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.
House passage of E15 bill praised in corn states, but its future is uncertain in the Senate
The House passed a bill to allow the year-round sale of E15 – a priority in farm states – following infighting among Republicans.
Thunderstorms to continue today
Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be drier with sunshine.
How the Supreme Court’s voting rights decision could impact Illinois and explaining Dick Durbin’s ‘John Lewis Voting Rights Act’
WNIJ’s Peter Medlin talked with Northern Illinois University professor Scot Schraufnagel about the Supreme Court’s recent decision to cut key parts of the Voting Rights Act and a bill Senator Dick Durbin has introduced multiple times to restore the Voting Rights Act.
UPDATE: Test results show case in Winnebago County was not Hantavirus
The resident is no longer considered a potential case of Hantavirus and no further public health action is needed.
Federal drug discount expansion proposal may cost Illinois millions, agency head says
Memo details how expanding 340B program would impact private health plans and state employee insurance
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.
Farmers look at new ways to cut costs as turning a profit gets harder
The cost of doing business in agriculture was already high before the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which spiked fertilizer and fuel prices.
As Illinoisans lose federal food assistance, independent grocers face debt, store closure
For some independent grocers, whose profit margins average 2%, a decrease in consumer spending associated with cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could lead to store closures.
Trump is ending relief for international students from warzones. The relief was not used widely at the University of Illinois
International students from certain countries can work more hours and take fewer courses than is usually legal under Special Student Relief (SSR).
U of I restores access to the Canvas learning platform following ransomware attack
U of I restored access to the Canvas platform after verifying there were no security risks to bringing the platform back online after a ransomware attack.
Family, friends, supporters honor fallen Illinois police officers
Police officers, families and state officials gathered in Springfield to honor Illinois members of law enforcement who have died in the line of duty.
City of Champaign budget proposal calls for new homeless services manager, boosting fire department staff
The city’s budget proposal calls for new spending that would continue gun violence prevention programs, support homelessness services and fund pedestrian-friendly road construction projects. Officials also authorized funding to keep the Strides shelter open through June.
These citizen scientists track frog calls to monitor ecosystem health
Volunteers with FrogWatch USA track frog calls during mating season to collect data about ecosystem health.
Vaccinations for children in Illinois increased this school year, data shows
The state’s School Vaccination Coverage Dashboard shows that coverage rates for all school-required childhood immunizations are holding steady compared to last year, and all but one of those immunizations is above the state’s 95% coverage goal to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Rep. LaHood again calls for ‘off ramp’ on U.S. war in Iran to bring fuel costs down
As an advocate for budget responsibility, LaHood admitted he is uneasy about the escalating cost of the war, estimated by some analysts and government officials to be approaching $50 billion.
Striking ISU staff return to work after ratifying new 5-year contract
AFSCME Local 1110, the union representing more than 300 building services, grounds, dining services and other ISU employees, said more than 95% of them approved the five-year contract.
After one year in office, Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams reflects on progress and future goals
Williams says he remains committed to the goals he set during his campaign — especially bridging the gap between city government and Urbana residents.
Cardinal Blase Cupich discusses Pope Leo’s role in world affairs, emphasizes protection of ‘human dignity’
Cardinal Blaise Cupich discussed Pope Leo speaking up about global issues, and criticism that the Catholic Church has become political. on the 21st Show.
Rantoul to issue refunds due to incorrect property tax bills
Taxpayers in Rantoul will be reimbursed for the difference between the incorrect rate and the intended rate, according to the village.
This program helped underserved farmers access land. Then USDA cut the funding
The program’s goal was to assist historically underserved farmers and ranchers, including Black, Indigenous and immigrant farmers, veterans and people farming for the first time.
Brash CNN founder Ted Turner dies
Former CNN chief news executive Eason Jordan says Turner took inspiration from 24-hour radio stations that relayed news headlines, and endless sports highlights on ESPN
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois May 7 – May 10
Opening night of a play, an organ concert accompanying silent films, a new outdoor market, and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
Trump-backed candidates win majority of Republican primary races for Indiana Senate
The victories by Trump-backed challengers on Tuesday hand the president wins in a deep red state just four months after lawmakers rejected his redistricting plan.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Iran war, funding ICE, and redistricting
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8th District in northern Illinois. He joined the 21st Show to share his thoughts on how the war with Iran is going, the U.S. House of Representatives voting to pass a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security minus Border Patrol and ICE, and what’s next for him after he leaves office next year.
