Police: one person shot and injured after altercation in Champaign’s Campustown
Police found one person with two gunshot wounds near 5th and Green Streets late Friday night.
Krishnamoorthi spends $450K per week on TV ads in Senate race
SPRINGFIELD — Since early July, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has been a familiar face on Illinois television screens, with the Schaumburg Democrat telling the state’s voters
Former military leaders decry National Guard deployment in Illinois
Legal challenges to deployment, immigration enforcement continue in court.
Dabrowski sets fundraising bar at $1.5M in GOP primary for governor
Bailey working to establish funding sources after late entry into race he won 4 years ago.
NPR ‘founding mother’ Susan Stamberg has died
Susan Stamberg, an original National Public Radio staffer who went on to become the first U.S. woman to anchor a nightly national news program, died Thursday at the age of 87.
Corn, but shorter: Why Midwest farmers are experimenting with smaller varieties
Scientists and seed companies are working on shrinking corn. The subtle difference in height has led to some big changes in how shorter corn can be planted and managed in the Corn Belt.
New Illinois law looks to put guardrails on AI in mental health as researchers push for innovation
As the use of artificial intelligence continues to grow, the technology is increasingly being considered for use in mental health settings. Lawmakers, however, are concerned this could cause patients to receive underqualified mental health care in the place of support from licensed therapists.
Illinois lawmakers condemn ICE raids in Chicago, weigh state response
State leaders pledge to explore new protections for immigrants but say their power is limited.
Pritzker tax summaries show more than $10M in 2024 income — not including trusts
Governor says ‘I like to play cards’ as returns show $1.4M in gambling income
Chef Lab, a shared kitchen space, aims to build a culinary community in Champaign-Urbana
A new shared kitchen space, known as ChefLab, aims to promote community among culinary artists in the Champaign-Urbana area.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign unlikely to join federal higher education compact
U of I Provost John Coleman said the university would not agree to demands in the compact, like freezing tuition and shutting down departments that belittle conservative ideas.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Oct. 16 – Oct. 19
The CU Jazz Festival, Halloween and fall celebrations, international musical touring acts, and more are happening in central Illinois this week.
Illinois Attorney General sues State Farm over homeowner insurance data
State Farm said the lawsuit is without merit and “has nothing to do with Illinois customers or the cost of their insurance.”
More than half of Illinois communities have enacted a local grocery tax
Pritzker signed bill eliminating statewide tax, allowing local governments to create their own.
Paralympian Susannah Scaroni reflects on her performance following Chicago Marathon win
Two-time Boston Marathon winner Susannah Scaroni said she feels grateful and “a little sore” after her first-place finish Sunday at the Chicago Marathon. Her attention now turns to next month’s New York City Marathon.
Opinion: Why I’m handing in my Pentagon press pass
Thomas Jefferson, no fan of the press himself, once wrote that our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, “and that cannot be limited without being lost.”
Ex-Speaker Madigan reports to West Virginia prison to begin 7 ½-year sentence
7th Circuit ruled earlier this month against Madigan’s bid to remain free during appeal.
Veto session preview: Federal issues top of mind as lawmakers seek transit, energy solutions
Violent protests, legally questionable immigration raids and the deployment of National Guard troops without the governor’s approval will be at the forefront of state lawmakers’ minds when they return to Springfield on Tuesday.
The National Arab Orchestra debuts in Central Illinois, increasing Arab visibility
The Champaign-Urbana community got a taste of Arab culture this weekend — with a visit from the world-famous National Arab Orchestra.
Downstate transit groups say they need Illinois lawmakers to address funding shortfalls soon
Illinois transit agencies are facing funding shortfalls that could lead to service cuts and layoffs — an issue lawmakers are expected to address during the fall veto session beginning this week.
Ohio State successfully defends the Illibuck trophy against Illinois
No. 17 Illinois (5-2) suffered its first defeat at home this season against No.1 Ohio State (6-0). The Buckeyes beat the Illini 34-16 after forcing two turnovers in the first half.
