Politicians across party lines pay tribute to former Governor Jim Edgar, who died Sunday
Politicians from across Illinois and different parties are remembering the late Jim Edgar. A Republican who served two-terms as Illinois governor from 1991 to 1999
Illinois shuts the door on Western Michigan
No. 9 Illinois (3-0) extended its win streak to three in a row. Illinois beat Western Michigan 38-0.
Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall talks first 100 days, engaging with youth, supporting economic development
Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall took office more than 100 days ago. He defeated the former incumbent, Chuck Smith, by a margin of 34 votes during the April 1 election.
The Power and Complexity of African American Vernacular English
We explore African American Vernacular English (AAVE), featuring linguistics expert Dr. Sharese King from the University of Chicago.
What to know about the killing of Charlie Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA
A 22-year-old Utah man was arrested in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event on a college campus, authorities said Friday. “We got him,” Gov. Spencer
Thinking of biking to work? These Champaign County residents did.
Autumn is fast approaching, which leaves just a few months left to go out on a comfortable bike ride before colder weather arrives. With Champaign
USDA plan to move jobs out of D.C. and closer to farmers draws mixed reviews
A plan to disburse Washington-based USDA jobs to five hubs, including Kansas City and Indianapolis, is making waves across agriculture. Critics say the shakeup could hobble the agency, while proponents it will move staff closer to farmers and save money.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk remembered on the University of Illinois South Quad
Many of the vigil attendees went to Kirk’s debate series at the U of I or other Illinois schools.
Young men share how crime has impacted them at community discussion
CHAMPAIGN— Champaign County officials, program leaders and youth met Wednesday afternoon to discuss the issues troubling young people. Panelists, including three young men who were
Champaign’s 9/11 memorial ceremony remembers first responders, encourages unity
At West Side Park, an American flag was raised to half-staff and “Amazing Grace” was played by two Champaign Fire Honor Guard members at a ceremony to commemorate the lives of first responders who were lost during the 9/11 attacks 24 years ago today.
FBI releases photos of person of interest in Charlie Kirk’s Utah university campus killing
The release of photos of a person in a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeve black shirt, as well as a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, reflected law enforcement’s urgent appeal for public help in locating the shooter.
When will beef prices drop? We asked a rancher, a butcher and an economist
Beef prices have hit record highs, yet American consumers haven’t stopped buying it. A look at what’s behind the steep price increase and when they might come down.
What we know about the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Authorities are still looking for the person who fatally shot right-wing activist and podcaster Charlie Kirk on a college campus on Wednesday.
Skyglow is erasing the stars, but smarter outdoor lighting can help bring the night back
Americans are losing their starry views to light pollution. But some communities are make lighting decisions to help preserve night skies – while benefiting wildlife and human health.
Illinois Republican and Democratic leaders condemn killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Kirk was a native of Arlington Heights, a northwest suburb of Chicago. He visited the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in April for his “The American Comeback Tour.”
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk dies after being shot at Utah college event
The death was announced on social media by Trump, who praised the 31-year-old Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of the youth organization Turning Point USA, as “Great, and even Legendary.”
Why Gov. Pritzker says Trump’s threats to Chicago make him worry about 2026 elections
For weeks President Trump has threatened to send National Guard troops to Chicago. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker says Trump’s repeated threats to send troops are a power grab while the President says it’s an effort to fight crime.
Illinois Public Media announces staff layoffs due to federal funding cuts
Two full-time positions at the station are being eliminated and three others will remain vacant, IPM Executive Director Moss Bresnahan told staff on Wednesday.
International student enrollment increases at University of Illinois despite Trump policies
The System announced Wednesday that international student enrollment increased 5.9% across the Springfield, Urbana-Champaign and Chicago universities.
P. Scott Neville Jr. chosen as next chief justice on Illinois Supreme Court
Neville, 76, has served on the court since 2018 when he was appointed to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Charles Freeman.
