It’s eagle nesting season in Illinois. One nesting pair calls a northern Illinois state park home
The bald eagle used to be a rare sight in Illinois. Now, there are more than 3,000 that spend the winter here.
Pritzker proposes $56B budget with minimal new spending, tax on social media companies
The budget proposed by Pritzker on Wednesday largely maintains the status quo, and forgoes significant broad-based tax increases.
Republican U.S. Senate Candidate R. Cary Capparelli on Trump, ICE, and persistence in Illinois politics
Seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate race, R. Cary Capparelli shared his views on immigration, Illinois farmers, and the outsourcing of jobs.
WATCH LIVE: Governor Pritzker gives annual budget address
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will deliver his state of the state address and share his vision for taxes and spending in government.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Feb. 19 – Feb. 22
A celebration of queer art, a glow stick dance party, a dinosaur experience, and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
Illinois women’s basketball stays on track with win against Rutgers
The Illinois women’s basketball team got back-to-back wins for the first time this year with a dominant 76-56 win against Rutgers University Tuesday night.
Immigration officials need warrant to enter Champaign County buildings
The order comes as the Trump administration says it is wrapping up its immigration campaign in Minneapolis and claims it has made the community safer.
C-U accountants have this advice for tax filers curious about AI tools
AI tax tools can be handy for summarizing dense tax language and can give people a general idea about how to approach their tax filings. But local accountants warn: Speed doesn’t always equal accuracy.
Illinois Democrats and Republicans introduce competing packages to regulate data centers amid concerns over power and water usage
Lawmakers from both parties argue the centers pose a significant threat to Illinois’ power grid and freshwater sources like the Mahomet Aquifer, but they are offering different visions for how to regulate the industry.
Illinois politicians reflect on Jesse Jackson’s legacy, life, and contributions
According to the Jackson family, public commemorations will take place in Chicago. Officials and organizations from Illinois are paying tribute and remembering Jackson.
Kelly, Krishnamoorthi and Stratton participate in U.S. Senate candidate forum in Champaign
Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnomoorthi and Juliana Stratton – Illinois Democrats running for U.S. Senate — attended a forum hosted by the Illinois chapter of the NAACP. The event took place at Love Corner Church in Champaign.
At IPM News forum, Champaign County Executive candidates discuss data centers, ICE and local finances
Democrats Sanford Hess and Michelle Jett took part in an IPM News candidate forum ahead of the primary election for Champaign County Executive.. With no Republican in the race, whoever wins the race will be the one to take office.
As farmers face a changing climate, a USDA program designed to help is at risk
In 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created a network of “climate hubs” to understand how climate change affects agriculture and forestry and help farmers adapt to more extreme and unpredictable weather.
Longtime civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson dies at 84
The Rev. Jesse Jackson was a lifelong civil rights advocate until his death Tuesday at the age of 84.
Jeff Wilson believes he’s the Republican to flip Illinois’ 13th Congressional District
As early voting gets underway on Thursday in Illinois, Republicans will need to decide if Wilson is the better candidate to represent their party in a seat that’s currently held by U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski.
Penny shortage causes headaches for retailers in the Land of Lincoln
For many Illinoisans, it’s a sentimental ending to see “Honest Abe’s” coin disappear.
Illinois Mens basketball bounces back with a dominant win against Indiana
Illinois Mens basketball bounces back with a dominant win against Indiana.
Bill to regulate homeowners insurance rates could reemerge this session
Pritzker called for legislation following State Farm’s double-digit rate hike last year.
Rick Heidner casts himself as ‘Trump Republican’ in bid to unseat Pritzker
The Barrington Hills businessman has been criticized for past donations to Democrats.
Fear, visa delays and costs are keeping international artists from the Midwest
Performance venues and cultural organizations are seeing a spike in artists from abroad canceling performances and demonstrations — and rethinking U.S. tours.
