WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois June 18 – June 21
Celebrate Juneteenth with free, all-ages events, get a taste of local theater, try your hand at beginner level fishing and more in Central Illinois this weekend.
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Champaign’s 2026-2027 budget passes unanimously
New funding allocations include three new firefighters, a Homelessness and Community Services Manager and a background investigator for the police department. The city is also funding capital projects including Park Avenue, expansion of the downtown plaza and a traffic signal at the Mattis Ave. and Sangamon Dr. intersection.
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First climate monitoring station in Coles County begins collecting climate and weather data
The latest climate monitoring station in Illinois is in Coles County, and researchers with Prairie Research Institute have plans to expand the network even more.
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Pritzker signs nearly $56B budget with new business taxes as he seeks 3rd term
Budget contains minimal spending increase despite being largest in state history.
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Efforts to get year-round E15 sales could hurt soybean farmers
A bill allowing year-round sales of E15, a fuel blended with up to 15% corn-based ethanol, is being debated in the Senate. While the bill is hailed as a boon for corn growers, there are concerns that it could hurt soybean prices.
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IHSA boys baseball tournaments brings families to Champaign, boosts local economy
Eight teams traveled from across the state to compete in the IHSA Boys Baseball State Tournament. The competition brought new and familiar faces to Champaign-Urbana, benefiting the area’s local economy.
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Urbana to restore North Lincoln Avenue to its old design following a two-month demonstration meant to improve pedestrian safety
The city is taking feedback from residents on a new design for the main road that included a dedicated lane for left turns and bike lanes.
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Should descendants of enslaved Black Americans receive reparations? An Illinois commission wants your opinions.
As Juneteenth approaches, the debate continues about whether descendants of enslaved Black Americans should receive reparations. In 2022, the city of Evanston, near Chicago, made history as the first U.S. city to implement a publicly funded reparations program for Black Americans. But should the relief go even further… perhaps, statewide? Click here for a link to…
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Champaign, Danville and Urbana to mark Juneteenth by celebrating Black freedom and families
Juneteenth marks the arrival of U.S. Army troops in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. The troops told some of the last enslaved Americans that they were free. They were enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation, in which President Abraham Lincoln decreed some enslaved people to be free on January 1, 1863. (NPR) Many central Illinois communities…
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Farm store Rural King breaks ground on $75M headquarters in Mattoon
Rural King is building a new campus in Mattoon, which will house the company’s headquarters, flagship store and an event center.
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Photo Gallery: Aftermath of storms in Champaign and Vermilion Counties
Cleanup underway in Champaign and Vermilion Counties after storms on June 12, 2026. Photos by Abigail Bottar and Reginald Hardwick, IPM News
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Severe storms cause major damage to homes, schools and trees in central Illinois; thousands without power
Major damage reported in Champaign and Vermilion Counties after heavy winds and rain passed through Thursday night.
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Tornado Watch for east central Illinois until Friday at 1am CT
The National Weather Service is forecasting strong to severe storms on Thursday evening.
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Champaign County officials break ground on $48M rural internet project
The CONNECT Champaign County Fiber Internet project will connect nearly 3,000 rural residents to broadband.
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After much anticipation, Garden Hills improvements wrap up with new stormwater basins, playground equipment
Hedge Park is the main attraction of the new improvements. It includes a workout area, swing set, an exploradome with webbing and ropes to monkey around and a splash zone to cool off.
