Railroads are charging more to ship grain. U.S. farmers may have to pick up the tab
Harvest season is nearing for many farmers. But the railroads that transport their harvested grain have raised their shipping costs with record-high diesel prices. That could mean lower grain prices for growers.
100 years of Huff Hall history preserved in new time capsule
On Tuesday, the University of Illinois dedicated a new time capsule to be placed in the cornerstone of Huff Hall in Champaign, where it will remain until 2126.
Cattle groups say ICE activity ripples through supply chain
Cattle industry groups in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity is resulting in delays and workforce disruptions.
The new Maize mural in Champaign tells a story of food, family and culture
The mural by local artist José Vazquez reflects owner Armando Sandoval’s childhood memories of cooking with his grandmother in rural Mexico.
Why school transportation is getting so much more expensive for Illinois schools
School transportation costs in Illinois went up 60% over the past five fiscal years of available state data. Last year, Illinois schools spent over $1.8 billion on it.
Champaign Unit 4’s next budget includes $10 million deficit
Unit 4 Chief Business Officer Ray Toliver Jr. said he is looking into various ways to save the school district some money by possibly adjusting health insurance plans, the transportation system, and food purchases.
Winnebago County guards fire pepperballs more than any other Illinois jail — often on people with mental illnesses
In Winnebago County Jail, the state’s second-largest, incident reports show officers have fired at a single person inside a cell 24 times since 2019, directly hitting them in at least 13 of those incidents.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois October 1-4
Live music, Illinois Homecoming festivities, nature-inspired craft sessions and more are coming to central Illinois this weekend!
Champaign County voters could see polling locations close — unless more people become election judges
Champaign County currently has a shortage of 120 election judges. If the gap isn’t filled, the county may see certain polling locations close on Election Day, affecting voters’ experiences.
Rep. Darin LaHood defends Iran war, discusses tariffs and immigration solutions on 21st Show
Congressman Darin LaHood joined the 21st Show last week to make his case for another term while discussing hot topics such as skyrocketing gas prices, the pros and cons of the Iran war, and pathways for legal immigration.
Danville school district to pay for summer tornado damage out of pocket
The deductible for District 118’s insurance plan is greater than the cost of the Mark Denman roof reconstruction.
America @ 250: Bill Bozdech asks that Americans sustain faith and family for the next 250 years
Bill Bozdech, his wife and two sons farm 2,500 acres in Champaign, Douglas and Vermillion counties. His family immigrated to east-central Illinois from central Europe in 1890.
UPDATE: Mahomet-Seymour staff vote for new contract, averting strike
Several union members urged the school board on Monday night to prioritize the well-being of their staff.
Youth Literature Festival brings authors, storytelling to Champaign-Urbana
The free, family-friendly event — held every two years since 2008 — is designed to place literature and the arts at the center of young people’s lives.
Body found near Alma Mater statue on campus ID’d, ‘no signs of foul play’
University police said in a statement that the deceased person is Alex C. Rodriguez, 29 and that he was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
Diesel has never been more expensive. That’s squeezing farmers as harvest begins
Conflicts in Iran and Russia are causing diesel prices to spike globally. That’s especially hurting U.S. farmers as they head into harvest season, the most fuel intensive period of the agricultural year.
‘The people united will never be defeated’: Protesters voice concerns about data center impacts on environment
Protesters condemned the construction of future data centers, arguing they produce more harm than good.
‘I don’t want my children to be guinea pigs anymore’: inside the movement to rethink screentime in Illinois schools
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), just over 50% of teens report four or more hours of screentime per day — not including schoolwork
