Black male voters
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Voice of the Voter: Black men in Champaign County address angst surrounding presidential election

  Both presidential campaigns are making their closing arguments in the final days leading up to the election. Conversation online about Black men not willing to vote has spiraled after former President Barack Obama pushed them to cast a ballot. Like many residents in Champaign County, McKinley Phillips told Pierce he and his family are…

Voice of the Voter: Local college students find convenience in early voting
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Voice of the Voter: Local college students find convenience in early voting

Election season is causing anxiety for some college students who are casting their ballots for the first time. Many students are voting early and taking advantage of the service being offered on campuses across Champaign County. One of several polling locations include Parkland College.  Robin Fitzgerald, 19 was one of the first in line before…

Chicago dance group teaches U of I community new steps to improve mental health
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Chicago dance group teaches U of I community new steps to improve mental health

URBANA – A group has Champaign-Urbana residents dancing away with new moves by teaching them a beloved Chicago tradition.  The Era Footwork Collective came to Champaign-Urbana on September 7 to teach people how to do “footwork” at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The organization’s mantra is “Footwork Saves Lives”. Sterling “Steelo” Lofton is…

Voice of the Voter: U of I students consider many crucial issues following Presidential debate
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Voice of the Voter: U of I students consider many crucial issues following Presidential debate

Some University of Illinois students are doubling down on their ballot picks following the Presidential debate held on September 10 between Vice President Kamala Harris, and Former President Donald Trump. IPM’s David Pierce uncovered how each candidates’ responses to questions regarding immigration, reproductive rights, and foreign affairs are impacting voting decisions.  Over 80 students gathered…

Voice of the Voter: Spirituality playing role in ballot decision as Harris enters Presidential race
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Voice of the Voter: Spirituality playing role in ballot decision as Harris enters Presidential race

There are mixed feelings with Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden bowed out in July. Some residents in central Illinois are excited. Others are undecided. Traditionally, candidates running for President have been male and white, Harris is the first Black and South Asian woman to top the ticket. That excites Nina…

Voice of the Voter: 18 & Eligible to Cast Ballot
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Voice of the Voter: 18 & Eligible to Cast Ballot

Before President Joe Biden left the race in July, IPM’s David Pierce checked in with young people as part of our “Voice of the Voter” series to get their thoughts on having to pick between Biden and Former President Donald Trump as they cast their ballot for the first time.  Voting is an important part…

Yolanda Adams shares ways Journalists can find peace after NABJ Convention
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Yolanda Adams shares ways Journalists can find peace after NABJ Convention

2024 has been a tumultuous year of news. Journalists and storytellers recently gathered in Chicago at the National Association Of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) convention to find ways to stay grounded. Grammy Award-Winning Gospel Artist, Yolanda Adams, sang “Open My Heart” and “The Battle Is the Lord’s” on the final day of the conference. Afterward, IPM’s…

New UIUC signs honor early Black students, promotes inclusion
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New UIUC signs honor early Black students, promotes inclusion

The African American Heritage Trail, established in 2020, is a series of memorial signs that chronicle the history of African Americans throughout the county. Recently, two new displays have been added to the trail. These are dedicated to William F. Earnest and Maudelle Tanner Brown Bousfield. The new signs are located on First street in…

Local schools educate eligible students on voting ahead of general election
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Local schools educate eligible students on voting ahead of general election

While voting may be a familiar opportunity to most adults, it will be a new experience for those turning 18 ahead of the November 5th election.  Rob Meagher is an American Government and Civics teacher at Centennial High School in Champaign.  Meagher told IPM News Reporter David Pierce the school collaborates with the local chapter of…

Mentee reflects on life purpose discovered following UIUC professor’s death
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Mentee reflects on life purpose discovered following UIUC professor’s death

CHAMPAIGN-Prior to his death, University of Illinois professor, Dr. William Patterson, inspired Champaign residents to build new things. For some, it was a new life. Miquel Smoot told IPM Reporter, David Pierce, that he was living in Champaign and was unsure of what he wanted to do with his life. Then one day in 2020,…

13th Congressional Dist. Candidate claims victory with nearly all votes counted
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13th Congressional Dist. Candidate claims victory with nearly all votes counted

West Point graduate Joshua Loyd, who won the Republican primary in the 13th Congressional District, is looking forward to challenging first-time Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski in November. Loyd, an entrepreneur residing in Virden at the border of Macoupin and Sangamon Counties, leads his primary opponent, Thomas Clatterbuck, by 12 percentage points with most precincts reporting. Speaking…

Champaign Co. Clerk urges early voting for IL Primary amid election judge shortage

Champaign Co. Clerk urges early voting for IL Primary amid election judge shortage

CHAMPAIGN – In Illinois, the number of people signing up to serve as election judges for the March 19th primary has dropped. As a result, Champaign County will have 15 fewer polling locations available this year. This decline has raised concerns among officials, including Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons, who fear that fewer election judges…

Congressional candidate Thomas Clatterbuck talks US involvement in foreign conflicts, the economy, and immigration ahead of IL Primary

Congressional candidate Thomas Clatterbuck talks US involvement in foreign conflicts, the economy, and immigration ahead of IL Primary

Clatterbuck spoke Illinois Public Media politics reporter David Pierce, about the United States providing aid to Ukraine and Israel, the lack of passage of the US Farm Bill, as well as addressing America’s immigration policy.