Police: teen arrested for shooting death of Urbana teen

Updated March 19 URBANA – Police announced over the weekend that they arrested a 14-year-old in connection with the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy

Braver Angels teaches liberals and conservatives how to talk to each other at Town Hall

Braver Angels conducts workshops across the US with the goal of to bringing Democrats and Republicans together to understand each other.

Update: Urbana High School placed under “soft” lockdown after threats

Administrators at Urbana School District 116 placed the district’s high school under lockdown on Monday morning after receiving threats. Students are safe.

Urbana protesters mourn beating victim and demand changes to policing

Demonstrations broke out across the country over the beating death of Tyre Nichols. Some marchers in Urbana are pushing for major changes.

Judge issues restraining order against Illinois assault weapons ban

The ruling only affects 866 plaintiffs who sued to overturn the law. For the rest of the state, the ban on assault weapons remains in place.

How did Illinois’ delegation vote for Speaker of the House?

Updated Saturday 1:10 a.m. WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Kevin McCarthy has been elected House speaker on a historic post-midnight 15th ballot, overcoming holdouts from his

Weather Service confirms 7 tornado touchdowns on Tuesday in Central Illinois

URBANA – The National Weather Service confirms there were seven tornado touchdowns in Central Illinois on Tuesday. Meteorologists say there were three touchdowns in Macon County,

Tornado warned storms cause damage in Central Illinois

Illinois Public Media is tracking severe storms in Central Illinois on January 3, 2023. This story will be updated with posts from Chambana Weather meteorologist Andrew

Local farm turns Christmas trees into tasty snacks for goats

WHITE HEATH – On a gray overcast day in late December, 40 goats and a few sheep await a green, tasty snack in a pasture

Superintendent: Paris HS must replace gym floor after pipe burst and flood

PARIS – The superintendent of an Eastern Illinois school district says the gymnasium floor of the high school must be rebuilt after a pipe break

Deep freeze breaks pipes, flooding homes, schools and business across Central Illinois

URBANA – After a week in the deep freeze, crews are responding to dozens of broken pipes across Central Illinois.  The city of Decatur says

Next ‘News, Brews & Beatz’ discussion to center around lack of affordable housing and its connection to crime

URBANA – According to many financial experts, you should spend no more than 30 percent of your gross monthly income on housing. For renters, that includes

Tax credits, prison reform pass in veto session

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers last week passed significant legislation dealing with electric vehicle manufacturing incentives and the availability of hygiene products for prisoners in the

Fire heavily damages home and garage in Champaign

Fire destroyed one home and heavily damaged a second near 2nd and Hill Streets in Champaign tonight. No word yet on if there were any

Urbana church remembers Colorado club shooting and transgender violence victims

URBANA – The deadly mass shooting at a Colorado nightclub was on the minds of Urbana churchgoers as they remembered transgender people who were violently killed.

‘State of Change’ program focuses on the effect of carbon in Illinois

URBANA – Carbon is a key to life on Earth. Whether it’s animals, people, plants, or water, life on our planet would not be possible

Update: Urbana HS to hold e-learning day on Thursday

URBANA – Urbana High School will hold an e-learning day on Thursday. The decision comes after the school went into lockdown for much of Wednesday

Budzinski flips 13th Congressional District from red to blue

SPRINGFIELD – Voters in Illinois’ recently redrawn 13th congressional district elected a Democrat on Tuesday night. Republican congressman Rodney Davis represented the district for 5-terms.

State investigators monitoring elections as early voting sets records

URBANA – In Illinois, Election Day is a state holiday to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot. And state officials say you should be

IL13th Congressional District candidates both expect victory

URBANA- Both candidates in Illinois’ redrawn 13th congressional district say their messages are connecting with voters.  Republican Regan Deering and Democratic candidate Nikki Budzinski both expect

High Wind Warning in effect in Central Illinois

Updated Saturday at 7:55 a.m. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning in Central Illinois until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. According to meteorologists,

Urbana native hopes to elevate Midwest voices with new national public radio show

URBANA – A Central Illinois native will launch a live call-in talk show nationwide on Wednesday night. Jeremy Hobson is a former host of Marketplace

Champaign, Danville, and Urbana school leaders address shortages, safety, and breaking barriers in TV special

URBANA – Children still face mental health challenges as the COVID pandemic comes to an end. That’s one of the lessons garnered during an hourlong television

Watch Live: 13th Congressional Debate – Budzinski vs. Deering

URBANA – On Thursday night, two political newcomers prepared to debate and tell the voters why they should represent the newly drawn 13th congressional district.

