
A new task force in Champaign County will set parameters for large-scale data center development
The Champaign County board voted unanimously Thursday night to create a data center task force. In parallel, the Board is working to implement a 12-month ban on the construction of new large-scale facilities on unincorporated county land.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin visits Parkland College to announce $3.5 million for dental hygiene clinic
Parkland College officials say the $3.5 million investment from the federal government will allow them to train more students and expand access to free and low-cost dental care in the community.

Pritzker calls for small increase to Illinois higher education funding. Some advocates say it’s a cut
When Gov. JB Pritzker delivered his annual budget address on Wednesday, he recommended Illinois lawmakers increase funding for higher education by 1% and hold funding steady for the need-based Monetary Assistance Program

No. 10 Illinois overwhelms USC by 36 points, cruising to its 14th win in 16 games
Andrej Stojakovic scored 22 points to lead seven players in double figures and No. 10 Illinois routed Southern California 101-65 on Wednesday night for its 14th win in 16 games.

Plans for Jesse Jackson’s funeral services announced
Jackson’s family says he will lie in state at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters on Wednesday and Thursday of next week.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Feb. 19 – Feb. 22
A celebration of queer art, a meet and greet with local authors, an interactive world full of dinosaurs and of course live music.

Severe storms then snow possible for parts of central Illinois today
Severe thunderstorms remain on track for today. Locally damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes are the primary concerns

It’s eagle nesting season in Illinois. One nesting pair calls a northern Illinois state park home
The bald eagle used to be a rare sight in Illinois. Now, there are more than 3,000 that spend the winter here.

Pritzker proposes $56B budget with minimal new spending, tax on social media companies
The budget proposed by Pritzker on Wednesday largely maintains the status quo, and forgoes significant broad-based tax increases.

Republican U.S. Senate Candidate R. Cary Capparelli on Trump, ICE, and persistence in Illinois politics
Seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate race, R. Cary Capparelli shared his views on immigration, Illinois farmers, and the outsourcing of jobs.

WATCH LIVE: Governor Pritzker gives annual budget address
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will deliver his state of the state address and share his vision for taxes and spending in government.

WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Feb. 19 – Feb. 22
A celebration of queer art, a glow stick dance party, a dinosaur experience, and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.

217 Today: Illinois residents soon have a big choice to make: who should represent them in the U.S. Senate for the next six years
Illinois residents soon have a big choice to make: who should represent them in the U.S. Senate for the next six years?

Illinois women’s basketball stays on track with win against Rutgers
The Illinois women’s basketball team got back-to-back wins for the first time this year with a dominant 76-56 win against Rutgers University Tuesday night.

Immigration officials need warrant to enter Champaign County buildings
The order comes as the Trump administration says it is wrapping up its immigration campaign in Minneapolis and claims it has made the community safer.

C-U accountants have this advice for tax filers curious about AI tools
AI tax tools can be handy for summarizing dense tax language and can give people a general idea about how to approach their tax filings. But local accountants warn: Speed doesn’t always equal accuracy.

Illinois Democrats and Republicans introduce competing packages to regulate data centers amid concerns over power and water usage
Lawmakers from both parties argue the centers pose a significant threat to Illinois’ power grid and freshwater sources like the Mahomet Aquifer, but they are offering different visions for how to regulate the industry.

Illinois politicians reflect on Jesse Jackson’s legacy, life, and contributions
According to the Jackson family, public commemorations will take place in Chicago. Officials and organizations from Illinois are paying tribute and remembering Jackson.
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