Victim identified in deadly Belvidere roof collapse, five remain in critical condition
One person is dead after a roof collapse during a concert in Belvidere in northern Illinois, about an hour west of Chicago.
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Tornadoes strike Arkansas, Illinois; 4 dead, dozens injured
Authorities said a theater roof collapsed during a tornado in Belvidere, Illinois, killing one person and injuring 28.
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217 Today: Crisis pregnancy centers that use deceptive tactics could face legal battles
Friday, March 31, 2023 Today’s headlines: A severe weather threat is headed toward central Illinois on Friday night. Tensions were high at an Illinois Senate hearing this week as lawmakers debated a measure aimed at crisis pregnancy centers. Governor J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday more than $197 million in federal grants to update freight train infrastructure statewide….
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Multiple tornadoes cause damage across Central Illinois
Illinois Public Media News is monitoring severe storms forecasted for Central Illinois on March 31-April 1. This post will be updated with information from the National Weather Service in Lincoln and Chambana Weather meteorologist Andrew Pritchard. From Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard, severe weather is expected to impact Central Illinois Friday evening, with the highest risk of significant wind damage…
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From muscles to molecules, learn lots about science at the Beckman Institute this weekend
URBANA – As I enter the atrium of the Beckman Institute, natural light shines down on dozens of research projects. I walk up to Luis Rodriguez Koett, an engineering Ph.D. student in the Autonomous Material Systems Group. He has a Captain America shield on his table. “This, unfortunately, is very sturdy, very strong. It requires a…
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Donald Trump indicted; 1st ex-president charged with crime
A Manhattan grand jury has voted to indict Donald Trump on charges involving payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence claims of an extramarital sexual encounter. It’s the first ever criminal case against a former U.S. president and a jolt to Trump’s bid to retake the White House in 2024.
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217 Today: University of Illinois restarts repatriation of Native American ancestors
Thursday, March 30, 2023 Today’s headlines: Federal prosecutors in the ComEd bribery trial are focusing on how former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan leaned on the power company to hire his friends, allies, and acquaintances. Gun rights supporters marched in the annual Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day in Springfield Wednesday to protest the recently-passed assault weapons…
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After decades, University of Illinois restarts repatriation of Native American ancestors
Despite being in an untenured position, Jenny Davis took a risk. She persuaded the University of Illinois to establish an office dedicated to implementing the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
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217 Today: Midwest hospital still reeling two years after cyberattack
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 Today’s headlines: The Champaign Unit 4 school board voted Monday to accept over $200,000 in a settlement with the vaping company Juul. Federal prosecutors are focusing on no-work contracts in the trial of four former ComEd executives and lobbyists. A University of Illinois student was arrested in connection with the stabbing…
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New Illinois law brings big changes for Cottage Food businesses
CHAMPAIGN – If you’ve ever bought a scone or a jar of strawberry jam at your local farmers market, you’ve likely supported someone in the cottage food business. A cottage food business is just what is sounds like: food prepared in a private home for sale to the public (bonus points for quaintness if that…
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Secretary of state backs proposal allowing noncitizens to receive standard driver’s licenses
For first time, those individuals would have a license that also functions as identification.
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A hospital went dark after it was hacked. It’s still reeling two years later
As the second year of the pandemic was nearing an end, employees at Johnson Memorial Health hoped they could catch their breath after dealing with a weeks-long tsunami of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths. But on a Friday at 3 a.m., the hospital CEO’s phone rang with an urgent call from the chief of nursing. “I…
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How small rural towns can access Inflation Reduction Act funding
Rural towns and utilities could get funding for all kinds of projects through the federal Inflation Reduction Act — but experts say it will take dedicated community members stepping up to help make that happen. The act, passed in August, has money for rural development and energy infrastructure, as well as electric vehicle infrastructure and…
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Danville could soon have an abortion provider, but opponents are pushing back
DANVILLE – Abortion rights opponents are pushing back against a proposed clinic in the Vermilion County city. It’s been decades since Danville had an abortion provider, Deb Brinegar, a Danville resident, said. She argues that should not changed. “Abortion disappeared from our community about 30 years ago,” Brinegar said. “So this is really heartbreaking that it’s…
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217 Today: Rural communities grapple with food access amid lack of grocery stores
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 Today’s headlines: Abortion is still legal in Illinois – but state representatives in the Illinois Freedom Caucus rallied on Monday against plans to open an abortion clinic in Danville. Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi continues to advocate for changes at TikTok, despite push-back from fans of the social media app. Many don’t…