Storm brings heavy rain, winds into C-U

URBANA – Severe storms early Monday brought hail, heavy rain and high winds through central Illinois. Around 1:00 a.m., the National Weather Service office in

Storms bring heavy rain to Central Illinois

Illinois Public Media News is monitoring severe storm potentional on Monday. The National Weather Service in Central Illinois says strong thunderstorms is tracking across the

Face coverings ‘strongly recommended’ in U of I classrooms starting Monday

URBANA – The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is recommending that everyone wear high-quality face coverings in classrooms starting Monday, August 29. The advisory was sent

2 Dead, 3 Injured After Weekend Gun Violence in Champaign and Danville

URBANA – Multiple reports of gun violence kept Central Illinois police busy over the weekend. Friday 11:00 p.m. It started late Friday night in the 2000

Illini Hall of Famer golfing to raise money for pediatric care; not a fan of UCLA/USC joining Big Ten

URBANA – As a member of the Fighting Illini football team in the 1980s, David Williams set many records on the field. He finished his collegiate

Jelani Day celebration of life set for Aug. 27 at ISU

A memorial service is being planned later this month for late Illinois State University student Jelani Day, one year after his death. Aug. 24, 2021,

Hot and humid weather returns to Central Illinois this week

URBANA – Meteorologists are warning that dangerous heat will return to Central Illinois this week. The National Weather Service in Central Illinois says daily afternoon

Sen. Durbin becomes latest politician to test positive for COVID-19

URBANA – US Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said Thursday morning that he will work remotely after testing positive for COVID-19. In a statement, the 77-year-old

Police laud actions of man who killed Indiana mall attacker

GREENWOOD, Ind. — Authorities say a gunman who shot five people at a suburban Indianapolis shopping mall, killing three of them before a shopper shot

Latest shooting incident along Green Street in Champaign kills Urbana man

CHAMPAIGN -An argument between two men from Urbana turned deadly in Champaign’s Campustown over the weekend. Police responded to shots fired in the 200-block of

Lake County Coroner ID’s Highland Park mass shooting victims

HIGHLAND PARK – As of Wednesday, we know the names of the seven people who died after a mass shooting at Highland Park’s Independence Day

President, Governor and other leaders react to Highland Park mass shooting

HIGHLAND PARK — A gunman opened fire on an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago on Monday. He killed at least six people and wounded

Finding fireworks for Independence Day Weekend 2022

URBANA – Here’s a partial list of professional fireworks displays for Independence Day weekend, July 1-4, 2022: July 1 Freedom Fest – Lake of the

lllinois reacts to the overturning of Roe v. Wade

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has ended constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place nearly 50 years — a decision by its conservative

Kinzinger receives death threat over Jan. 6 commitee participation

URBANA – Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger says he’s received a death threat for his role in investigating the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol.

Trump to stump for Miller at Quincy area rally

URBANA – Former President Donald Trump will hold a rally with Representative Mary Miller (R-IL), who is locked in a bitter primary race with another

‘Oppressive heat and humidity’ continues through Wednesday PM

URBANA – The National Weather Service says heat indices in Central Illinois will hover around 105-110 degrees Monday through Wednesday of this week. The NWS

Water users urged to avoid algal blooms

URBANA – As the temperatures warm and people head out to local waterways, you are warned to avoid algal blooms. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Illinois Public Media to host 13th Cong. Dist. primary debates

URBANA – Both the Democratic and Republican candidates in the 13th Congressional District will take part in debates in the coming weeks. Illinois Public Media,

Professionals take center stage at next News, Brews & Beatz

Illinois Public Media is committed to having calm and comprehensive discussions about reducing gun violence in Champaign-Urbana. Our fourth “News, Brews and Beatz” discussion happens on

U of I System President Killeen diagnosed with COVID-19

URBANA – The president of the University of Illinois system is working from home after testing positive for COVID-19. In a statement to the university, Tim

Central Illinois under Thunderstorm Watch until 7pm

CHAMPAIGN – A line of storms crossed Illinois on Sunday afternoon. The National Weather Service in Central Illinois placed the area, including Champaign-Urbana, under a

Strong winds and storms expected today

CHAMPAIGN – Meteorologists say strong winds, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour, followed by thunderstorms will impact Central Illinois today. The National Weather

Champaign police announces 3 finalists for chief

CHAMPAIGN – The city of Champaign has announced three finalists for the role of police chief. Angela Coonce is the Commander of the North Patrol Division

Winter Weather Advisory: Thursday noon-Friday 6am

Illinois Public Media News is monitoring a winter storm that the National Weather Service in Central Illinois expects to bring snow to East Central Illinois.

