Pritzker signs school cellphone ban to avoid student distractions
New law restricts use of all electronic communication devices, with some exceptions.
Savoy searching for new developers to complete downtown plaza project
The Village of Savoy has been working on constructing their downtown plaza for years. The original developers withdrew from the project due to issues that include fulfilling agreed-upon deadlines.
Tornado spotted and wind damage reported in central and southeast Illinois
For Breaking Weather Updates, tune to WILL-AM 580, Illinois Classical FM 90.9, and Illinois Soul FM 101.1.
America @ 250: Lance Dixon has two questions for America
Lance Dixon is a husband, a father of five and the owner of Dixon Graphics in Champaign. He grew up in Chicago’s melting pot thinking America’s institutions were rock solid. He’s shaken by how fragile they seem today.
Champaign County Board tables resolution on Clerk Aaron Ammons, appoints new member for District 6
Board members voted along party lines to table the resolution for one year.
United Airlines’ plans to bring flights to Willard Airport face further delays
The airline announced that the expanded flight offerings from United were being delayed again due to the Federal Aviation Administration limiting flights at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.
Farmers are struggling to turn a profit. How does it compare to the farm crisis in the ’80s?
Corn and soybean growers have seen several years of low commodity prices and increased costs for supplies like fertilizer and fuel. That has many farmers worried about whether they’ll turn a profit this year and drawn some comparisons to a dark time in American agriculture.
Here’s how Illinois election authorities guard against noncitizen voting
Since 1982, only 10 noncitizens have been found to have voted in an Illinois election.
Jessica Dixon Heitman appointed to ex-Rep. Harry Benton’s seat
The granddaughter of late U.S. Sen. Alan Dixon is choice of local Democratic Party insiders.
Community event offers free back-to-school essentials for C-U youth
The Kingdom Connection Outreach Center is preparing for its Back-to-School Community Health Fair on August 15.
Five tips for applying to jobs, according to Champaign high schoolers in Unit 4’s Youth Employment Services program
About 200 Champaign students are wrapping up jobs they found through Champaign Unit 4 School District’s Youth Employment Services.
Pritzker says he doesn’t know details of deadly Jan. 4 shooting by Illinois State Police
Gov. JB Pritzker said he has not seen the video of an Illinois State Police trooper shooting an unarmed woman to death in January, though he reiterated trust in the department’s leadership on Wednesday.
Pritzker for president? Handicapping the Illinois governor’s political future
It’s the most common question Pritzker is getting from local and national reporters.
USDA cuts remove local conservation experts from nearly half of Illinois counties
The Trump administration cut 22% of the Natural Resources Conservation Service staff in 2025, impacting nearly half of Illinois counties.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois July 23 – July 26
Enjoy live music, a car show and barbecue competition, family-friendly outdoor activities and more this weekend in Central Illinois.
Illinois State Board of Education issues AI guidance, written with help from AI
A 2024 survey of Illinois educators conducted by Teach Plus and the Illinois Digital Educator Alliance, or IDEA, found a common concern that misuse of AI could threaten student learning.
Folk-rock legend Graham Nash on keeping his music fresh and new
In an interview with IPM News, he discussed politics, his love for performing, and wanting to give his audience the best concert of their lives. Nash is scheduled to perform at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign on his 2026 tour.
Bayer won its Roundup case. Where does that leave thousands of pending lawsuits?
Attorneys say cases that claim the popular weedkiller causes cancer will have to change course to move forward in court after the U.S. Supreme Court sided with the agriculture company last month.
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