Crowded field of candidates hoping to represent district that stretches from Chicago to Danville
Rep. Robin Kelly (D) is the current officeholder in the 2nd congressional district. She is not seeking re-election as she is running to be a US Senator.
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Economics and energy take center stage in this year’s 13th congressional district campaigns
Representative Nikki Budzinski (D) is seeking a third term in Illinois’ 13th congressional district, which stretches from Champaign-Urbana to East St. Louis. But she faces several challengers from the GOP as well as her own party.
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Jazz Composer, Terence Blanchard, talks elevating Black Culture via opera, Super Bowl 2025, and African Americans’ impact on society
In films, such as Spike Lee’s Malcolm X or Gina Prince-Bythewood’s The Woman King, music is used as an underlying tool to draw emotions from viewers. Tones of sound allow audiences to feel what Lee’s characters are experiencing on the big screen, whether it’s joy, tension or sorrow. The man working behind the scenes on those…
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One-on-One with NAACP’s Karen Boykin-Towns ahead of 2025 Image Awards
Illinois Soul’s David Pierce spoke with Karen Boykin-Towns, who is the Vice Chair for NAACP’s Board of Directors and Co-Executive Producer of the show about what viewers can expect to see on this joy-filled night.
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Lack of access anticipated ahead of second Trump term
Many central Illinoisans are concerned about a second presidency of Donald J. Trump, who takes the oath of office on January 20, 2025 at 11am CT.
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Voice of the Voter: Central Illinoisians Have Different Visions for Second Trump Term
Illinois was one of a handful of states that went for Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election, but residents in the central part of the state have differing visions of what happens next with former President Donald Trump heading back to the White House.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
