
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.

Two local community colleges to implement manufacturing training programs with state grant
Governor JB Pritzker said that the new training academies will help more Illinoisans learn in-demand skills, and give manufacturers more reasons to keep and expand jobs in Illinois.

America @ 250: Sammy Garduno asks President Trump why he is not doing what he promised
Sammy Garduno emigrated from Mexico when he was 16. In 2006, he opened Sammy’s Pancake House on North Mattis Avenue in Champaign. In April, retired and handed management duties over to his daughter Veronica.

C-U Mass Transit District riders may notice some changes — now and in the future
The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District has made some bus route changes to offer better service to its riders and has taken steps toward the redesign of the Illinois Terminal.

‘Culture is a gift’: Welcoming Week kickoff party celebrates C-U’s vibrant immigrant communities
Community members gathered to celebrate “Welcoming Week” at a kickoff event Friday evening in Urbana.

Public defense reform advances as Illinois moves to hire statewide public defender
The initial statewide public defender will serve a two-year term and receive a salary of $218,400 — equal to that of Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

Duke sneaks a 31-27 win to give Illinois its first loss of the season
The Illini’s strong receiving plays were not enough to block a comeback from the Blue Devils as the team lost 31-27 in a sold-out stadium.

Champaign-Urbana remembers those lost in 9/11 at Gies Memorial Stadium
CHAMPAIGN — A memorial at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign honored the nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the

Philo Road Ahead Initiative moves forward with opening of Community Engagement & Violence Prevention Office
Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams stands in front of the newly opened Community Engagement & Violence Prevention Office in Urbana on Sept. 10, 2026. He says the goal is to improve safety and help residents connect with the resources they need.

‘Welcoming Voices’ panel highlights immigrant support in Champaign County
Several immigrant support agencies teamed up with local officials in Champaign County to host a panel discussion focused on immigrant support and to spread awareness of area resources. The event is part of the “Welcoming Week” – nearly 30 events taking place from Sept. 9 through Sept. 19.

IPM News reporter recalls Champaign-Urbana’s reaction to September 11 terror attacks
Jim Meadows was a full-time reporter at Illinois Public Media on that day, and he shared some reflections with IPM News and Public Affairs Director Reginald Hardwick earlier this week.

‘Blood is a medicine’: Local boy’s 200 blood transfusions highlight importance of donors amid shortage
Amid national and regional blood shortages, ImpactLife hosted a blood drive at the Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine on Wednesday, Sept. 9, as part of the Abbott and Big Ten “We Give Blood” Challenge.

As the U.S. and Canada slap new tariffs on goods, American farmers are stuck in the middle
After trade talks between the countries fell apart last month, the Trump administration and Canada’s leaders have rolled out new tariffs on everything from dairy products to machinery.

Legislative Inspector General Michael McCuskey resigns amid criticism
Recent ethics investigations raised questions about office’s professionalism.

Central Illinoisans preparing to remember September 11 attacks with ceremonies
Ceremonies will remember the victims of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois September 10 – 13
As summer wraps up, concerts, festivals, and art-focused events are all happening in Central Illinois this week.

Judge weighing arguments to halt Illinois’ ‘medical aid in dying’ law ahead of Sept. 12 start
Disability rights advocates worry about potential for coercion and want more state oversight.

Workers at The Literary are hopeful unionization and new ownership will bring positive changes
The Literary – a bookstore, bar and cafe in downtown Champaign – is under new ownership. Newly unionized workers hope to see better wages, more predictable shift scheduling and better staffing going forward.


