Welcome to Morton, Illinois — the bite-sized town that produces a whole lot of canned pumpkin
The pumpkin pie Americans enjoy each Thanksgiving often comes from pumpkins grown near Morton, Illinois.
Stojakovic scores 20 points as No. 8 Illinois routs Long Island 98-58
David Mirkovic had 12 points and eight rebounds for the 5-1 Illini, who bounced back nicely after losing to No. 11 Alabama in Chicago on Wednesday night.
Stirring history: The plates and legacy of Black holiday food
From collard greens to mac and cheese, and even sweet potatoes, the flavors and traditions behind Black holiday meals are passed down through generations. But could we be losing recipes?
9 months after federal bribery conviction, former Speaker Madigan disbarred
Nearly six decades after becoming a lawyer, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been disbarred following his convictions on federal corruption charges — including bribery — earlier this year.
Illinois regulators cut Ameren’s natural gas rate increase request by nearly $56M
The Illinois Commerce Commission approved a $73 million natural gas rate increase for Ameren on Wednesday. It’s not yet known how much bills will go up with the decision.
This niche card game has a loyal following in an Illinois prison
Danville Correctional Center reversed a ban on Magic: The Gathering cards last year. Since then, the game has been a source of community and joy.
Now-9am: Dense fog advisory in much of central Illinois
URBANA – The National Weather Service in Lincoln has posted a Dense Fog Advisory for much of central and southwest Illinois until mid-morning on Friday.
Carle Arrow Ambulance is now Champaign’s sole emergency medical services provider
Arrow Ambulance is setting aside four trucks and staff to exclusively serve Champaign. Some paramedics are concerned the agency is not prepared for the task.
Newly released cache of Epstein emails reveal deeper ties with Thomas Pritzker, governor’s cousin
Thomas Pritzker, Gov. JB Pritzker’s cousin, exchanged at least 20 back-and-forth emails with Epstein that show the two remarking on current events and making plans to see each other.
7th Circuit stays judge’s order restricting immigration agents’ use of riot control weapons
The ruling comes after this fall’s Chicago-focused “Operation Midway Blitz” immigration enforcement campaign quickly wound down late last week.
Your Thanksgiving turkey could be more expensive this year. Tariffs are a big culprit
An average 15-pound turkey could cost around $30 this Thanksgiving, according to an analysis from Purdue University.
Illinois prisons are confining the incarcerated to their cells more often than during the pandemic. Can peer education help?
Prison lockdowns cut incarcerated people off from educational opportunities, and they often occur due to staff shortages. Experts say peer mentorship could help fill the gap.
What’s next now that Trump has signed bill releasing the Epstein files
The bill will most likely trigger a rarely seen baring of a sprawling federal investigation, also creating the potential for unintended consequences.
A Farewell to Kennedy Vincent and a Deep Dive Into the ‘No Kings’ Movement
On the Dialogue show, we revisit a conversation about the New Kings movement with civil rights lawyer Gloria J. Browne-Marshall and give a farewell to our inaugural host and producer Kennedy Vincent.
This week in Black Central Illinois: Remembering Latrelle Bright, an Underground Railroad mural and a play about veterans
This episode of “Dialogue” features a round-up of stories from around our region, from remembering Latrelle Bright, a pillar in the CU theatre community, the unveiling of the Underground Railroad mural and a play about veterans brought to life on stage.
Pritzker discusses immigration crackdown with Pope Leo XIV in Rome
The governor also extended an invitation to the Chicago-born pontiff to visit his hometown.
Digital driver’s licenses, IDs available to Illinois residents starting Wednesday
Digital IDs will first be available for iPhones and Apple Watches via the Apple Wallet app, and the new mobile IDs “will soon expand” to Google and Samsung wallets for Android devices.
Duckworth staffer dismissed in wake of immigration accusations
Duckworth sent the letter, a copy of which was obtained by Capitol News Illinois, to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons on Monday, notifying him that staffer Edward York has been terminated.
