Should descendants of enslaved Black Americans receive reparations? An Illinois commission wants your opinions.
As Juneteenth approaches, the debate continues about whether descendants of enslaved Black Americans should receive reparations. In 2022, the city of Evanston, near Chicago, made
Champaign, Danville and Urbana to mark Juneteenth by celebrating Black freedom and families
Juneteenth marks the arrival of U.S. Army troops in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. The troops told some of the last enslaved Americans that
Farm store Rural King breaks ground on $75M headquarters in Mattoon
Rural King is building a new campus in Mattoon, which will house the company’s headquarters, flagship store and an event center.
Photo Gallery: Aftermath of storms in Champaign and Vermilion Counties
Cleanup underway in Champaign and Vermilion Counties after storms on June 12, 2026. Photos by Abigail Bottar and Reginald Hardwick, IPM News
Severe storms cause major damage to homes, schools and trees in central Illinois; thousands without power
Major damage reported in Champaign and Vermilion Counties after heavy winds and rain passed through Thursday night.
Tornado Watch for east central Illinois until Friday at 1am CT
The National Weather Service is forecasting strong to severe storms on Thursday evening.
Champaign County officials break ground on $48M rural internet project
The CONNECT Champaign County Fiber Internet project will connect nearly 3,000 rural residents to broadband.
After much anticipation, Garden Hills improvements wrap up with new stormwater basins, playground equipment
Hedge Park is the main attraction of the new improvements. It includes a workout area, swing set, an exploradome with webbing and ropes to monkey around and a splash zone to cool off.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois June 11 – June 14
Join a knitting circle, raise the roof at a silent disco, peruse a local famers market, and more all this weekend in Central Illinois.
New Unit 4 superintendent hires new cabinet, one current member staying
On Monday, the Unit 4 school board approved three more members of Geovanny Ponce’s new cabinet.
Lincoln and Logan County officials slam state plans to close Logan Correctional Center
The move has been in the works for several years with state officials saying the all-women’s prison in Lincoln, built in the 1930s, was outdated and in disrepair.
Urbana City Council postpones vote on West Main Street housing project
The Urbana City Council is expected to take a final vote at a special meeting on July 6.
Dangerous humidity is increasing in the Midwest and South, putting farmworkers at risk
Extreme heat combined with high humidity is becoming more common as the climate warms, making it harder for people to cool their bodies.
KIDS COUNT data ranks Illinois 7th in the nation in education
The report looks at dozens of indicators including high school graduation rates, standardized test scores, and chronic absences.
Fish and mussels returned to these rivers after decades of cleanup. But new threats loom
Some rivers are success stories where wildlife is bouncing back from heavy pollution. But environmental groups say progress hasn’t happened across the board and backsliding remains possible.
NPR’s new chief content officer: ‘I’ve been training for this job my whole life’
NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher praised Zylstra, noting her work at Sesame and Pinterest’s reputation as a rare corner of relative kindness in the often harsh world of social media.
Trump administration blocks wind farm development in Illinois and across the nation
The Trump administration now has what amounts to a moratorium on new wind farm projects, according to renewable energy advocates.
Federal indictment alleges a former Champaign County Board member wrongfully collected unemployment benefits
The State Attorney’s office said Ammons falsely certified to the Illinois Department of Employment Security that she did not work and did not receive any wages while receiving benefits.
Family advocates praise Illinois bill that gives parents more transparency in child abuse investigations
The bill requires child abuse pediatricians — investigators at the hospital who look at medical records to determine if there is potential child abuse — to state who they are to parents as they start an investigation.
As people protest data centers across the Heartland, lawmakers rush to regulate development
Development of large-scale data centers is booming across the Midwest and South. As some communities push back, local and state governments are trying to catch up on how to regulate the new development.
Violence kills Champaign teen, large fight in Urbana results in two arrests
Someone shot and fatally wounded a 16-year-old in Champaign early Saturday morning.
Combe Incorporated invests $30 million to expand Rantoul facility, with $5 million state grant
Combe’s expansion in Rantoul is expected to create more than 20 new full-time jobs in the village and retain 100 existing full-time jobs.
Rantoul Township High School superintendent ‘pleased’ with state budget, hoping for more transportation funding
Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio said he is pleased with the increase to the evidence-based funding formula. But he would like to see additional funding for transportation services.
Glock ban, prescription drug board among measures that stall in final days
Multiple bills that did not advance in the General Assembly are likely to be discussed throughout the summer for possible revival in veto session.
These junior high students championed the black and gold bumblebee. Now it’s the Illinois state bee
While most student research projects end up in a storage bin in the attic, one that 8th graders at Naperville’s Lincoln Junior High worked on is now state law.
Illinois treasurer’s gift to Pope Leo? $8.65 of pontiff’s own money
Robert Prevost had money in unclaimed property from closed PayPal account.
Central Illinois dragonfly enthusiasts can take part in unique learning opportunity
The program is geared towards children in grades 6-10, but can be adjusted for other grade levels.
Illinois Supreme Court to implement a new transparency policy
Effective July 1, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts will publish data from Circuit Clerk Offices, Court Services/Probation, Juvenile Detention Center(s), the Supreme and Appellate Courts, and the Illinois Office of Statewide Pretrial Services.
Champaign County carbon sequestration task force submits final recommendations
The Champaign County Carbon Sequestration Activities Task Force wrapped up its work Wednesday night, submitting final recommendations to the county.
Lawmakers approve bill to regulate e-bikes, scooters
Senate Bill 3336 would establish regulations on “micromobility” transportation such as e-bikes and e-scooters that include age requirements, speed limits and rules on where they can be operated.
