NPR trims jobs in newsroom overhaul as it confronts era without public funding
The network is offering buyouts to approximately 300 employees, mostly within newsgathering desks in the newsroom.
Threat of flooding remains as first round of storms end
Isolated tornadoes are possible Monday afternoon in eastern Illinois, and over central and eastern Illinois on Tuesday afternoon/evening.
How one program is working to bring Corn Belt farmers together for conservation agriculture
Corn Belt farmers are in the midst of multiple crises.
With U of I’s spring semester over, Champaign-Urbana MTD to reduce fixed-route bus service over the summer
Starting Saturday, there will be reduced frequencies on bus routes around town, according to an announcement from the MTD. The transit agency reduces service during the University of Illinois summer break.
Box turtles are back for the summer. Here’s how to help them survive another year
The creatures are particularly vulnerable this time of year to getting hit by cars or plucked from the wild by curious observers as they trek to their summer stomping grounds.
Senate Democrats introduce bills to regulate artificial intelligence
The eight-bill package tackles consumer protection, education, and transparency.
It’s a hard time to be a farmer. Many can struggle, but help is available
Farmers have one of the highest suicide rates in the U.S. of any occupation, and in rural communities, suicide rates tend to be higher than in urban areas. Mental health initiatives, like the statewide Farm Family Resource Center, aim to help.
Champaign considers increase in stormwater utility fee, seeks funding for road maintenance
Champaign’s draft capital improvements plan discusses various road and infrastructure projects. Officials discussed concerns with the adoption of electric vehicles, noting the change is reducing local gas tax revenue for road improvements.
Historic Urbana home that played host to local music closes its doors
The closing of “The Mirror” venue came earlier than expected, after damage to the flooring below the living room made it unsafe to host events.
These seed banks preserve crucial corn and soy varieties. A federal plan may put them at risk
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing moving the Maize Genetics Cooperation Stock Center and the National Soybean Germplasm Collection from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, where they’ve both been housed for decades.
People with mental illness are stuck in Illinois jails awaiting treatment. A task force seeks solutions
Hundreds of people found unfit to stand trial in Illinois wait months in county jails for a psychiatric bed. Despite an amendment intended to help defendants access treatment more quickly, wait times have increased over the past three years.
Illinois’ budget picture tightens in final stretch amid economic uncertainty
Deputy governor warns state has limited ability to increase spending.
Rep. Sorensen questions Hegseth about Rock Island layoffs, voiding union contracts
Sorensen questioned Hegseth about the decision to cut up to 150 jobs at Rock Island Arsenal during a hearing held by the House Armed Services Committee on April 29.
Urbana appoints new fire chief
Steven Doggett will take over the position from Urbana’s interim fire chief, Tal Prendergast. He’s been serving in the interim role since December.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois May 14 – May 17
Lots of events with live music happening in central Illinois this weekend as well as the chance to learn about a Japanese art form
Blowing Dust Advisory in effect for Central Illinois
Drivers are encouraged to take precautions in encountering dust on the road.
How do data centers benefit the places where they’re built? Local mayors give mixed reviews
From taxes and community investment to water and energy depletion, data centers are a polarizing force.
Illinois transportation bills aim to address speeding and bicycle safety
The legislative package includes a high-tech crackdown on extreme speeding and a shift in the legal status of bicyclists on Illinois roads.
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