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.
Off My Neck: From Cotton Fields To U.S. Marshal
Robert Moore Central Illinois’ first Black U.S. Marshal shares details on his journey through the Illinois State Police and how he fought for civil rights within the realm of law enforcement.
‘Our strength lies in letting many identities thrive’: U of I celebrates South Asian cultures
The hypnotic tunes of South Asian music merged with the sound of ghungroo bells, as dozens of audience members clapped and moved along with dancers Thursday night, many joining in to sing familiar South Asian tunes.
What to know about 10% reduction in flights at US airports caused by the government shutdown
U.S. airports in cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The FAA is imposing the reductions to take pressure off air traffic controllers who are working without pay during the shutdown.
Some SNAP-eligible Illinoisans could receive partial payments starting Friday
After a federal judge ruled the Trump administration needed to make partial payments, the Illinois Department of Human Services said some Illinoisans could see benefits as early as this weekend.
State Rep. Sharon Chung wants Gov. JB Pritzker to back off State Farm
State Rep. Sharon Chung of Bloomington helped defeat a bill that would have allowed the state to regulate homeowners insurance rates.
Danville schools say student social media post was unrelated to anonymous threat on Monday
Danville School District 118 dismissed all schools today because of an anonymous threat. There are no injuries to students or staff.
Champaign Head Start is fine for now under government shutdown, but moms worry about food
The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission’s Early Childhood Division Director is concerned about families who participate in the local Head Start program being able to eat.
Where to find food assistance in Central Illinois as SNAP funding remains in jeopardy
Funding for federal food assistance is set to run out on Saturday, Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown. IPM News is compiling a list of resources and food pantries in East Central Illinois.
Illinois redistricting will hinge on Indiana, Gov. Pritzker says
Pritzker on Wednesday did not provide a potential timeline for the Illinois General Assembly to consider redistricting.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not seek reelection
Pelosi’s departure will mark the end of an era in Congress. In 2007, she became the first woman elected to serve as speaker of the House.
Judge orders ICE to clean up conditions in Broadview facility that’s ‘become a prison’
The ruling follows hours of testimony from former detainees who couldn’t speak to lawyers.
Remembering Latrelle Bright: a pillar in the Champaign-Urbana theater community
Latrelle Bright was one of Champaign-Urbana’s influential artistic leaders: a director, mentor, teaching professor and friend. The local community remembers her widespread impact.
Some Midwest soybeans are headed to China. But farmers still need other buyers
U.S. soybean farmers this fall had faced the grim reality of losing their largest foreign buyer, until President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping struck a deal last week.
Champaign appoints fire chief
Tyler Funk has been serving as the city’s interim fire chief since July. Prior to that, Funk served the Champaign Fire Department for 26 years, rising to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief before retiring in 2023.
Republican Don Tracy talks with The 21st Show about his bid to flip Illinois’ U.S. Senate seat
Don Tracy, a former chair of the Illinois Republican Party, is running to succeed Senator Dick Durbin. Tracy shared his perspective on immigration enforcement, foreign conflicts and casting a big tent for conservatives.
Illinois bill ‘decouples’ state, federal taxes, raising revenue and angering businesses
The House voted 76-33 and the Senate 37-19 to pass Senate bill 1911. If signed by the governor, it would erase about $250 million from the projected fiscal year 2026 deficit.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Nov. 6 – Nov. 9
Plays and musicals, an art fair, a film festival and more are all happening in central Illinois this week.
Election 2025 America Votes
Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill has been elected governor of New Jersey. Former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger has won Virginia’s election for governor. Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani has been elected mayor of New York City.
An engine fell off a UPS plane before a deadly crash and explosion in Kentucky, the NTSB says
A UPS cargo plane’s left wing caught fire and an engine fell off just before it crashed and exploded after takeoff in Kentucky, a federal investigator said Wednesday, offering the first official details about a disaster that killed at least 11 people, including a child.
Illinois treasurer faces no GOP challenger as 2026 primary ballots take shape
No Republican filed to run for state treasurer by the close of the weeklong filing period for the March 17 primary election, marking, according to Frerichs’ campaign,
SNAP funds are delayed and reduced for 2M Illinoisans due to the shutdown. Here’s how C-U is affected
Nearly 2 million Illinois residents lost access to SNAP benefits on Saturday, leaving many struggling to afford groceries. While Gov. JB Pritzker has directed $20 million in state funds to food banks, it’s still uncertain when federal aid will resume for the millions of Americans affected.