This week in Black Central Illinois: financial literacy program, a Nigerian funeral, and grant to help African nations
This week in Black Central Illinois, financial literacy program helps residents with money management, a Nigerian funeral celebrates life, and grant to help African nations.
Cultural Stewardship: Preserving Capoeira’s Revolutionary Spirit
Two masters of Capoeira Angola and a translator explore how Afro-Brazilian martial art continues to be a form of cultural resistance and spiritual nourishment.
Americans are drinking less. What does that mean for winemakers in the Heartland?
The American Heartland has experienced a boom in wineries over the last three decades. But with U.S. wine sales trending down since 2019, some producers are feeling the effects more than others.
Illinois’ budget on track for deficit as new federal policies create challenges
State spending likely to increase significantly in coming years as Medicaid, SNAP requirements set in
Farmers caught in Trump’s trade war wait for bailout. But many call it a temporary fix
The Trump administration is promising billions in a bailout for farmers. This harvest season the trade war with China has added to the farm economy’s woes, as producers deal with lower crop prices and high costs.
Judge blocks National Guard deployment in Illinois for 2 weeks
It’s a victory for Democratic officials who lead the state and city and have traded insults with President Donald Trump about his drive to put troops on the ground in major urban areas.
Urbana launches a free financial literacy program to help residents with money management
City officials in Urbana hope a new financial literacy program will help residents better manage their finances and build strong credit profiles.
Illinois urges judge to stop National Guard deployment after Trump administration ‘plowed ahead’
The state of Illinois is urging a judge to order the National Guard to stand down in the Chicago area. The state calls the deployment a constitutional crisis and suggests that President Donald Trump’s administration gave no heed to the pending legal challenge. A Department of Justice lawyer says the Chicago area was rife with “tragic lawlessness.”
University of Illinois students mourn Oct. 7, shut down intersection two years into Israel’s war on Gaza
Students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign held separate events on the two-year anniversary of Israel launching its war in Gaza, as some honored the victims of the Oct. 7 attack while others called for local action to support the Palestinian people.
Nobel Prize in chemistry goes to discovery that could trap CO2 and bring water to deserts; University of Illinois alum among honorees
Omar Yaghi received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1990.
SCOTUS weighs whether Mike Bost can challenge Illinois election laws
Lower courts denied downstate congressman’s lawsuit challenging Illinois mail-in voting law.
U of I’s Soybean Innovation Lab expects $1.5M grant will help address food insecurity across Africa
The Soybean Innovation Lab is awaiting final approval for a $1.5 million grant from a research foundation. The money will help expand their efforts to combat global food insecurity and poverty by increasing the number of soybean varieties available to 28 African nations.
OSF HealthCare receives state approval to restructure services at Heart of Mary Medical Center
Specialty services will be relocated from OSF HealthCare’s hospital in Urbana to locations in Bloomington and Danville while mental health treatment options will expand at the facility.
Trump says Illinois governor and Chicago mayor should be jailed as they oppose Guard deployment
Trump wrote on Truth Social that Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker “should be in jail for failing to protect” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The officials said they wouldn’t be deterred.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Oct. 9 – Oct. 12
Art exhibits with artist discussions, karaoke inspired by the 40th anniversary of Farm Aid, fall festivals, and more are happening in central Illinois this week.
Texas National Guard members arrive at Chicago area military training facility
Military troops arrived at an Elwood training center after weeks of threats from President Donald Trump’s administration, over the objections of local leaders.
What happens if new data centers come to C-U? A look at the environmental costs
The steady hum inside the National Petascale Computing Facility (NPCF) is so loud that it’s hard to hear anything else inside. But beneath this noise is a hidden current of water.
Watch: Bondi testifies before Congress in the first hearing since the Comey indictment
Attorney General Pam Bondi is testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee amid mounting concerns that the DOJ is being weaponized to go after President Trump’s perceived enemies.
Judge refuses to immediately block National Guard deployment to Illinois
A federal judge said Monday she wouldn’t hear arguments over Illinois’ bid to block the deployment until Thursday, even after a Trump administration lawyer confirmed that Texas troops are on their way.