Illinois bill limits how social media companies can target feeds to children
The bill passed the Senate unanimously on Monday with a vote of 57-0. It passed the House a second time on Monday with a 113-0 vote.
Top Illinois Democratic and GOP leaders discuss state budget on 21st Show
Illinois leaders from both sides of the aisle joined the 21st Show this week. They shared their views on taxes, federal policies, education funding, and tech.
Urbana becomes first city in Illinois to adopt ethical investments policy
The new rules prohibit the city from investing in certain companies that profit from war or conflict.
City of Urbana honors former member city council member Chaundra Bishop following her death
The city released a statement on Wednesday paying tribute to Bishop. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2016, according to the city.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois June 4 – June 7
An night celebrating Black music, fiddle events, an 80s-themed bike ride, and more are all happening this weekend.
Illinois asking for residents’ input on housing concerns
Illinois Housing Development Authority is in the process of drafting their 2027 Housing Blueprint.
‘We didn’t have time’: Pritzker, leaders defend adjourning without Bears deal
A bipartisan vote on a hastily crafted bill in the Senate around 3:30 a.m. Monday morning gave late life to hopes the legislature would pass a bill giving the Bears property tax certainty.
Honorary Christopher Oberheim Way recognizes the sacrifices of a loving father, husband and protector
Christopher Oberheim’s family members say he was the ultimate girl dad, a loving husband, a respected coach and a public servant who gave his life serving the city of Champaign.
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts upcoming season celebrates community
The 2026-2027 season at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts includes musical collaborations, an illusionist, circus acts and more.
Teen boy, man hurt after two weekend shootings in Champaign
Police are looking for the shooter and motive for both incidents. Anyone who has information is asked to contact the Champaign Police Department.
IPM says farewell to Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield
Kimberly Schofield became the All Things Considered host in 2022 and was promoted to Morning Edition host in 2023.
Schools to get funding increase, but less than some had urged
Illinois lawmakers passed a budget Monday morning that includes a full $350 million increase in Evidence-Based Funding for public schools, money earmarked specifically for the neediest school districts in the state.
Honorary Bishop King James Underwood Way pays tribute to a longtime church leader and community builder
An honorary street sign on Grove Street in Champaign — from Sixth to Wright — marks the legacy of Bishop King James Underwood, a recognition given to a man who built community, both spiritually and physically.
Session slog ends in $56B budget, new taxes on social media companies, crypto, fantasy sports
Gas tax increase suspended while new taxes on businesses plug revenue hole
Lawmakers pass bill to shield abortion information from digital medical records
The measure seeks to protect abortion patients in Illinois from out-of-state retaliation.
Illinois pension divestment repeal sparks debate over free speech
Passed unanimously in 2015, the law made Illinois a national leader in anti-BDS pension legislation. Now, lawmakers are weighing competing concerns.
Honorary Rabbi Ben Frankel Way recognizes the founder of the world’s first Hillel
Rabbi Benjamin Frankel founded the Hillel at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign in 1923. Hillel has since grown into an international movement reaching more than 800 campuses across the globe.
UPDATE: Man arrested after Champaign road crew worker killed in crash
The Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office said that a 29-year-old Tennessee man has been charged with one count of reckless homicide, according to several reports.
Illinois lawmakers pass landmark AI accountability bill
The measure aims to promote accountability among the most powerful AI models.
Champaign City Council weighs in on proposed homelessness prevention plan
City of Champaign aims to support renters and landlords alike in their proposed plan, including allocating more funds to existing resources as well as creating new programs and funding options.
Honorary Patricia Avery Neal Way recognizes a woman of possibility
Nestled between North Street and Columbia Avenue, the 600 block of Walnut Street is known as Honorary Patricia Avery-Neal Way. The street recognizes a woman who left a legacy of breaking barriers and advocating for social justice in the Champaign community.
University of Illinois student struggles as family’s sole provider following his uncle’s deportation
Reynaldo Camas-Aranda grew up in a house with his uncle, aunt and mother in Cicero. His uncle’s arrest during Operation Midway Blitz has strained the family’s finances.
Honorary Chris Decker Drive remembers a friend and protector of downtown Champaign
Honorary Chris Decker Drive is located in Champaign on Main Street between Walnut and Chestnut Street. For more than two decades, Chris Decker worked in downtown Champaign as a security professional.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois May 28 – May 31
Movies on the quad, Friday Night Live, an author fair and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
Three I-57/I-74 interchange ramps to close for next few weeks
These closures come on the tail end of the quarter-billion dollar upgrade project, which is expected to be mostly completed by the end of this year.
Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation breaks ground on accessible playground, drop off lane
Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation was founded in 1985 and has been providing year-round opportunities for children and adults with disabilities, such as afterschool programs, overnight trips, special Olympics and summer day camps.
The drought is over in Champaign County. Are more likely in the future?
The drought in Champaign County that began last fall finally ended in April.
Honorary Daniyjah D. Staple Way commemorates a young woman whose life was cut short by gun violence
The City of Champaign honored the life of Daniyjah Staple, a 2024 Centennial High School graduate with Honorary Daniyjah D. Staple way. The designated road runs along Kenwood Road between John and William streets in Champaign.
The Obama Presidential Center is more than a museum. The activity and outdoor spaces emphasize community
The sprawling 19-acre campus of the Obama Presidential Center includes a fruit and vegetable garden, huge playground, green spaces, branch library, community studio/theater space, and a 60,000 square foot athletic center.
Bill enshrines editorial independence for university-licensed public media in Illinois
Illinois Public Media (WILL-AM/FM/TV) is licensed to the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.