In the fight to save prairies, some Great Plains ranchers embrace a new landscape – with goats
These ranchers tried to protect grassland from trees and shrubs in all the traditional ways. It didn’t work. So they brought in hungry goats that turned woody plants into a cash stream.
Rep. Carol Ammons, Clerk Aaron Ammons indicted by federal grand jury for alleged wire fraud, obstruction of justice
A federal grand jury alleges the Urbana state representative created a scheme to “defraud the State of Illinois” and enrich herself and her family members.
Urbana City Council delays vote on West Main Street housing project, amends minimum parking requirements
The city council once again heard from public commenters on both sides of the debate surrounding the redevelopment project, setting the stage for a possible vote next Monday.
Trump reduced tariffs on farm machinery. But prices could still increase
The Trump administration lowered tariffs on farm equipment last month. But with economic pressures on farmers, equipment dealers and manufacturers, the move may not bring much relief.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois July 9 – July 12
Win prizes at a night of drag comedy bingo, see a documentary screening about an Illinois-based rock band or try more local events this weekend in Central Illinois.
New Champaign Unit 4 superintendent brings back some former cabinet members into other leadership roles
Angela Ward, Mike Lehr and Henry Walker will become an interim high school principal, a secondary director and a principal supervisor.
After drought and wildfires, wheat farmers in the Great Plains are in for a rough year
Nearly half of the U.S. winter wheat crop is in poor or very poor condition, following a tough growing season. Some farmers are choosing to leave their crop in the field
As America turned 250 years old, more than 50 people in Urbana became U.S. citizens
Senator Dick Durbin attended the naturalization ceremony in Urbana on Thursday.
America @ 250: Hannah Velasco asks if America was actually ever great
Hannah Velasco is a 29-year-old resident of Urbana. She directs Urbana High School’s Ballet Folklórico de los Tigres, and is a recruitment and training coordinator for the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Champaign County. Her identity has never fit neatly into one box, and she believes that accepting each other’s differences is part of being American.
Trump says the U.S. doesn’t need a trade deal with its neighbors. Farm groups push hard for renewal
An official review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement begins in July. President Trump already has suggested the U.S. would be better off without it.
Extreme Heat Warning issued for Illinois
Hot and humid weather will dominate the area for the next several days.
Former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson seeks medical release
Grayson has served less than six months of a 20-year sentence for the murder of Sonya Massey.
America @ 250: Kay Weidner asks Americans to ask themselves, ‘Who am I?’
Kay Weidner grew up near Crystal Lake Park in north Urbana and still lives in the area. Members of her family have served in the military since at least World War II, and she loves a good Fourth of July Parade.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois July 2 – July 5
Independence Day celebrations, a local music festival, pickleball tournaments and more are happening this weekend in Central Illinois.
Champaign-Urbana immigrant advocates relieved but on guard following U.S. Supreme Court birthright citizenship ruling
Leaders of the Refugee Center and the New American Welcome Center were relieved but still worried.
The Latest: Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s proposed limits
The decision comes on the final day of a Supreme Court term that has centered on Trump’s expansive claims of presidential power — and largely ruled in his favor.
Police need public’s help to identify human remains found in Lake Mattoon
On Sunday, boaters observed part of a human arm in Lake Mattoon.
Meteorologist Ed Kieser returns to Illinois Public Media to team up with Andrew Pritchard on weather and severe storm coverage
Illinois Public Media Meteorologists Ed Kieser and Andrew Pritchard are working to provide forecasts and breaking weather.
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