Watch: Gov. Pritzker, Democratic Leaders discuss federal deployments in Illinois
CHICAGO — Illinois and Chicago have filed a lawsuit aiming to stop President Donald Trump’s administration from sending hundreds of National Guard troops to Chicago.
USDA will no longer track hunger among Americans. That concerns food advocates
People working to address hunger say the canceled report is a main resource to understand where and how people are experiencing food insecurity across the country.
Illinois, Chicago sue to stop Trump from sending National Guard troops to the city
The lawsuit filed on Monday alleges that “these advances in President Trump’s long-declared ‘War’ on Chicago and Illinois are unlawful and dangerous.”
The historical mistreatment of Black Americans prompts calls for reparations in Urbana
Community members gathered Saturday morning for a public hearing that explored the historical and ongoing hurt of Black Americans in Illinois, with a call to action for reparations. The event took place at the Krannert Center in Urbana.
Urbana will explore alternatives to mental health crisis intervention without police involvement
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to connect with a counselor. URBANA —
Trump plans aid package for US soybean farmers while seeking trade deal with China
Farmers are struggling as China orders soybeans from Brazil and Argentina. They prefer trade over aid, hoping for a deal soon.
Illinois successfully defends the Canon against Purdue
The Illini were able to defend the Canon Trophy and keep it in Champaign for two years in a row for the first time since 2002.
Trump plans to deploy National Guard in Illinois, governor says
Pritzker said the Illinois National Guard received word Saturday that they would be called up. He didn’t specify when or where the troops would be deployed, but President Trump has long threatened to send troops into Chicago.
This week in Black Central Illinois: dedications, beef prices, and bicycle rides
This episode of “Dialogue” features a round-up of stories from around our region including a tribute to Black musicians and a moonlight bicycle ride.
Spiraling Upward: A Sonic Witness of Two Generations Carrying the Sound Forward…Louis Cato & Isaiah Collier on Music Consciousness
Contemporary Jazz artists reject musical conformity, advocate for the jam session as sacred space, honor ancestral lineage while forging their own paths.
7th Circuit denies Madigan’s bid to stay out of prison while he appeals corruption conviction
Former Illinois House speaker scheduled to begin 7 ½-year sentence Oct. 13.
Former NASA astronaut José Hernández visits the U of I, shares his story of perseverance
In celebration of Latine Heritage Month, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s La Casa Cultural Latina welcomed former NASA astronaut José Hernández to speak with students, staff and community members at the Illini Union Oct. 2.
Rural America still needs fast internet. Some worry new federal plans will fall short
The Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment – or BEAD – Program is meant to help far-flung places, like Choctaw County, Oklahoma finally get faster internet service.
Central Illinois cyclists connect with the prairie, grab ice cream on moonlight bike ride
IPM’s Arjun Thakkar hopped on his bike to ride 22 miles with cyclists under the fool moon — and see how the experience helps them get in touch with the countryside.
Illinois family members of those on Gaza aid flotilla worry after Israeli detention
Central Illinoisians are among those who have been detained after Israeli forces intercepted boats carrying food and medicine meant for starving people in Gaza.
Illinois federal workers heavily stressed as government shutdown yanks paychecks
For federal workers living paycheck to paycheck, the shutdown could mean choosing between paying for groceries or prescriptions, says National Treasury Employees Union National President Doreen Greenwald.
China won’t buy American soybeans anymore, leaving farmers with limited options
China typically buys close to half of the soybeans grown in the U.S. But the ongoing trade war means farmers in the Midwest must consider other options — and none are as profitable.
Standing up to ICE in the suburbs, the People’s Patrol puts its faith in resistance
Cavazos’ network focuses on Chicago’s western suburbs. It’s housed at the Casa DuPage Workers Center, a small nonprofit devoted to immigrant rights.
The threat of Chagas in Illinois is low. But health officials want greater awareness of the disease
An estimated 300,000 people in the U.S. have been infected with Chagas disease, a parasitic illness transmitted by triatomine bugs, also known as “kissing bugs.”
State, private developers break ground on quantum research park
The project has received hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding and tax breaks.