Trump says he expects to be arrested, calls for protest
Donald Trump says in a social media post that he expects to be arrested Tuesday and he’s calling on supporters to protest. A New York grand jury is investigating hush money payments to women who alleged sexual encounters with the former president.
House panel debates ranked choice voting
Opinions vary about benefits, cost and complexity of multichoice ballots.
Wiretaps show Madigan, through McClain, forced ally out of legislature to protect himself
Government uses recordings, witnesses to portray ex-speaker as all-powerful in Springfield.
“Our Planet” concert combines scenes from nature, live orchestra and well-known voices
Academy Award-winning composer Steven Price spoke with WILL’s Kimberly Schofield about Our Planet Live in Concert coming to the State Farm Center Monday, March 27, at 7:30. The concert is a two-hour show with live orchestral music, cinematography, and narration from David Attenborough, with William Shatner as the host.
Pritzker touts funding during visit to Lincoln Land Community College
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at a stop in Springfield Wednesday that his budget proposal, with more money for higher education, will provide the largest
2 million Illinois residents hit by reduction in SNAP benefits
CHAMPAIGN – Beginning this month, people who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see a sharp reduction in benefits. As the
EIU faculty union contract talks continue, now with a potential strike approved by rank & file
Federally mediated contract talks between Eastern Illinois University and its faculty and support staff union are scheduled to resume Monday, April 3. When they resume, officials with the EIU-University Professionals of Illinois chapter (Illinois Federation of Teachers Local 4100) hope the administration will feel more pressure to reach a settlement, following last week’s approval of a strike authorization vote.
Mayor Williams & challenger Vinson discuss issues in Danville mayoral candidates debate
The two candidates for mayor of Danville, incumbent Rickey Williams Jr., and Vermilion Housing Authority executive director Jackie Vinson, answered questions Monday night at forum held at Danville Area Community College.
LGBTQ book bans have spiked nationwide. Where do Decatur school board candidates stand?
One candidate running for Decatur school board said he supports age-restricting books with LGBTQ characters.
Pritzker touts higher education plan, joins call for pharmacies to state abortion pill plans
Governor advises pharmacies against ‘capitulating’ to ‘threats’ by Republican AGs.
Justices consider constitutionality of SAFE-T Act’s pretrial detention provisions
Abolition of cash bail was placed on hold in December pending appeal to Supreme Court.
Five things to know as the Safe-T Act goes to the Illinois Supreme Court
The future of cash bail in Illinois is in the hands of the state’s Supreme Court. Illinois passed a law that eliminated the use of cash
It’s not Madigan’s trial, but the feds’ big upcoming case is all about the former speaker
Michael J. Madigan will likely never step foot in the federal courtroom where four former political power players are about to face trial, accused of
Illinois is one of the few states that ban guns on college campuses
All but four states along with the District of Columbia allow the open carrying of a firearm either with or without a permit.
Caterpillar workers ratify new 6-year contract with company
Unionized workers at Caterpillar Inc. have approved a new six-year contract with the company that includes a $6,000 ratification bonus, 19% in pay raises and 8% worth of lump-sum payments.
Worried about spying and tensions with China, Midwest states want to limit who can buy farmland
Legislation is being proposed at the federal and state level to restrict foreign ownership of farmland, especially by China. The scrutiny comes after a Midwestern
‘Everything’ wins best picture, is everywhere at Oscars
The metaphysical multiverse comedy “Everything Everywhere All at Once” wrapped its hot dog fingers around Hollywood’s top prize Sunday, winning best picture at the 95th Academy Awards, along with awards for Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis. The film won seven Oscars in all.
Champaign’s three mayoral candidates meet in Illinois Public Media forum
Champaign voters have three candidates for mayor to choose from in the April 4th election. And all three — Azark David Cobbs, Deborah Frank Feinen and Don Gerard met in the WILL Radio studios for a one-hour forum recorded on March 4, and broadcast on WILL AM and FM on March 10.
