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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Patterson was one of several alumni from Champaign or Urbana public schools to be honored.
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,…
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 – 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…
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.