With electric prices going up, advocates tried — and failed — to reform the energy sector
Heading into the end of the legislative session, consumer advocates, renewable energy industry groups and environmental advocates were hopeful about a bill that would have overhauled Illinois’ energy industry.
Bill to repeal licensure requirements for hair braiders stalls in the House. Here’s why.
The measure needed a final vote but wasn’t called after opponents showed up to voice their concerns.
Meta signs 20-year agreement to purchase nuclear power from Clinton plant
Facebook owner Meta said Tuesday that it’s signed a 20-year agreement to buy about 1.1 gigawatts of electricity from the Clinton nuclear power plant, starting in 2027, to support its “AI ambitions.”
Trump asks Congress to wipe out funding for public broadcasting
A simple majority of lawmakers in each chamber must approve what’s technically known as a “rescission request” within 45 days for it to become law.
Fifth person dies as a result of Chatham afterschool program crash in late April
Illinois State Police confirm investigation into the fatal crash is still ongoing.
Farmers are taking on more debt. Some worry more financial stress could be ahead
Farmers continued to take on more debt through the first quarter of 2025, prolonging a trend from last year. That’s as farm incomes have shrunk over the last couple of years, and some worry President Trump’s tariffs could make economic conditions tougher.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jun. 05 – Jun. 08
Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Steve Morck talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 – Wednesdays at 6:45 and 8:45
U.S. Supreme Court will hear Bost’s appeal over Illinois’ mail-in ballot counting
The U.S. Supreme Court announced in an order filed on Monday that it will hear a southern Illinois Congressman’s appeal over the state’s counting of mail-in ballots received up to 14 days after election day.
Guatemalan consulate teams up with local immigrant organization to host a mobile clinic in Urbana
The General Consulate of Guatemala in Chicago partnered with the New American Welcome Center to bring its services to Urbana this weekend.
Amid uncertainty in Washington, Illinois lawmakers pass slimmed-down Medicaid package
The Illinois Medicaid program currently costs about $33.7 billion a year, according to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
New taxes on sports bets, nicotine products as Democrats pass $55.2B budget
New taxes on sports bets, nicotine products as Democrats pass $55.2B budget. Spending plan raises over $1B in revenue; income, sales taxes not affected.
Lawmakers unveil $55B spending plan with just 1 day left to pass it
Senator says no new taxes on sales or income but full revenue plan is not yet public.
A continued Dialogue on the state of Champaign-Urbana’s Black communities with local leaders
How can a community work together to drive positive change? and what does that really look like?
Leading the way: Examining the state of Champaign Urbana’s Black communities with local leaders
Who is really responsible for driving community change? and is relying on schools enough?
PBS and Minnesota public TV station sue Trump White House
PBS and a public television station in rural Minnesota filed suit on Friday against President Trump over his executive order demanding that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting kill all funding for the network.
Advocates for older adults hold day of action in Normal to protect threatened programs
“In east-central Illinois, a delay in services could affect up to 24,000 older adults who rely on the meals for their survival.”
School board votes out Champaign Unit 4 Superintendent Shelia Boozer
The first Black, female superintendent of Champaign Unit 4 schools has been pushed out after four years.
Elon Musk is leaving the federal government. What’s next for DOGE?
Elon Musk is leaving his role as the guiding force behind the Department of Government Efficiency initiative Friday after facing legal setbacks, clashes with Cabinet members and little evidence to support claims of savings or government efficiency.
Uncertain future for Chinese students causes concern at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
International students who need to renew their expired F-1 or J-1 entry visa may not be able to return to the U.S. if unable to schedule a renewal appointment.
A million people in the Midwest could lose Medicaid under federal work requirements
Up to 1 million low income and disabled people across the Midwest could lose their Medicaid health insurance coverage, according to a new analysis.
Chinese students anxious and angry after Rubio vows to revoke visas
Chinese students studying in the U.S. are scrambling to figure out their futures after Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that some of them would have their visas revoked.
The Beat returns to downtown Champaign
The Beat kicks off this Saturday at 8pm in downtown Champaign.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the US will begin revoking the visas of Chinese students
China is the second-largest country of origin for international students in the United States, behind only India. In the 2023-2024 school year, more than 270,000 international students were from China, making up roughly a quarter of all foreign students in the U.S.
Pritzker threatens to veto any budget containing ‘broad-based’ tax increase
Revenue projections have dropped below Pritzker’s proposed spending plan.
Illinois lawmaker proposes a Pope Leo XIV statue and license plate
A state legislator wants to generate revenue through commemorative license plates to help pay for a statue of Pope Leo XIV at the Illinois statehouse.
Airport director says CIRA is strong, stable amid uncertainty elsewhere
Technical troubles at major airports can have trickle down effects in smaller facilities like the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington.
The new independent film festival, Savoy Lumière, will highlight talent from across the U.S. and C-U
The Chambana Film Society will hold a new independent film festival at the Savoy 16 theater from May 29 through June 2. The first annual Savoy Lumière will include screenings of independent films, foreign films, shorts and documentaries, several of which were filmed in Central Illinois.
Bill would require police training for sexual assault, conflicts of interest
Anna’s Law’ cleared both chambers of General Assembly unanimously.
Champaign Unit 4 school board to finalize Superintendent Shelia Boozer’s departure
The Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education plans to vote on a separation agreement Thursday with Superintendent Shelia Boozer. Another administrator would be appointed acting superintendent.
