From campus to the ballot box: Candidates rally student voters at the Illini Union
With a U.S. Senate seat up for grabs in Illinois, Democratic candidate Juliana Stratton brought her campaign to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, urging younger people to turn out and vote.
After Mahomet ends data center talks, some Champaign County residents hope for strict guardrails
Residents’ concerns about data centers include wildlife and environmental impacts and electricity demand. The Champaign County Data Center Task Force held a public meeting Wednesday, Oct. 7, to review its proposed regulations for large data centers in the county.
Mike Ditka, the quintessential Chicago Bear, dies at 86
Nicknamed “Iron Mike” as a player, Ditka helped revolutionize the tight-end position, then moved to the sidelines and took over as Chicago’s coach. His 1985 team featured one of the game’s most dominant defenses ever.
Champaign County officials vote down Mahomet-led effort to ban leaf burning
Mahomet officials were asking the Champaign County Board to ban leaf burning within 1,000 feet of the village.
Youth speak out against violence in C-U neighborhoods
Recent shootings in Champaign prompted the city to host a community gun violence response meeting on Oct. 6. Three teens with the H-3 Youth Ambassadors shared thoughts on violence prevention.
Courage Connection to host domestic violence awareness event focused on honoring survivors
“Courage on the Block” takes place at The Yard on Broadway in Urbana on Saturday October 10. Two portraits by local artist Emily Donohoe will be unveiled from the Through Purple Eyes project.
Energy costs could rise this winter. Low-income residents can apply for financial assistance
The federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides one-time benefits to income-eligible households. The Champaign County LIHEAP office has nearly 900 scheduled appointments for the month of October.
This grain could be an answer to drought-prone fields – if more Americans eat it
More farmers are showing interest in sorghum, a drought-tolerant grain. The crop is poised to expand in the U.S. – especially if Americans start consuming it.
State standards designed to prevent jail suicides don’t always work
According to records Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority provided in response to Illinois Answers’ public-records request, at least 30 people died by suicide in Illinois jails between 2019 and 2025.
Data center companies have approached Champaign County for projects in Sidney, Tolono
Both proposed sites fall outside of the villages’ boundaries and are under the jurisdiction of the county.
NPR CEO discusses how public media outlets are coping one year after the end of federal funding
The CEO of NPR as well as leaders from public media stations in Illinois joined The 21st Show last week to discuss layoffs and programming changes a year after losing federal funding.
Rural Americans feel the sting of sweeping federal food aid restrictions
More than 5 million people are no longer getting food aid in the wake of a slew of cuts and changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. As changes to the program continue to unfold, rural Americans face unique problems.
Unsanitary, unsupervised, understaffed: Most Illinois jails aren’t meeting minimum state standards
Illinois Answers reviewed annual jail inspections from 2017 to 2025 and reached out to state agencies to learn more about how they’re compelling jails to meet standards. The investigation found that many jails across Illinois violated standards for poor sanitation, healthcare and food services, among other concerns.
Woman dies after being found ‘lying on the ground in distress’ on U of I campus, no foul play suspected
The woman was then taken to a local hospital, where she later died. Police said there was no foul play involved, and there is no ongoing threat to the campus community at this time.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois October 8-11
Folk music, a Japan House open house, and a 5k are all coming to Central Illinois this weekend.
What’s it like running as an independent candidate for governor in Illinois? Podcaster Collin Corbett weighs in.
Independent candidate for Illinois governor Collin Corbett joined the 21st Show last week to discuss the origins of his political beliefs and the choice to move away from the traditional two-party system.
UPDATE: Mahomet school board approves raises in new teacher, staff contract
The Mahomet-Seymour CUSD #3 Board of Education approved a new four-year contract Monday for teachers, custodians, bus drivers and other staff.
Mahomet ends talks with data center developer after community backlash
Mahomet officials were in talks with Clean Cloud Energy about a potential data center in the village.