Sources: Darren Bailey to run for governor again in Illinois
Bailey rose to statewide notoriety in 2020 as a state lawmaker who opposed mask mandates and other COVID-19 emergency actions early in the pandemic.
Home of the Fighting Illini renamed ‘Gies Memorial Stadium’ after $100 million gift
This donation is Illinois’ largest single gift the Athletic Department has received and one of the largest single gifts ever received by a college athletics program.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 11 – Sep. 14
Opening night of one play and auditions for another at the Station Theatre, a jazz walk, an arts festival, and more are happening in Central Illinois this week.
Fatal crash in Urbana is the premise for ICE operation in Illinois
The Department of Homeland Security said in the news release that the action is in honor of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old woman who was killed in a crash outside Carle Foundation Hospital in January.
Champaign teachers secure more than 15 percent raise over three years in new contract
This year, the union and school district reached an agreement without any strike threats.
Champaign County welcomes Bike Month
A bike to work day and bike light giveaway are part of an initiative to make biking a more safe and welcoming transportation option.
U.S. Steel will move processing from Metro East to Indiana and Pennsylvania
U.S. Steel has opted to process the slabs where they are being produced at the Mon Valley Works just outside Pittsburgh and Gary Works in Gary, Indiana.
New Chicago immigration campaign prompts confusion as city braces for federal intervention
Numerous protests have cropped up downtown, outside a suburban military base DHS plans to use and at an immigration processing center that’s expected to be a hub of activity.
BERTHA rocks ELLNORA guitar festival with ‘Grateful Drag’
In 2020, Melody Walker and her friend Caitlin Doyle decided they wanted to form an all-female Grateful Dead cover band. After a few male friends expressed interest in taking part in the group, they allowed it — as long as they dressed like women.
President Trump launches long-promised Chicago deportation campaign, dubbed ‘Operation Midway Blitz’
In a post on the social media platform X, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the operation would target undocumented immigrants who have sought refuge in Illinois and Chicago.
Kids program at Krannert Art Museum sparks creativity through interactive activities
Families made their way to the Krannert Art Museum in Champaign Saturday for “Artventures for Kids.” The free program combines storytelling with gallery exploration and hands-on activities for children.
Trump walks back Chicago ‘war’ threat, but vows to ‘clean up’ cities
For the past several weeks, Trump and other administration officials have suggested that Trump could send National Guard members to Chicago. Trump has claimed that Chicago needs federal help to combat crime.
ACLU of Illinois sounds off on civil liberties in Bloomington and beyond
The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois is responding to multiple civil liberties issues across the state, including the possibility of a camera company illegally sharing its data with federal immigration enforcement.
No. 11 Illinois takes over after halftime to beat mistake-prone Duke 45-19 for road win
Luke Altmyer threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns and No. 11 Illinois capitalized on a series of mistakes by Duke to beat the Blue Devils 45-19 for a road win against a power-conference opponent.
Creating Community: BIPOC Artists Share Their Stories Around the Block
In this episode of Dialogue, we explore the vibrant local art scene through the lens of Parkland College’s Giertz Gallery exhibition “Around the Block: Artists
Durbin, Duckworth locked out from meeting with DHS officials about Trump’s immigration enforcement plan
Federal immigration agents will be using office and parking space at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago starting Friday through Oct. 5.
Central Illinois students win state poetry prize, as host organization grapples with federal funding cuts
Two students in rural Piatt County and one student in Champaign won a youth poetry prize hosted by Illinois Humanities.
Durbin, Duckworth ask feds for details of Trump’s Chicago deployment plan
In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel, the two Illinois Democrats call the effort a “political game” that is justifying sending troops to American cities, “while wasting limited resources and harming local communities.”
What to know about algal blooms after Mattoon’s recent water crisis
The bacteria within blue-green algae can create dangerous levels of microcystins, or neurotoxins, which can sicken and even kill people who drink, cook or wash with water containing them.
