C-U Marching Showcase unites local high schools through music
Marching bands from Urbana High School, Central and Centennial gathered for a night of food, fun and performance. The annual event serves as a fundraiser for the bands.
Dozens of deaths in Illinois jails missing from state records
An Illinois Answers Project analysis revealed that 63 people who died in jails were missing from state data on in-custody fatalities. Now the state is auditing its records.
This USDA lab has studied threats to food and farms for decades. Now its scientists must relocate
Federal scientists are still scrambling to find new jobs or relocate across the country as Maryland’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center’s last days of operation approach. Even as their personal lives upend, employees are concerned that BARC’s legacy of impactful research will be left behind.
Escapes. Fires. Rebellions. Trove of records reveals chaos inside Illinois county jails.
Jail staff are supposed to report any “extraordinary or unusual occurrences” to the Jail and Detention Standards Unit (JDSU) within the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). But jails have been haphazardly reporting for years, and some incidents were never disclosed to the JDSU.
American hemp sellers prepare for a looming ban on most of their products: ‘This is devastating’
Beginning in December, new federal restrictions will make many hemp products illegal. Businesses in the industry are getting ready to close down most or all of their operations, while advocates hope there’s still time to change course before the ban begins.
Danville residents rally behind proposed Kickapoo Rail Trail expansion
Trails of the Grand Prairie, a nonprofit working to expand the Kickapoo Rail Trail, is applying for a state grant to extend the trail to Danville.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois September 24 – 27
A warbirds and classics air show, agriculture education activities, live music and more are coming to central Illinois this weekend.
U of I Extension warns to leave the mountain lion in the area alone
The extension says those in Jackson and Union counties should keep pets and children indoors or under supervision.
Federal delays are holding up $21 billion for rural internet projects, as states wait for guidance
State officials can’t spend billions in federal funding to connect remote areas to the internet until the Trump administration provides information on how to use the money. Broadband offices are hopeful guidance is on the way – but when remains unclear.
America @ 250: Barbara Suggs Mason asks what kind of country Americans are leaving for future generations
Barbara Suggs Mason’s family has been part of Champaign County since at least 1865. Until recently, she was co-chair of the Champaign County African American Heritage trail.
Gov. Pritzker opens up about his 80-pound weight loss, use of GLP-1 — ‘I think it’s what I need to succeed’
More than two years into his weight loss journey, Gov. JB Pritzker says he wants to talk about it, largely in part because he knows millions of Americans are suffering from obesity-related health conditions.
Champaign County’s 125-year-old courthouse faces an uncertain financial future
Since 1901, the courthouse has gone through immense changes, from the building itself to the way it functions in the community. But changes to state law have led to a sharp decline in revenue for courthouse services.
Bike to Work Day promotes safety and accessibility across Champaign County
Cyclists participated in Bike to Work Day, part of a larger Bike Month across Champaign County.
Illinois residents who are terminally ill can now end their lives. Here’s how it works.
The medical aid in dying law is facing court challenges, but the law still stands.
Illinois ends nonconference schedule with a win against SIU
After scoring his second touchdown of the game, Colin Dixon now holds the record for most touchdowns scored at Gies Memorial Stadium.
Most car seats aren’t installed properly. C-U Public Health aims to help
When a car seat is not properly installed, children and babies can be harmed, even in low-speed collisions. It’s why the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District offers free car seat safety checks.
Sheriff Dustin Heuerman and Gregory Worrell discuss immigration enforcement, Flock cameras in candidate interviews
Democratic incumbent Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman and Republican Gregory Worrell, participated in candidate interviews at Illinois Public Media’s studios.
With homelessness on the rise in Champaign County, a group of service providers seeks solutions
CHAMPAIGN – Homelessness in Champaign County has risen in recent years. The latest count, conducted in early 2026, found
