Woman dies after being found ‘lying on the ground in distress’ on U of I campus, no foul play suspected
The woman was then taken to a local hospital, where she later died. Police said there was no foul play involved, and there is no ongoing threat to the campus community at this time.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois October 8-11
Folk music, a Japan House open house, and a 5k are all coming to Central Illinois this weekend.
What’s it like running as an independent candidate for governor in Illinois? Podcaster Collin Corbett weighs in.
Independent candidate for Illinois governor Collin Corbett joined the 21st Show last week to discuss the origins of his political beliefs and the choice to move away from the traditional two-party system.
UPDATE: Mahomet school board approves raises in new teacher, staff contract
The Mahomet-Seymour CUSD #3 Board of Education approved a new four-year contract Monday for teachers, custodians, bus drivers and other staff.
Mahomet ends talks with data center developer after community backlash
Mahomet officials were in talks with Clean Cloud Energy about a potential data center in the village.
Former Illinois House GOP Leader Jim Durkin crosses party line to endorse Gov. JB Pritzker over Darren Bailey
Durkin has long been a vocal opponent of President Donald Trump, whom the former leader blames for alienating moderate suburban voters who once provided the foundation for the Illinois GOP.
America @ 250: Philosopher Kevin Scharp says that in the age of AI there are no questions, only requests
University of Illinois philosophy professor Kevin Scharp studies artificial intelligence. He thinks America—and humanity—is at an unprecedented crossroads in our relationship with AI, and says the most consequential decisions have already been made.
Dennis Hastert, former US House speaker disgraced by sex abuse allegations, dies at 84
The man who was once second in line to the presidency couldn’t be prosecuted for sex abuse because the statute of limitation for those crimes had passed a decade earlier.
Illinois passed the nation’s first climate migration law. The effort has languished since
Pritzker, the state’s top lawmakers and the heads of several state agencies were supposed to appoint members to the board no later than 90 days after the law went into effect. Until last week, only a single appointment had been made to the 17-seat task force.
UPDATE: Champaign County clerk says 600 people need to watch mail for replacement ballots
A total of 28 people already voted with incorrect ballots in person and by mail.
Urbana School District 116 families help design covered bus stop for Ivanhoe Estates
University of Illinois architecture professor involved in the project, Joseph Altshuler, asked to set up a station at the Urbana neighborhood night where students and families could write and draw out their ideas.
Las familias de Urbana Ivanhoe Estates ayudan a diseñar una parada de autobús cubierta para garantizar la seguridad de los niños cuando hace mal tiempo
Read this article in English here. URBANA — A finales de septiembre, decenas de familias se acercaron a las mesas instaladas en el parque de
As ‘dual credit’ programs keep growing, it’s easier than ever for Illinois high schoolers to earn early college credit
There are now more than 100,000 Illinois high schoolers earning dual credit, compared to around 67,000 in 2020.
Braver Angels Alliance of East-Central Illinois hosts debate on redistricting in Illinois
In Illinois, efforts have been made to create an independent commission to redraw district lines – without success. On Monday, Champaign County residents weighed the potential benefits and challenges of the approach.
Illinois gives Purdue its first Big Ten Win in three years
Illinois lost 17 to 24 as Purdue won back the Canon Trophy and won their first conference game since 2023.
Railroads are charging more to ship grain. U.S. farmers may have to pick up the tab
Harvest season is nearing for many farmers. But the railroads that transport their harvested grain have raised their shipping costs with record-high diesel prices. That could mean lower grain prices for growers.
Champaign County Regional Planning Commission moving to new $2.3 million facility
The organization is moving after 27 years of leasing office space at the Brookens Administrative Center in Urbana. The lease is set to expire in January.
A ‘Monarch Highway’ in the central U.S. stalled. But states are still planting butterfly rest stops
A decade ago, a federal task force announced a plan to help monarch butterflies along their great migration. The six-state effort along Interstate 35 didn’t take off as expected, but some roadsides are blooming anyway.
100 years of Huff Hall history preserved in new time capsule
On Tuesday, the University of Illinois dedicated a new time capsule to be placed in the cornerstone of Huff Hall in Champaign, where it will remain until 2126.
Cattle groups say ICE activity ripples through supply chain
Cattle industry groups in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity is resulting in delays and workforce disruptions.
