Reginald Hardwick
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.
Central Illinois Faces Friday Afternoon Storms, Tornadoes and Floods
Updated Friday at 10:50 p.m. Updated Friday at 10:22 p.m. Updated Friday at 8:56 p.m. Updated Friday at 8:52 p.m. Updated Friday at 8:32 p.m.
Severe Storms Possible In Central IL This Weekend
Below are posts as the Illinois Newsroom followed the developing weather situation early Saturday morning. Updated Saturday at 4:24 a.m. After heavy rain and winds
Friday 1-7pm: Heat Advisory Issued For Central/Southern IL
URBANA – The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a Heat Advisory tomorrow from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for central and southern Illinois. Heat
LGBTQ Pride Flies High In Urbana
URBANA – On Monday, Joanne Geigner helped raise the rainbow flag above the Urbana City Building. She is part of Uniting Pride, which advocates for Champaign
Where Can You Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine In Central Illinois?
Updated June 6, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. This is an updated post on which Illinoisans can receive the COVID-19 vaccine, when and where. Illinois has
Cicadas Are Waking Up In Eastern Illinois But Many More Arrive In 2024
CHAMPAIGN – After lying dormant for 17 years, billions of Cicadas – big insects with big wings are awakening in far eastern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and
Funeral Service And Procession Confirmed For Champaign Officer
CHAMPAIGN – A police officer killed in the line of duty will be laid to rest on Wednesday according to the Champaign Police Department. Officer
Photo Gallery: Procession For Champaign Officer Chris Oberheim
URBANA – Many people lined up to honor a fallen Champaign police officer during a procession from Urbana to Decatur. Authorities say a gunman killed
Procession For Fallen Officer To Begin Thursday at 1pm
URBANA – A procession for fallen Champaign officer Chris Oberheim will wind through Central Illinois on Thursday afternoon. The Champaign Police Department said the procession
Pritzker Now Says Budget Can Include Added $350 Million For K-12 Schools
SPRINGFIELD – Citing an “improved” economic outlook, Gov. JB Pritzker announced Thursday his support to increase evidence-based education funding in the state by $350 million
Small Tornadoes Reported In Central Illinois
Updated Thursday at 3:07 p.m. Updated Thursday at 3:00 p.m. Updated Thursday at 2:57 p.m. URBANA – The Tornado Warning has been allowed to expire.
COVID-19 Vaccination Walk-In Clinics Scheduled Thursday & Friday
CHAMPAIGN – People in Champaign and Macon counties are welcome to receive COVID-19 vaccines at clinics in Champaign on Thursday and Decatur on Friday. The
Severe Storms Bring Tornadoes, Hail And Flooding To Central IL
Updated Monday at 9:10 p.m. URBANA – No major damage has been reported after severe storms swept through Central Illinois Monday night. The National Weather Service reported
Illinois Leaders Praise Guilty Verdict Against Derek Chauvin
URBANA – Most leaders from the Democratic and Republican parties in Illinois are saying publicly that they support the guilty verdict against a former Minneapolis
Dosunmu Leaving Illinois; Entering NBA Draft
URBANA – University of Illinois standout basketball player Ayo Dosunmu is headed for the NBA Draft. The junior made the announcement on ESPN today. This spring,
Où Est-Ce Que Vous Pouvez Vous Faire Vacciner Contre Le COVID-19 Au Centre De l’Illinois?
Mise à jour le premier mars, 11:00 a.m. C’est un post au sujet de quels résidents de l’Illinois peuvent recevoir le vaccin contre le COVID-19,
Winter Storm Warning For Central Illinois Sunday Night-Tuesday AM
CHAMPAIGN – The National Weather Service says Central Illinois could receive nearly a foot of snow and continue with subzero temperatures over the next 48
Champaign Neighborhood Shaken By Racist Flyers Left In Driveways
CHAMPAIGN – On the morning of January 16, Melanie Keil discovered a rock in the driveway of her home. Attached was a note with several
New Champaign Unit 4 Schools Leader Moving From Springfield
CHAMPAIGN – The next superintendent of Champaign Unit 4 Schools is moving from Springfield. On Thursday night, the Board of Education announced its selection of Shelia
Kennedy Center To Honor Danville’s Dick Van Dyke
CHAMPAIGN — The Kennedy Center announced it will honor Dick Van Dyke, an actor and comedian who grew up in Danville. Van Dyke is known
Republican IL Congressman Calls For Trump To Be Removed From Office
WASHINGTON – Republican Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger is calling on President Donald Trump’s Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove him from office. Kinzinger made
Illinois Lawmakers React After Trump Supporters Storm Capitol
5:45 p.m. Update SPRINGFIELD – Republican congressmen from Illinois are denouncing the pro-Trump extremists who stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday. Amid the chaos and
Historic University of Illinois Aeronautical Engineer Remembered
Editor’s Note: our original story incorrectly reported Carruthers earned his Bachelor of Science, Masters of Science and doctorate degrees in Aeronautical Engineering. His his MS
Parkland College Students Bury 2020 Chaos In Time Capsule
CHAMPAIGN – A rainbow flag, Black Lives Matter pins and a roll of toilet paper are among items Parkland College students recently ‘laid to rest’
IL Congress Members Join Effort To Overturn Presidential Results
UPDATED Dec. 11, 6:14 p.m. WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit backed by President Donald Trump to overturn Joe Biden’s election victory,
New Restrictions Begin In Champaign-Urbana Due To Rising COVID-19 Rates
CHAMPAIGN – From schools to restaurants to hospitals, restrictions are once again underway around Champaign County as COVID-19 cases rise. Friday will be the last
Illinois Democrats React To Biden Elected President
CHAMPAIGN – Democratic leaders in Illinois praised the projected election of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States. Biden defeated Republican President
Champaign Sailor To Be Honored At USS Cole Bombing Remembrance
CHAMPAIGN – A Navy Sailor from Champaign who died in the USS Cole attack will be remembered in a ceremony next week. Back in 1999, terrorists
Illinois Senators React To Trump Supreme Court Nominee
CHAMPAIGN – Both US Senators from Illinois expressed concerns about President Donald J. Trump’s nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the US Supreme Court.
Illinois Leaders Remember Justice Ginsburg
Illinois leaders from both political parties remembered Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Friday at age 87. “America has lost an icon and an