Tracking people charged in January 6 US Capitol insurrection
This AP interactive tracks the legal fates of nearly 1,000 people charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Rain/snow expected Saturday night
Illinois Public Media News is monitoring rain and snow forecasted for Central Illinois on March 11-12. This post will be updated with information from the
Bill would give ‘child influencers’ a share of parents’ vlogging revenue
Measure would apply state’s Child Labor Law to ‘influencer’ videos.
U of I grad remembered following his death in Turkey earthquake
U of I graduate Berkhan Eminsoy was one of the thousands killed by a massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
Illinois considers legalizing ‘human composting’
While proponents say it’s greener than traditional burial, critics doubt its dignity.
Bill before Illinois lawmakers aims to define, protect against ‘doxing’
Would protect against intentional publishing of addresses, social security numbers, more.
Pritzker to move residents, restructure developmental center
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Wednesday that half of the residents from the Choate Developmental Center in southern Illinois will move to other state or community sites.
Who really benefits when damages are capped in medical malpractice lawsuits?
On Feb. 17, 2017, Joe and Sarah Dudley were getting ready for a late Valentine’s Day celebration when Joe started complaining about feeling sick.
Teacher, custodian unions grill candidates for Champaign Unit 4 school board on shortages, Black Lives Matter
About three-quarters of districts in Illinois are struggling to hire bus drivers, cafeteria workers and teachers’ aides. Workers in Champaign want to know how future board members will help them.
High prices, gaps in availability across Illinois highlight patchwork child care system
As Pritzker makes $250M pitch for child care investment, data show the obstacles to access across Illinois.
All rain and no snow makes winter a dull season
CHAMPAIGN – Ah, winter. When nature compensates for shortened days and frigid nights by enveloping the landscape in blankets of crystalline snow. When the soul
The federal government isn’t actually measuring how inflation is hurting rural America
The consumer price index is widely used by Americans to determine inflation, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics only surveys American counties that include a
Pritzker touts $70 million plan for addressing teacher shortage
Grant program targets vacancies in 170 school districts accounting for 80% of vacancies.
Bill seeks to enforce federal anti-discrimination standards in state law
Measure addresses U.S. Supreme Court decision limiting civil remedies.
Storms bring snow to Central Illinois
Illinois Public Media News is monitoring storms forecasted for Champaign-Urbana and surrounding areas on March 3. This post will be updated with information from the
Mendoza pushes for law requiring greater deposits in ‘rainy day’ fund
Highest-ever balance slated to exceed $1.9 billion by end of fiscal year.
Illinois’ economic growth rate was up a bit in February — Flash Index
Following a year of declines – the state’s economic growth rate increased last month, albeit slightly. The University of Illinois Flash Index rose from January’s 103.1 to 103.4 in February.
One year after Madigan’s indictment, former speaker’s allies prepare for trial
‘ComEd Four’ set for trial this month while former chief of staff’s trial scheduled for August.
IPM says farewell to St. Louis-bound Brian Moline
Illinois Public Media is bidding a reluctant goodbye to Brian Moline, who has accepted a new job as a news editor for St. Louis Public Radio, beginning March 6.
Assisting the arts throughout Illinois
RUSHVILLE — The Illinois Arts Council Agency provides grants to not-for-profit organizations around the state. But right now, it’s seeking something back – input. The
Plans are back on the table for a carbon pipeline in Illinois
CHAMPAIGN – Plans have resumed for a carbon dioxide pipeline in Illinois after a brief delay. Heartland Greenway LLC refiled its application with the Illinois
Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson head to Chicago mayoral runoff
Mayor Lori Lightfoot was handed a stunning defeat, the first time in 40 years a sitting mayor was not reelected.
Court rulings supercharge Illinois’ strongest-in-nation biometric privacy law
Law’s critics want to reopen debate, but backers say law is working as intended
Some school board candidates this year are pushing to limit lessons on Black history. Where do Champaign Unit 4 candidates stand?