The new Maize mural in Champaign tells a story of food, family and culture
The mural by local artist José Vazquez reflects owner Armando Sandoval’s childhood memories of cooking with his grandmother in rural Mexico.
Why school transportation is getting so much more expensive for Illinois schools
School transportation costs in Illinois went up 60% over the past five fiscal years of available state data. Last year, Illinois schools spent over $1.8 billion on it.
Champaign Unit 4’s next budget includes $10 million deficit
Unit 4 Chief Business Officer Ray Toliver Jr. said he is looking into various ways to save the school district some money by possibly adjusting health insurance plans, the transportation system, and food purchases.
Winnebago County guards fire pepperballs more than any other Illinois jail — often on people with mental illnesses
In Winnebago County Jail, the state’s second-largest, incident reports show officers have fired at a single person inside a cell 24 times since 2019, directly hitting them in at least 13 of those incidents.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois October 1-4
Live music, Illinois Homecoming festivities, nature-inspired craft sessions and more are coming to central Illinois this weekend!
Champaign County voters could see polling locations close — unless more people become election judges
Champaign County currently has a shortage of 120 election judges. If the gap isn’t filled, the county may see certain polling locations close on Election Day, affecting voters’ experiences.
Rep. Darin LaHood defends Iran war, discusses tariffs and immigration solutions on 21st Show
Congressman Darin LaHood joined the 21st Show last week to make his case for another term while discussing hot topics such as skyrocketing gas prices, the pros and cons of the Iran war, and pathways for legal immigration.
Danville school district to pay for summer tornado damage out of pocket
The deductible for District 118’s insurance plan is greater than the cost of the Mark Denman roof reconstruction.
America @ 250: Bill Bozdech asks that Americans sustain faith and family for the next 250 years
Bill Bozdech, his wife and two sons farm 2,500 acres in Champaign, Douglas and Vermillion counties. His family immigrated to east-central Illinois from central Europe in 1890.
Youth Literature Festival brings authors, storytelling to Champaign-Urbana
The free, family-friendly event — held every two years since 2008 — is designed to place literature and the arts at the center of young people’s lives.
Body found near Alma Mater statue on campus ID’d, ‘no signs of foul play’
University police said in a statement that the deceased person is Alex C. Rodriguez, 29 and that he was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
Diesel has never been more expensive. That’s squeezing farmers as harvest begins
Conflicts in Iran and Russia are causing diesel prices to spike globally. That’s especially hurting U.S. farmers as they head into harvest season, the most fuel intensive period of the agricultural year.
‘The people united will never be defeated’: Protesters voice concerns about data center impacts on environment
Protesters condemned the construction of future data centers, arguing they produce more harm than good.
‘I don’t want my children to be guinea pigs anymore’: inside the movement to rethink screentime in Illinois schools
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), just over 50% of teens report four or more hours of screentime per day — not including schoolwork
C-U Marching Showcase unites local high schools through music
Marching bands from Urbana High School, Central and Centennial gathered for a night of food, fun and performance. The annual event serves as a fundraiser for the bands.
A 4-touchdown day puts Jeremiah Smith in rare Ohio State company against Illinois
Jeremiah Smith finished with 12 catches for 217 yards, and his four TDs tied a school record as No. 7 Ohio State opened Big Ten Conference play with a 42-19 victory over Illinois.
Unit 4 opens its middle school doors as Champaign voters weigh $192 million renovation plan
Middle schools are overcrowded and in need of updates and expansions, district officials say, noting that annual tax rates won’t increase as a result of the “Building Better Schools” referendum.
Dozens of deaths in Illinois jails missing from state records
An Illinois Answers Project analysis revealed that 63 people who died in jails were missing from state data on in-custody fatalities. Now the state is auditing its records.
This USDA lab has studied threats to food and farms for decades. Now its scientists must relocate
Federal scientists are still scrambling to find new jobs or relocate across the country as Maryland’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center’s last days of operation approach. Even as their personal lives upend, employees are concerned that BARC’s legacy of impactful research will be left behind.
Escapes. Fires. Rebellions. Trove of records reveals chaos inside Illinois county jails.
