state to release him from prison on medical grounds.
Former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson seeks medical release - IPM Newsroom
Grayson has served less than six months of a 20-year sentence for the murder of Sonya Massey.
ipmnewsroom.org
The stadium announcer for the Chicago Bulls, Bears and Fire is now lending his talents to World Cup games in Mexico. We talk with Champaign's Tim Sinclair about the experience.
The Illinois voice announcing World Cup games in Mexico
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
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