Reginald Hardwick
Where to get COVID testing and vaccines in Central Illinois
Updated: January 18, 2022 As the state of Illinois increases resources at local health departments to provide mass vaccinations, we are providing locations in/around the
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
Gun Violence In Champaign Could Surpass 2019 Say Leaders
CHAMPAIGN – Champaign reported a record 100 incidents of gun violence last year. This year is only half over and the city says there has
Severe Storms Bring Tornadoes And Heavy Rain To Central Illinois
CHAMPAIGN – Severe thunderstorms in Illinois caused tornadoes and other hazards on Wednesday afternoon. Meterorologist Andrew Pritchard captured a picture of a large tornado around
By The Numbers: Chicago Murder Count Through The Years
This embed shows the total number of murders – including non-negligent manslaughter – reported annually by the Chicago police. This chart is current as of
Highway Interchange Upgrades In Champaign Begin This Week
CHAMPAIGN – Prepare for highway lane closures and a lot more orange construction signs in Champaign. Starting Wednesday, construction crews will begin rebuilding the 56-year-old
New Guidelines For High School Sports Amid COVID-19 Released
CHAMPAIGN – On Friday, the Illinois High School Association released guidelines for allowing student athletes to practice and play. It comes as the Illinois Department
Recalled Salad Linked To Intestinal Illness In Champaign County
CHAMPAIGN – If you recently bought packaged garden salad, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District says you should check to see if its been recalled. In
2020 Illinois State Fair Canceled Due To COVID-19
SPRINGFIELD – The state announced Friday that the 2020 Illinois and Du Quoin State Fairs will be cancelled this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Protests Against Racism Come To Small IL Towns As Well
MONTICELLO – Peaceful protests against racism and police brutality not only took place Saturday in cities like Chicago and Champaign, but also in small Illinois towns
PHOTOS: June 6 Black Lives Matter March in Champaign
Editor’s Note: the person holding up the LGBTQ sign was misgendered as a woman in the original post. The person identifies as non-binary. We have
Pritzker Responds To Minnesota Protests; Says Trump Is A Racist
CHICAGO – During his daily COVID-19 briefing, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker responded to protests in Minnesota over the killing of a black man by a
News Around Illinois – May 22, 2020
Pritzker Says No Decision Yet On Holding State Fairs This Summer SPRINGFIELD – Governor J.B. Pritzker says no decision has been made yet on whether
GOP: Graduated Tax ‘Cash Grab’ Will Stifle Pandemic Recovery
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Republicans are demanding a vote in the General Assembly on removing from the fall ballot a proposed graduated income tax structure, saying
Illinois Supreme Court Disbars Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich
CHICAGO — Disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been officially disbarred. The Illinois Supreme Court announced on Monday that it revoked Blagojevich’s law license.
Slowed COVID-19 Spread Leaves 1,000s Of Makeshift Beds Empty
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois has spent tens of millions of dollars building makeshift field hospitals to prepare for an anticipated flood of coronavirus cases. But Gov.
Former Urbana Substitute Teacher Accused Of Abusing Students
URBANA – Police in Urbana say a former substitute teacher is accused of abusing several 10-year-old students at an elementary school. In a press release
What’s Closed In Illinois Due To The Virus
STATEWIDE Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ordered the state’s residents to remain in their homes except for essential needs, March 21 at 5:00 p.m.-May 31. Starting
Champaign Police Officer Tests Positive For COVID-19
CHAMPAIGN – The city of Champaign announced late Thursday night that a police officer has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Schools Closed Because Of Virus; Here’s How They’re Feeding Students
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ordered the closing of every school in the state until March 30 amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus. Statewide,
Champaign County Virus Cases Grow To 3; IL Cases Now 753
CHAMPAIGN – The state of Illinois reported dozens of new COVID-19 cases, including two more in Champaign County and the first involving members of the
What Is Essential/Prohibited Under IL Stay At Home Order?
CHICAGO – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ordered the state’s residents to remain in their homes except for essential needs, joining similar efforts in California
Local Primary Race Results
URBANA – Here’s a roundup of some of the more contested races from the 2020 Illinois Primary. US SENATE CHICAGO — A former Chicago-area sheriff
UI Suspends In Person Courses For Spring Semester; Asks Students To Move Home
URBANA – In the latest effort to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 disease, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign says it will suspend face-to-face instruction
First Confirmed Coronavirus Case In Champaign County
Click here for resources & more stories from the Coronavirus Info Center. CHAMPAIGN – On Sunday afternoon, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District announced the first
University of Illinois Shifts To Online Courses In Effort To Stop Virus Spread
URBANA – The University of Illinois System said on Wednesday night that courses will “immediately” migrate from in-person to online to help limit transmission of
U Of I Student Isolated After Bacterial Meningitis Diagnosis
URBANA – The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reported Friday that a student is being treated for bacterial meningitis, but there is a low risk of
Icy Conditions & Wind Chills Prompt School And Road Closings
UPDATED Friday 7:15 a.m. – Icy conditions forced some roads to close in Central Illinois and some schools to close or delay opening on Friday.
Downtown Urbana Added To National Register of Historic Places
URBANA – For decades, the people of Urbana have marveled at the architecture of the county courthouse, built in 1901, and dozens of other buildings
Snow Forecasted For Central Illinois Wednesday PM-Thursday
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Central Illinois, including Champaign-Urbana, Danville and Decatur. It is in effect Wednesday 11:00 a.m.-Thursday