What Trump’s cuts to Medicaid will mean for nursing homes, long-term care facilities in Illinois
Experts and advocates in Illinois say the sweeping Medicaid cuts approved by House Republicans could have devastating effects on low-income seniors and people with disabilities living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
Danville National Cemetery provides a space for veterans and their loved ones to reflect on Memorial Day
Located in the lush heart of Vermilion County, Danville National Cemetery held one of over 130 Memorial Day ceremonies organized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday, May 26.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana May 29 – June 01
Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Steve Morck talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 – Wednesdays at 6:45 and 8:45
NPR and Colorado public radio stations sue Trump White House
NPR and three Colorado public radio stations filed suit Tuesday morning in federal court against the Trump White House over the president’s executive order purportedly barring the
Photography book by Phillip Kalantzis Cope features the avant-garde architecture of Champaign-Urbana
Inspired by conversations with architect Jeffrey Poss, Phillip Kalantzis Cope’s new book captures the legacy of mid-century architecture in Champaign-Urbana.
This Memorial Day, a U of I professor will honor the life of his relative who went missing during WWII
Over a decade ago, as part of his political science research at the University of Illinois, Scott Althaus dove deep into the data on World War II casualties. The project was focused on studying the information Americans receive about ongoing wars overseas that involve American forces.
A Dialogue with journalist Lee Hawkins on uncovering freedom through his family history
What happens when a journalist turns the lens on their own family story? Lee Hawkins shares how investigating his personal history shaped new perspectives on growing up Black in the Midwest.
Protecting children’s future: A conversation on child advocacy and mental health
April is highlighted as Child Abuse Prevention Month, but the work doesn’t stop there. Hear how one Champaign center continues to support kids and families year-round.
Danville says goodbye to Bresee Tower
With the demolition of Bresee Tower, the city is losing a symbol of its past prosperity, while gaining a site that could be a part of its future growth.
More babies are being admitted to NICUs in the Midwest, according to CDC data brief
In 2023, the percentage of babies admitted to the NICU was 11.4% in Indiana, 10.1% in Illinois, 10.7% in Iowa, 8.5% in Kansas, 11.3% in Kentucky, 10.5% in Missouri, 11.4% in Nebraska, 10.2% in Ohio, and 8.9% in Oklahoma.
House Republicans pass Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and program cuts after all-night session
The Congressional Budget Office says the tax provisions would add $3.8 trillion to federal deficits.
2 staff members of Israeli Embassy killed in shooting near Jewish museum in DC
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago, walked into the museum after the shooting and was detained by event security. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office says he is “shocked” by the “horrific, antisemitic” shooting.
Trump ambushes South Africa’s president with false claims of ‘white genocide’
Trump repeated false claims of a “white genocide” in South Africa and then ordered the lights dimmed to play videos he said supported his allegation.
After DOGE gutted AmeriCorps, rural communities stand to lose education and preservation help
AmeriCorps members were working on environmental education and habitat restoration at parks and nature centers in rural areas across the country. Now federal cuts have eliminated many of those positions.
Abraham Lincoln artifacts that were once in a museum are going up for auction
On Wednesday, a Chicago auction house will be selling part of the Lincoln Presidential Foundation’s 1,540-piece collection of Lincolniana, which was purchased in 2007 from a West Coast collector.
PHOTOS: Storm snaps trees and utility poles in Vermilion County
Tornado warnings were issued at different times Tuesday afternoon in Champaign, De Witt, Macon, Piatt and Vermilion counties.
Bill banning carbon sequestration near Mahomet Aquifer clears General Assembly
The bill comes after recent leaks at a carbon injection site in Decatur.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana May 22 – May 25
Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Steve Morck talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 – Wednesdays at 6:45 and 8:45
Making a comeback: The Fray’s guitarist discusses band’s music and current tour
The Fray is performing at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater this weekend as part of its 2025 tour.
Tornado Watch for Central Illinois until 8pm
Expected hazards: Wind gusts over 60 mph, hail 1 to 2 inch diameter, and isolated tornadoes possible.
‘Good choice’ — JD Vance brings Pope Leo XIV a Bears jersey
The navy jersey had his name “Pope Leo” on the back. His jersey number? XIV, of course.
In the fight for youth transgender health care, Illinois remains at the forefront
Indiana is among 26 states — many in the Midwest and South — that have outlawed youth gender-affirming care statewide since 2021. In Illinois, political leaders have moved in the opposite direction.
Native ancestors’ return to rest: A paperwork-laden process underway in Illinois
Two of the country’s largest collections of Native American human remains are held by museums in Illinois.
PHOTOS: University of Illinois Class of 2025 celebrates graduation
Highlights from University of Illinois’ 2025 commencement program.
Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer
His office said Sunday this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, but the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. Biden and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.
What losing billions in federal grants means for universities, and the nation
The Trump administration has so far frozen about $11 billion in research funding. University leaders say no other source can fill the void.
Art as hope: Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center takes on beautification project
The walls of the Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center are covered with new art, created by the residents in partnership with local muralist Leslie Kimble.
Soil conservation in the U.S. started with this agency 90 years ago. Now its future is uncertain
The Natural Resources Conservation Service is dealing with job losses, massive proposed budget cuts and talk of consolidation.
McLean County immigrants fear dire consequences as Illinois ends medical coverage
The Illinois Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults [HBIA], and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors [HBIS] for ages 65 and older is slated for termination June 30.
U.S. truck drivers will need to prove English proficiency under new executive order
Supporters of the mandate say it will help to make roads safer, but some are worried about how it will impact immigrant drivers.
LIVE NOW: U.S. Supreme Court Hears Birthright Citizenship Case
The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on May 15 in a case challenging President Trump’s Executive Order limiting who is entitled to birthright citizenship.