Identity theft scam targets Logan County residents, claiming missed jury duty
Several people in Logan County reported phone calls and text messages which threaten arrest warrants for failing to appear for jury duty.
Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in US history, dies at 84
Dick Cheney, the hard-charging conservative who became one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history and a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq, has died at age 84.
Trump administration OKs partial SNAP funding for November after judges’ orders
The Trump administration said Monday it would use emergency funds to partially fund SNAP benefits for November but would not tap into other funds to provide full coverage.
Tasks on a treadmill: Live show pushes the limits, explores human abilities in unique way
Burnout Paradise features four artists will performing a series of tasks all while running on treadmills. The show is coming to Krannert Center for the Performing arts this November 7 and 8.
Bill to regulate homeowners’ insurance rates fails on final day of veto session
Pritzker had called for action in wake of State Farm’s 27.2% rate hike in July.
David Mirkovic has 19 points, 14 rebounds to lead No. 17 Illinois to a 113-55 win over Jackson State
Mirkovic, a 6-foot-9 freshman forward from Montenegro, is one of four new international players on the Illinois roster this season.
Conservation land trust in Coles County to expand
This project adds another stretch of the Embarras River to the existing 14 river-miles under Grand Prairie Friends’ protection across Champaign, Douglas and Coles Counites.
‘Word is Seed’ brings poetry and songs in a variety of languages to Spurlock Museum in Urbana
The eighth annual “Word is Seed” event at the Spurlock Museum in Urbana highlighted the beauty of language, featuring speakers presenting their poems or songs in their own language.
In Chicago, a Halloween weekend of immigration arrests and violence
Over the weekend, heightened immigration enforcement actions in and around Chicago led to muted Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations, with residents reporting a noticeable decline in festivities.
Lawsuit alleges ICE detainees denied access to counsel while held in ‘inhumane’ conditions
7th Circuit rules judge overstepped in ordering Bovino into court for daily check-ins
Veterans showcase their artwork surrounding Veterans Day
If All the Sky Were Paper will feature artwork by veterans at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts through November.
Flight delays persist as government shutdown leads to air traffic controller shortages
George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Chicago O’Hare were also seeing dozens of delays and one or two cancellations.
Illinois bounces back with a statement win against Rutgers
Illinois brought itself back in the win column with a 35-13 victory against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, making itself eligible for a bowl game.
Former deputy Sean Grayson found guilty of murder in the shooting of Sonya Massey inside her Springfield house
A jury on Wednesday convicted an Illinois sheriff’s deputy of second-degree murder, a lesser charge, in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 to report a suspected prowler.
Ledisi returning to Illinois after European tour and paying homage to Dinah Washington with new album
Ledisi wowed crowds at Krannert Center for Performing Arts in Urbana.
Uncertainty over federal food aid deepens as the shutdown fight reaches a crisis point
WASHINGTON — The crises at the heart of the government shutdown fight in Washington were coming to a head Saturday as the federal food assistance program faced delays
‘They are literally targeting people.’ ICE comes to southern Illinois
Man detained at Spanish-speaking traffic court in Clinton County is a first in the area .
Illinois lawmakers approve ban on civil immigration arrests in state courthouses
After weeks of criticizing federal immigration raids, state lawmakers took legislative action.
Lawmakers OK sweeping energy reform package that governor pledges to sign
SPRINGFIELD — A closely-watched and long-debated piece of energy legislation is set to become law after passing through both legislative chambers with the governor’s endorsement.
Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee sparks anxiety among international students and economists
A new federal policy requiring companies to pay $100,000 for each H-1B visa application has sparked concern among international students. Critics say the change could make it harder for skilled foreign workers to stay in the U.S., threatening innovation and widening talent gaps in key industries.
Illinois students are now learning reading skills faster every year. What changed?
The Illinois State Board of Education released data on Thursday showing stronger reading growth than before the pandemic.
Health insurance costs are rising as financial assistance declines. Here’s how C-U could be affected
With open enrollment on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace starting on Nov. 1, local health advocates are warning that premiums for 2026 plans could more than double unless Congress extends subsidies that reduce those costs.