Illinois Head Start Association shares stories of how immigration enforcement has impacted kids at their childcare centers

Immigration enforcement is ramping up again in Illinois. The Illinois Head Start Association recently released a report sharing anonymous community stories about how Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, activity has affected children at Head Start centers. IPR's Peter Medlin sat down with I…

Silos are disappearing from the farm landscape. One woman wants to track them down before they do

Silos — tower-like structures on farms that hold fermented feed for livestock — have dotted the Midwestern landscape for 150 years. But they’re threatened by development and old age. One “silo hunter” in northern Illinois has been tracking down silos her grandfather built before they disappear.

Gratus Choral Ensemble presents The Lost Birds

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Cory Boulton, Coordinator of Music Education and Director of Choral Activities at Bradley University, about The Lost Birds, an upcoming performance by the Gratus Choral Ensemble.

American Heart Association expands prevention efforts in Bloomington-Normal

The American Heart Association is looking to broaden fundraising and prevention efforts to include more of Central Illinois. Historically, the group's focus has been on Champaign and Peoria. Dr. Colleen Blackburn, vice president of operations at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, wants to change that.

Peoria city manager expresses frustration over ongoing issues with Downtown Riverview Plaza

The Riverview Plaza tower in Downtown Peoria has been shuttered for more than two years, as the city pushes building owner MJ Illinois to fix the fire suppression, sprinkler and electrical systems.

Were the Pop-Up Chicken Shop firings legal?

Five employees of Pop-Up Chicken Shop lost their jobs on the Fourth of July after telling owner Aaron Francis they wouldn't work without the time-and-a-half listed in the company's employee handbook.

East Peoria mayor discusses long-range plans, city growth and keeping the casino

In the resumption of a quarterly interview series, East Peoria Mayor John Kahl says optimizing city growth is a key component of the 20-year comprehensive plan adopted in January.

New Department of Early Childhood launches full operations

As Illinois enters a new fiscal year, a new state agency is officially taking charge of a wide range of programs for infants, toddlers and their families. The Illinois Department of Early Childhood officially takes over as the agency in charge of programs ranging from in-home visits for newborns an…

Farmer faces $250K fine after pesticide drift near Morton school

A Morton farmer faces a potential $250,000 fine by the Illinois Department of Agriculture for allegedly applying pesticides on a farm near the Bethel Lutheran School while the school hosted an outdoor event.

Sen. Durbin says president holding housing bill hostage won't last

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says a housing bill is likely to become law even though President Trump is holding it hostage. The president is refusing sign what's called the 21st Century Road to Housing Act until Congress acts on his voting security bill. During a stop in Central Illinois, Durbin told repo…