American hemp sellers prepare for a looming ban on most of their products: ‘This is devastating’
Beginning in December, new federal restrictions will make many hemp products illegal. Businesses in the industry are getting ready to close down most or all of their operations, while advocates hope there’s still time to change course before the ban begins.
U of I Extension warns to leave the mountain lion in the area alone
The extension says those in Jackson and Union counties should keep pets and children indoors or under supervision.
Federal delays are holding up $21 billion for rural internet projects, as states wait for guidance
State officials can’t spend billions in federal funding to connect remote areas to the internet until the Trump administration provides information on how to use the money. Broadband offices are hopeful guidance is on the way – but when remains unclear.
America @ 250: Barbara Suggs Mason asks what kind of country Americans are leaving for future generations
Barbara Suggs Mason’s family has been part of Champaign County since at least 1865. Until recently, she was co-chair of the Champaign County African American Heritage trail.
Gov. Pritzker opens up about his 80-pound weight loss, use of GLP-1 — ‘I think it’s what I need to succeed’
More than two years into his weight loss journey, Gov. JB Pritzker says he wants to talk about it, largely in part because he knows millions of Americans are suffering from obesity-related health conditions.
Champaign County’s 125-year-old courthouse faces an uncertain financial future
Since 1901, the courthouse has gone through immense changes, from the building itself to the way it functions in the community. But changes to state law have led to a sharp decline in revenue for courthouse services.
Bike to Work Day promotes safety and accessibility across Champaign County
Cyclists participated in Bike to Work Day, part of a larger Bike Month across Champaign County.
Illinois residents who are terminally ill can now end their lives. Here’s how it works.
The medical aid in dying law is facing court challenges, but the law still stands.
Illinois ends nonconference schedule with a win against SIU
After scoring his second touchdown of the game, Colin Dixon now holds the record for most touchdowns scored at Gies Memorial Stadium.
Most car seats aren’t installed properly. C-U Public Health aims to help
When a car seat is not properly installed, children and babies can be harmed, even in low-speed collisions. It’s why the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District offers free car seat safety checks.
Sheriff Dustin Heuerman and Gregory Worrell discuss immigration enforcement, Flock cameras in candidate interviews
Democratic incumbent Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman and Republican Gregory Worrell, participated in candidate interviews at Illinois Public Media’s studios.
With homelessness on the rise in Champaign County, a group of service providers seeks solutions
CHAMPAIGN – Homelessness in Champaign County has risen in recent years. The latest count, conducted in early 2026, found
IPM’s Content Creation Lab returns offering unique opportunity to teen media enthusiasts
The semester blends hands-on studio time with guided workshops, creative challenges, and real-world media practices.
Mahomet-Seymour school district teachers move to authorize a future strike over contract negotiations
The Mahomet-Seymour school district warned Tuesday in a news release that schools may be forced to close if the union representing teachers and staff goes on strike over contract negotiations and that extracurriculars activities would also be canceled.
Construction sites will be required to be more welcoming to women under a new Illinois law
A successful legislative push embraced by Gov. JB Pritzker means the state’s male-dominated construction industry soon will have to make new job-site accommodations to employees who lactate and menstruate.
El Paso burial site of first Black man to vote in Illinois confirmed 121 years after his death
More than 120 years after his death, local historians finally feel confident of the burial spot for the first Black man to vote in Illinois.
Champaign County residents share concerns about data centers and a shortage of skilled nursing beds
At Tuesday’s Champaign County board meeting, the chair of the board said the county has no data centers planned. And during public comment, residents asked for help to fund a skilled nursing facility.
Champaign Unit 4 school district backs away from free meals for all, looks into reducing costs of bus routes
Superintendent Geovanny Ponce said families should email him if they are above the income cut-off and can’t afford school meals.
