Urbana Park District seeks community input to create future goals
The Urbana Park District is asking residents to fill out a survey and participate in focus groups to help guide the creation of their 2027-2031 Strategic Plan.
Natl. Weather Service: At least two tornadoes caused dozens of miles of destruction
Meteorologists say an EF3 tornado with peak winds of 145 miles per hour tore a 24 mile path of destruction through Effingham County.
Sweet hope, Chicago! Obama, city celebrate a presidential center that ‘could not be anywhere else’
The star-studded opening brought out three former presidents, musical legends and former staffers to celebrate a center that former President Barack Obama said will “serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious our democracy truly is.”
Coles County tornado leaves Charleston residents without power, damaging trees and homes
Thousands of residents were left without power following severe weather, including tornadoes, that touched down in Coles County Wednesday night.
Effingham tornado flattens family-owned Corvette museum, downs trees, power lines
A tornado that tore through Effingham Wednesday night flattened the Mid America Motorworks museum.
IPM Storm Tracker: Tornado reported in Coles County, thousands without power
For instant weather warnings, listen to WILL-AM 580, WILL-FM 90.9 and Illinois Soul FM 101.1.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois June 18 – June 21
Celebrate Juneteenth with free, all-ages events, get a taste of local theater, try your hand at beginner level fishing and more in Central Illinois this weekend.
Champaign’s 2026-2027 budget passes unanimously
New funding allocations include three new firefighters, a Homelessness and Community Services Manager and a background investigator for the police department. The city is also funding capital projects including Park Avenue, expansion of the downtown plaza and a traffic signal at the Mattis Ave. and Sangamon Dr. intersection.
First climate monitoring station in Coles County begins collecting climate and weather data
The latest climate monitoring station in Illinois is in Coles County, and researchers with Prairie Research Institute have plans to expand the network even more.
Pritzker signs nearly $56B budget with new business taxes as he seeks 3rd term
Budget contains minimal spending increase despite being largest in state history.
Efforts to get year-round E15 sales could hurt soybean farmers
A bill allowing year-round sales of E15, a fuel blended with up to 15% corn-based ethanol, is being debated in the Senate. While the bill is hailed as a boon for corn growers, there are concerns that it could hurt soybean prices.
IHSA boys baseball tournaments brings families to Champaign, boosts local economy
Eight teams traveled from across the state to compete in the IHSA Boys Baseball State Tournament. The competition brought new and familiar faces to Champaign-Urbana, benefiting the area’s local economy.
Urbana to restore North Lincoln Avenue to its old design following a two-month demonstration meant to improve pedestrian safety
The city is taking feedback from residents on a new design for the main road that included a dedicated lane for left turns and bike lanes.
Should descendants of enslaved Black Americans receive reparations? An Illinois commission wants your opinions.
As Juneteenth approaches, the debate continues about whether descendants of enslaved Black Americans should receive reparations. In 2022, the city
Champaign, Danville and Urbana to mark Juneteenth by celebrating Black freedom and families
Juneteenth marks the arrival of U.S. Army troops in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. The troops told some of
Farm store Rural King breaks ground on $75M headquarters in Mattoon
Rural King is building a new campus in Mattoon, which will house the company’s headquarters, flagship store and an event center.
Photo Gallery: Aftermath of storms in Champaign and Vermilion Counties
Cleanup underway in Champaign and Vermilion Counties after storms on June 12, 2026. Photos by Abigail Bottar and Reginald Hardwick,
Severe storms cause major damage to homes, schools and trees in central Illinois; thousands without power
Major damage reported in Champaign and Vermilion Counties after heavy winds and rain passed through Thursday night.
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