Educators talk candidly about students and violence at next News, Brews & Beatz forum

CHAMPAIGN – Illinois Public Media is committed to discussions about decreasing gun violence in Champaign-Urbana. Last year, we launched our News, Brews, and Beatz series

Snow ending; portion of I-39 closed due to 100+ vehicle crashes

Illinois Public Media News is monitoring a winter storm that the National Weather Service in Central Illinois expects to bring rain, icy conditions, and possible

Snow moves out tonight, sun returns Friday

URBANA  – A daylong winter storm brought rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow to Central Illinois on Thursday. Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard talked with Illinois Newsroom’s

Weather related closings for Thursday, February 17

URBANA — Many cities, schools, and other organizations are announcing closings and cancellations because of possible flooding, icy conditions, and snow in central Illinois. We

U of I Chancellor Robert Jones reflects on COVID, higher tuition, agriculture and race

URBANA — For more than 5-years, Dr. Robert Jones has served as Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is a native of Georgia,

3 University of Illinois faculty recognized for engineering

CHAMPAIGN — Three faculty members at the University of Illinois have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering. They are among 111 new members

Decatur Schools appoint new superintendent

URBANA – Decatur Public Schools has a new superintendent. On Tuesday night, the board of education appointed Dr. Rochelle Clark as District 61’s new leader. Clark

Where to get COVID testing and vaccines in Central Illinois

Updated: February 8, 2022 As the state of Illinois increases resources at local health departments to provide mass vaccinations, we are providing locations in/around the

Central Illinois begins digging out from snow

CHAMPAIGN – Snowblowers and shovels were in action across Central Illinois on Friday. People are digging out after a two-day winter storm that brought 8

Wind Chill Advisory Tue. 8pm-Wed. 9am; Danville Schools closed

This story was updated Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. We will update as new weather information is posted. URBANA – The National Weather Service in Central

Light snow covers Champaign-Urbana

This post was updated Saturday at 11:15 a.m. It will be updated as the National Weather Service updates its forecasts. URBANA – Meteorologists are predicting

Ice coats Central Illinois making roadways very slick

Updated Saturday at 10:15 p.m. This post will be updated as new forecasts are posted. CHAMPAIGN – On Saturday afternoon and evening, meteorologists are predicting

Warming centers open as bitter cold descends on Central Illinois

CHAMPAIGN – Many Central Illinois communities are opening warming centers so people without regular shelter are not exposed to subzero temperatures settling into the area.

Wintry weather in Central Illinois midweek

This post was updated Tuesday at 10:45 p.m. It will be updated as the National Weather Service updates its forecasts. CHAMPAIGN – Forecasters say blowing

Forecasters: winter storm to bring snow & cold for New Year

Story updated Saturday at 10:10 p.m. – this story will be updated as the National Weather Service issues new forecasts. CHAMPAIGN – Meteorologists are forecasting

Several tornado warned storms charge across Central IL

Updated Saturday at 12:35 a.m. URBANA – Meteorologists issued several tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings on Friday evening. An approaching cold front and warm moist

First case of omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Illinois

URBANA – Health officials reported late Tuesday that the omicron COVID-19 variant has been confirmed in a case in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public

Threats cause concerns at two local high schools

Updated at 4:30 p.m. CHAMPAIGN – School officials have lifted a lockdown at Champaign Central High School, which was imposed Friday after several fights broke out.

Holiday celebrations underway in Central Illinois

CHAMPAIGN – From a parade returning to the streets to more than a dozen menorahs, Champaign-Urbana is catching the holiday spirit. Hanukkah Holiday Begins On

How can you tell if the news you read is real?

Before we end our special week of coverage about who is in charge of the news, we wanted to empower all of you with ways

Yes, investigative and statehouse journalism still exists in Illinois

As we ask Who’s in charge of news?, today, we’re exploring non-profit news organizations focused on hard-hitting investigations and statehouse reporting. We’re joined by representatives from Pro-Publica, the Midwest

Who owns local newspapers and TV newsrooms?

There are plenty of choices for you to get national news these days, but coverage of your local community, schools and small businesses is getting

Tornado Watch for Central Illinois until Monday 1am

Updated Sunday 7:40 p.m. URBANA – The National Weather Service in Central Illinois is forecasting heavy rains and severe storms, including possible tornadoes, late Sunday.

As newspapers die, small non-profit news sites rise in the Midwest

URBANA – With newspapers on the decline in Illinois, you may be wondering where to get quality news about communities across the Midwest. During the

Lawmakers release revised congressional redistricting map

SPRINGFIELD – Democratic leaders in the Illinois General Assembly released a new proposed congressional redistricting map on Saturday. Leaders claim it better reflects representation of

Man arrested for deadly Champaign legion post shooting

CHAMPAIGN – A 20-year-old man was arraigned today for a deadly mass shooting that occurred in Champaign in July. The Champaign County State’s Attorney Office

Strong storms bring rain and tornadoes to Central Illinois

Updated Monday at 7:15 p.m. URBANA – Meteorologists in Central Illinois are warning people to stay weather aware for strong to severe storms on Monday