Junior League of Champaign-Urbana celebrates final Festival of Trees
Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield spoke with the JLCU’s Vice President of Fundraising Monica Samii-Porter about the Festival of Trees and how the group came to the decision.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Nov. 20 – Nov. 23
Musicals, films, holiday markets, and more are all happening this week in central IL.
Senate President Don Harmon avoids $10M fine after election board deadlocks
The Democrat was accused of accepting millions of dollars beyond contribution limits in 2024.
Several counties in Central Illinois under Severe Thunderstorm warning
Residents are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building for safety precautions.
House and Senate both approve releasing the Epstein files by a near unanimous margin
The measure advanced through both chambers Tuesday following a day of quick action by the standards of Congress.
Put your rake down! Fallen leaves are healthy for soil and wildlife
Scientists say leaving autumn leaves on the ground can add important nutrients to the soil and create needed habitat for insects.
CPB agrees to revive a $36 million deal with NPR killed after Trump’s pressure
The arrangement resolves litigation filed by NPR accusing the corporation of illegally yielding to Trump’s demands that the network be financially punished for its news coverage.
‘There’s a softness that starts to settle in’: peer educators incarcerated at Danville Correctional Center describe their teaching journey
Danville Correctional Center has led the state in experimenting with peer education programs. Men serving long sentences there have transformed themselves, through learning and teaching, into community pillars at the prison.
U of I students say some leasing companies scam them out of their security deposits
Thousands of students at the University of Illinois of Urbana-Champaign live in apartments. Some say they’re being taken advantage of by the leasing company University Group.
Starved Rock State Park will undergo an $18 million improvement project over the next year
The improvements will include repairs to retaining walls, bridges, stairways and boardwalks.
Decatur begins first phase of water rationing due to the ongoing drought
Officials said Lake Decatur’s water level continues to drop and drought conditions persist in the Lake Decatur watershed as much of central Illinois has received below average rainfall since mid-August 2025.
Man dies after being electrocuted at Clinton nuclear plant
DeWitt County Coroner Randy Rice has identified the man who died as Samuel Ward, 29, of Decatur.
Illinois Public Media’s new leaders describe their vision, hope to allay staff concerns
Lillie Duncanson and John Steinbacher officially began sharing the executive director role on Sunday.
Illinois stands tall against Maryland during Military Appreciation Day Game
Illinois (7-3, 4-3) celebrated the weekend with a 24-6 victory against the University of Maryland (4-6, 1-6). It was a windy game as Illinois tried to fight off the 15 mph winds all game.
Mirkovic’s 27 points and 21 rebounds carry No. 14 Illinois to 84-65 win over Colgate
Mirkovic, a 6-foot-9 freshman from Montenegro, became the first Illinois player to have 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game since Nick Weatherspoon in 1972.
USDA data casts doubt on China’s soybean purchase promises touted by Trump
OMAHA, Neb. — New data the Agriculture Department released Friday created serious doubts about whether China will really buy millions of bushels of American soybeans
Protesters arrested, officers injured in clash outside Chicago-area immigration facility
Police and Cook County sheriffs detained 21 people by midday Friday, and said four officers were injured. Demonstrators sang and chanted before allegedly crossing a protest barrier around 10 a.m.
Full SNAP benefits to resume this month after government shutdown ends
Illinois recipients are expected to receive their outstanding benefits by Nov. 20.
Curious about astrophotography in C-U? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the craft
Somewhere thousands of light years away, colorful clouds paint space with blotches and swirls of light and color – but the images are too faint to see by the naked eye. Amateur astrophotographers in Champaign-Urbana discuss the unique challenges of astrophotography and what makes central Illinois a great place for capturing images of cosmic wonders.
IPM’s 2025 State of Change special broadcast explores Illinois’ prairies and bison
State of Change 2025 airs Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. on WILL-TV.
State agency spending cut plans remain unclear following Pritzker’s order
A Freedom of Information request submitted by Capitol News Illinois to review what agencies submitted to Pritzker was denied, with the governor’s office saying the agencies’ responses were draft recommendations and therefore exempt from public disclosure.
