Reginald Hardwick
How to stop invasive plants from taking over the prairie state
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY – Illinois is called the prairie state because a few centuries ago, it was mostly prairie land, filled with thousands with different types
Armadillos aren’t just in Texas anymore, they are expanding territory in Illinois
Armadillos have little hair and cannot survive on ground that is frozen for more than a few days. But climate change means winter in much of Illinois is becoming more bearable.
Scientists near Peoria wake up early to catch invasive birds
Invasive birds cost the United States’ farming industry billions of dollars every year. But to find out which species are the biggest culprit, you have to get up way before the sun comes up.
UPDATE: Meteorologists confirm tornado crossed Champaign County on Sunday
Meteorologists say the storm started in southwest Champaign County an ended south of the University of Illinois Willard Airport.
UIUC Chancellor Robert Jones heading to University of Washington
After nine years leading the University of Illinois’ flagship university, Jones will head to another Big Ten school.
Meshell Ndegeocello comes to Krannert to share James Baldwin’s wisdom with music
Meshell Ndegeocello will perform at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on January 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Why getting rid of NPR or PBS will affect more than the news or ‘Sesame Street’
US Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana and Pennsylvania Congressman Scott Perry have already introduced bills to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
IPM News producing series about second Trump term the week of January 6, 2025
Special series on WILL-AM 580, FM 90.9, Illinois Soul 101.1, 217 Today podcast and The 21st Show.
Live Christmas trees accepted at local lakes
The trees create habitat for multiple fish species and promote algae growth for insects that attract fish for anglers.
Illinoisans prepare to celebrate Hannukah and Christmas on the same date
Rabbi Alan Cook of Sinai Temple in Champaign explains why this holy week means so much to so many.
Discussion revisits music of the Civil Rights Movement and integration of America’s schools
The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is holding a year of discussions 70 years after the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that desegregated schools.
Streets around central Illinois lined for fallen state trooper Corey Thompsen
Officers from Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri attended the service and participated in a procession for trooper Corey Thompsen.
Illinois has roster overhaul, looks to transform talented newcomers into another winning team
The Illini have restocked their roster with talented transfers and freshmen for Coach Brad Underwood’s eighth season at the helm.
More early voting locations open ahead of November 5 election
Click here for early voting hours and locations in Champaign, Macon and Vermilion Counties.
UPDATE: Co-manager of Champaign’s ‘The Beat’ program faces child pornography charges
Updated Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. A Champaign DJ with ties to live music and education programs around the city has been arrested for selling child
Some University of Illinois first-year students disappointed with temporary housing
University housing said the number of first-year students who signed contracts for dorm rooms was larger than anticipated.
IDPH: Dozens of Central Illinois zip codes now at ‘high risk’; children need to be tested for lead
Starting this year, several communities in Central Illinois will begin mandatory lead testing for children. On Wednesday, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced that
Christie Clinic Illinois races to go forward Saturday morning according to race officials
The 10K, Marathon, 4-Person Relay and Half Marathon will take place as scheduled on Saturday morning.
Central Illinois Headlines – April 19, 2024
Storms cause damage in central Illinois Clean-up is underway after severe storms caused damage in parts of Central Illinois on Thursday night. The National Weather Service
Celebration of William Patterson’s life planned for Krannert Performing Arts Center on April 14
The public is invited to remember the Urbana native and STEM educator on Sunday, April 14 from 3 to 7 p-m at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
Champaign Urbana and University of Illinois communities mourn beloved educator William Patterson
William Patterson, Ph.D. passes away suddenly at the age of 58.
Central Illinois Headlines – March 29, 2024
Headlines across Central Illinois on March 29, 2024.
Central Illinois Headlines – March 28, 2024
Firm predicts higher hemp and cannabis sales in Illinois this year Oregon-based Whitney Economics says Illinois will generate about 2.2 billion dollars in cannabis sales
Does your child have a podcast idea? Here’s how to enter the NPR student podcast challenge.
The Contest is a podcast submission contest where 4th – 12th grade teachers can submit an audio file created by their student(s) for an opportunity to have the Grand Prize-winning podcasts discussed in a news segment that will appear on an episode of NPR’s All Things Considered or Morning Edition.
U of I dean Ruby Mendenhall is preparing to share a lifetime of writing as Urbana’s poet laureate
IPM’s Reginald Hardwick talked with Mendenhall about her family, her gift and she shared one of her poems.
University of Illinois student journalists travel to Sierra Leone to document ‘period poverty’
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign journalism students are traveling to West Africa to produce documentaries about how people educate and reduce stigmas surrounding menstrual cycles.