New C-U Public Health director says he’ll focus on access to affordable health care in Champaign-Urbana
The new head of public health in Champaign County says he’s adamant about health equity and equal access to affordable health care. Dr. Mamadou Tounkara is stepping into the role following former administrator Julie Pryde’s retirement in January after 30 years of service.
Former Trump campaign advisor publishes film criticizing University of Illinois’ Chinese international students
The documentary argues that Chinese students are taking Illinois student spots. Experts say that rhetoric is dangerous and wrong.
Despite concerns, LaHood doesn’t break with administration over vaccinations
Congressman Darin LaHood is not breaking entirely with the Trump administration on the vaccine question — even while acknowledging he now has more than just concerns.
Champaign Township’s new supervisor says she’s committed to keeping the Strides shelter open
Charlene Murray, who was sworn in as Champaign Township’s new supervisor Tuesday night, said she’s working to attract funding for Strides, the area’s only low-barrier shelter, which is at risk of closure.
Guyton’s record-breaking three-pointers help Illinois Women’s basketball bounce back with a 92-60 win against Wisconsin
Buoyed by sophomore guard Aaliyah Guyton’s three-point shots, the Illinois women’s basketball team rebounded after back-to-back losses with a dominant 92-60 win against the University of Wisconsin.
Urbana Park District planning new playground, skate park, walking paths for Prairie and Weaver parks
In the coming years, the Urbana Park District is planning to install new sports facilities, paved walking trails, and a spray ground among other amenities in Prairie Park and Weaver Park.
A free speech group came to the Illini Republicans’ defense in the wake of a Title VI review
After the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announced it would review Title VI reports of a student organization, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression wrote a letter calling the review a violation of the First Amendment.
Trump administration again rejects Illinois’ request for disaster aid from August storm
The agency said supplemental assistance from the federal government wasn’t warranted.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Feb. 12 – Feb. 15
A dinner full of love and music, a health fair, English Country Dance and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
Wisconsin upsets shorthanded No. 8 Illinois in shocking comeback
The No. 8 University of Illinois men’s basketball team lost against the University of Wisconsin 92-90 in overtime after leading by 12 points in the second half.
‘More listening and less talking’: Darren Bailey insists results will be different in 2nd run for governor
Bailey leaning on running mate from Cook County to win over urban voters.
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.
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.
UPDATE: Champaign Unit 4 Schools approves Geovanny Ponce as next superintendent
Geovanny Ponce is a top administrator in Fairfax County Public Schools. He grew up in Honduras and has a doctorate in education from Texas A&M University.
Former Montana coach Bobby Hauck ends brief retirement to become defensive coordinator at Illinois
The 61-year-old Hauck is the Big Sky Conference’s all-times wins leader with a 151-43 record, leading to Grizzlies to four national championship games in 13 playoff appearances over 14 seasons.
Illinois women’s basketball sells out State Farm Center, loses to USC 70-62
Illinois came up short after trying to rally from a 19-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter. For the first time under Head Coach Shauna Green, the team sold out State Farm Center.
‘One Winter Night’ fundraiser aims to raise awareness and promote empathy for homeless people in C-U
The annual event put on by C-U At Home drew 89 participants who spent the night out in the cold to raise money and show their support for the homeless community in Champaign-Urbana.
‘BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions’ film creators discuss crafting a visual album to showcase a Black perspective
BLKNEWS: Terms & Conditions is a new film directed by Kahlil Joseph, with an exclusive premiere in Urbana this week.
Jeremy Fears’ 26 points and 15 assists help No. 10 Michigan State beat No. 5 Illinois 85-82 in OT
With a chance to send the game to a second overtime, Illinois center Zvonimir Ivisic missed a 3-point shot at the buzzer. Michigan State knocked the Fighting Illini out of first place in the Big Ten and ended their 12-game win streak.
Pritzker’s new budget report could set tone for conservative 2027 spending plan
Federal cuts and changes exacerbate tightening fiscal landscape
Illinois attorney general wins state’s first civil hate crime lawsuit
The win came among dozens of lawsuits the state has filed against the Trump administration in the past year.
