Friday, January 30, 2026 Today’s headlines: A former sheriff’s deputy in Sangamon County has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatally shooting Sonya Massey. As the 2026 session of the Illinois General Assembly takes shape, State Senator Paul Faraci says HIS focus is on shielding students and educators from budget cuts. A Republican…
Thursday, January 29, 2026 Today’s headlines: Multiple Champaign school board members want windows at Booker T. Washington STEM Academy to get a bulletproof covering. United Airlines is returning to Willard Airport … with the promise of expanded service. The state of Illinois is teaming up with a Chicago-based charity to operate the first statewide abortion…
In today’s deep dive, a look at the first face-to-face debate between the three Illinois Democrats vying to become the state’s next U.S. senator that happened earlier this week.
In today’s deep dive, dairy farms are opening new side businesses, such as cow cuddling and ice cream churning. But those opportunities of joy come amid a volatile milk market.
In today’s deep dive, wheat isn’t grown as much as it used to be across the Great Plains. We’ll hear about an effort to hybridize wheat.
In today’s deep dive, Illinois Public Media is launching a new video podcast with local teens talking about issues that matter to them, and we want your child to be involved.
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.
In today’s deep dive, every year, Illinois students vote on the Readers’ Choice Awards for the books they loved the most.
In today’s deep dive, the Education Justice Project at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign gives people in prison a chance to take college classes and earn a degree.
Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad highlights people around the state who helped with the Underground Railroad, including those in east central Illinois.
A look at the arts, culture, and entertainment coming to the central Illinois area this weekend.
Champaign Movie Makers is hosting their annual 48 Hour Film Competition this weekend, where participants have just two days to make a movie.
Illinois and four other Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration to block a freeze on federal funding for childcare and family services. A judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking immediate implementation of the freeze.
In today’s deep dive, the president of the University of Illinois System is stepping down once his contract expires next year. We’ll bring you a conversation with Tim Killeen about why he’s leaving and his plans for the future.
In today’s deep dive, some farmers ended 2025 unsure how they’ll pay their bills. We’ll hear from farmers around the central US about what made 2025 such a tough year and what’s ahead.