WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois June 25 – June 28
Learn how to support local pollinators, see a fireworks show at a summer festival and more this weekend in Central Illinois.
Urbana City Council declines to make downtown civic center a historic landmark, passes budget
Officials in Urbana had a busy week at city council. They rejected a proposal to grant landmark status to the former Civic Center downtown, which may become the site of a new transit center. The city also approved a new budget and appointed a new Ward 5 council member.
Addicted to gambling in Illinois: ‘Someone has decided they can make money off you’
People in Illinois lost more than $7.7 billion gambling last year. As lawmakers increasingly bet on gambling to pay the state’s bills, they have only spare change to treat compulsive gamblers.
Bears stadium fail wasn’t Pritzker’s only fumble — his affordable housing plan also went nowhere
Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan would have allowed multi-unit housing, such as duplexes and triplexes, and “granny flats” on nearly all properties zoned for residential use. But he was unable to overcome local government leaders’ opposition to the proposal.
This large Chicago high school rarely suspends its students
Schools in Illinois suspend Black students at much higher rates than white students. Kenwood Academy High School on Chicago’s South Side stands out for bucking that trend.
This Springfield high school has one of the highest rates of suspensions for Black students in Illinois
There were fewer than 500 Black students at Lanphier High School in the 2024-2025 school year, but they received almost four times that number of in-school and out-of-school suspensions.
‘A legacy brand sunset’: Illinois radio stations reckon with CBS News Radio’s shutdown
As longtime CBS affiliate stations across the state move to other news services, broadcasters and industry professionals are weighing how the loss will impact local coverage and what it signals about the future of radio news.
Urbana Park District seeks community input to create future goals
The Urbana Park District is asking residents to fill out a survey and participate in focus groups to help guide the creation of their 2027-2031 Strategic Plan.
This Rockford middle school disciplines Black students more than any school in Illinois
Schools in Illinois discipline Black students at much higher rates than white students.
A Rockford middle school is an outlier for handing out the most discipline violations per Black student of any school in the state.
Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan dies at 100
Former U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan has died at the age of 100. He died on Monday from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. That’s according to his wife of 29 years, NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell.
Natl. Weather Service: At least two tornadoes caused dozens of miles of destruction
Meteorologists say an EF3 tornado with peak winds of 145 miles per hour tore a 24 mile path of destruction through Effingham County.
Sweet hope, Chicago! Obama, city celebrate a presidential center that ‘could not be anywhere else’
The star-studded opening brought out three former presidents, musical legends and former staffers to celebrate a center that former President Barack Obama said will “serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious our democracy truly is.”
Coles County tornado leaves Charleston residents without power, damaging trees and homes
Thousands of residents were left without power following severe weather, including tornadoes, that touched down in Coles County Wednesday night.
Effingham tornado flattens family-owned Corvette museum, downs trees, power lines
A tornado that tore through Effingham Wednesday night flattened the Mid America Motorworks museum.
IPM Storm Tracker: Tornado reported in Coles County, thousands without power
For instant weather warnings, listen to WILL-AM 580, WILL-FM 90.9 and Illinois Soul FM 101.1.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois June 18 – June 21
Celebrate Juneteenth with free, all-ages events, get a taste of local theater, try your hand at beginner level fishing and more in Central Illinois this weekend.
Champaign’s 2026-2027 budget passes unanimously
New funding allocations include three new firefighters, a Homelessness and Community Services Manager and a background investigator for the police department. The city is also funding capital projects including Park Avenue, expansion of the downtown plaza and a traffic signal at the Mattis Ave. and Sangamon Dr. intersection.
First climate monitoring station in Coles County begins collecting climate and weather data
The latest climate monitoring station in Illinois is in Coles County, and researchers with Prairie Research Institute have plans to expand the network even more.
Pritzker signs nearly $56B budget with new business taxes as he seeks 3rd term
Budget contains minimal spending increase despite being largest in state history.
Efforts to get year-round E15 sales could hurt soybean farmers
A bill allowing year-round sales of E15, a fuel blended with up to 15% corn-based ethanol, is being debated in the Senate. While the bill is hailed as a boon for corn growers, there are concerns that it could hurt soybean prices.
IHSA boys baseball tournaments brings families to Champaign, boosts local economy
Eight teams traveled from across the state to compete in the IHSA Boys Baseball State Tournament. The competition brought new and familiar faces to Champaign-Urbana, benefiting the area’s local economy.
Urbana to restore North Lincoln Avenue to its old design following a two-month demonstration meant to improve pedestrian safety
The city is taking feedback from residents on a new design for the main road that included a dedicated lane for left turns and bike lanes.
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.