Illinois State grad student Jelani Day celebrated at hometown service

DANVILLE – Hundreds filled Danville High School’s auditorium on Saturday, October 9, to celebrate the life of Jelani Day. The 25-year-old was reported missing in

Police Search For Killer Of Champaign Teenager

CHAMPAIGN – Police in Champaign are still searching for the person who shot and killed a Centennial High School student. On Friday, the city identified the

Firefighter Treated For Injuries After Champaign Apartment Fire

CHAMPAIGN – A firefighter is being treated for minor injuries after responding to an apartment fire in Champaign overnight. Fire crews arrived at a multi-family home

Photo Gallery: Champaign 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

CHAMPAIGN – Hundreds of people joined Champaign Fire Chief Gary Ludwig and many other leaders from Champaign-Urbana in honoring the September 11, 2001 attack victims.

Champaign Fire Chief Remembers 9/11 And How It Changed Firefighting

CHAMPAIGN – Saturday, September 11, 2021 marks 20 years since one of America’s most tragic days. The Champaign Fire Department will hold a 9/11 Memorial

Ethics Bill Clears House On Second Try, Will Head Back To Governor

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House on Thursday voted to accept changes to an ethics bill that Gov. JB Pritzker had requested, paving the way for

Severe Thunderstorm Warning For Champaign & Vermilion Counties Until 7pm

This story will be updated as new National Weather Service Alerts come in. URBANA – The National Weather Service has placed central Illinois under a

University of Illinois Officer To Be Laid To Rest On Tuesday

URBANA – A University of Illinois Police Lieutenant killed in an off-duty wreck will be laid to rest on Tuesday afternoon. The department says a

Heat Advisory Continues; Strong Storms Possible Too

URBANA – Meteorologists say dangerous heat and possibly strong thunderstorms will continue in Central Illinois on Thursday. The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued

Renovation Or Replacement Ahead For Two University Of Illinois Icons

URBANA – Extensive changes are on the horizon for two University of Illinois Urbana Champaign buildings built more than a century ago. The Rebuild Illinois

Crash Kills University of Illinois Police Officer

URBANA – A car crash involving five vehicles on Sunday claimed the life of a lieutenant at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Police Department. On

Update: 20-Year-Old Man Wounded In Green St. Shooting

Post updated August 22 at 4:45 p.m. CHAMPAIGN – Police in Champaign are looking for the person who shot a 20-year-old man along busy Green

U Of I Professor And Student Create “Illini Anthem”

URBANA – University of Illinois football and basketball fans will hear a new fight song joining the traditional music during the upcoming season. The Illini

Man Arrested After Teen Found Dead In Urbana Ditch

URBANA – Arraignment is scheduled on Monday for a man accused of killing a teenager. On Friday morning, bicyclists found a body laying in a

Dangerous Heat And Severe Weather Possible On Thursday

URBANA – Meteorologists are warning you to find a cool place and shelter from storms on Thursday. Heat indices (what the temperature will feel like)

Fallen Officer Honored With Portion of Champaign Roadway

CHAMPAIGN – This week, the city of Champaign dedicated a portion of University Avenue to police officer Chris Oberheim. Oberheim was shot and killed while

Weather Service: “Oppressive Heat” Forecasted This Weekend

URBANA – Meterorologists in Central Illinois are urging people to take high temperatures and humidity levels seriously this weekend. The National Weather Service in Central

Gov. Pritzker Announces Re-Election Campaign; Faces Many GOP Opponents

URBANA – J.B. Pritzker announced Monday he will seek a second term as governor of Illinois. The politician will face a Democratic primary challenger and

Stormy Skies Possible This Weekend

URBANA – The National Weather Service in Central Illinois advises that you stay weather aware this weekend. Strong thunderstorms are possible late Friday night into

Tyson Foods Recalls 8.5 Million Pounds Of Chicken Over Listeria Concerns

SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Tyson Foods Inc., one of the largest food manufacturers in the country, is recalling more than 8-million of pounds of chicken products

After Blast, Hendrick House Residents Moving Back In

This is a developing story. It will be updated as we learn new details. UPDATE: 56 summer residents are moving back into Hendrick House at the

Strong Storms Possible On Sunday Afternoon

This is a severe weather blog for June 27, 2021. It will be updated throughout the afternoon. Updated at 5:58 p.m. Updated at 5:00 p.m.

Building Collapse Closes Champaign Streets

CHAMPAIGN – Investigators are looking into why a portion of a vacant commercial building collapsed in Champaign on Saturday afternoon.  Champaign Fire Department Public Information

Severe Storms Prompt Warnings Across Central Illinois

This is a severe weather blog for June 26, 2021. It will be updated throughout the afternoon. Updated at 6:52 p.m. Updated at 6:42 p.m.