Large hail, severe storms expected tonight after warm weather passes
The most likely time frame for severe thunderstorm activity in the immediate Champaign-Urbana area and surrounding communities of east-central Illinois is between 6 PM and 12 AM on Thursday evening/night. Large hail is the primary expected hazard, though isolated instances of damaging wind gusts and a tornado or two can’t be ruled out.
Michelle Jett is set to be the next Champaign County executive
Michelle Jett is currently the director of administration for Champaign County. She held 60% of the vote, according to unofficial results on Tuesday night.
Yearslong ethanol policy standoff could cost Illinois drivers at the pump yet again
The Trump administration soon could announce that it will temporarily lift the restrictions on E15 sales during the summer amid pressure surrounding rising costs due to the conflict in Iran.
Legal battle intensifies over appointing special prosecutor for alleged ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ abuses
The Cook County state’s attorney calls demand “baseless” and claims effort would backfire.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Mar. 26 – Mar. 29
Opening night of a play, a professional ballet performance, an exhibition featuring locally-created games, and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
Insurance bill combining homeowners and auto regulation passes House, awaits Senate action
Bill gives state authority to regulate homeowners and auto insurance premiums
All top Champaign Unit 4 administrators asked to reapply for their jobs
The Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education approved demotions or resignations of all top administrators. They can reapply for their jobs.
Juvenile suspect in custody following fatal shooting in Champaign outside Market Place Shopping Mall
Police arrested a 15-year-old after the fatal shooting in Champaign. The Champaign County Coroner’s office said the victim is Jaylen Bailey of Champaign.
Homer Lake Nature Center addition will bring new classroom to the park
The district is currently renovating the Homer Lake Interpretive Center.
Rep. Darin LaHood wants the war in Iran to wind down, doesn’t think ICE in airports is ‘the right approach’
The Peoria-area Republican representing parts of Bloomington-Normal won’t commit to green lighting a request for an additional $200 billion from Congress to fund the ongoing conflict.
Who can own big cats in America? Fatal tiger attack draws scrutiny to federal rules
Some animal welfare advocates say federal regulations don’t go far enough to protect these animals and the people interacting with them.
Vanderbilt eliminates Illinois women’s basketball from the March Madness Tournament
After winning the team’s first round of the March Madness Tournament, the Illinois women’s basketball team was eliminated after losing 75-57 to the No. 2-seeded Vanderbilt Monday night.
Mass shooting injures 6, including ISU students, in off-campus residential neighborhood
The victims include two juvenile males, two adult males, and two adult females, police said. Illinois State University Police said in a statement that two of the people injured are ISU students.
Jet collides with fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. 2 pilots killed
The crash shut down LaGuardia — the New York region’s third busiest hub — during what was already a messy time at U.S. airports.
Illinois beats Colorado for 1st round win as youngest team in women’s NCAA Tournament
Cearah Parchment scored 21 points as seventh-seeded Illinois beat No. 10 seed Colorado 66-57 on Saturday night in the first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament. The Fighting Illini are the youngest team in this tournament after replacing four starters.
Andrej Stojakovic scores 21 as No. 3 seed Illinois beats 11th-seeded VCU 76-55 to reach Sweet 16
Andrej Stojakovic scored 21 points and No. 3 Illinois beat 11th-seeded VCU 76-55 on Saturday to advance to the Sweet 16 for the second time in three seasons under coach Brad Underwood.
Illinois Primary Election 2026: Champaign County results and updates
Michelle Jett has won the race for Champaign County executive with more than 60% of the vote. A narrow majority of voters also appear to have rejected a measure to expand the Mahomet Public Library.
Champaign County takes first step towards a one-year data center moratorium
The Champaign County Zoning Board of Appeals passed a one-year moratorium on new large-scale data centers.
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