A Dialogue with Chancellor Jones, Shamar Betts, NPR’s Ayesha Roscoe, and Decatur ISD Board Member Alana Banks
“Dialogue” is the weekly news magazine airing Saturdays at 11am and Tuesdays at 7pm on Illinois Soul FM 101.1 and FM 90.9 HD2.
Illinois Public Media launches Black focused music and news audio service: Illinois Soul FM 101.1
Illinois Soul began airing February 1, 2024 on WILL-FM 101.1 and 90.9 HD2. It streams on illinoissoul.org.
Update: Low water pressure forces Danville Schools and Community College to close for the day
Danville public schools are dismissing early due to a water issue.
Police: ‘No one injured, no shots fired’ during gun incident at I-Hotel
Posted Saturday at 2:24 p.m. CHAMPAIGN – University of Illinois police said no one was injured and no shots were fired when a gun was
Illinois suspended player Terrence Shannon, Jr. files legal action to resume playing
Shannon’s attorneys said the suspension was a rush to judgment by the university and he was refused due process. The U of I said it will defend its student-athlete misconduct process.
UIUC students celebrate Hanukkah while thinking about Middle East war
The festival of lights not only celebrates the miracle of a small amount of oil keeping a Temple’s menorah lit for eight days.
U of I student injured in shootout in Campustown, shooters at large
A student at the U of I was injured after a shootout around 4:20 a.m. on Sunday.
Frost Advisory in effect Tuesday 12AM-8AM
Lows of 34 to 38 degrees overnight will likely lead to frost forming overnight, especially from Havana to Decatur to Terre Haute northeast where a frost advisory is posted overnight.
Fans and Friday night’s game to pay homage to football legend Dick Butkus
Butkis was a star linebacker, fullback and kicker at Chicago Vocational High who went on to play at the University of Illinois.
No. 7 Nittany Lions ready for hostile crowd when they play against Illinois team eager for upset
Penn State coach James Franklin said his team knows what to expect, especially with the Illini promoting an “orange-out.”
‘Greener Pastures’ explores farming, climate change and mental health; a life-changing project for the filmmaker
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please know there is help available. Call or text 988.
Miller lashes out at Pritzker, Springfield YMCA on House Floor
Rep. Miller says on House Floor that a teen was kicked out of a Springfield YMCA despite the family saying they ended their membership.
New provost comes to U of I after increasing diverse enrollment and long political science career
New University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Provost John Coleman talks about why he choose the university, his interest in political science, the state of US democracy, and his focus when he arrives July 19.
Tornado and drought damaged areas in Illinois will receive disaster funds
Farmers can apply for emergency loans after tornadoes and drought last spring.
Live updates: Power restored to thousands; branch debris collection starts Monday
Storms cause damage to Willard Airport in Savoy, flip trailers on interstates and destroy countless trees.
Severe storms bring high winds, heavy rain and tornadoes through Central Illinois
The National Weather Service in Lincoln is advising people in Central Illinois to stay weather aware for high winds, heavy rain, possible tornado and heavy
Canadian wildfires are causing unhealthy air quality again in Central Illinois
A National Weather Service meteorologist says fires in northern Quebec and low pressure over the eastern Great Lakes are sending smoke to Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois.
Two violent incidents in Champaign leave 8 people in the hospital
Champaign police are investigating two incidents of violence that injured multiple people.
Urbana names retired Norfolk, VA Chief as the next Chief of Police
Former Norfolk, VA police chief Larry Boone has been appointed the next police chief of Urbana.
LGBTQ+ pride on display at Central Illinois parades, concerts, movies and more this June
Central Illinois pride month events begin with events in Danville and Monticello on Saturday, June 3.
Alert issued for unhealthy air quality throughout all of Illinois on Friday
Air quality in Illinois is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups on Friday, June 5.
Illinois downstate delegation splits vote to raise debt ceiling
The votes on raising the nation’s debt ceiling fell along party lines among the downstate Illinois congressional delegation.
Illinois Race Weekend will close several Champaign Urbana streets
URBANA – Several streets in Champaign-Urbana will be closed for the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon Race Weekend. Organizers say the best way to avoid closures
Update: Weather service says deadly Crawford County tornado tracked 42 miles
A tornado close to the Illinois-Indiana border killed at least 3 people and destroyed homes and an airport. At least 8 others are hurt.
From muscles to molecules, learn lots about science at the Beckman Institute this weekend
URBANA – As I enter the atrium of the Beckman Institute, natural light shines down on dozens of research projects. I walk up to Luis Rodriguez
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 protentional 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.