Jail staff are supposed to report any “extraordinary or unusual occurrences” to the Jail and Detention Standards Unit (JDSU) within the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). But jails have been haphazardly reporting for years, and some incidents were never disclosed to the JDSU.
American hemp sellers prepare for a looming ban on most of their products: ‘This is devastating’
Beginning in December, new federal restrictions will make many hemp products illegal. Businesses in the industry are getting ready to close down most or all of their operations, while advocates hope there’s still time to change course before the ban begins.
Danville residents rally behind proposed Kickapoo Rail Trail expansion
Trails of the Grand Prairie, a nonprofit working to expand the Kickapoo Rail Trail, is applying for a state grant to extend the trail to Danville.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois September 24 – 27
A warbirds and classics air show, agriculture education activities, live music and more are coming to central Illinois this weekend.
U of I Extension warns to leave the mountain lion in the area alone
The extension says those in Jackson and Union counties should keep pets and children indoors or under supervision.
Federal delays are holding up $21 billion for rural internet projects, as states wait for guidance
State officials can’t spend billions in federal funding to connect remote areas to the internet until the Trump administration provides information on how to use the money. Broadband offices are hopeful guidance is on the way – but when remains unclear.
America @ 250: Barbara Suggs Mason asks what kind of country Americans are leaving for future generations
Barbara Suggs Mason’s family has been part of Champaign County since at least 1865. Until recently, she was co-chair of the Champaign County African American Heritage trail.
Gov. Pritzker opens up about his 80-pound weight loss, use of GLP-1 — ‘I think it’s what I need to succeed’
More than two years into his weight loss journey, Gov. JB Pritzker says he wants to talk about it, largely in part because he knows millions of Americans are suffering from obesity-related health conditions.
Champaign County’s 125-year-old courthouse faces an uncertain financial future
Since 1901, the courthouse has gone through immense changes, from the building itself to the way it functions in the community. But changes to state law have led to a sharp decline in revenue for courthouse services.
Bike to Work Day promotes safety and accessibility across Champaign County
Cyclists participated in Bike to Work Day, part of a larger Bike Month across Champaign County.
Illinois residents who are terminally ill can now end their lives. Here’s how it works.
The medical aid in dying law is facing court challenges, but the law still stands.
Illinois ends nonconference schedule with a win against SIU
After scoring his second touchdown of the game, Colin Dixon now holds the record for most touchdowns scored at Gies Memorial Stadium.
Most car seats aren’t installed properly. C-U Public Health aims to help
When a car seat is not properly installed, children and babies can be harmed, even in low-speed collisions. It’s why the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District offers free car seat safety checks.
Sheriff Dustin Heuerman and Gregory Worrell discuss immigration enforcement, Flock cameras in candidate interviews
Democratic incumbent Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman and Republican Gregory Worrell, participated in candidate interviews at Illinois Public Media’s studios.
With homelessness on the rise in Champaign County, a group of service providers seeks solutions
CHAMPAIGN – Homelessness in Champaign County has risen in recent years. The latest count, conducted in early 2026, found 364 people in the area
IPM’s Content Creation Lab returns offering unique opportunity to teen media enthusiasts
The semester blends hands-on studio time with guided workshops, creative challenges, and real-world media practices.
Mahomet-Seymour school district teachers move to authorize a future strike over contract negotiations
The Mahomet-Seymour school district warned Tuesday in a news release that schools may be forced to close if the union representing teachers and staff goes on strike over contract negotiations and that extracurriculars activities would also be canceled.
Construction sites will be required to be more welcoming to women under a new Illinois law
A successful legislative push embraced by Gov. JB Pritzker means the state’s male-dominated construction industry soon will have to make new job-site accommodations to employees who lactate and menstruate.
El Paso burial site of first Black man to vote in Illinois confirmed 121 years after his death
More than 120 years after his death, local historians finally feel confident of the burial spot for the first Black man to vote in Illinois.
Champaign County residents share concerns about data centers and a shortage of skilled nursing beds
At Tuesday’s Champaign County board meeting, the chair of the board said the county has no data centers planned. And during public comment, residents asked for help to fund a skilled nursing facility.
Champaign Unit 4 school district backs away from free meals for all, looks into reducing costs of bus routes
Superintendent Geovanny Ponce said families should email him if they are above the income cut-off and can’t afford school meals.