GOP U.S. Senate candidate Casey Chlebek, Polish immigrant, talks immigration reform, taxes, ‘cultural Marxism’
A Polish immigrant to the U.S., GOP U.S. Senate candidate Casey Chlebek discusses his views on immigration and ICE with the 21st show.
Protections from carbon sequestration and pipelines remain a key priority for Central Illinois advocates and policymakers
Alongside education funding, Faraci said he remains focused on environmental protections for the Mahomet Aquifer, the primary drinking water source for nearly one million people in Central Illinois.
How to vote in Illinois in 2026: Early voting begins this week for most of the state
Capitol News Illinois has launched its revamped 2026 Election Guide to coincide with the opening of early voting throughout much of the state.
Illinois basketball teams split the day
No. 5 Illinois makes 17 3-pointers, beats Northwestern 84-44 for 12th straight win
Search warrant reveals FBI is investigating former Carlyle police chief
The FBI is investigating Pingsterhaus, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, for possible wire fraud and theft of federal funds, according to the search warrant, obtained by Capitol News Illinois and the Illinois Answers Project.
Meet Michelle Jett, Democratic candidate for Champaign County Executive
Democrats in Champaign County will decide who will be the next County Executive in the primary election. Meet Michelle Jett.
Meet Sanford Hess, Democratic candidate for Champaign County Executive
Democrats in Champaign County will decide who will be the next County Executive in the primary election. Meet Sanford Hess.
More U.S. farmers would be eligible for federal loans under new bipartisan bill
A bipartisan bill would expand the eligibility requirements for applicants.
All this snow hasn’t done much to reduce drought in Central Illinois
The groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter. So does Illinois’ climatologist.
Filmed in Central Illinois, ‘Moses the Black’ brings new film opportunities to the area
The film premiere marked a turning point for Central Illinois’ growing film industry, as sources from local studios said productions like “Moses the Black” show the region can support large-scale projects once limited to major cities.
U of I students react to Illini Republicans controversial ICE social media post
An Instagram post made by the Illini Republicans depicting the recent federal agent shooting and killing of Alex Pretti has garnered negative feedback towards the group. U of I officials say the post has been reported to the Title IX Office.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Feb. 5 – Feb. 8
An art reception, the CU Folk & Roots Winter Weekend Festival, Illinois Soul’s second anniversary celebration and more are all happening in central Illinois this week.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Awisi Bustos on her government experience, ‘militarization’ of ICE and AI policy
Illinois Public Media’s The 21st Show is interviewing the candidates and asking them about their views. This week, Brian Mackey sat down with Awisi Quartey Bustos, a Democrat with experience in nonprofits, the private sector and as a state of Illinois employee.
A tick bite made this rancher allergic to her own cattle. It’s a worsening issue for farmers
Alpha-gal syndrome, a tickborne allergy to red meat and dairy, has become more common in the last few years.
Nonprofits sign letter asking Illinois government to resist Trump’s policies
Over 100 organizations across Illinois signed the letter, including LGBTQ+ advocacy group Peoria Proud and JOLT.
Election ’26: 4 Democrats seeking to replace Mendoza as Illinois comptroller
Democrats Margaret Croke, Karina Villa, Stephanie Kifowit and Holly Kim are competing in the primary to succeed outgoing Comptroller Susana Mendoza.
Pritzker gives $5 million to boost Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s Senate bid
The haul is much needed for Stratton to get her message out in TV ads, especially since her campaign took in about $1.1 million and spent $912,000 between October and December.
What to know about the partial government shutdown and its impact
The government funding process had been going smoothly, with key lawmakers in the House and Senate finding bipartisan agreement. But the shooting deaths this month of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renée Good, by federal agents in Minneapolis, changed the dynamic.
‘Voices for Change: Youth Action Expo’ centers Danville youth’s ideas for gun violence prevention
Danville residents gathered to discuss gun violence in their community and initiatives to reduce it. It featured presentations from middle school through college-aged students.