Chicago civil rights leader Jesse Jackson hospitalized for rare neurological disorder
The civil rights leader was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over a decade ago.
Full SNAP benefits to start going out Friday as shutdown ends, Illinois officials say
The bill passed by the U.S. House and signed by President Donald Trump Wednesday night funds SNAP through next September.
Reps. LaHood, Sorensen split on government shutdown vote
The House voted 222 to 209 mostly along party lines to fund the government. President Trump signed the bill into law Wednesday night.
Illinois Public Media’s Executive Director addresses upcoming departure
Bresnahan will become the special advisor to the dean on public media at the college, and two department heads are being promoted from within to take on the executive director role.
A historic shutdown is over. It leaves no winners and much frustration
The fallout of the shutdown landed on millions of Americans, including federal workers who went without paychecks and airline passengers who had their trips delayed or canceled.
U of I College of Media removes Illinois Public Media executive director, promotes from within to fill
Staff at the Urbana-based station learned in an email Tuesday morning that the College of Media is removing current executive director Moss Bresnahan, moving him to an advisory role within the college.
Illinois hosts Maryland Saturday for Military Appreciation Day
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said that he will bring veterans and those currently in the military to Saturday’s game to honor them.
Kat Abughazaleh, other politicians plead not guilty in Broadview conspiracy case
The charges stem from a protest Sept. 26 outside the Broadview ICE facility, which has been the subject of separate litigation.
U.S. Border Patrol boss Greg Bovino, fellow agents to soon leave Chicago but could be back four-fold in March
One DHS source said 1,000 agents could return in the spring, up from 250 now.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Nov. 13 – Nov. 16
A book fair, holiday light displays, and a market showcasing talented artists are all happening in central Illinois this week.
Bailey to stay in governor’s race following family tragedy
The decision came after ‘a lot of prayer and reflection,’ Bailey told his supporters.
Faculty at U of I urge administrators to reject Trump higher education compact
The school’s University Senate voted Monday to urge administrators to keep the school out of the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.
Federal and state websites descend into political finger-pointing as SNAP fight drags on
Food assistance benefits were cut off in November due to the government shutdown. That’s led a handful of state agencies to post messages blaming Republicans or Democrats for the shutdown on official websites.
Key Illinois Democrats at odds with Durbin over shutdown vote — again
Durbin was among 8 Democratic senators to back plan to reopen federal government
Sen. Tammy Duckworth talks SNAP, ICE agents, Alive Day anniversary on 21st Show
The longest federal government shutdown seems to be inching closer to its end. In a previously taped interview with the 21st show, Senator Tammy Duckworth discusses aviation safety, SNAP, ICE agents, and what this upcoming Veteran’s Day means to her.
‘If All The Sky Were Paper,’ a play about veterans, is brought to life on stage in Urbana
Andrew Carroll traveled across the globe collecting wartime letters. He visited almost 40 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and from the artifacts he found, crafted a story about the war letters.
Now, his nonfiction book, “If All the Sky Were Paper,” will be brought to life on stage.
Snow comes to an end in Central Illinois
There will be a 30-50% chance of at least minor impacts from lake effect snow tonight into Monday morning over portions of Champaign and Vermilion Counties.
Farmers are desperate for workers. They want Trump to make it easier to hire foreign labor
The U.S. agricultural industry depends on undocumented immigrants, but President Trump’s immigration crackdown is further depleting an already tight workforce.
School closings/delays for Monday, November 9
Clinton Community School District #15 will be closed Monday due to a power outage.
Senate, including Durbin, takes first step toward ending the government shutdown
In the end, only five Democrats switched their votes — the exact number that Republicans needed, including Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat.
Infant botulism in 10 US states linked to formula being recalled
No deaths were reported. The formula is sold online and through major retailers. Infant botulism is caused by a bacterium that produces toxins in the large intestine.