Six candidates say students should learn African American history and the history of racism. The seventh, business owner Mark Holm, declined to be interviewed.
Marron seeks state funding for Savoy, Rantoul & Danville infrastructure projects
State Representative Mike Marron is one of many Republicans critical of Governor J-B Pritzker’s ambitious budget proposals to add new state spending for education, childcare,
States are turning to Medicaid to help people leaving incarceration
Lee Reed spent his first night after getting out of prison sleeping in the stairwell of a parking garage in downtown San Francisco. Just a
Three tornadoes sighted in Champaign County Monday AM; Tornado Watch until 4pm
Illinois Public Media News is monitoring storms forecasted for Champaign-Urbana and surrounding areas on February 27. This post will be updated with information from the
NIU ‘Project FLEX’ offers fitness and college experiences to incarcerated Illinois youth
DEKALB — Several times a week, a team of NIU graduate students led by professors Zach Wahl-Alexander and Jenn Jacobs bring physical activities to three
Urbana nears finish line of awarding millions of federal funds for pandemic relief to community organizations
URBANA – The Urbana City Council is expected to officially award almost $10 million in federal pandemic relief money on Feb. 27. Mayor Diane Wolfe
Budzinski tours ag research at U of I and visits with laid-off Akorn workers in Decatur
U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski visited the University of Illinois Research Park in Champaign on Thursday. But first, the central Illinois Democrat stopped in Decatur, where more than 400 pharmaceutical plant workers had been abruptly laid off by Akorn Pharmaceutical.
Ohio State snaps losing streak with 72-60 win over Illinois
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Bruce Thornton scored 20 points, fellow freshman Brice Sensabaugh scored 14, senior Justice Sueing contributed a double-double, and Ohio State defeated
Peebles scores 20, No. 25 Illinois women rip Rutgers 75-53
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Jada Peebles scored 20 points, Genesis Bryant added 15 points and No. 25 Illinois defeated Rutgers 75-53 in a Big Ten
Illinois governor lays out a roadmap for a ‘transformed’ youth mental health care system
CHICAGO — Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday released a blueprint for transforming what the state acknowledges is a confusing patchwork system for families who need
Weather stations that provide critical climate data are threatened by unstable funding
Accurate weather information is important for farmers, emergency responders and researchers managing extreme conditions. But many monitoring networks are limited by unstable, patchwork funding. VALPARAISO,
Shannon’s surge rallies Illinois past No. 21 Northwestern
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Terrence Shannon Jr. shook off a slow start in his return from a concussion, scoring 24 of his 26 points in
COVID federal funding will expire. How are schools investing in student mental health for the long term?
LA MOILLE — Students in the La Moille School District don’t have a full-time school social worker or psychologist. For tiny, rural districts like La
Community members, U of I students celebrate Carnaval at Krannert
URBANA — Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent — a season of fasting, penance and sacrifice. But before the austerity began, many took part in
Nebraska women beat shorthanded Illinois 90-57
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Jaz Shelley scored 26 points, Isabelle Bourne had a double-double and Nebraska raced to a 90-57 win over No. 25 Illinois
Indiana lawmakers advance ban on all gender-affirming care
An Indiana bill that would ban all gender-affirming care for minors, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, passed the state Senate public health committee 8-3.
‘Equitable restrooms’ bill advances in House
Bill calls for setting standards for multi-occupant, all-gender facilities.
Community in uproar after board votes to temporarily close Wiley Elementary for asbestos abatement
URBANA – The Urbana School District 116 school board received significant backlash at its February 21 board meeting after voting to close Wiley Elementary
Tornado Watch now until 6pm for Central Illinois
The National Weather Service in Central Illinois has issued a Tornado Watch for Champaign, Coles, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, and Vermilion Counties until 6:00 p.m.