Trump’s promised immigration crackdown in Chicago could last about six weeks, suburban official says
Chicago is among the latest targets for President Donald Trump’s expanded federal intervention. President Donald Trump has targeted Chicago and other Democrat-led cities for expanded federal intervention.
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ lead actress Arden Cho talks about her days at the University of Illinois
A University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana graduate stars in Netflix’s most popular original movie.
Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall talks first 100 days, engaging with youth, supporting economic development
Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall took office more than 100 days ago. He defeated the former incumbent, Chuck Smith, by a margin of 34 votes during
Illinois elections board refuses to give DOJ sensitive voter data
National expert says Trump administration has no authority to demand records.
After winning their first games of the football season, Illinois and Duke prepare to face off Saturday
Illinois is off to a hot start as the team scored a 52-3 victory in their first game of the season against Western Illinois.
Solar for All would have powered emergency housing in a Midwest town. Then the EPA cut the funds
Municipalities and nonprofits across the country may have to abandon planned solar energy projects after the Environmental Protection Agency announced it was terminating a $7 billion grant program to expand solar access.
National pro-Palestinian campaign to boycott Israeli goods comes to Champaign-Urbana
The campaign called “No Appetite for Apartheid” is urging local businesses to boycott products with ties to Israel and its war in Gaza. Similar campaigns have been launched in New Orleans, Tampa and now Champaign-Urbana.
Fashion designer Giorgio Armani dead at 91
Armani, who maintained a firm grip on his empire and collections until the end, had been reluctant to discuss succession, but had announced a foundation as a succession tool to avoid his businesses being split up.
217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 4 – Sep. 7
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.
Flash-bang grenades and early morning raids: How Trump is planning to target Chicago
Hundreds of federal agents are being sent to a suburban naval base from Los Angeles, where an immigration blitz spurred protests that pushed President Trump to call in the National Guard.
Trump administration targets Illinois in-state tuition for immigrant students lacking legal status
Federal officials allege the practice violates federal law and discriminates against U.S. citizens living in other states.
Why are locally-grown fruits and veggies often more expensive than what’s at the grocery store?
As part of the “Food Routes” series, Harvest Public Media explores three big factors that affect produce prices in the Midwest and Great Plains.
As Trump declares ‘we’re going in,’ Pritzker says ‘terror and cruelty is the point’
Pritzker said Illinois State Police received a call from Customs and Border Protection Chief Gregory Bovino over the weekend confirming that ICE will ramp up immigration enforcement in Chicago at some point this week
U of I will offer students on-campus abortion access starting this fall, following new Illinois law
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will begin offering students access to abortion care on campus this fall, following new state legislation that requires public universities to provide contraceptives and medication abortion.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 4 – Sep. 7
ELLNORA Guitar Festival, a night market, a broomcorn festival, and more are happening in Central Illinois this week.
Trump says he will order federal intervention in Chicago and Baltimore despite local opposition
Asked by reporters in the Oval Office about sending National Guard troops to Chicago, Trump said, “We’re going in,” but added, “I didn’t say when.”
WATCH: Pritzker addresses reports of more federal agents, National Guard in Chicago
Reports have indicated ICE will ramp up immigration enforcement in the city this week. The city is also bracing for the possible deployment of the National Guard.
Illinois is making ‘rewilding’ an official conservation strategy
A new law in Illinois formalizes efforts to reintroduce native keystone species like bison and beavers in the state, which advocates say will help other species recover.
A California judge rules that Trump’s deployment of the guard to LA was illegal
The judge took evidence in a trial last month about the actions of the guard stationed in L.A. in a unit called Task Force 51.
Labor Day parade brings community members, floats and festivities to downtown Champaign
The annual event hosted many floats featuring local unions and marching bands. The parade was followed by a picnic in Neil Street Plaza with a live band and other family activities.