Champaign Unit 4 School District would like to build a fourth middle school. It needs approval from voters
The school board is putting the question to voters in a ballot referendum – do they support the school district selling bonds to build and rebuild its middle schools?
Rantoul teen found dead after flooding accident in rural Champaign County
The county coroner’s office said the body of Elias A. Smith, 17 was found Monday in a flooded drainage ditch in Condit Township, west of Rantoul.
As Urbana District 116 students return to school, parents reflect on outgoing superintendent
Monday was the first day of school in Urbana District 116. It also marked the beginning of Superintendent Jennifer Ivory-Tatum’s last year in charge.
Bipartisan group of Champaign County Board members thwart vote on home rule, blocking a plan to ban data centers
Several Champaign County Board members left the special meeting early, causing it to end after only three minutes and before any member of the public could speak on the home rule issue.
This Rockford middle school disciplines Black students more than any school in Illinois
Schools in Illinois discipline Black students at much higher rates than white students.
A Rockford middle school is an outlier for handing out the most discipline violations per Black student of any school in the state.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey on SAFE-T Act, budget, and Illinois schools
Republican candidate for Illinois governor, Darren Bailey discussed why he decided on a second run for governor last week on the 21st Show.
Pesticides can drift for miles, injuring plants. That can hurt farmers’ bottom-line
Dicamba, a potent herbicide, can drift miles away from where it’s originally sprayed. There’s little recourse for farmers whose plants are damaged by the pesticide.
America @ 250: Allan Crandell discusses how we can again find meaning as Americans
Dr. Allan Crandall has provided psychotherapeutic and medical services to people throughout central Illinois and in Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska and Colorado.
Urbana teachers to receive annual 5% raise under new contract
Under the new contract, teachers in Urbana will get 5% raises each year for the next 3 years.
This group of Philo students are sharing their love for Ukraine at the Illinois State Fair
Two sisters and their friend won an award at the Champaign County Fair for their presentation on Ukrainian culture.
Excess nutrients can lie dormant in soil for years before polluting rivers, study finds
U.S. Geological Survey researchers developed models to better understand the timing and sources contributing to nutrient pollution in streams and rivers. They say their findings can help guide efforts to improve water quality.
Synthetic fabrics kneecapped American cotton. Industry leaders have a plan to revive it
Fewer people are buying cotton thanks to the rise of synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester. Now, the U.S. cotton industry wants to boost demand for American-grown cotton with tax credits and marketing campaigns.
Urbana District 116 superintendent plans to say good-bye after this school year
Jennifer Ivory-Tatum has led the district for seven years.
2026 butter cow: ‘Miles of Smiles’ is State Fair’s theme in celebration of Route 66
The Illinois State Fair will run from Aug. 13-23 in Springfield.
DeKalb and Aurora are flush with data center cash. They differ in how to spend it
Since the Meta Data Center has operated in DeKalb, it has accumulated $72 million in additional property tax revenue for the city. In Aurora, officials are being purposely cautious with data centers and choosing to not spend their new revenue yet on specific projects.
Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams’ state of the city address highlights decrease in crime, plans to confront housing challenges
Mayor Deshawn Williams spoke at his State of the City address about public works improvements, including new street lights and sidewalks as well as public safety and violence prevention.
Pritzker, Bailey seek to convince farmers at forum they’re the best candidate for agriculture
Illinois farmers heard pitches from incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker and downstate Republican farmer Darren Bailey on Monday as each argued they’re best positioned to address agricultural issues.
Central Illinois under Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Hail, damaging wind gusts, and heavy rainfall are expected.
