Illinois Public Media launches Black focused music and news audio service: Illinois Soul FM 101.1
Illinois Soul began airing February 1, 2024 on WILL-FM 101.1 and 90.9 HD2. It streams on illinoissoul.org.
One in 10 students skips or reduces meals to save money. Some Illinois lawmakers want to help
One in 10 college students are food insecure, according to a 2020 University of Illinois study of U.S. Census data. Some Illinois lawmakers want to change this.
New state task force aims to promote state’s Underground Railroad history
First meeting took place Tuesday.
Illinois Public Media launches Illinois Soul: a new platform amplifying Black voices and music
On February 1, 2024, Illinois Soul will launch on FM 101.1 here in Champaign-Urbana. And outside of the twin cities, you can tune it in on a high definition radio at FM 90.9. HD 2.
City leaders announce migrants bound for Chicago land at Rockford Airport
ROCKFORD – The city of Rockford is fielding questions after announcing that a plane filled with hundreds of migrants landed early Sunday morning at the Chicago Rockford International Airport. City leaders say they had been informed with short notice that a plane carrying migrants from Texas was scheduled to land in Rockford. The city says there […]
Do you want your child to go to an English-Spanish or other dual language school? The state wants to help
Illinois state representative Abdelnasser Rashid sponsored HB3822 this year to help school districts expand their dual language programs.
CU group works for ‘radical’ inclusion in the arts
URBANA — A group of artists who identify as people of color is having its first meeting on Wednesday, December 13th. The newly formed CU BIPOC Artist Collective aims to help non-white artists connect with each other, network, and find emotional support. The collective is a partnership between the City of Urbana’s Arts and Culture […]
Racial covenants limited housing options for Black residents in Champaign; a local group aims to repair that harm
Racial covenants restricted almost 800 pieces of land in Champaign County from being owned by anyone who wasn’t white. The Champaign-Urbana Reparations Coalition is starting to advocate for reparations for this for African Americans in the area.
The Black Church: An in-depth look on its impact on Black culture in Black America
The series The Black Church: This is Our Story, this is Our Song explores how the Black church has served as a nurturing ground for the major institutions that help define Black America for centuries. On December 15, Illinois Public Media will host an episode of the series at the Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign. […]
‘Woman Warrior’ Unveils Four Generations of Japanese American History in Illinois
URBANA —The Spurlock Museum in Urbana will host a one-woman show on December 2, following its successful run in Chicago. This performance delves into the Japanese-American experience in Illinois, spanning four generations. Connie Shirakawa, the creator and performer of ‘Woman Warrior,’ initially believed she had no stories to share. However, as she delved into the […]
Palestinian families rejoice over release of minors and women in wartime prisoner swap
he cease-fire agreement between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers involves the exchange, over four days, of 150 Palestinian minors and women in Israeli prison for 50 Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Which Thanksgiving pie do you serve: pumpkin or sweet potato? There’s a rich history behind both
Are you serving pumpkin or sweet potato pie this Thanksgiving? A look at the history and cultural ties that influence why Americans may prefer one or the other.
Alana Banks made history as the first Black, transgender woman on a school board in the United States. How is she doing now?
Alana Banks made history two years ago, becoming the first Black and transgender woman elected to a school board in the country. Still, she has found balancing the demands of the communities she represents challenging.
How does Illinois compare to other states on transgender rights?
According to the Movement Advancement Project, 21 states have banned gender-affirming medicine for trans youth. In response, Illinois passed a law this year protecting patients and providers who cross into the state for care.
This Danville School is leading East-Central Illinois in improving reading skills for Black students
Meade Park Elementary School in Danville stands out among east-central Illinois schools.
