Bipartisan group of Champaign County Board members thwart vote on home rule, blocking a plan to ban data centers
Several Champaign County Board members left the special meeting early, causing it to end after only three minutes and before any member of the public could speak on the home rule issue.
America @ 250: Allan Crandell discusses how we can again find meaning as Americans
Dr. Allan Crandall has provided psychotherapeutic and medical services to people throughout central Illinois and in Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska and Colorado.
Urbana teachers to receive annual 5% raise under new contract
Under the new contract, teachers in Urbana will get 5% raises each year for the next 3 years.
This group of Philo students are sharing their love for Ukraine at the Illinois State Fair
Two sisters and their friend won an award at the Champaign County Fair for their presentation on Ukrainian culture.
Excess nutrients can lie dormant in soil for years before polluting rivers, study finds
U.S. Geological Survey researchers developed models to better understand the timing and sources contributing to nutrient pollution in streams and rivers. They say their findings can help guide efforts to improve water quality.
Synthetic fabrics kneecapped American cotton. Industry leaders have a plan to revive it
Fewer people are buying cotton thanks to the rise of synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester. Now, the U.S. cotton industry wants to boost demand for American-grown cotton with tax credits and marketing campaigns.
Urbana District 116 superintendent plans to say good-bye after this school year
Jennifer Ivory-Tatum has led the district for seven years.
2026 butter cow: ‘Miles of Smiles’ is State Fair’s theme in celebration of Route 66
The Illinois State Fair will run from Aug. 13-23 in Springfield.
DeKalb and Aurora are flush with data center cash. They differ in how to spend it
Since the Meta Data Center has operated in DeKalb, it has accumulated $72 million in additional property tax revenue for the city. In Aurora, officials are being purposely cautious with data centers and choosing to not spend their new revenue yet on specific projects.
Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams’ state of the city address highlights decrease in crime, plans to confront housing challenges
Mayor Deshawn Williams spoke at his State of the City address about public works improvements, including new street lights and sidewalks as well as public safety and violence prevention.
Pritzker, Bailey seek to convince farmers at forum they’re the best candidate for agriculture
Illinois farmers heard pitches from incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker and downstate Republican farmer Darren Bailey on Monday as each argued they’re best positioned to address agricultural issues.
Central Illinois under Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Hail, damaging wind gusts, and heavy rainfall are expected.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois August 13 – 16
A singer-songwriter showcase, a fall plant sale, a vegetarian soul food buffet and more are happening in Central Illinois this weekend.
Champaign County group rallying against data centers hosts second information session
Resist AI Data Centers in Champaign County launched last month to push against data center development in the county.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker makes his case for a third term on The 21st Show
Governor JB Pritzker discussed issues with certain prisons in Illinois, public distrust of billionaires, and what he hopes to accomplish if given the opportunity to serve as governor for another term on the 21st Show.
Champaign residents have until Wednesday to opt out of electric aggregation agreement
Champaign officials have signed an agreement with Homefield Energy to be the city’s new energy supplier.
In data center hubs Aurora and DeKalb, two different approaches to setting restrictions
The 10 data centers in the City of Aurora are under some of the strictest regulations in the state for the facilities.
Few parents in Illinois opting kids out of required vaccines, data shows
Most Illinois counties have a non-medical exemption rate under one percent. Six counties in northern and southern Illinois have a two percent exemption rate.
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.
