Illinois Republican lawmakers introduce a bill for a 6-month gas sales tax pause
GOP state lawmakers want to lower gas prices in Illinois as the price of gas has risen above $4 a gallon because of the war in Iran.
Illinois farmers ease critical labor shortages through this agricultural visa program
The H-2A visa has become a lifeline for farmers who can’t find enough domestic workers.
Most American prairies are gone. These people are working to bring them back
From a field on an Illinois university campus, to rare, untouched land in Texas, here are some efforts to replant once-abundant prairie in the Midwest and Great Plains.
ISU workers go on strike after negotiations hit dead end
Another round of negotiations took place Tuesday at Hovey Hall, the main ISU administration building, but the two sides could not resolve their differences.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Apr. 9 – Apr. 12
Boneyard Arts Festival, the Festival of Quilts, opening nights of theatre and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
The Latest: Iran says it has accepted a 2-week ceasefire in the war
U.S. President Donald Trump says he’s pulling back on his threats to widen attacks on Iran. The president says that includes an array of bridges, power plants and other civilian targets — subject to Iran being ready for a two-week ceasefire and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
U of I Springfield faculty strike continues
A key issue remains salary. The administration is proposing a 1% increase effective March 16, 2026.
Waymo begins testing in Chicago as bill seeks to legalize autonomous vehicles
For the last year, legislators in Springfield have been trying to work through a variety of issues raised by skeptics of the autonomous vehicles, known as AVs.
Temperatures to warm up later this week with chance of rain returning
Temperatures are expected to warm up again by Wednesday with a chance of rain on Friday.
Soon after massive honeybee deaths, Trump moves to close the nation’s premier bee lab
When beekeepers saw widespread honeybee die-offs last year, researchers at the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center stepped in to help. The Trump administration now plans to close the facility.
Illinois pursues abortion coverage for people with little or no insurance
Federal law requires the insurers to segregate that money and use it only for abortion care. Illinois’ bill would allow the state to exert greater authority over the funds.
University of Illinois Springfield faculty go on strike
Union voices concerns over inadequate pay after months of negotiations
United Airlines pushes back start date for new Willard Airport flights, citing FAA restrictions
United’s four new daily flights to and from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport will now launch starting June 1. The airline originally planned to have the service kickoff on April 30.
Players, fans in Indianapolis and C-U mourn after Illinois’ historic basketball season comes to an end
Fans and players alike reckoned with the Fighting Illini men’s basketball team’s loss to UConn Saturday night in Indianapolis, bringing the team’s historic season to an end.
UConn reaches 3rd national title game in 4 seasons, beating Illinois 71-62 behind Mullins and Reed
UConn will face Arizona or Michigan on Monday night.
Gallery: Illinois Men’s Basketball makes it to the Final Four in NCAA tournament
Illinois men’s basketball fans made their way to Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium Saturday as the team participates in the Final Four semifinal for the first time in 21 years.
WATCH: Illini travel to Indiana for the Final Four against UConn
A blog of videos from Illinois Student Newsroom members Elissa Eaton and Cooper O’Kelly.
Illini look to advance to NCAA National Championship for the first time in 21 years
The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team takes on UConn this weekend for the NCAA Final Four National Semifinals. IPM’s Steve Morck and Kimberly Schofield talk about the team’s success this season.
Keep up with news in Central Illinois every weekday with 217 Today. Hear the day's headlines, along with one deeper dive, in just ten minutes. Learn about the people and places that make Central Illinois unique with 217 Today.
