U.S. farmers lost conservation experts in Trump’s federal cuts. Now they’re hurting for help
The Natural Resources Conservation Service lost nearly a quarter of its staff nationwide in 2025 after the Trump administration’s cuts to the federal government. Many were local experts that help farmers with soil and water conservation efforts.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois September 3 – 6
Listen to Sam Rink and Lyric Roy talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 –
Heat wave continues in Central Illinois ahead of Labor Day weekend
The National Weather Service said conditions are dangerously hot, and that it could feel like 105 degrees.
Millions of older Americans don’t have enough to eat, as food prices rise beyond fixed incomes
Inflation in food prices can hit even harder for people in their 60s and older as they also juggle fixed incomes, health problems and changes in federal law.
Gloria Steinem, trailblazing journalist and activist, dies at 92
Starting in the 1960s, at a time when women were largely limited to domestic roles, Steinem challenged gender stereotypes and championed feminist ideals like equality, sisterhood and reproductive freedom.
New Rantoul mural honoring Tuskegee Airmen bridges history and community through art
A new mural unveiled this week honors the lives of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first all-Black flying squadron for the U.S. Army Air Corps. The artwork is the newest stop on the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail.
Judge orders federal logging project halted in Shawnee National Forest
Ruling finds Biden administration’s approval violated Endangered Species Act.
Champaign County officials say they can’t ban data centers. But residents want tighter restrictions
A ban on large data center development could expose the county to a lawsuit from a developer, according to Champaign County officials. A proposed ordinance offers guardrails for new centers, but some feel it’s not strict enough.
Bad weather has kept these Urbana children out of school. A new bus stop shelter is in the works
In Ivanhoe Estates, weather is the most common reason children miss school. A partnership between parents there, CU Early, Urbana School District 116 and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Architecture is working on a simple solution – a covered bus stop.
El mal tiempo ha impedido que estos niños de Urbana vayan a la escuela. Se está planeando una nueva parada de autobús
En Ivanhoe Estates, las condiciones meteorológicas son la razón más frecuente por la que los niños faltan a la escuela. Una colaboración está trabajando en una solución sencilla: una parada de autobús cubierta.
NASA’s newest space telescope has launched — and a Champaign-Urbana native helped build it
Over the next five years, NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is expected to reveal more information on the expansion of the universe, dark matter and distant planets.
America @ 250: Diane Lathrop asks what went wrong, and how we keep it from happening again.
Mattoon resident Diane Lathrop was born and raised in east-central Illinois. She was valedictorian of the Mattoon Senior High School class of 1971. She attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and, in 2023, retired after more than 40 years in the financial services industry.
GOP congressional candidate Jeff Wilson on tariffs, energy production, and healthcare
Jeff Wilson, a Republican and former member of the Champaign County Board, is making a bid to flip Illinois’ 13th congressional district. He makes his case on The 21st Show.
American ranchers are irked by Trump’s efforts to bring down beef prices: ‘This is a mistake’
The Trump administration has tried to lower beef prices for months, but demand, drought and a parasite have foiled its efforts.
Champaign County Clerk candidates disagree on Trump’s SAVE Act, decline to discuss federal charges
Champaign County’s incumbent clerk, Democrat Aaron Ammons, faces a challenge from Republican Alan Anderson. During a candidate forum hosted by IPM, the two discussed election administration and local challenges. They declined to comment on allegations against Ammons in a federal indictment.
Squeezed by a tough economy, many farmers are relying on decades-old machinery
More farmers are opting to repair old tractors, combines and other machinery instead of buying new upgrades. A tough farm economy and historically-high equipment prices are at least partly to blame.
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski discusses her record, makes case for third term
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski sat down with the 21st Show’s Brian Mackey to discuss her accomplishments so far and her position on many current issues while seeking another tern.
Illinois attorney general joins suit against Postal Service over mail voting rules
The case follows Supreme Court ruling allowing Trump administration to proceed with restrictions.