DOJ seeking Illinois voter data to purge suspected noncitizens, documents suggest
In court filing, intervenors say the Trump administration is concealing true purpose of its case.
Two men arrested after fatal shootings in Danville, Champaign over the weekend
After a violent weekend in Champaign and Danville, two men were arrested on multiple charges.
ISU and AFSCME reach tentative deal on new contract to end strike
ISU and AFSCME sent brief statements late Monday announcing the “tentative agreement” on a new contract.
Emergency meeting in Danville planned for Thursday after violent incidents
Community members in the city are holding an emergency meeting on Thursday evening to create a space for people to share their feelings.
Congresswoman Budzinski discusses recent rumors of ICE in C-U and Farm Bill during meeting with local officials, advocates
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski and Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams met with advocates in Champaign on Monday to discuss immigration enforcement concerns. The meeting comes after false rumors spread last week that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were being sent to the area.
Blowing Dust Advisory extended until 7p.m.
If you encounter dense dust, slow down and pull off the roadway as far as possible.
Supreme Court gives abortion pill mifepristone a 1-week reprieve from a major change
The ruling temporarily restores nationwide access to a drug used for most medication abortions in the U.S.
University of Illinois May Day rally focuses on immigrant student rights
Around one hundred people rallied for immigrant rights outside the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign administrative building on May Day.
A U of I student grapples with the fallout of recent ICE raids that led to her brother’s deportation
The aggressive immigration raids carried out by the U.S Department of Homeland Security over the past year continue to have ripple effects on people and communities across the nation, including in Champaign-Urbana.
Gov. Pritzker pausing public duties after ‘routine’ health procedure
The governor’s office on Friday disclosed that Pritzker will fulfill his regular duties next week but “pause public events while resting.”
Justice Department investigates District 87, Ridgeview and 34 other Illinois school districts over ‘gender ideology’
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division is leading the investigations. No Champaign County schools are listed.
‘Engaging the community in learning has always been our mission’: Parkland College celebrates 60 years
Parkland College serves about 9,600 students and offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs. Parkland’s 60th anniversary celebrations began in March and will continue throughout the year, ending with the Diamond Jubilee Gala in November.
Urbana City Council member resigns, citing health issues
Chaundra Bishop, who represented northeast Urbana on the city council, said she is stepping down to to put more focus on her health. The city is expected to take applications from residents hoping to complete her term.
Bovine brouhaha at the U of I: campus cow caper ends calmly
A cow escaped onto U of I’s campus while being loaded onto a trailer on Wednesday afternoon. After charging at several people, the animal was tranquilized and safely recovered; no person was seriously injured.
Illinois farmers relieved as U.S. House passes Farm Bill, but still concerned about some provisions
The Farm, Food, and National Security Act, includes provisions impacting agriculture, including crop protection tools, livestock policy, and risk management programs.
Have a beef with sky-high meat prices? Some people find buying a whole cow saves a bit of money
Buying beef in bulk from a rancher has become comparatively affordable as retail prices rise.
Top Illinois Democrats call U.S. Supreme Court ruling on voting rights a ‘crushing blow to our democracy’
The ruling is likely to impact elections in 2028, since many filing deadlines for this year’s elections have passed, including in Illinois.
What to know about your county’s mental health court
Mental health courts have proliferated across Illinois in recent decades. Now, the state has 31 courts across 25 counties.
Striking Illinois State University staff frustrated over lack of negotiations
A group of striking workers traveled to the Capitol in Springfield Tuesday to call attention to their strike, which has become an issue in the governor’s race.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Apr. 30 – May 3
A Mario-themed race, flower and plant celebrations, a fundraiser for a local humane society, and more are all happening in central Illinois this week.