Illinois lawmakers debate data center regulations in response to growing energy and water use concerns
State lawmakers in Springfield are debating how to regulate data centers as proposals for new facilities spark concerns over their impact on utility costs and water reservoirs.
‘To just be a big brother’: Fighting Illini Men’s Gymnastics team supports 9-year-old Owen en route to NCAA Championship
The Besch family reached out to Team Impact. This organization was founded in 2011 and is built on making sure kids develop socially and never feel alone.
Bird populations are shrinking faster in agriculture hotspots— including the Midwest, study finds
New research out of Ohio State University found the rate of bird decline was quicker in areas with more intense agricultural practices.
Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate Aaron Del Mar on working with Illinois Democrats, immigration, and Pritzker’s relationship with federal government
Del Mar recently appeared on the 21st Show and discussed how he found similarities with Darren Bailey despite being from two different parts of the state, Democrats in Illinois, immigration policies, and Governor Pritzker’s relationship with President Trump.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign chancellor signs 2026 climate action plan— without fossil fuels divestment
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Charles Isbell Jr. signed the Illinois Climate Action Plan Wednesday, but it’s missing a key provision students have been advocating for.
Urbana testing out new road design on part of Lincoln Avenue to improve pedestrian safety
The city is taking feedback from residents on a new design for the main road that includes a dedicated lane for left turns and bike lanes.
Transportation providers, schools, state officials ease school bus driver shortage
The secretary of state adjusted hiring requirements as schools and transportation providers worked to grow the workforce.
Urbana residents will soon be opted in to an electric aggregation program. Here’s what you need to know
Urbana residents have been automatically opted in to an electrical aggregation program, unless they’ve already opted out.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Apr. 23 – Apr. 26
The Illinois Marathon Weekend, C-U Area Prom Giveaway, Arbor Day celebrations, and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
As US-Iran ceasefire deadline nears, uncertainty hangs over possible talks
Earlier in the day, two regional officials said Washington and Tehran had signaled they would hold a second round of talks, with Vance leading the U.S. team and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf as its top negotiator.
Champaign is taking steps to more easily allow bike-share companies to operate in the area
The city’s municipal code will be amended to standardize regulations for e-bike companies like Veo and others.
Animal activists celebrate their first global ‘Sanctuary Day’
The Farm Micro Sanctuary in Indiana is one of more than a dozen farm animal shelters in the Midwest.
Ebertfest’s ‘Last Dance’ honors founder and namesake Roger Ebert after festival’s 27-year run
Last year, Ebertfest organizers had said they wouldn’t be coming back, but they pivoted and made a final return for the “Last Dance” event on April 17 and 18, featuring nine film screenings plus a play re-enacting an episode of Siskel & Ebert.
Higher education funding reform stalls in Illinois House
Hundreds of students and educators rallied at the Statehouse last Thursday in support of the Equitable Public University Funding Act.
UIS faculty strike ends
After more than two weeks on the picket line, tenured and tenure-track faculty at the University of Illinois Springfield have a deal to return to work. Faculty will be back in the classroom today.
Illinois Public Media recognized with four statewide broadcasting awards, including Best Small Market Radio Station
The judges considered material produced between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025.
Stanford returns to glory, wins the 2026 national title as State Farm Center hosts NCAA men’s gymnastics championships for the first time since 2019
Gymnasts from 12 teams contended for the national title at State Farm Center over the weekend. Stanford took home the first-place trophy.
PHOTOS: Six top gymnastics teams compete in NCAA championship at State Farm Center
Gymnasts from six universities faced off in the NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championship at State Farm on Saturday. Stanford took home the first-place trophy, and Illinois placed fifth.
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